Bluetooth speakers are beloved for their versatility and ease of use. But, like all technology, they can have their off days. You might encounter issues when trying to pair your device, or when switching from one audio source to another.
If this sounds familiar, we have a straightforward solution: resetting your Bluetooth speaker. This simple step can help clear up connection issues, disconnecting from any paired device and allowing your speaker to connect afresh.
Unsure how to reset your Bluetooth speaker? You’re in the right place. We’re going to guide you through the process step-by-step. Let’s dive in!
Resetting Bluetooth Speakers in General
Before we get into our step-by-step guide, it is important to recognize that each Bluetooth speaker will be slightly different. If you still have the owner’s manual for your specific wireless speaker, it is a good idea to read through it, as the guide should have a troubleshooting section that will explain how you can address common Bluetooth problems, such as pairing issues.
However, if you no longer have possession of the owner’s manual, you can usually perform a factory reset by performing the following steps:
Step 1. Make Sure That Your Bluetooth Speaker is On
Many people think their Bluetooth speaker is not working when it is off or the internal battery is drained.
Given that most wireless speakers only have a small LED light lighting the small Bluetooth icon to indicate when they are on, it can be easy to make the mistake of thinking that your speaker is not working properly when, in reality, it is turned off. This is particularly common outdoors, as bright sunlight can make it difficult to see the status of the power indicator light.
In some cases, you can resolve Bluetooth issues by simply charging your speaker. If the speaker is low on power, it may struggle to locate and pair with nearby devices. If you suspect that your Bluetooth speaker could be low on power, simply recharge the battery and try to pair it with your preferred device as it charges.
Step 2. Disconnect Any Devices That are Currently Paired to the Bluetooth Speaker
If you are using your smartphone as an audio source, open it and pull down the settings or device control menu. From there, press and hold the Bluetooth symbol, which should be in the top right-hand corner.
You should get a drop-down Bluetooth menu of all of the devices your phone is currently paired with as well as available devices in the area. If you see your Bluetooth speaker listed as a paired device, simply click the device name, which should unpair your phone from your speaker.
If you are with other people that have previously paired their phones with your Bluetooth speaker, have them make sure that their phones are not currently paired with the speaker by following the same steps.
Step 3. Press and Hold the Power Button and the Bluetooth Button on Your Speaker
You must make sure that you are pressing and holding both buttons simultaneously. With most Bluetooth speakers, you should only have to do so for a few seconds.
For just about every Bluetooth speaker out there, pressing and holding the power button and Bluetooth button simultaneously will force the speaker to reset. After you have given it a little bit of time to fully work through the reset cycle, you should be able to pair it with your chosen device and start listening to your preferred audio.
While most speakers will reset this way, some models will reset if you press and hold the power button alone. If you tried holding both buttons and nothing happened, try pressing and holding the power button on its own.
Specific Reset Instructions for Popular Brands
Not every Bluetooth speaker is the same, and sometimes, generic reset instructions might not do the trick. Here are brand-specific steps for some of the most common Bluetooth speaker models.
Sony Bluetooth Speakers:
- Turn off your Sony Speaker: Simply press the power button to switch it off.
- Initiate the Reset: Press and hold the power button and the volume down button simultaneously for about 5 seconds until you hear two short beeps. The speaker is now resetting.
- Finish the Reset: Release the buttons, then turn the speaker back on. The speaker should be restored to its factory settings.
Bose Bluetooth Speakers:
- Power Off: Press and hold the power button for a few seconds until it switches off.
- Reset the Speaker: Press and hold the Multi-function (three horizontal dots), Volume up (+), and Bluetooth buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds. The product lights will blink and the product will turn off.
- Power On: Switch the speaker back on. The speaker is now reset to its factory settings.
JBL Bluetooth Speakers:
- Turn Off the Speaker: Press the power button to turn the speaker off.
- Start the Reset Process: Press and hold the power and the volume up buttons together for about 10 seconds. You should see the lights on the speaker flash, indicating the reset process.
- Finish Up: Power your speaker back on. Your JBL speaker is now reset to its factory settings.
Harman Kardon Speakers:
- Power Off: Press the power button to switch off the speaker.
- Begin the Reset: Press and hold the volume+ and Bluetooth buttons together for about 5 seconds. The speaker will turn on and enter the resetting mode.
- Complete the Reset: Release the buttons and switch off the speaker. When you turn it back on, it should be reset to its factory settings.
Please note that these steps might vary slightly depending on the specific model within each brand. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate information.
Have You Tried a Software Update?
Often, issues with Bluetooth speakers can be resolved with a simple software update. Bluetooth speaker manufacturers frequently release updates to improve functionality and fix common bugs. Here’s how you can check for and install software updates on your speaker:
- Visit the Manufacturer’s Website: The official website of your speaker’s manufacturer is likely to have the latest software updates. Check their ‘Support’ or ‘Downloads’ section for updates related to your specific speaker model.
- Connect Your Speaker to Your Computer: Use a USB cable to connect your Bluetooth speaker to your computer. Some updates may need your speaker to be connected to a computer to be installed.
- Download and Install the Update: Once you’ve located the right update, download it, and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to install it on your speaker. *Note that the download will often occur automatically once a speaker is connected to a computer or other charging device.
Remember, it’s important to keep your devices updated to ensure their smooth functioning and longevity.
Restart Your Source Device
Just as restarting a computer can often resolve software issues, restarting your audio device (like your smartphone or tablet) can sometimes fix Bluetooth connectivity problems. Here’s what to do:
- Disconnect from the Bluetooth Speaker: Go to the Bluetooth settings on your device and select your speaker. Then choose to ‘Disconnect’ or ‘Forget This Device’ (terminology might differ depending on your device).
- Restart Your Device: Power off your device completely, then turn it back on.
- Reconnect to the Speaker: Once your device has restarted, go back into your Bluetooth settings, find your speaker, and attempt to pair it again.
It’s a simple step, but it can be surprisingly effective. When in doubt, give it a try!
What Should You Do If You Still Have Problems with Your Bluetooth Speaker?
Compatibility Issues:
If you have performed a reset but your Bluetooth speaker is still not connecting to your preferred device, you could have a compatibility issue.
Bluetooth technology has advanced significantly since it was first introduced. In some cases, an older Bluetooth version or device will not pair with a newer Bluetooth speaker and vice versa. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do if this is the case, as the two electronic devices are simply incompatible.
Interference:
Another issue that can impact Bluetooth speaker performance is interference. To maintain a strong connection with a paired audio source, you must ensure the signal isn’t blocked. Walls, trees, and even people can get between a device and the Bluetooth speaker.
To ensure that your speaker has a strong, secure Bluetooth connection with the device it is paired with, try to place them together in the same room. Some people will pair their speaker with their phone, which they keep in their pocket. Even if you maintain a relatively close distance to the speaker, objects and people can get in the way and cause interference as you wander around.
Interference can also result from too many Bluetooth devices in the area. If you own more than one Bluetooth speaker, it can help to make sure that the one not being used is turned off while you are listening to the other.
Final Thoughts
While each Bluetooth speaker will be different depending on the speaker’s age and the manufacturer, most have the same basic design. If you are having trouble pairing your Bluetooth speaker with an audio source, the quickest and, in most cases, the easiest way to fix the problem is to reset your system preferences.
Follow the steps outlined above, and you should be able to reset your Bluetooth speaker in as little as a minute or two. Once reset, your speaker should perform just as well as the day you first took it out of the box!
FAQs
What does resetting my Bluetooth speaker actually do?
Resetting your Bluetooth speaker restores it to the factory default settings. It disconnects any devices that are currently paired, and can help solve common issues like connection problems or performance issues. Essentially, it’s like giving your speaker a fresh start.
Will resetting my Bluetooth speaker erase all of my stored settings?
Yes, when you reset your Bluetooth speaker, it reverts back to its factory settings. This means any preferences or customized settings you have stored on the speaker will be erased. You will need to pair your devices again and re-adjust any personalized settings after a reset.
What if my Bluetooth speaker still isn’t working properly after a reset?
If your speaker is still not functioning correctly after a reset, there might be other issues at play. You could be dealing with compatibility issues, interference from other devices, or your speaker might have a low battery. Consider charging your speaker, checking the Bluetooth compatibility between your speaker and your device, or reducing the number of active Bluetooth devices in the area. If all else fails, it may be time to contact the manufacturer’s customer support or consider getting your speaker repaired.