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JBL has long been a top player in the speaker game, and most of us have found our feet tapping to the clear music of a JBL speaker at a party or event. A long-lasting battery and an easy Bluetooth connection for playback are ideal… until you can’t get the speaker to turn off when you want it to.
Here are 6 issues that could cause your speaker to turn on by itself and how to fix them.
Table of Contents
1. Blocked Power Button
If your JBL speaker suddenly turns on by itself or if you can’t seem to turn it off, the power button could be blocked. Power buttons get stuck because of debris, a physical malfunction caused by a fluke in production, or when a speaker is damaged.
Since JBL speakers are known for their durability, sometimes owners toss them around as if they’re invincible. This could damage the speaker discreetly either internally or by jamming the power button.
Solutions
First, place yourself in good lighting and look closely at your power button. Do you notice any debris, dust, or dirt around it? If so, first blow lightly on the button to remove loose particles. Then, dip a Q-tip into high-percentage isopropyl alcohol and shake off any excess liquid. The Q-tip should be saturated, but not dripping.
Turn your speaker so the power button is facing down and clean around the button with the Q-tip to eliminate any grime. Doing this with the button face-down will use gravity to avoid alcohol dripping into your speaker.
Next, press down on the power button if you can and clean it with the Q-tip. You’ll need to use your finger and move it around for this process – do not press down with the Q-tip or excess liquid could seep out.
Next, grab canned air and use the thin nozzle to loosen any stuck pieces of dirt on the power button. Only do this with a few spurts of air.
If the button is completely stuck and does not budge, you’ll need to take it to a tech repair shop for a replacement.
2. Malfunctioning Power Button
If your power button seems to push in and out normally, it may be malfunctioning internally.
Solutions
First, turn your JBL speaker on and off. If the problem persists, try resetting your JBL speaker. Instructions for a hard reset by model number are listed at the bottom of this guide.
Note that this will reset your Bluetooth pairings and any custom settings you have, so you’ll have to input them again.
If the issue continues, consider a tech repair shop, return the item if it’s still under warranty, or call the JBL customer support team at support@us.jbl.com or (800) 336-4525.
3. Firmware Error
Firmware is the permanent software programmed into a device. Your JBL speaker has firmware that allows it to connect with your phone, computer, tablet, and even Wi-Fi.
Most JBL firmware is updated automatically, but sometimes an update is stalled or stopped and your speaker’s firmware becomes outdated. This could lead to bugs like the sound cutting off, disconnected speakers, and speakers that even turn on without being prompted.
Solutions
To ensure your JBL speakers are up-to-date, download the JBL Portable app on iTunes or Google Play stores. Then, make sure your speakers are on and paired with your phone.
Open the app and permit it to connect with the speakers. You will either see a message that says your firmware or software is up to date or you will see a message that a software update is available. This may appear after a few seconds.
If you have the latter, download the new message and update your device. This could take 30 minutes or more. During this process, your speaker will turn on and off multiple times, so don’t be alarmed or touch your speaker. Keep your phone close to the speaker during the update.
Once the update is complete, you’ll see a message notifying you on the app.
4. Intermittent Power Supply
Your speaker may not be able to remain on steadily if it has a low battery or an intermittent power supply. This is when it will lose and regain its Bluetooth connection, seemingly turning on and off on its own.
Solutions
Check the charging port for debris as you did the power button in step #1. Clean out the port carefully and check that the charging cable works by using it on another device. Be sure it’s plugged in snuggly. Forget the speakers on your devices, restart it, and repair it with just one device.
5. Unstable Bluetooth Connection
Your speaker may have a weak or defective Bluetooth connection, causing it to turn on and off.
Solutions
Each JBL speaker will indicate when it’s ready to pair with a Bluetooth device. Some flash colors while others may beep. Check your device’s manual, turn on Bluetooth pairing, and see if the device appears on your nearby mobile device or computer.
If you try to pair your device with your speakers but receive an error, first make sure it isn’t your device. If you confirm an issue with the Bluetooth speakers, speak with the JBL support team or a local tech office.
6. Paired to Multiple Devices
Alternatively, if you’ve paired your speakers to multiple devices, it may recognize those devices in passing and turn on by itself.
Solutions
You can disconnect your speaker from all its Bluetooth connections by resetting it, as described below; however, your devices may still recognize it upon startup and try to pair with it. The best solution is to go through your devices and manually “forget” your speakers on their Bluetooth settings.
Know How to Reset Your Speaker
A few of the most common JBL speaker issues can be solved by completing a hard reset of the speaker. Since not all JBL speakers are the same, we have listed all ways to reset JBL speakers by model number below.
JBL 3, 4, 5, and JBL Clip 3 and 4
First, make sure your speaker is turned on. There should be a status light to indicate the speaker is on.
Next, press the volume up and play buttons at the same time. Hold them for about 20 seconds until the status button goes off. Once the light turns off, release all the buttons. Whenever you reset your speaker, remove it from your device’s Bluetooth list by selecting “Forget This Device” under your settings.
After about a minute, turn your speaker back on. The status light should be on and the speaker should be ready to pair with a new device.
Smart Home and Voice-Activated JBL Speakers
Turn your speaker on with the power button. Then, press and hold the mute button for 15 seconds or so until the speaker turns off. Forget the device on your phone or computer’s Bluetooth list and remove it from your device’s Smart Home apps, like Google Home.
Wait about a minute then turn on your speaker again. The light should flash, indicating it’s ready to pair.
JBL Charge and Charge 3
Turn on your speaker. If the light like shines a solid blue, you still have a device paired with the speaker. If it flashes blue and red instead, it’s ready to pair. Hold the volume down and power buttons at the same time. The light will shine red three times, turn blue, and then turn off. This means the reset was triumphant.
Forget the device on your phones and computers, wait about a minute, and then turn the speaker back on. I should flash red and blue to indicate Bluetooth pairing.
JBL Charge 4, JBL Extreme, Boombox, and Go 2
Turn on your speaker. The light should be solid white. Hold the volume up and Bluetooth buttons together for 15 seconds or until the speaker shuts off. Forget the speakers on your devices’ Bluetooth lists and turn on your JBL speaker after 15 seconds. The power button should flash blue and be ready to pair.
Final Thoughts
A hard reset is a top solution for s JBL speaker that constantly turns on itself, but you may also face a power button, firmware, or battery issue. Remember to contact the JBL support team for more assistance at https://support.jbl.com/us/en/ or (800) 336-4525.