Bluetooth speaker · Connect guide
How to connect a Bluetooth speaker
Sources checked · how we check
Pairing any Bluetooth speaker takes two steps: put the speaker into pairing mode, then select it on your phone. Linking several speakers together is a maker-specific feature; the steps below are JBL's, by technology.
01 · Before you start
Check these first
- For most speakers, quickly press and release the Bluetooth button to enter pairing mode. Some need the button held for a few seconds.
- Most speakers make a sound or blink a light when they're in pairing mode. If yours doesn't, check its owner's manual.
02 · Connect
Step by step, by device
Pair a speaker with your phone
Speaker in pairing mode → phone's Bluetooth settings → select the speaker
- Put the speaker into pairing mode.
- Open Bluetooth settings on your phone and search or scan for available devices.
- Select the speaker. The phone and speaker are now paired and connected.
After that, the phone reconnects automatically when the speaker is on and in range.
Link JBL speakers: Auracast
Connect the first speaker → Auracast button → Auracast button on each other speaker
- Connect your phone to the first speaker, which broadcasts to the others.
- Press the Auracast button on that speaker. You hear an "Auracast ON" tone and the music mutes briefly.
- Press the Auracast button on each other speaker you want to add. Keep them all within Bluetooth range.
Press the Auracast button again to turn it off. If the first speaker is switched off, music stops on all of them.
Source: JBL: pair JBL speakers with Auracast, PartyBoost or AirTouch
Link JBL speakers: PartyBoost
Play music on speaker 1 → PartyBoost button → turn on speaker 2 → PartyBoost button
- Connect the first PartyBoost speaker to your phone and keep music playing, ideally for more than 20 seconds.
- Press the PartyBoost button on the first speaker.
- Turn on the second speaker and press its PartyBoost button. After a few seconds both play together. Repeat for more speakers.
JBL lists this for the Xtreme 3, Flip 5, Flip 6, Pulse 4, Pulse 5, Boombox 2, Boombox 3 and Charge 5. The JBL Portable app lets you choose stereo or party mode.
Link older JBL speakers: Connect+
Play music → press the connect button on each speaker
- Connect a speaker to your phone and play music.
- Press the connect button on every speaker you want to link. They should connect within 30 seconds.
JBL lists Connect+ for the Xtreme 2, Pulse 3, Charge 4 and Boombox.
Source: JBL: pair JBL speakers with Auracast, PartyBoost or AirTouch
Link JBL speakers: AirTouch
Tap the speakers together → place 5–10 cm apart
- Check you have a JBL Go 5, Xtreme 5 or newer.
- Tap the speakers together, then place them 5 to 10 cm apart and give them a few seconds to connect.
Source: JBL: pair JBL speakers with Auracast, PartyBoost or AirTouch
If it still won't connect
If the speaker doesn't reconnect on its own, turn Bluetooth on and select the speaker in your phone's Bluetooth settings. If you can't connect, another phone may be connected: disconnect the speaker or turn off Bluetooth on that phone. Avoid forgetting the speaker on your phone, which means pairing again, and only reset the speaker if it isn't working correctly, because a reset erases every pairing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect two JBL speakers together?
Yes, if they share a linking technology: Auracast, PartyBoost, Connect+ or AirTouch. Use the button or method for the technology your speakers support.
Why won't my Bluetooth speaker connect to my phone?
JBL says another phone may already be connected to it. Disconnect it on that phone or turn Bluetooth off there, then select the speaker on your phone.