To turn on your JBL wireless earbuds, simply open the charging case or remove the earbuds from it. This automatic power-on is the primary method for most JBL True Wireless Stereo (TWS) models and is triggered the moment the case lid is opened or the earbuds are lifted out.
How to turn on your JBL wireless earbuds: The primary method
For the vast majority of JBL wireless earbuds, including models like the JBL Quantum TWS, JBL Quantum TWS Air, JBL Vibe Beam, and others, there is no separate power button to press. Instead, the earbuds are designed to power on automatically. When you open the charging case, or when you remove one or both earbuds from their charging slots, they will turn on. For JBL Tune 110BT and JBL Tune 110 headphones, place one headphone in your ear and press and hold the center button on the inline microphone to power on. For Under Armour Sport Wireless Heart Rate headphones, press and hold the center button on the inline microphone located below the right earpiece to power on. You will know they are powered on and entering pairing mode when you see a flashing LED light on the earbuds, which is often blue or white. This flashing light indicates that the earbuds are active and ready to connect to a device.
Before you begin: First-time setup
Before using your JBL wireless earbuds for the first time, there are two crucial pre-flight checks to perform. First, ensure both the earbuds and their charging case are fully charged. Second, and most importantly, remove any protective plastic film or stickers from the charging contacts on the earbuds. This plastic is often present on new earbuds to protect the pins during shipping, and if left in place, it will prevent the earbuds from making proper contact with the charging case, stopping them from charging or powering on. This applies to many models, including JBL Club Pro+ TWS, JBL Wave 200TWS, JBL Wave Flex, JBL Tour Pro 2, and the Ghost Edition variants of JBL Tune Beam, Tune Buds, and Tune Flex.
Pairing your earbuds with a device
Automatic pairing on first use
When you power on your JBL wireless earbuds for the first time, they will usually enter Bluetooth pairing mode automatically. The flashing LED light confirms they are in this mode and discoverable by other devices.
Connecting via device settings
To complete the connection, navigate to the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, tablet, or other device. From the list of available devices, select your JBL earbuds. After a successful connection, the LED indicator on the earbuds will typically turn solid (blue or white), and you may hear an audible confirmation tone.
Using Google Fast Pair for Android
If you are using an Android device, the pairing process can be even simpler. When you open the charging case near your phone, Google Fast Pair can automatically detect your JBL earbuds (such as the JBL Wave Buds) and prompt you to connect with a single tap.
Using the JBL Headphones App
To get the most out of your earbuds, download the JBL Headphones App from your device's app store. The app provides several useful features that go beyond basic operation. You can check the exact battery percentage of each earbud and the case, customize the sound with an equalizer (EQ), and install firmware updates to improve performance and add new features.
Troubleshooting: Earbuds won't turn on or connect
If your earbuds do not power on, the first thing to check is that they are properly seated in the charging case and that the case itself has sufficient charge. If the case battery is low, it will not be able to power the earbuds. For new earbuds that still won't power on or charge, double-check that the protective plastic film has been removed from the charging pins. If the earbuds still fail to respond, you can perform a reset by placing them back in the case, ensuring they are seated correctly, closing the lid for about 10 seconds, and then opening it again. This can resolve temporary glitches. If you are experiencing connection problems, move your earbuds and device closer together and away from other Bluetooth devices or Wi-Fi networks that may cause interference. Following these steps is the foundation of effective troubleshooting wireless earbuds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn off my JBL wireless earbuds?
Most JBL wireless earbuds turn off automatically when you place them back into the charging case and close the lid. Some models may also power off after a period of inactivity to conserve battery life.
Can I use only one JBL earbud at a time?
Yes, many JBL TWS models support single earbud use. Simply remove one earbud from the case and it will power on and connect independently. The other earbud can remain in the case.
Why is only one of my JBL earbuds working?
This is often caused by a dirty charging contact or a low battery in one earbud. Clean the charging pins with a dry cloth and ensure both earbuds are fully charged. If the issue persists, try resetting the earbuds by placing them in the case, closing the lid for 10 seconds, and then removing them again.
Why won't my JBL wireless earbuds turn on?
If fully charged but still not turning on, try resetting them by holding down the power button for a longer period of time.
How do I know if my JBL earbuds are fully charged?
When the earbuds are in the charging case, the LED indicator on the case or the earbuds will typically show a solid light (often green or white) when charging is complete. The JBL Headphones App also shows the exact battery percentage.
How do I know if my JBL wireless earbuds are connected?
Some earbuds may emit a confirmation sound or have a light indicator that shows a successful connection.
What should I do if my JBL earbuds won't connect to my phone?
First, ensure the earbuds are powered on and in pairing mode (indicated by a flashing LED).
For the wider topic, see troubleshooting wireless earbuds.
