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Bose SoundLink 2 Not Charging (8 Ways To Fix It)

Like many people, I own an old Bose SoundLink 2 Bluetooth speaker. It is a favorite but sometimes it malfunctions and stops charging without any apparent reason. After extensive research, I realized that the speaker not charging is widespread and affects other Bose SoundLink speakers. 

To ensure no one goes through the excruciating procedure of figuring out what is wrong with their SoundLink 2 speakers, I compiled steps to help you get the speaker charging as it should.

Bose SoundLink 2 Not Charging


Key Takeaways

  • SoundLink 2 speakers stop charging for various reasons. The most common ones are a damaged power outlet/charging port/USB cable, a system malfunction, a poorly connected charger, and a faulty battery.
  • Most of the issues causing the speaker not to charge can be solved at home.
  • You should not attempt to replace the battery at home as you can easily cause more damage.
  • If you are certain that the battery or the charging port on the speaker is the problem, you can place a service request through the Bose website.
  • Always have the speaker’s serial number nearby, as it is essential when making service requests to Bose.

Reconnect the Charger

Whenever you notice that the speaker is not charging, you should first ensure that you have inserted the charging cable properly on both ends

A poorly connected charger will not charge your speaker, therefore, disconnect the charger from the speaker and the power source, reconnect them, and check if the speaker charges. 

Check the Power Outlet

Sometimes the SoundLink 2 speaker might not be charging because the power outlet it is connected to is faulty. 

You can disconnect the speaker from the outlet and connect another device, like a phone charger, to check whether the power outlet works. You can also try using different power outlets even though the current one works. This has proven to solve the not charging problem for some users. 

If the speaker’s charger is connected to a surge protector, ensure the outlet has power. You could also disconnect the surge protector and connect the speaker’s charger directly to the power outlet to rule out the possibility of a faulty surge protector.

Replace the Charger/USB Cable

A faulty AC adapter or cable can also stop the speaker from charging. You can remedy this by using a different charger from your current one, but with the same specs (17V/1A).

WUKUR Compatible Charger for Bose SoundLink II 

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However, ensure the new charger is quality, as cheaper ones are known to malfunction or not work. 

You should get a compatible adapter because a low power rating on the AC charging adapter can also affect how the speaker charges. Essentially, Bose SoundLink speakers (I, II, and III) can charge with a charger with a 17V-20V/1A rating, but you should get one with the same power rating as the speaker’s original charger. 

Reset the SoundLink Speaker

If the speaker is still not charging, reset it, and hopefully, this will clear any system bug causing the speaker’s charging system not to work. 

To reset the SoundLink Bluetooth Mobile Speaker 2 (aka SoundLink II), you must press and hold the MUTE button for ten seconds or until the speaker’s LEDs flash. 

Press and hold the MUTE button for 10 sec to RESET the speaker

Press and hold the MUTE button for 10 sec to RESET the speaker

If the speaker goes off after the reset, do not worry; simply press the power button to turn them back on. 

After resetting and selecting the preferred language, check whether the speaker is charging. If not, reset it again, this time while it is connected to the power outlet.

Check for Firmware Updates

Firmware updates are an essential feature for all electronic devices. These updates stabilize a device’s system, incorporate new features and solve system malfunctions such as devices not charging. 

An outdated firmware will also have issues, which could manifest as the speaker not charging. 

Fortunately, Bose SoundLink 2 speaker can be updated through the btu.bose.com website by following the steps below:

  • Open a web browser on a desktop or laptop and visit btu.bose.com
  • Open the drop-down menu and select your country, then click Download.
  • Agree to the terms of use, privacy policy, and Third-party software and notices by checking the circles, then click I Agree.
  • The Updater Installer will begin downloading, and when it is done, launch and install the app. 
  • Connect the speaker to the laptop/desktop while the Updater Installer is open, and it will automatically recognize your speaker. For this purpose, you will use a micro USB cable and connect it to the SERVICE port on your SoundLink II speaker.
SERVICE port

Service port

  • If there is an update, the app will notify you, and you can click Update now to commence the update. It usually takes less than twenty minutes.

Bose recommends you update the speaker even if it is off, so do not worry if the speaker has shut down due to a low battery.

In my quest for answers, I found that some users who found that their speakers were up to date were able to force an update by pressing the A, D, V, Up, and Down arrow keys and then clicking the Update now option that was now visible. You can also try this after all other options have failed.

Drain the Battery and Try Recharging the Speaker

Another option that I saw work for most SoundLink 2 Bluetooth speaker owners is letting the battery drain completely and then trying to recharge it. 

You can connect the speaker to a source device and play music until the battery runs out. You will know the battery is almost running out when the speaker power LED flashes red. 

speaker power LED flashes red

After the battery has run out, connect the speaker to a working power outlet and leave it connected for more than an hour, then check if there is any indication of charging taking place. 

Replace the Battery

While it’s not recommended to do this on your own, you can find a replacement battery on Amazon and, if you’re willing and confident enough, you can replace it on your own. After all, it’s not that difficult. 

Replacement Batteries for SoundLink II

BCXY 404600

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C&S

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All you need to do is remove the rubber feet from the bottom, unscrew two screws, and remove the plastic cover. Then, unscrew the battery and replace it with a new one.

How to Replace a Bose SoundLink 2 Battery

Bose SoundLink III 359498 Battery Removal Tutorial

Contact Bose

If all the measures above fail to get the speaker charging, then a component could be damaged, and it should be replaced. It is risky to try replacing damaged components as you risk getting electrocuted or increasing the damage. 

Fortunately, you can make a service request to Bose, and they will guide you on how and where you can get the speaker looked at and fixed. Note that Bose will require you to enter your speaker’s serial number when making a service request. If the speaker is connected to the Bose Connect app, you can find the serial number by navigating Settings > Product Info. Alternatively, the number is printed on the bottom of the speaker. 

Only go to a third-party technician if you have no other option. 


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Question: Can I replace the battery in my Bose Soundlink 2?
  • Answer: Yes, you can replace the battery on a Bose SoundLink 2 speaker; however, that does not mean you should, especially if you’re not tech-savvy. If you attempt to change the batteries, you may damage the speaker’s power supply.If you don’t want to damage your speaker, the best option is to consult a technician and ask them to replace the battery. If the speaker is still under warranty, contact Bose for assistance in validating your warranty and having them replace the battery. 
  • Question: How do I know if my Bose Soundlink 2 is charging?
  • Answer: When a Bose SoundLink 2 is connected to a working charger, it will emit a sound to indicate it has begun charging. The speaker’s power LED will also flash Amber as the speaker charges, and once the battery is full, the LED will light solid green. 
  • Question: How do I reset my Bose Soundlink 2 not charging?
  • Answer: You can reset the SoundLink Bluetooth Mobile Speaker 2 by pressing and holding the MUTE button for ten to fifteen seconds. You will know the reset has worked when the speaker’s LEDs flash.

Conclusion

Bose SoundLink speakers often malfunction and stop charging, especially if you have used the speaker for years. The basic troubleshooting procedures apply to SoundLink 2 as well as SoundLink 1 and SoundLink 3.

If, after troubleshooting your SoundLink 2 speaker, it still is not charging, you should get a technician to examine the speaker further and fix it. 

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2 Comments

  1. Celo October 4, 2023
    • Steve Guttenberg October 12, 2023

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