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Bose SoundLink Mini 2 Red Light Flashing (Troubleshooting Guide)

The Bose SoundLink Mini 2 is an upgraded version of the SoundLink Mini speaker with deeper bass than previous models. It has 20% more battery life, providing up to 12 hours of audio playtime on a single full charge. 

Setting up this ultra-compact speaker is easy thanks to its low profile, which makes it possible to place the speaker anywhere. Even though the SoundLink Mini 2 is not waterproof, its aluminum casing can take anything thrown at it ensuring your priceless speaker lasts for years.

Like all Bose Bluetooth speakers, the SoundLink Mini 2 has an indicator light that displays the speaker’s current status. 

Bose SoundLink Mini 2 red light flashing might mean your speaker requires a firmware update or the battery is low. It might also mean the speaker has bugs or the USB cable is not transmitting enough power during charging.

This guide explains the meaning of Bose SoundLink Mini 2 red light flashing and how to fix it.

Bose SoundLink Mini 2 Red Light Flashing


Key Takeaways

  • Bose SoundLink Mini 2 red light flashing might mean your speaker requires a firmware update. Your speaker needs frequent software updates to correct minor bugs and glitches.
  • The LED status indicator on your speaker will blink red if the battery is low and requires a recharge. Connect the speaker to a charger to boost the battery.
  • Bose SoundLink Mini 2 red light flashing might indicate issues with the charging cable, AC adapter, charging cradle, or battery. Replacing the faulty item can help resolve the issue.
  • A red flashing light might mean your speaker has software bugs. Performing a reset will restore the speaker to factory defaults and fix the glitches.

SoundLink Mini II Flashing Red Light – Top Fix

Fix the blinking red light issue on the Bose Soundlink Mini 2 Speaker in 10 minutes!

What Causes the Red Flashing Light on My Bose SoundLink Mini 2?

If you’ve had your Bose speaker for a while, you’ve probably noticed the LED indicator on the top panel. This indicator glows or blinks in different colors, from red to green, to indicate the speaker’s current battery status

A red light indicates the battery is low and requires a recharge, while a green light means the battery is 100% charged. A yellow light indicates the battery is below 70% and might need charging soon.

Bose SoundLink Mini 2 Battery Status LED

Bose SoundLink Mini 2 Battery Status LED

Bose SoundLink Mini 2 red light flashing might indicate your speaker requires a firmware update. It might also mean your speaker has issues with the USB cable, AC adapter, charging cradle, or battery. Software bugs can also cause the LED indicator to blink red.

This next section explains how to troubleshoot your speaker and fix possible issues causing the LED indicator to flash red.

Fixing Bose SoundLink Mini 2 Red Light Flashing

Install Available Updates

More often than not, Bose SoundLink Mini 2 red light flashing means your speaker requires an update. Installing available updates ensures your speaker works at its best. It can also help correct minor bugs and glitches that could be causing the LED indicator to blink red.

Follow these steps to update your speaker’s firmware:

  • Turn on your speaker by pressing the power button.
  • Connect the speaker to your PC via USB.
  • Open a web browser on your computer.
  • Visit https://btu.bose.com/. You will have to download the Bose Updater from this webpage.
  • Click Download to save the updater file on your computer.

Click Download

  • Open the file to install the updater on your PC.
  • The updater will show available firmware updates.
  • Click Apply Changes to install the firmware update on your speaker.
  • Wait for the update to finish installing before disconnecting the speaker from the computer.
  • Reboot your speaker and check if the red light is still flashing.
Note: You can update the firmware even if the speaker is not powering on.

Updating Bose SoundLink Mini II could fix the flashing red light issue

BOSE Soundlink Mini II: Will Not Charge - Red Flashing Light issue | Easy Fix

Disconnect and Reconnect the Speaker to the Charging Cradle

A charging cradle can help keep your speaker charged and ready when needed. It keeps the battery full when not using the speaker. However, issues with the cradle can cause the speaker’s LED indicator to blink red. The speaker’s bottom might not be aligned correctly with the cradle’s metal contacts, causing the status light to flash red.

Charging contacts on the speaker and the cradle have to be aligned

Charging contacts on the speaker and the cradle have to be aligned

Disconnect and reconnect the speaker to the charging cradle to fix this issue. Ensure the speaker aligns well with the cradle’s metal contacts. Check the charging dock for dust and dirt, and wipe the area with a soft fabric. You can also use alcohol to clean the metal contacts and remove corrosion.

Bypass the Charging Cradle 

Bose SoundLink Mini 2 red light flashing might indicate a charging problem. The charging cradle might be defective, causing your speaker to blink red.

You can check if the charging cradle is the issue by connecting the USB cable directly to the speaker. If your Bose speaker is charging, the cradle probably has a problem and requires servicing. If so, replace the cradle or charge the speaker via a different power source.

SoundLink Mini 2 Replacement Cradle

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Change the USB Cable or AC Adapter

The LED indicator on your Bose SoundLink Mini 2 might flash red because of a faulty USB cable

Most Bose Bluetooth speakers, including the Bose SoundLink Mini 2, come with a USB-C to USB-A charging cable included in the box. This USB cable is somewhat delicate and might get damaged if subjected to frequent bending. 

Your speaker won’t charge with a faulty USB cable. Instead, the speaker’s LED indicator will flash a red light to indicate a problem. You can test the USB cable by trying it on another compatible device. You can try a different charging cord to determine if the first one has an issue.

Bose does not supply their speakers with a USB ac adapter. If using a third-party charger, ensure it is compatible with your speaker and has the correct power rating (5V/1.6A). Replace the adapter if you notice any issues, and charge the speaker directly from your PC or an alternative power source.

Bose SoundLink Mini II Replacement Charger and Charging Cable

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Reset the Speaker

Like rebooting your smartphone or tablet, resetting your Bose SoundLink Mini 2 speaker is necessary to correct minor issues. A reset restores your speaker to factory defaults fixing software bugs and other glitches. It erases all custom settings and pairing info, allowing you to configure the speaker afresh.

Follow these steps to reset your speaker:

  • Turn on your speaker by pressing the power button.
  • Wait for about 10 seconds for the speaker to boot.
  • Press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds.
  • Maintain this position until the speaker powers off.
  • Wait for about 10 seconds.
  • Power on the speaker and check if the red light is still flashing.
Note: If this doesn’t work, try pressing the multifunction button for 10sec.

Try Installing the Firmware Again

As stated, your speaker requires frequent firmware updates to fix bugs and ensure it works at its best. However, the initial update might be corrupt, or you didn’t complete the update process above, leading to charging problems. 

The LED indicator will blink red if the speaker’s software has issues. Installing the firmware again can help fix the problem.

Check the firmware version of your speaker to determine if it has issues and if you need to update it. You can do so using these steps:

  • Turn on your speaker by pressing the power button.
  • Wait for about 5-10 seconds for the speaker to boot.
  • Connect the speaker to your computer.
  • Load the Bose Updater application on your PC (see tip 1 to learn how to install Bose Updater).
  • The Bose Updater will display your speaker’s current firmware version and notify you if a new update is available.
  • Reinstall the firmware to correct software issues.
  • Allow the update to complete to 100% before disconnecting your speaker.

Visit a Service Center

If you’ve tried all these steps and your speaker’s LED indicator still flashes red, contact Bose support or visit the nearest service center for further assistance. 


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Question: Why is the battery LED status indicator on my speaker quickly flashing red?
  • Answer: If the LED status indicator on your speaker is quickly flashing red, your speaker might require an update. Install available updates to keep your speaker working at its best. 
  • If this doesn’t solve the problem, you can try a different USB cable, AC adapter, or charging cable. You can also reset the speaker to factory defaults and see if it helps.
  • Question: Does Bose SoundLink Mini 2 red light flashing mean charging?
  • Answer: The LED indicator on a Bose SoundLink Mini 2 usually blinks yellow while the speaker is charging. A red light flashing might mean your speaker requires a firmware update or the battery is getting low. If the light blinks red while charging, it indicates problems with the internal battery, USB cable, or power source. 
  • Question: How do I fix the flashing red light on my Bose SoundLink Mini 2?
  • Answer: Bose SoundLink Mini 2 red light flashing might mean the speaker requires a software update. Updating the firmware can help fix the issue. If this doesn’t work, you can try resetting the speaker to factory defaults. If the red light is still flashing, charge the speaker for a few minutes to see if this helps. You can also try a different USB cable, AC adapter, or charging cradle to see if it works.
  • Question: How do I check the battery life on my Bose SoundLink Mini 2 speaker?
  • Answer: Checking the speaker’s battery life is straightforward. First, press the power button to turn the speaker on. The LED indicator will light up for about 10 seconds before going off. Press and hold the power button to turn the indicator light back on. A green light means the battery is 70-100%, while a yellow light means the battery is below 70%. A red light means the battery is below 20% and requires immediate charging.
  • Question: How do I reset Bose SoundLink Mini 2?
  • Answer: Like rebooting your smartphone or tablet, resetting your Bose SoundLink Mini 2 speaker is necessary to correct minor issues. A reset restores your speaker to factory defaults, fixing software bugs and other glitches. To reset your speaker, press the power button to turn it on. Next, press and hold the power button for 10 seconds until the speaker goes off.

Conclusion

Fixing Bose SoundLink Mini 2 red light flashing is easy. In most cases, you only need to update the speaker’s firmware. If this does not solve the issue, you can try using a different USB cable, resetting the speaker, or replacing the battery.

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