Jabra often produces classy and affordable earbuds that work as intended if taken care of. The Jabra Elite 3 buds are an excellent example of Jabra’s master design, and the additional features make the model worth purchasing.
So, I got the Elite 3 because of the seamless fast pair feature that works perfectly with my Android. For a while, the earbuds were my favorite asset, especially because of the features they came with at the price range. Things quickly went south after using the earbuds for six months. The right bud would not work, no matter how long I charged or reset it.
Fortunately, I found a simple trick that got them working within minutes. I also realized that many Jabra Elite 3 owners had issues with one bud randomly not working.
This guide will help such users get the earbuds working regularly. If not, it might be time to accept that your earbuds are broken.
Key Takeaways
- Sometimes, one earbud will stop working even though it should be working. This can be caused by the following:
- The earbuds might require some more time to reconnect to each other, so be patient.
- Both earbuds will only work as intended if they are close to each other and the source device.
- Although rare, earbuds might not work because they were not correctly paired to the source device. The issue could be the device connected to the earbuds and not the earbuds.
- Jabra Elite earbuds can work independently from each other, so one of them could be switched off, making you think it’s not working.
- If the earbuds and the charging case have no battery power, they will not work. So, confirm whether the defective one is charging.
- One earbud can also stop working because it’s dirty.
- Outdated or defective firmware on the buds can also affect how they work.
- The earbud could also be damaged.
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Why Is One Side of My Jabra Elite 3 Earbuds Not Working?
One earbud could stop working because of a range of reasons. Each issue is resolved uniquely, so it is important to look at them separately.
Here are the reasons why one bud might stop working and what you can do to get it functioning again:
Allow The Earbuds to Reconnect
Jabra Elite 3 earbuds have a Mono mode that lets users utilize one bud while the other is off. This is essential, especially if one bud’s battery runs out while the other still has a charge.
Mono mode is automatically activated when one earbud is placed in the case while the other one is out. The provision is that both earbuds should be connected to the source device before returning the other one in the case.
When using Jabra Elite 3 in Mono Mode, the earbud you are not using should be docked inside the case.
Sometimes, the earbud that is not working might just need some more time to reconnect to the one that is working.
So, place the defective bud in the case and wait for five to ten seconds. Next, take it out of the case and ensure the LED on the bud lights up, then place the earbud in your ear.
It should start playing the same audio as the other earbuds. Try the other solutions if the earbud will still not work.
Check the Distance Between the Buds and the Connected Device
The Jabra Elite 3 earbuds must be close to each other and the source device to work seamlessly.
If the distance between both earbuds becomes too much, one bud or both will most likely stop working. On top of that, the earbuds should be close to the source device.
Keep the earbuds close to each other and close to the source device.
Therefore, if one earbud is not working, move them closer to each other and closer to the source device and check whether they are working.
The ideal distance should be thirty feet/ten meters. However, factors like electromagnetic interruptions can greatly reduce this distance.
So, ensure no obstacles exist between the buds and the source device. Also, deactivate any unnecessary wireless signals around you, restart the earbuds, and check whether both work.
Keep the earbuds away from other Bluetooth devices and appliances emitting EM waves to prevent EM interference.
Follow the Correct Pairing Procedure
Another reason why one Jabra earbud might not be working is because the buds were not set up correctly.
You might assume you followed the correct procedure, but that is not the case. So reset the earbuds, connect them to the source device and check whether they both work.
The reset procedure is discussed later in this article, and below is the connection procedure of the buds to any Bluetooth device:
- Take the earbuds out of the charging case. They should automatically power on, and you will see the LEDs light up to communicate the battery level.
- If the LED blinks green, the buds have enough power; yellow means medium power, while red means low battery.
- You can also manually power the buds on by simultaneously pressing the buttons on both buds, and the LED will light green to show the buds are on.
- Next, hold the buttons on the left and right earbuds for three seconds. The LEDs on the buds will light blue to show they are in pairing mode.
Hold the buttons on both buds until the LEDs start blinking blue.
- Open the Bluetooth settings on the source device and pair it to the ‘Jabra Elite 3.’
Select Jabra Elite 3 from the list of available devices.
- Use ‘0000’ if requested for a PIN during the setup
Pairing the Jabra Elite 3 earbuds
Connect the Buds to a Different Source Device
Sometimes, the issue could be the source device connected to the earbuds rather than the earbuds. Rule out this possibility by connecting the Jabra Elite buds to a different device and see whether both earbuds work.
If the defective earbud starts working when connected to a different device, the issue is with the source device, not the buds.
If the earbuds can connect to other devices, the problem is probably with the device you want to connect your earbuds to.
Therefore, troubleshoot the source device according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Ensure Both Earbuds Are Powered On
There are two ways of powering the Jabra Elite 3 earbuds on or off. One is manual, and the other is taking them out or putting them in the charging case.
The earbuds will automatically power on when taken out of the case and off when put back in.
The earbuds will automatically power on when you take them out. They will power off when you put them back inside the case.
You can also manually power on the Jabra Elite 3 buds by pressing the buttons on each bud; the LED on the buds will then light green to show the earbuds are on.
Press the buttons on both buds shortly to turn them on or off.
Simultaneously press the buttons on both buds to power them off manually. The LED on the buds will light red and then go off to show they have successfully powered off.
The buds can also be individually powered off to activate mono mode.
Press and hold (for five seconds) the button on the bud you want to be powered off. The LED on the bud will light red and then go off to show they have powered off.
You, therefore, see how it is easy to power off one bud while the other remains on accidentally. This can result in you thinking one bud is not working while, in the real sense, it is not powered on.
So, put the earbud not working in the case, leave it for five to ten seconds, then take it out to ensure it is powered on. If it was indeed switched off, it will power on and reconnect to the working bud within seconds.
Alternatively, you can press the multifunction button on the defective bud to see if it powers on.
Check Whether the Earbuds and Case Have Enough Power
If the defective earbud has not powered on at this point, it could be that it has no power, and the case cannot recharge it because it also has no power.
Observing the LEDs, you can tell the battery level of both the case and the earbuds.
The LED on the case will light up when you open it and take out the buds. The battery has sufficient power if the LED lights are solid green, while yellow means the battery level is medium. Red means the battery is low, and the case needs recharging.
Observe the LEDs while putting the earbuds into the case.
The LEDs on the buds also tell how much battery is left on them. If it is green, it means the battery is high; yellow is medium; red means the battery is low.
LEDs on the earbuds tell you’re the earbuds’ current status.
So if you notice the battery on the case and problematic bud is low, recharge both the case and the bud for three and a half hours, then reconnect them to the source device.
If the problematic earbud has low charge, charge it for at least 30 minutes.
Use a 5V +-0.25V power supply with a 2A maximum charging current. The buds and the case might be damaged if you exceed these limits.
You should also leave the problematic earbud charging for longer, as this has worked for some users.
You will know the case is fully charged when the LED lights are solid green when connected to the charger.
If the buds or the case do not indicate they are charged after three and a half hours, follow the steps in the next section to clean them.
Clean the Earbuds
The build-up of dirt on the earbuds and the charging case can also affect how they work. If the charging pins in the case and the poles on the earbuds are dirty, it will be hard for them to recharge from the case.
The defective earbud misbehaves because it is dirty and does not charge when stored in the case or function normally when taken out.
You can overcome this challenge easily by cleaning the bud and the case. You will need a compressed air can, a soft-bristled brush, isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth.
Cleaning the faulty earbud might fix the issue. If the earbud has problems charging, pay special attention to the charging pins/contacts.
Take the buds out of the case and remove the EarGels they come with. Then, use the air can to blow away any dust and debris.
Next, use the brush to remove any stubborn particles, but do it gently so as not to cause any further damage.
Afterwards, you can dampen the microfiber cloth with isopropyl alcohol and wipe the EarGels and charging pins. This will clear any sticky stains that might be preventing the normal functioning of the buds.
Remember to clean every nook and cranny of the buds and the case. This is especially necessary since some users have reported the defective earbuds started working after they cleaned the hole on the buds.
Cleaning this hole might fix the faulty Jabra Elite 3 earbud.
Be gentle when cleaning this hole so as not to rapture any membrane.
Once you are sure the buds and the case are dry, leave them out to dry, then try using them and see if both buds work now.
Factory Reset the Earbuds
If the earbuds still do not work, the issue could be software-related. If the earbuds firmware malfunctions, they could behave irregularly, and one of the buds will stop working.
Rule out this possibility by performing a factory reset to erase all custom settings on the buds. The reset will restore the settings on the earbuds at the point of manufacture.
That will allow you to set up the buds afresh, and hopefully, the defective aspect of the firmware will be cleared.
Follow the steps below to reset the Jabra Elite 3 earbuds:
- Forget the earbuds from the Bluetooth settings of any device they have been connected to.
Forget Jabra Elite 3 from the list of paired devices.
- Place the earbuds in their case and ensure their batteries are not depleted. Let the buds recharge if the battery is low.
- Once the bud’s battery is sufficient, open the case but leave the earbuds inside.
- Press and hold both multifunction buttons on the earbuds for ten seconds simultaneously.
Press the buttons on both earbuds simultaneously.
- You will know the buds are resetting once their LEDs start flashing pink.
When the buds stop flashing pink/purple, you can release the buttons.
- The reset is complete when the earbuds stop flashing pink.
- You can now set them up and check whether they both work.
Resetting Jabra Elite 3 Earbuds
Check the Earbuds’ Firmware Version
Another way firmware-related errors are fixed is by the manufacturer releasing regular system patches installed on the product via firmware updates.
Jabra might be aware of your issue and has already solved it, and the remaining thing is for you to download the firmware.
So, use the Jabra Sound+ app available on Android and iOS to check your earbuds’ firmware version. The steps below describe how you can go about this:
- Connect the buds to your phone, then open the app.
- Then, navigate Settings > Headset firmware on the app to see the current version.
- If there is an update available, you will also be able to download it from here.
From here, you can check the firmware release history of the buds by visiting the Jabra Elite 3 support page and navigating to the Firmware updates, software, and apps section.
Your earbuds should have the latest firmware listed in this section.
The update may take up to fifteen minutes, so give it time. Also, the LEDs on the buds will be flashing purple during the update.
The earbuds will flash purple during the update.
Updating Jabra Elite 3 Earbuds
Contact Jabra’s Customer Support
If the defective earbud does not work up to this point, the problem is more severe than you thought.
You should contact Jabra and inform them of your issue and the measures already taken.
They might suggest more tips or offer a replacement if your earbuds were still covered under the warranty.
You will have to send back the defective buds for them to send a replacement.
Alternatively, you can purchase an earbud replacement pair that will hopefully work as intended this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: How do I turn on the left earbud on my Jabra Elite 3?
- Answer: Putting the bud in the case and then taking it out should automatically power it on.
- You can also manually power it on by pressing and releasing the multifunction button on the earbud.
- Question: Why is one of my Jabra Elite 3 earbuds blinking pink?
- Answer: When you attempt to reset only one earbud instead of both, the earbud you have reset will continue blinking pink until you reset the other.
- So ensure you reset both buds to avoid having one consistently blinking pink.
- Question: Can I use Jabra Elite 3 individually?
- Answer: Yes, you can use the Jabra Elite 3 earbuds individually in a feature known as mono mode. Connect both buds to your source device and return the earbud you do not want to use to the charging case.
- Alternatively, power off the bud you aren’t using by pressing and holding the multifunction button on the bud for five seconds. The LED on the bud will light red and go off.
- Question: Does Jabra Elite 3 have dual pairing?
- Answer: Unfortunately, Jabra Elite 3 buds can only connect to one device at a time; therefore, they do not have dual pairing.
- However, the buds can remember up to six previously paired devices.
Conclusion
Jabra Elite 3 earbuds are a great option when they work as intended. Unfortunately, numerous complaints have been made that one of the earbuds stops working without any evident reason. Some users have gotten replacements, while others are stuck with the defective units. Jabra should look into the matter to ensure its clientele is safe.
The suggestions above should help you escape such a predicament if you find yourself in one. However, if they do not work, you most likely have damaged earbuds, and a replacement is the only option left.
Always take good care of the buds to avoid such scenarios.
