Jabra is one of those brands you love and hate at the same time. At least, that’s how I feel about my Jabra Elite 7 Pro and a few other models I used over time. I love the fit, the sound, the mic, the features. But I hate their inability to perform as intended at all times.
What happened to me with multiple Jabra earbud models, including Jabra Elite 7 Pro, is that one of the earbuds stopped working for no apparent reason.
I don’t know if this is a firmware thing, a design flaw, or both, but I know that many Jabra earbud users have experienced the same issue with their Jabra earbuds. In my case, the right earbud became unresponsive while the left one worked.
To help you fix the faulty earbud, I made a compilation of all the fixes I found online and tried on my earbuds. Some of them are quite basic, others are more advanced. Try them all, and hopefully, one of them will work for you.
Key Takeaways
- Various things can cause one of your Jabra Elite 7 Active/Pro earbuds to stop working. The most common causes are firmware glitches and bugs, charging issues, miscommunication between the source device and earbuds, misconfigured phone settings, and some Sound+ app features.
- Start the troubleshooting process by ensuring the Bluetooth range is not exceeded and wireless interference is minimal.
- Then, try restarting your connection. Disconnect the earbuds, forget them from your phone, then pair them afresh.
- Connect the earbuds to a different device. If both buds work when connected to other devices, the problem is in your device. Try restarting it or resetting its wireless/Bluetooth settings.
- Update your earbuds if possible. If updating doesn’t help, reset the earbuds, then reset the case.
- Uninstall the Sound + app, reset the earbuds, and forget them from your phone’s Bluetooth list. Then, reconnect them to your phone without the app. If the earbuds work without the app, the problem could be in some Sound + settings or features.
- If you don’t want to uninstall the app try disabling the following settings: My Sound, In-Ear Detection, Sleep Mode.
- Check if the earbud is charging. If it doesn’t, clean the charging contacts and check the charging case magnets.
Recommended Reading :
Why Is One of My Jabra Elite 7 Active/Pro Earbuds Not Working?
Fixing the earbud is usually easier than answering this question. So many times, finding the exact cause is simply impossible.
For example, resetting the earbuds can fix numerous problems, but you never know what exactly caused the issue. We usually assume it’s some kind of firmware bug. So, let’s just say that firmware bugs are the most common issue causing one of your Jabra Elite 7 Active or Pro to stop working.
Other problems that could cause this problem are wireless interference, exceeded Bluetooth range, and miscommunication between the source device (your phone) and your earbuds.
Furthermore, charging issues are another common culprit. If the earbud is not charging, it will not work. Simple as that.
While researching the internet for possible causes, I found out that some settings within the app (the Jabra Sound + app) can interfere with the normal operation of the earbuds. Also, misconfigured audio settings on your source device (phone) could cause this issue.
Finally, one thing I learned while using my Jabra Elite 7 Pro is that one earbud usually stops working when I try to connect the earbuds to my phone, and my phone is already connected to some other Bluetooth device (speakers or earbuds).
So, without disconnecting my phone from the other Bluetooth device, I try to connect it to my Jabra earbuds, and only one earbud connects.
What fixes the issue for me is forgetting both devices from my phone and pairing the earbuds from scratch. However, I can’t tell if this issue is caused by my phone or the earbuds.
One Jabra Elite 7 Active/Pro Earbud Not Working – Common Causes
How to Fix a Faulty Jabra Elite 7 Active/Pro Earbud?
Below, you have a list of fixes that worked for most users. Let’s start with simple things and then move on to more advanced fixes.
Standard Bluetooth Troubleshooting Measures
Bluetooth is a very convenient technology but with some serious limitations. And it sometimes gets quite buggy. So, let’s start by ensuring the Bluetooth limits are not exceeded.
Adjust Bluetooth Range
The traditional Bluetooth range is 33ft or 10 meters. Today’s Bluetooth devices (phones, earbuds, speakers) have a much greater advertised range, but let’s not exaggerate. Keep your earbuds near your phone at all times.
Also, if the earbuds are far from each other you may experience connection issues. For example, if you are using only one earbud in mono mode and the other earbud is not in the case, the earbud in your ear may malfunction.
Keep the earbuds close to your phone. Also, keep the earbuds close to each other. When using one earbud in mono mode, keep the other in the case.
Wireless Interference
This is another known issue with Bluetooth. If there are too many wireless devices working on the same frequency (Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi devices, baby monitors, microwaves, etc.), interference from those other devices may disrupt the signal and cause issues.
So, if there are many Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices in your vicinity, turn them off or disable their Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
While keeping the earbuds close to each other and close to your source device, try reducing the EM interference coming from other devices.
Disconnect and Reconnect – Forget the Earbuds and Pair Them Afresh
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. It’s basically a connection restart. You disconnect the earbuds from your phone, put them in the case, close it, and forget the earbuds from the list of paired devices.
To restart the connection, you first need to forget the earbuds from your phone.
Then, after forgetting the earbuds, repeat the entire pairing process from scratch.
How to Pair Jabra Elite 7 Pro?
How to Pair Jabra Elite 7 Active?
Connect to a Different Device
This step allows you to establish whether the problem is in your source device (phone) or the earbuds.
If both earbuds connect to other devices and work flawlessly, there has to be something wrong with your phone. That’s the device you have to troubleshoot, not your earbuds.
If both earbuds connect without issues to some other device, the problem is in your phone. It could be your phone’s settings, the Sound + app settings, or some kind of firmware glitch that can be fixed by restarting your phone or resetting its Bluetooth settings.
Try Turning the Earbud ON Manually
While the earbuds turn on automatically when you take them out and turn off when you put them in the case and close the lid, you can also turn them on/off manually by pressing the buttons on them for 1 sec.
There’s a slim chance the earbud turned off or went to sleep mode, and now won’t turn on automatically because of a firmware glitch. Trying to turn it on manually might fix this glitch.
Holding the button for 1 second turns the earbud on or off. Holding the buttons on both buds for 3 seconds puts the earbuds in pairing mode.
Update the Firmware
Updating the firmware is the next fix we are going to try. However, you should be aware that it might not work if both earbuds are not connected to your phone. Still, let’s try it.
To update your earbuds’ firmware, you need to install the Sound + app onto your phone and connect the earbuds to it.
Assuming that your earbuds are recognized by the app, you should see a message on the home screen informing you that there’s a firmware update available.
While the update might not work if the app doesn’t recognize both earbuds, you should still try to update them or reload their firmware.
You can also check for firmware updates by going to Settings (the gear icon in the top right corner) and tapping on the Headset Firmware. Even if it says Up to Date, tap the reload icon to double-check.
Jabra Elite 7 Pro – How to Check for Firmware Updates
Alternatively, try updating the Voice Guidance Language. Open the app, go to Settings > Personalize Your Headset > Voice Guidance Language > Update.
Updating your Voice Guidance Language might also bring the faulty earbud back to life.
Reset the Earbuds
If updating doesn’t help or you can’t update your earbuds, try to reset the earbuds. An interesting thing about Jabra earbuds is that you can reset the earbuds’ firmware, but you can also reset the charging case. We will do both things.
Start by forgetting your Jabra Elite 7 Active or Pro from your phone and other previously connected devices.
Now, put both buds inside the case. Don’t close the charging case. Press and hold the buttons on both earbuds for about 10 seconds. Wait for the LEDs on both buds to blink magenta/purple quickly three times.
Pressing and holding the buttons on both earbuds until the LEDs blink purple three times will reset your Jabra Elite 7 Active/Pro earbuds.
After resetting the earbuds, close the case. Wait for 5 seconds to finish the reset process. Before pairing the earbuds afresh with your phone, you could also try restarting the phone.
According to some comments on Reddit, you can even reset the earbuds individually. So, if your left bud is not working, put only that earbud in the case and press the button until the LED blinks magenta. Several users confirmed that this actually worked for them.
How to Reset Jabra Elite 7 Pro Earbuds?
How to Reset Jabra Elite 7 Active Earbuds?
Reset the Charging Case
According to Jabra Support, you can also reset the charging case and fix some minor bugs in the process.
Take the earbuds out, but don’t close the case. Plug the case into a power source. Preferably, you will use the supplied USB cable and a 5V charger (more than 5V is not recommended). Charge the case for 2-3 hours without closing the lid.
Then, disconnect the charger. Take the earbuds and put them inside the case. Close the lid and charge the earbuds for another 2-3 hours.
Take the earbuds out and see if they are working now. If one earbud is still not working, let’s dig deeper.
Check If the Faulty Earbud Is Charging
If the earbud doesn’t have any charge, it will not work and won’t be able to connect to any device.
If the earbud doesn’t give any sign of life (no LEDs, no voice prompts) when you try to turn it on or pair it, one of the possible causes is that it doesn’t have any charge or that it doesn’t charge.
Other options that are much harder to deal with are a dead earbud battery or a dead/fried earbud PCB.
For starters, let’s assume the battery and the PCB are fine, but the earbud is not charging.
If one of the earbuds is not charging, you won’t be able to turn it on or pair it with your phone. In other words, the faulty earbud will not work.
Clean the Charging Contacts
One of the most common reasons why one of the earbuds is not charging is dirty or corroded charging contacts. Even a tiny smudge on the charging contacts could prevent the earbud from charging. Luckily, dealing with this problem is easy – you just need to clean the charging contacts (on the earbuds and inside the case).
Check the charging contacts (on the earbuds and inside the case) for dirt and clean them.
First, use a dry lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol to clean the contacts on the earbuds and the case. Instead of a cloth, you can also use cotton swabs.
How to Clean True Wireless Earbuds
If the charging contacts are corroded or the dirt is persistent, you could try using a toothbrush or even a high-grit sandpaper to remove it. Note that using too much force could damage your earbuds.
Removing Persistent Dirt and Corrosion from Charging Contacts
Furthermore, you should check the charging pins inside the case and make sure they don’t get stuck under the case when pushed down. If their movement is not fluid, you could try putting a drop of WD40 or WD40 contact cleaner on them.
If cleaning the contacts doesn’t help, try treating the charging pins inside the case with WD40 or WD40 contact cleaner. Don’t put the earbuds inside immediately after applying WD40. Give it some time to dry off.
Weak Magnets in the Case
Another thing that could prevent one of your earbuds from charging are weak magnets on one side. When you put your Jabra earbuds inside the case, they are held in place with magnets. If there were no magnets, the connection between the charging contacts on the earbuds and the pins on the case would be loose, and the earbuds wouldn’t charge.
So, if the magnets inside the case become weak on one side, one of your earbuds may not charge. Not because it’s damaged or the charging contacts are dirty. It’s just a magnet issue.
I found a video on YouTube explaining a simple DIY fix for this problem. Try it if one of your earbuds is not charging.
Fixing a Jabra Earbud Charging Issue – Weak Magnets Inside the Case
Disable Jabra Sound + Settings and Features
The Jabra Sound + app is feature-rich and usually works flawlessly, but it’s not perfect. Sometimes, some of the settings and features enabled through the app might cause issues. For example, one of your Jabra Elite 7 Active or Pro earbuds might stop working for no apparent reason.
To rule out the app issues, you could try uninstalling the app, resetting the earbuds, and then pairing earbuds and installing the app from scratch. Or, you could try using the earbuds without the app.
To find out the exact cause of the problem, try disabling specific features. Below, I have listed in-app features that caused problems for Jabra earbud users in the past.
Disable In-Ear Detection
In-ear detection, in theory, is a useful feature. It pauses the audio when you remove the earbud from your ear and resumes playback automatically if you return the earbud within 1 minute. After 1 minute, you have to press the button on the earbud when you return it to your ear.
When in-ear detection causes a firmware glitch, one or both of your earbuds may refuse to resume playback unless you restart the connection or reset the earbuds.
So, try disabling the in-ear detection and see if the earbuds are working. Go to Headset Settings > General > In-Ear Detection.
Disabling In-Ear Detection might fix your malfunctioning Jabra earbud.
How to Disable In-Ear Detection – Jabra Elite 7 Active/Pro
Disable My-Sound
My-Sound is another useful feature that tailors the sound output to your preferences and creates your own sound profile. However, this feature can cause issues occasionally. Disabling it might fix the malfunctioning earbud.
Personalize Your Headset – My Sound – Disable My Sound for Music.
Disable Sleep Mode
Sleep mode helps you preserve the earbud battery. When the earbud is inactive for a predetermined amount of time, it will go to sleep mode. Basically, the earbud will turn off to preserve the battery.
You can wake it up by pressing the button for 1 sec or by putting it inside the case and then taking it out. However, the earbud may sometimes refuse to wake up.
To rule out the Sleep Mode as the source of your problem, try disabling it in the Sound + app.
Go to Headset Settings > General > Sleep Mode > Turn Off.
Disabling the Sleep Mode might fix some minor firmware glitches causing your earbud issue.
Jabra Elite 7 Active/Pro – How to Disable the Sleep Mode?
Clean the Drivers
If the earbud is working, but is significantly quieter than the other one, your earbud drivers might be clogged. If you don’t take proper care of your earbuds, the earwax and gunk will build up over time and will prevent the sound from coming out.
So, take the ear tips off and try cleaning the drivers and removing as much dirt as possible.
Remove the ear tip and clean this tiny hole to fix volume issues.
Check the Audio Balance on Your Phone
Misconfigured audio settings on your phone can also be the source of the problem with one of your Jabra Elite 7 Active/Pro earbuds. The most common issue, when it comes to misconfigured phone settings, are misconfigured balance settings.
On your iPhone or Android phone, find audio balance settings and check if the slider is right in the middle. If it’s moved all the way to one side, the sound will not come out through the other side.
Check your phone’s audio balance settings.
Contact Jabra Support
If none of the suggested fixes worked for you, your only option is to contact the Jabra support team and ask for help. Explain everything you have already tried and ask for additional troubleshooting tips.
If they can’t find the fix that works for you and the earbuds are still under warranty, you will probably get a replacement. If the warranty is expired, they will probably suggest buying spare earbuds (Active/Pro). If you are lucky, they may offer you a discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: Why is one of my Jabra earbuds not working?
- Answer: Usually, when one Jabra earbud is not working, it’s because of a firmware glitch that can be fixed by restarting the connection (and phone), updating, or resetting the earbuds. Other potential causes are misconfigured settings on your source device or within the Jabra Sound+ app. Charging issues could also make you think that only one of your earbuds is not working while, in reality, the earbud’s battery is empty.
- Question: Can you use only one Jabra Elite 7 Active earbud?
- Answer: Yes, Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds support mono mode. You can use either earbud in mono mode, but you have to connect them both to your device first. Then, after connecting the earbuds to your device, put the one you don’t want to use back in the case.
- Question: How do I reset my Jabra Elite 7 Pro case?
- Answer: Take the earbuds out, but don’t close the lid. Connect the case to the charging source (use the supplied USB cable). Wait for the battery LED on the case to light up. It should take up to 5 seconds. After that, close the lid and leave the case charging for 2-3 hours. Then, charge your earbuds and try using them after they are fully charged.
- Question: How do you reset the Jabra Elite 7 Active/Pro left earbud?
- Answer: According to some comments on Reddit, you can reset some Jabra earbuds individually. This applies to Jabra Elite 7 Active and Pro models. Put only one earbud in the case. Don’t close the lid. Press and hold the button on the earbud until it starts blinking purple. Release the button and close the lid. Wait for 5 seconds, then open the case, and take the earbud out.
- Question: How do you fix unbalanced earbuds?
- Answer: First, check your phone’s audio balance settings. Then, check your Sound + app settings. Try disabling My Sound within the Sound + app. Clean the earbuds and pay special attention to the earbud drivers – they might be clogged with dirt and earwax.
Conclusion
Dealing with a faulty earbud can be quite frustrating, especially when basic troubleshooting steps don’t solve the problem. I hope this comprehensive guide helped you figure out the cause and fix your Jabra Elite 7 Active/Pro earbud that is not working.
Always take good care of your earbuds and clean them regularly to avoid future issues.
If you find a fix that wasn’t included in this guide, feel free to share it with fellow readers.
