JBL Charge 4 is a sleek, ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker with a built-in power bank. It has a high-capacity rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of audio playtime, depending on the usage. The speaker is durable and built to last, thanks to its sturdy, waterproof design.
While you can enjoy this speaker all night, you might experience problems recharging it. JBL Charge 4 not charging is a common problem with this speaker, especially as it ages.
Fortunately, you can quickly troubleshoot and fix this issue using the following proven tips.
Key Takeaways
- If your JBL Charge 4 is not charging, it might be because of an incompatible charger or cable. Always use the supplied USB-C cable to recharge your speaker.
- A faulty battery can cause your JBL Charge 4 not to charge. As the speaker ages, the battery might lose its capacity to hold a charge, leading to charging issues.
- If your JBL Charge 4 is not charging, check the basics. Test the charging cable with a different device and confirm that the wall outlet supplies adequate power.
- A JBL Charge 4 might not charge because of software bugs. Resetting the speaker can help restore its normal charging cycle.
How to Correctly Charge JBL Charge 4?
If you are stranded with your JBL Charge 4 not charging, check if you’re doing it the correct way. This wireless speaker uses a USB Type-C cable and an AC adapter with a power rating of 5V/2.3A. As you already know, the adapter is NOT INCLUDED, so you have to buy it.
Anything other than that won’t charge your speaker. Always use the supplied USB-C cable and a compatible charger to avoid charging issues.
Follow these steps to charge your speaker correctly:
- Flip your speaker.
- Open the cover to the charging compartment.
- Locate the USB-C charging port.
Charging Port on JBL Charge 4
- Grab the supplied USB Type-C cable.
- Plug the charging cable into the charging port.
- Insert the other end into the AC adapter you bought.
- Plug the AC adapter into a working wall socket.
- The speaker LED lights will start blinking to indicate it is charging.
It will take up to 4 hours to fully charge your JBL Charge 4 speaker. The blinking LED light will stop flashing when the battery reaches 100%. If your JBL Charge 4 is not charging, move to the next section for troubleshooting tips.
JBL Charge 4 – Charging Indicator Behavior Explained
Why is JBL Charge 4 Not Charging and How Do I Fix It?
Dealing with a JBL Charge 4 speaker that won’t charge or turn on can be frustrating, especially if it is still new. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry. These proven fixes can restore your speaker’s normal charge cycle.
Damaged or Incompatible Charger
If your JBL Charge 4 is not charging, start with the basics. Your charger could be the problem. This speaker uses an AC adapter with a power rating of 5V/2.3A. Anything less than that won’t recharge your speaker.
JBL Charge 4 Compatible AC Adapter and Charging Cable
First, check if the charger works by trying it on another device. If the charger functions, confirm the power rating to ensure it supplies enough current to your speaker. A damaged charger typically has a burning or acrid smell and won’t transmit current to connected devices. Replace the defective charger and try to charge your speaker again.
Incorrect or Defective Charging Cable
The JBL Charge 4 speaker uses a USB Type-C cable for charging. Your speaker won’t charge if you plug in an incorrect charging cord. Then again, doing so might damage the charging port since they are incompatible. Check the cable to confirm that it is the correct one before connecting it to your speaker’s charging port.
Also, inspect the charging cable for bends and cuts. If you notice visible damage, swap it immediately. The best option is to use the supplied accessories to charge your speaker.
Loose Connection
Sometimes your JBL Charge 4 speaker might not charge because of a loose connection.
Inspect your connections on the speaker’s charging port and the AC adapter to confirm they are firmly in place. Disconnect and reconnect the speaker afresh to ensure they are secure, then try again to charge the speaker. If this doesn’t work, move to the next step.
Malfunctioning Wall Socket
You might not notice it initially, but the incoming power supply could be the issue. Even though most wall sockets last for over 15 years, they are not exempt from damage. Your wall outlet could be faulty and not transfer enough power to charge your JBL Charge 4.
Sparks, cracks, discoloration, and burning odors are all signs of a malfunctioning wall socket. You can test the wall outlet by plugging in a different device to see if it works. If not, try another socket and check if your speaker is charging. If you only have one outlet available, you may have to replace it with a functioning one.
Dirty Charging Port
Since the JBL Charge 4 is a portable waterproof speaker, you can go with it anywhere. You can use it for picnics, outdoor parties, and backyard barbecues.
The downside of using your JBL speaker outdoors is that it will be vulnerable to dirt, dust, grass, and debris. These elements can clog the charging port, preventing connections between the charger and speaker.
Inspect the charging port for sediment buildup and remove any elements blocking the charger from coming into contact with the connector pins. You can remove the dirt buildup using a sharp object such as a toothpick or needle. Alternatively, a blower can help dispel dust and other tiny particles from the charging port.
Check the charging port pins for bends and straighten them using a tweezer if you find any impairments. If the port has irreversible damage, visit a service center to have it replaced.
Wet Charging Port
The JBL Charge 4 is renowned for its waterproof design. You can take it to the pool or the beach without getting anxious over spills. You can submerge your speaker in water, but it won’t get damaged.
Even though the JBL Charge 4 is waterproof, you cannot charge it when wet. JBL recommends drying the charging port first before plugging in power for charging. The chemicals in water can corrode the charging port causing irreversible damage.
Place the speaker with the charging port facing down to drain excess water and leave it to dry naturally for 24 hours. Also, wipe the charging cable with a soft, absorbent fabric and leave it to dry for about an hour before using it again.
Faulty Battery
One of the main culprits of JBL Charge 4 not charging is a faulty battery. A defective or dead battery can cause your JBL Charge 4 not to recharge. If your speaker is a few years old and you notice that the battery can no longer hold a charge, it is high time you replaced it.
Like most JBL speakers, the JBL Charge 4 uses a high-capacity Lithium-ion battery. Even though these batteries are renowned for their power retention, they cannot survive over 500 charge cycles without requiring a replacement.
If the battery is faulty, the only solution is to replace it. Fortunately, the battery in your JBL Charge 4 is replaceable. The best part is that you can do it yourself without taking it to a service center. But if you have issues replacing the battery, seek professional assistance.
JBL Charge 4 Battery Replacement – VIDEO TUTORIAL
Software Bugs
The JBL Charge 4 is a smart speaker with an operating system that controls its functions. Like all smart devices, the OS on your speaker might freeze or develop bugs, leading to charging problems.
Your speaker won’t charge if it has software bugs or the power board is frozen. The only solution to fix this problem is to reset the speaker. A reset will restore your speaker to factory defaults, effectively removing bugs and refreshing the system.
Follow these steps to reset your JBL Charge 4 speaker:
- Press the power button to turn your speaker on.
- Press the volume up and Bluetooth buttons simultaneously for about 3 seconds.
Press the VOLUME UP (+) and Bluetooth buttons for three seconds to reset your JBL Charge 4
- Release the buttons when the speaker emits an audible chiming sound or goes off.
- Wait for about 15-30 seconds before turning the speaker on.
- Pair the speaker with your devices.
- Plug in the charger and check if the speaker is charging.
How to Reset Your JBL Charge 4 to Factory Defaults
Outdated Firmware
Apart from software bugs, your JBL Charge 4 might not charge if the firmware is outdated. You must update the firmware to the latest version to fix glitches that might be causing the speaker not to charge.
The JBL portable app for iOS and Android will inform you of any new firmware updates. You can also confirm the firmware version through the app.
Follow these steps to update the firmware on your JBL Charge 4 speaker:
- Download the JBL portable app from Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Install the app on your mobile device.
- Pair your JBL Charge 4 with your mobile device via Bluetooth.
- Launch the JBL Portable app.
- Go to settings to check for updates (you’ll see a red dot near the gear icon).
- Tap the gear icon to open the settings menu.
- Tap update to install the new software version.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
Updating JBL Charge 4 Firmware
Frequently Asked Question
- Question: Why is my JBL Charge 4 Not Charging?
- Answer: Your JBL Charge 4 might not charge for several reasons. The battery might be faulty because of aging, or the charging cable is defective. The problem could be an incompatible charger, or the charging port has dirt and debris. Replace the charger and cable and ensure the connector is dirt-free. Install a new battery if the old one has issues holding a charge.
- Question: What do I do if my JBL Charge 4 won’t charge?
- Answer: If your JBL Charge 4 speaker is not charging, check the basics. Test the charging cable with a different device and confirm that the wall outlet supplies adequate power. Ensure the AC adapter is compatible with the speaker and has the correct power rating. If not, find a new one. You can also reset the speaker to fix software bugs that might be causing it not to charge.
- Question: How do I know if my JBL Charge 4 is charging?
- Answer: You can tell if your JBL Charge 4 is charging by observing the indicator lights on the speaker. This wireless Bluetooth speaker has several lights that display its current charging status. When you plug in the charger, the LED lights will start blinking to indicate it is charging. The lights will stop flashing when the battery reaches 100%.
- Question: How do I reset my JBL Charge 4 speaker?
- Answer: Your JBL Charge 4 speaker might not charge because of software bugs. Resetting the speaker can help resolve the issue. To reset your speaker, first, turn it on. Next, press the volume up and Bluetooth buttons simultaneously for about 3 seconds. Release the buttons when the speaker emits an audible chiming sound or goes off.
- Question: Can you overcharge JBL Charge 4?
- Answer: The JBL Charge 4 takes about 4 hours to charge fully. After all, it has a 7,500 mAH rechargeable battery that requires time to reach its total capacity. There’s no harm in leaving your speaker plugged into a power source. The speaker has overcharge protection that disconnects incoming power and discards any electrical current once fully charged.
Conclusion
The JBL Charge 4 is a popular speaker because it has a built-in power bank. It has a rechargeable 7,500 mAH battery that provides hours of audio playtime. You can listen to your favorite tunes while charging your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
But for some reason, the speaker might develop issues with charging, leaving you stranded and upset. Fortunately, the party doesn’t have to stop abruptly. Use this guide to troubleshoot and fix JBL Charge 4 not charging problems.
