Bluetooth speakers are essential for someone like me who is always on the go. The speakers allow the user to carry their music with them wherever thanks to how portable they are.
The portability is majorly enhanced by the fact that you can charge the speaker for two hours and enjoy up to fifteen hours of playtime.
So, you can imagine my shock when I realized my JBL Xtreme 3 speaker was not charging hours before I was supposed to go on a highly anticipated hike. Instead of panicking, I visited various online platforms, hoping to find a solution.
In the quest to solve the issue, I noticed this was a common problem for most JBL Xtreme 3 users. Despite it being a tedious task, I was able to compile effective solutions that worked for most users.
Therefore, below are reasons why your Xtreme 3 speaker behaves that way and solutions for said issues.
Key Takeaways
- A faulty USB cable or charging adapter is the main reason your speaker is not charging. Use a different cable and adapter to rule out those possibilities.
- Another reason could be that there is no power on the outlet connected to the speaker.
- It could also be because the charging port on the speaker is damaged or dirty. So, ensure there is no dirt on both ends of the USB charging cable and on the speaker’s charging port. If the charging port on the speaker is damaged, contact JBL for further guidance.
- A faulty battery will also stop the speaker from charging. If so, contact JBL customer support to check if your warranty is valid. If it’s not valid, consider getting a new speaker or finding a credible technician to replace the battery.
- If other internal components like the circuit board are damaged, the speaker will have problems charging. Validate your warranty, purchase a new speaker, or contact a qualified technician if that is the case.
- The speaker will not charge if it is in an environment with extreme temperatures; therefore, ensure it is in a cool and dry place before recharging.
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How to Tell If the JBL Xtreme 3 Is Charging?
Before determining that the speaker is not charging, check for the apparent signs that the speaker is receiving power from the outlet.
This is important because it could be that the speaker is charging and the LED is not blinking white to show it. If the LED strip remains unchanged after connecting the speaker to a power outlet, watch out for the additional indicators to confirm the speaker is not charging.
The aspects to look for to determine if the speaker is charging include:
Check the Speaker’s LED Strip
JBL Xtreme 3 speakers have a vertical LED strip at the front just below the JBL logo. The strip indicates the speaker’s battery level and notifies you when to recharge the battery.
This vertical LED strip is the speaker’s battery/charging indicator. It will glow white when you connect the charger to the USB-C port.
For instance, if the battery is depleted, the LED will flash red at the lowest part of the strip. Once you connect the speaker to a working power outlet, the strip will flash white at the bottom and progressively rise higher as the battery recharges.
The LED strip will go off even if the speaker is still connected to the charger when the battery is fully charged, i.e., the battery is full, thus no longer charging.
If the LED does not indicate when you connect the speaker to a charger, there is likely no power going to the speaker from the outlet.
Feel the Speaker and Charger
Another way of telling whether the speaker is charging is to touch close to the charging port on the speaker. If it feels warm, it means that the speaker is charging.
The area around the charging port will become warmer during charging.
Alternatively, you can feel the charging adapter; if it is warm, it is transmitting power from the outlet.
Listen If the Volume Increases When Connecting the Speaker to a Power Outlet
When the speaker is connected to a power outlet, you will notice that it gets louder. That is because it receives power from the outlet; thus, there is no reason to restrict audio output to save power.
Why is my JBL Xtreme 3 Speaker Not Charging – Causes and Solutions
Once you are sure the speaker is not charging, use the troubleshooting tips below to identify and solve the problem.
Ensure There Is Power from the Outlet
For an effective troubleshooting process, begin with the most basic solutions as you progress to the advanced ones. That way, you will not waste time with complex processes only for the problem to be solved by a straightforward step.
It is common knowledge that when charging any device, you should switch on the power outlets to ensure power supply. However, double-check to ensure there is power and the outlet is switched on.
Additionally, try different power outlets to rule out the possibility that the current one is damaged. Preferably try an outlet in another area of the house, far from the one you initially intended to use.
Check your outlet with an outlet tester or try using a different power outlet.
The Charging Adapter and USB Cable Must Be in Good Condition
A faulty charging adapter or USB cable is another minor problem preventing the speaker from charging.
Both these items can be damaged internally and not show any signs that can be seen from the outside. Damage can also physically manifest through frayed wires and twisted adapter pins.
You can overcome this by using a different adapter and cable; if they work, get a replacement. Also, ensure you regularly examine the adapter and cable, as they are prone to getting damaged even under moderate use.
Is the Speaker’s Charging Port in Good Condition?
Also, remember to check the speaker charging port for missing pieces or bent components that could stop the charger from properly connecting.
If the port is damaged, visit a JBL service. You can even use the warranty if the speaker is still covered. Centre, and they will sort it out.
Ensure You Are Using a Compatible Charging Adapter
If you use a charger incompatible with the speaker, charging will be affected. In such instances, the speaker might charge very slowly or not at all.
It is vital that you get a charger compatible with the Xtreme 3 speaker. The recommended charger rating is 20V, 3A.
The original JBL Xtreme Adapter has a 20V/3A rating. If you’re using a third-party adapter, make sure it has the same power rating.
Order the adapter from JBL to be on the safe side to avoid getting generic or wrongly labeled adapters that will stop working shortly after.
Ensure the Charging Ports on the Speaker and Charger Are Clean
Like most people, I rarely check the ports on my electronic devices. This is bad practice since the ports collect dirt and debris over time, and the devices will work better if cleaned.
So check the charging port on the speaker and the USB cable to ensure they are clean. Clean the ports even if you do not see any dirt since a thin film of dust can also cover the charging pins and prevent the speaker from charging.
You can use a soft-bristled brush and minimal isopropyl alcohol to clean the hard-to-reach places.
Or you can purchase a compressed air can to blow out dust and other stubborn materials.
How to Clean a USB-C Port?
Factory Reset the Speaker
A charging issue can also result from a software malfunction and is not hardware-related. Often, the operating systems on devices have bugs and glitches that randomly occur and prevent the devices from working efficiently, and your JBL Xtreme 3 speaker is no different.
If that is the case with your speaker, you can reset it, and it will restore the factory settings it came with. The reset will also clear any bug or misconfiguration that might have prevented the speaker from charging.
Follow the steps below to factory reset your JBL Xtreme 3 speaker:
- Press the power button to turn on the speaker.
- Forget the JBL Xtreme 3 speaker from devices it has paired with before.
- Then simultaneously press and hold the Play/Pause and Volume up buttons on the speaker for six seconds.
Pressing the VOL UP and PLAY buttons together for 6 seconds will reset your speaker. Hold them pressed until the speaker turns off.
- Once the speaker is powered off, press the power button to turn it back on.
- The power LED will turn on, and a few seconds later, the Bluetooth button will start flashing to show the speaker is in pairing mode.
- From here, try charging the speaker and see if it works. If the speaker is still not charging, repeat the factory resetting procedure two or three times before attempting other troubleshooting measures.
Resetting JBL Xtreme 3
Relocate the Speaker
Areas with extreme temperatures can also affect the speakers’ charging. If the surrounding environment is too hot or cold, the battery will have trouble with the power intake.
Even though it’s named Xtreme 3, this JBL speaker should not be used in extreme temperatures.
Solve this by moving the battery to a cool and dry place and leaving it there for a while.
Once it has regained normal temperature, try recharging it. Leave it connected to the power outlet for two hours if it does not show charging.
Leaving the speaker connected to the charger will also give it time to recharge if the previous user completely drained the battery.
If the battery is completely drained, leave the speaker charging for a few hours, even if the battery LED doesn’t turn on at first.
If the speaker still does not charge, a component within the speaker is likely damaged. Check the sections below on how to handle this situation.
Is the Battery Faulty?
JBL Xtreme 3 speakers use Lithium-Ion batteries, prone to malfunction after a few years of use. This is a common issue with most owners of JBL speakers.
Some indicators that the battery could be worn out include the following:
- The speaker’s audio output has decreased significantly.
- The speaker takes longer periods to recharge or does not recharge at all.
- The battery level LED strip gives inaccurate battery levels.
- The battery runs out faster than expected.
- Audio goes out if you put the volume too high.
All these battery problems are hectic, considering the JBL Extreme 3 speaker does not let the users change the battery.
You could change the battery at home, but that comes with some consequences like:
- You will break the speaker’s waterproof seal, making it more susceptible to water damage.
- If the speaker is still under warranty, you will void the warranty agreement because JBL advises you to return the speaker for a replacement.
- You could also get an incompatible battery that will cause damage to other components of the speaker.
In case you decide to replace the battery on your own, this is the exact model found inside JBL Xtreme 3.
Therefore, if you suspect the issue is with the battery and the speaker’s warranty is still active, contact JBL, and they will help you get a replacement speaker.
However, you can change the battery independently, as shown in the video below. Only do this if you have experience with such electronics; otherwise, take the speaker to a qualified technician and have them fix it.
JBL Xtreme 3 Battery Replacement – Step-by-Step Guide
Other Components Inside the Speaker Could Be Damaged
Other parts of the speaker’s circuitry could also be damaged besides the faulty battery.
This is likely the case if all other solutions fail.
The solution is to contact JBL and request a replacement if the speaker’s warranty is still active.
If the warranty is expired, look for a technician to fix the speaker. However, it could be easier to purchase a new speaker since most of the speaker’s components are too small and unique thus hard to find.
To avoid wasting a lot of money, purchase a new speaker and consider it an opportunity to upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question: Why isn’t my JBL Xtreme 3 speaker charging?
- Answer: Some of the reasons why the speaker is not charging are;
- A faulty power outlet, adapter, or cable.
- A dirty charging port on the speaker.
- The speaker could be exposed to extreme temperatures.
- The battery or components in the speaker could be damaged
- Question: How do I factory reset my JBL Xtreme 3?
- Answer: Reset the JBL Xtreme 3 speaker by following the steps below:
- Press the power button on the speaker to turn it on.
- Press and hold the volume up and play/pause buttons simultaneously for six seconds.
- The speaker will shut down. Once it does, press the power button to turn it on.
- Remember to forget the speaker on devices it has previously connected to before powering it on.
- Question: How long does the JBL Xtreme 3 battery last?
- Answer: If you charge the speaker for two and a half hours, the battery lasts fifteen hours. But know that this is subjective and affected by factors such as how loud you play your music or if you’re using the speaker as a power bank.
Conclusion
JBL speakers have captivating audio quality, hence why they are loved by so many. The speakers have high-capacity batteries for extended listening hours and top-notch audio output.
Unfortunately, the speaker’s charging system is prone to misbehaving, but with the tools above, you can fix them.
If you have further questions about any JBL products, contact their customer care team for further assistance. If you need information or have questions regarding the warranty, check their website for guidance.
