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JBL Soundbar How to & Troubleshooting Guide

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JBL Soundbar How to & Troubleshooting Guide

JBL are known for some of the best soundbars and audio systems in the market. Their products are of high quality and are built to last. But with electrical items, even the best appliances can experience problems. The good thing is that in most instances, issues with the JBL soundbars are not that complex and shouldn’t cost you a lot to have fixed. You can easily fix many of the issues by performing some simple troubleshooting procedures.  The following is a JBL soundbar how-to and troubleshooting guide you can use.

JBL Soundbar Won’t Turn On

If your JBL soundbar will not turn on, check if the power cord is plugged into power and the soundbar.

JBL Soundbar No Sound

If there is no sound from your soundbar, try the following troubleshooting tips to resolve the issue:

  • Make sure that the soundbar is not muted.
  • Select the correct audio input source on the remote control.
  • Connect the soundbar to your TV or other device properly.
  • If the problem persists, try restoring the soundbar to its factory settings. On the JBL 5.1 soundbar, press and hold the power and source buttons for more than 10 seconds.

How to Factory Reset a JBL Sound Bar

Performing a factory reset will reset your soundbar to the default settings programmed at the factory. To factory reset a JBL 2.1 soundbar follow these instructions:

  • In any source mode, press and hold VOLUME -, VOLUME + and SOURCE button on soundbar top panel until you see RESET on the display.
  • When factory reset is complete, the soundbar will automatically switch off and restart.

To restore a JBL 5.1 soundbar to factory settings:

  • On the soundbar, press and hold the power and source buttons for more than 10 seconds. “RESET” is displayed. The soundbar shows “LOAD” and “READY” and then goes to standby mode.

JBL Sound Bar Bluetooth Not Pairing Fix

Bluetooth pairing allows you to connect your soundbar to other Bluetooth-enabled devices to play music or sounds from. If your soundbar is not connecting to Bluetooth or you are having trouble pairing, it could be due to a number of reasons. There are several troubleshooting tips you can try to see if the problem resolves:

  • Check to make sure that you have enabled the Bluetooth function of the device.
  • If the soundbar has been paired with another Bluetooth device, reset Bluetooth. Press and hold BT button on your remote control to disconnect the connected device, then try again.
  • Turn off your soundbar and Bluetooth device and try to connect again.
  • If your Bluetooth device has ever been paired with the soundbar, reset Bluetooth on thesoundbar, unpair the soundbar on the Bluetooth device, and then pair the Bluetooth device with the soundbar again.
  • The device is not connected correctly. Make sure the device is correctly connected.

To connect a Bluetooth device to a JBL 2.1 soundbar follow these steps:

  1. Press Bluetooth (BT) button on your remote control to start pairing
  2. Select “JBL Bar 2.1” to connect
  3. Press and hold Bluetooth (BT) button on your remote control for 3 seconds if you want to pair another mobile device.
  4. If asked for a PIN code when connecting a Bluetooth device, enter “0000”.
  5. Note that when in Bluetooth connection mode, the Bluetooth connection will be lost if the distance between the Bluetooth device and the soundbar is more that 10m (32.8 ft).
  6. The soundbar will automatically turn off after 10 minutes in the Ready state.
  7. Keep devices such as microwaves, wireless LAN devices, etc. away from the soundbar main unit. Such devices generate electromagnetic waves and may cause radio interference.

To connect a Bluetooth device to a JBL 5.1 soundbar follow these steps:

  1. Press the power button to switch on.
  2. Press “source” button on the soundbar or Bluetooth button on the remote control to select Bluetooth source.
  3. “BT PAIRING”: Ready for BT pairing
  4. On your Bluetooth device, enable Bluetooth and search for “JBL Bar 5.1_xxxx” within 3 minutes.
  5. Successful connection: The device name is displayed if your device is named in English. You will hear a confirmation tone.

How to Do a Firmware Update on a JBL Sound Bar (JBL Bar 5.1 Surround)

Firmware updating online happens automatically if software updates are available. During firmware updating, “PROGRESS” and the completed percentage are displayed. When firmware updating is complete, the soundbar shows “LOAD” and “READY” and then, goes to standby mode.

To manually update firmware on your JBL soundbar 5.1 surround:

  1. Press and hold the VOL- and SOURCE buttons simultaneously. The software version will scroll across the front display.
  2. If a newer software version is available, download it from the JBL website.
  3. Copy the two files to the Root directory of an empty USB thumb drive.
  4. Update.zip and
  5. Checksum.txt.
  • On the soundbar, long press “POWER” and “SOURCE” buttons together for more than 10 seconds to factory reset the soundbar.
  • Insert the USB thumb drive to the soundbar USB port on its rear panel and long press “POWER” and “VOL-“ buttons on the soundbar for 10 seconds to start the software update process.
  • You will now see “UPDATING” on the soundbar front display.
  • Wait for the software update to complete. The unit will reboot and go back to standby.
  • Turn it on.
  • Press and hold VOL- and SOURCE buttons simultaneously. The new software version will scroll across the front display.

How to Do a Firmware Update on a JBL Soundbar 9.1

Upgrading the software on your JBL Bar 9.1 will;

  • Improve calibration success rate when the sounbar is in HDMI-IN source/mode.
  • Improve compatibility of some “ATMOS” Netflix streaming content.
  • Improve LED Display messages.

To upgrade manually, you can download the latest software version from JBL website and unzip it to retrieve the bin file:

  • JBL_BAR_9_1.bin

Then follow these steps to manually upgrade your soundbar:

  1. Prepare one empty USB thumb drive and create new folder (named “UPG’) in root directory, then copy the bin file to the new UPG folder.
  2. Mount the two detachable speakers onto the main soundbar.
  3. Insert the USB thumb drive to the soundbar USB port on its rear panel and long press soundbar buttons: POWER and VOL- for 10 seconds to start software upgrade.
  4. You will now see “UPDATING” on the soundbar front display.
  5. Wait for the software upgrading to complete. The unit will reboot and go back to standby.
  6. After successful upgrading, you can now check the software version to confirm it is updated.

Note that if your soundbar is connected to the internet, its software will be automatically upgraded overnight when it is not in use.

How to Check JBL Soundbar Firmware Version

To check your JBL 2.1 soundbar software version, follow these steps:

  1. Press and hold DIM DISPLAY button for 5 seconds in any source. Hold and press DIM DISPLAY button for 5 seconds, followed by SOUND MODE and NIGHT MODE button.
  2. To check the subwoofer software version, connect subwoofer to soundbar via a 3.5mm AUX cable and follow the procedure in step 1 above.

How to Connect JBL Soundbar to WiFi

You can enjoy streaming your favorite music over Wi-Fi to your JBL soundbar 5.1 surround by adding it to your network.

To connect your soundbar to Wi-Fi:

  1. Turn on your soundbar.
  2. Download the Google Home app to your phone.
  3. Available on Android and Apple.
  4. Enable Bluetooth, Location services on your Android device. Enable Bluetooth on your Apple device,
  5. Open Google Home app and follow the instructions given in the app.

How to Use Alexa MRM (Multi-Room Music) on Wi-Fi

  1. On an Android or iOS device, add the soundbar to your home Wi-Fi network through the JBL BAR Setup app.
  2. Follow the App instructions to complete setup.
  3. Sign in with your Amazon Alexa account. If you do not have, create one.
  4. With the Alexa MRM multi-room music playback, you can stream music on your Android or Ios devices to multiple Amazon Alexa speakers.

JBL Soundbar HDMI ARC Not Working

If there is no sound when connection your soundbar with other devices via HDMI ARC, this may be due to several reasons:

  • Confirm if HDMI CEC function on your device is turned on.
  • If only one of the devices is ARC compatible, the HDMI ARC feature cannot be activated. To get sound from the device, you will need to connect your device using an optical connection.
  • Third-party devices may cause the HDMI ARC to stop working. Disconnect any third-party external devices like cable boxes, gaming consoles, or satellite receivers and troubleshoot with just the soundbar connected to your device.
  • Make sure your soundbar and device are running the latest software version.

How to Reset Bluetooth on JBL Sound Bar

You will need to reset Bluetooth if you want to connect your soundbar to another Bluetooth device. Follow the instructions below to reset Bluetooth:

  • In the Bluetooth source, press and hold the source button on the soundbar or Bluetooth button on the remote until “BT PAIRING” is displayed. The previously paired device is cleared from the soundbar. The soundbar enters the Bluetooth pairing mode.

Why Does My JBL Sound Bar Keep Cutting Out?

If your soundbar keeps cutting out, this may be due to the following reasons:

Interference

There are many common appliances that emit radio waves that have the potential to interfere with your Bluetooth connection. Keep devices such as microwaves, wireless LAN devices, etc. away from the Soundbar main unit. Such devices generate electromagnetic waves and may cause radio interference.

Your device is not compatible

If you are experiencing cutting out and a weaker connection, you can check your product specifications to assess if perhaps your device is incompatible.

You are exceeding range

Check the specifications for your soundbar to get a clear idea of the range capacity. If you are trying to use Bluetooth from a distance, consider how this is affecting the connection and causing the cutting out. Try moving the device closer to the soundbar, or remove any obstacles between the device and the soundbar.

Audio sync

Using the audio sync function, you can synchronize audio and video to make sure that no delay is heard from your video content. To do that, follow these steps:

  • On the remote control, press and hold “TV” for more than 3 seconds.
  • Within 5 seconds, press + or – on the remote control to adjust the audio delay and match with video. The audio sync timing is displayed.

JBL Sound Bar Wireless Subwoofer Not Working

If there is no sound from the wireless subwoofer check if the subwoofer LED is solid white color. If white LED is blinking, connection is lost. Pair the subwoofer to the soundbar manually. To do that:

  1. Turn on the soundbar and the subwoofer. If the connection is lost, the LED indicator on the subwoofer blinks slowly.
  2. Press the CONNECT button on the subwoofer to enter pairing mode. The LED indicator on the subwoofer blinks quickly.
  3. Press and hold DIM display button on your remote control for 5 seconds, followed by short press on BASS+ and BASS- button in sequence. The panel display will show “PAIRING”.
  4. If the pairing succeeds, the LED indicator on the subwoofer lights up and the soundbar display will show “DONE”.
  5. If the pairing fails, the indicator on the subwoofer blinks slowly. Repeat steps 1-3 to try pairing again.

JBL Sound Bar Satellite Speakers Not Working

If your surround speakers are not working, try the following troubleshooting instructions:

  • Make sure the soundbar is set to surround-sound mode, with the surround speakers on.
  • Make sure you are listening to surround encoded content that your soundbar supports.
  • Make sure your source devices and TV are set to output a bitstream audio signal.

JBL Sound Bar Not Working with TV

With the soundbar connected, you can listen to the TV audio from the soundbar speakers:

  1. Make sure that your TV is set to support external speakers and the built-in TV speakers are muted. Check your TV manual for more information.
  2. Make sure that the soundbar has been properly connected to your TV.

To connect your TV through the HDMI cable, follow these instructions:

  • Connect the soundbar with your TV by using the supplied HDMI cable.
  • On your TV, check that HDMI-CEC and HDMI ARC have been enabled.

To connect your TV through an optical cable:

  • Connect the soundbar with your TV by using an optical cable (sold separately).
  • To select the TV source, press the “source” button on the soundbar or TV on the remote control.

Note that in the factory settings, the TV source is selected by default. If the soundbar is connected to your TV through both an HDMI cable and an optical cable, the HDMI cable is selected for the TV connection.

JBL Sound Bar Not Switching On with TV

In the standby mode, your JBL 5.1 soundbar will wake up automatically when:

  • The soundbar is connected to your TV through HDMI ARC connection and your TV is switched on.
  • The soundbar is connected to your TV through an optical cable and audio signals are detected from the optical cable.
  • The soundbar is connected to your TV through the HDMI ARC connection and through the HDMI connection, is also connected to your digital device such as DVD/Blu-ray player, set-top box, or game console, and your digital device is switched on.
  • The soundbar is connected to your home network and audio is streamed to the soundbar through Chromecase or Airplay.

JBL Soundbar Troubleshooting Wi-Fi

If your soundbar failed to connect to Wi-Fi, follow these troubleshooting instructions to resolve the issue:

  • Make sure that Wi-Fi is turned on.
  • Make sure that you have selected the right network and entered the correct password.
  • Make sure that your router or modem is turned on and within range.
  • Make sure that your soundbar is connected to the same wireless LAN as your smartphone or tablet.
  • On the soundbar that you have connected to Wi-Fi through the AirPlay speaker setup on an iOS device, make sure that you connect the soundbar to the same Wi-Fi network when you set up Chromecast built-in through the Google Home app.

If the Google Home app cannot find the device:

  • Make sure that your soundbar is powered on.
  • Make sure that your network is working properly.
  • Make sure that your router or modem is powered on and within range.

JBL Soundbar Remote Control Not working

If your soundbar’s remote control does not work:

  • Check if the batteries are drained. If so, replace them with new ones.
  • Reduce the distance and angle between the remote control and the main unit.

How to Program and Use TV remote on JBL soundbar

To use your TV remote for both your TV and the soundbar, check that your TV supports HDMI-CEC. If your TV supports HDMI-CEC, enable the function as instructed in your TV manual. You can control the volume, mute, and power on/standby functions on your soundbar through the TV remote control.

If your TV does not support HDMI-CEC, follow the steps below for TV remote control learning:

  1. On the soundbar, press and hold the source and + buttons until “LEARNING” is displayed. You have now entered the TV remote control learning mode.
  2. Within 15 seconds, do the following on the soundbar and your TV remote control:
  3. On the soundbar, press one of the following buttons +, -, + and – together (for the mute/unmute function), and power button.
  4. On your TV remote control, press the desired button.
  5. “WAIT” is displayed on the soundbar.
  6. “DONE”: The function of the soundbar button is learnt by your TV remote control.
  7. Repeat step 2 to complete the button learning.
  8. To exit the TV remote control learning mode, press and hold “source” and + buttons on the soundbar until “EXIT LEARNING” is displayed. The soundbar will return to the last selected source.

If the TV remote control learning fails to complete, check if you are using an infer-red TV remote control. The IR learning is not supported by a Bluetooth TV remote control.

JBL Sound Bar Not Pairing with Subwoofer

Your JBL soundbar and subwoofer will pair automatically when you first switch both devices on. If pairing does not take place automatically, or you have to force new pairing, follow these steps:

  1. Turn on the soundbar and the subwoofer. If the connection is lost, the LED indicator on the subwoofer blinks slowly.
  2. Press the CONNECT button on the subwoofer to enter pairing mode. The LED indicator on the subwoofer blinks quickly.
  3. Press and hold DIM display button on your remote control for 5 seconds, followed by short press on BASS+ and BASS- button in sequence. The panel display will show “PAIRING”.
  4. If the pairing succeeds, the LED indicator on the subwoofer lights up and the soundbar display will show “DONE”.
  5. If the pairing fails, the indicator on the subwoofer blinks slowly. Repeat steps 1-3 to try pairing again.

If after the above steps the issue is not resolved, try switching off all wireless devices in your home. Overcrowding on the 2.4 GHz frequency could be causing the connection problem, and freeing up some space for the bar may help it establish its connection. You can switch your devices on again afterwards.

How to Calibrate a JBL 5.1 Sound Bar

With Automatic Multibeam Cablibration (AMC), your surround sound experience can be optimized for your favorite seating position:

  1. On the remote control, press and hold HDMI until “CALIBRATION” is displayed on the soundbar.
  2. Countdown starts from 5 to 1.
  3. Loud sound is heard. Audio calibration starts.
  4. “CALIBRATING”: Calibration continuing.
  5. “DONE”: Calibration completed successfully.

Note that during Automatic Multibeam Calibration, all the buttons on your remote control are disabled except for power and HDMI. If Automatic Multibeam Calibration fails, “FAILED” is displayed.

Audio sync

Using the audio sync function, you can synchronize audio and video to make sure that no delay is heard from your video content. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. On the remote control, press and hold “TV” for more than 3 seconds.
  2. Within 5 seconds, press + or – on the remote control to adjust the audio delay and match with video. The audio sync timing is displayed.

Bass adjustment

You can adjust the bass to your preferred levels by following these instructions:

  1. Check the soundbar and subwoofer are properly connected.
  2. On the remote control, press “BASS” repeatedly to switch between levels. HIGH, LOW and MID (default) are displayed.

Smart mode

With smart mode enabled, you can enjoy TV programs with rich sound effects. For TV programs such as weather forecasts and news, you can reduce sound effects by disabling smart mode and switching to standard mode.

To disable smart mode, follow these instructions:

  1. On the remote control, press and hold the “mute” button for more than 3 seconds. Press +.
  2. The current mode is displayed. “ON SMART MODE”: The smart mode is enabled.
  3. Repeat step 1 to switch to another mode. “OFF SMART MODE”: The standard mode is enabled.
  4. Next time you switch on the soundbar, the smart mode is enabled again automatically.

How to Calibrate a JBL 9.1 Soundbar

For sound calibration, do the following:

  • Make sure that your room is quiet;
  • Make sure that the soundbar and the two detachable rear speakers are fully in sight of each other, without obstacles in between.
  • Make sure that the left and right rear speakers are properly placed, the L speaker on the left and the R speaker on the right.

To calibrate the listening zone:

  1. Place the detachable rear speakers beside your seating position.
  2. Make sure that the two detachable speakers have been connected to the soundbar.
  3. On the remote control, press and hold HDMI until “1-CALIBRATION” is displayed on the soundbar.
  4. Countdown starts from 5 to 1.
  5. Calibration tone is heard. Audio calibration starts.
  6. “CALIBRATING”: Calibration ongoing.
  7. “1-DONE”: Calibration of the listening zone is completed successfully.

Check this too: Best Soundbar Without a Subwoofer

To calibrate the speaker position:

  1. Place the detachable rear speakers in your desired location.
  2. On the remote control, press and hold HDMI until “2-CALIBRATION” is displayed on the soundbar.
  3. Countdown starts from 5 to 1.
  4. Calibration tone is heard. Audio calibration starts.
  5. “CALIBRATING”: Calibration ongoing.
  6. “2-DONE”: Calibration of the speaker position is completed successfully.
  7. To select suitable surround sound, press “REAR” button repeatedly to switch between high, low, or middle (default).

Note that during calibration, all buttons on the remote control are disabled except the power and HDMI buttons. “SETUP FAILED” is displayed if calibration failed.