There are two main ways to connect your JBL speaker to your iPhone: Bluetooth and a wired AUX cable. This guide will walk you through both methods in a few simple steps.

Why Can’t I Connect My iPhone to My JBL Speaker?

If you’re having trouble connecting your iPhone to your JBL speaker, there are a few common culprits. Let’s have a look at some of the possible reasons behind the error and learn about the troubleshooting tips:

  • Bluetooth is disabled: Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both your iPhone and speaker.
  • Speaker not in pairing mode: Consult your JBL speaker’s manual to see how to activate pairing mode. It usually involves holding down a specific button for a few seconds.
  • Out of range: You know that Bluetooth connections have a limited range. So, try to shift your iPhone closer to the speaker.
  • Already connected to another device: Your speaker might be connected to a different device like a laptop. Turn off Bluetooth on that device or disconnect the speaker.
  • Outdated software: Ensure your iPhone has the latest iOS update installed.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here are the troubleshooting steps that you must follow to fix the problem:

Restart Both Devices

Turn off your iPhone and JBL speaker, then turn them back on. This can often resolve minor connection glitches.

Forget the Device

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth. Tap the information icon next to your JBL speaker, then select “Forget This Device.” Try pairing again.

Reset the Speaker

Refer to your JBL speaker’s manual for instructions on resetting it to factory settings.

4 Steps to Connect JBL Speaker to iPhone via Bluetooth

Here are the steps you need to follow to connect the JBL speaker to your iPhone via Bluetooth:

Power On Both Devices

You need to make sure your iPhone and JBL speaker are turned on. Also, check the battery and it should be more than 80% to keep the process functional for a long time.

Enable Pairing Mode on the JBL Speaker

Locate the Bluetooth button on your speaker. Press and hold it for a few seconds (consult your manual for specific instructions) until the Bluetooth indicator light starts flashing. This indicates the speaker is in pairing mode.

Enable Bluetooth on the iPhone

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap “Bluetooth.” Slide the toggle switch next to Bluetooth to turn it on (it should turn green).

Connect the Speaker to Your iPhone

Your iPhone will automatically start searching for available Bluetooth devices. Once it finds your JBL speaker, tap the speaker’s name in the list to connect.

If prompted, enter the pairing code for your speaker (usually 0000 or 1234 unless you’ve changed it).  Once connected, your iPhone will show your JBL speaker as a connected device.

2 Steps to Connect JBL Speaker to iPhone via AUX Cable

This method only works with JBL speakers that have a 3.5mm AUX input jack. Newer iPhone models (iPhone 7 and later) lack a headphone jack, so you’ll need a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter (sold separately by Apple) to use a wired connection.

Connect the Cables to the Speaker and iPhone

Locate the AUX input jack on your JBL speaker (usually a 3.5mm round jack). Plug one end of the AUX cable into the speaker. If you’re using an iPhone 7 or later, connect the AUX cable to the Lightning adapter, then plug the adapter into your iPhone’s charging port.

Adjust Volume and Settings

You can now control the volume using the buttons on your iPhone or directly on the JBL speaker. Some JBL speakers might have additional controls accessible through the AUX connection, but this depends on the specific model.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to connect your JBL speaker to your iPhone using either Bluetooth or a wired AUX cable. If you encounter any issues, refer to your JBL speaker’s manual for troubleshooting tips specific to your model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I Need a Special Cable to Connect My iPhone to My JBL speaker? 

No, you can use a standard 3.5mm AUX cable for a wired connection (explained in the next section).

Why Won’t My iPhone Show My JBL Speaker in the Bluetooth List?

Double-check that your speaker is in pairing mode and Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone. If you are still unable to detect it, try restarting both devices.