When it comes to JBL earbuds, renowned for their quality and performance, it’s disheartening when you experience an issue like one side not working.
This problem is surprisingly common, and it often occurs when the left earbud refuses to connect or charge.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through some tried-and-tested fixes. As someone who’s navigated this issue firsthand,
Important Note: If your earbuds don’t automatically enter pairing mode, you can initiate it manually.
For most JBL earbuds, activate pairing mode by pressing and holding the right earbud’s button (or touch control) for 5 seconds for older models, or press once quickly followed by a 3-5 second hold.
I understand the frustration. Don’t worry; we’ve covered everything you need to find out why one side of your JBL earbuds is not working and how to get them back to their best.
Whether it’s a faulty connection or a need for a simple reset, we will guide you on how to fix your earbuds and enjoy your every occasion with best sound quality.
Let’s dive in and get your JBL earbuds working fine again!
Key Takeaways
How To Fix: JBL Earbuds One Side Not Working
If you’re facing the all-too-common plight where your JBL earbuds are only working on one side, fear not! Many people have encountered this issue, and there are several fixes that have worked.
If this doesn’t work, consult the user manual for your specific JBL model. It provides detailed instructions on how to manually reconnect your earbuds.
To sync them, follow the quick instructions in the user manual.
The procedure for re-syncing varies across models, but generally, you need to disable Bluetooth on your phone, forget the earbuds from your list of paired devices, and then reconnect them.
Important Note: The resync method is consistent across models like JBL Endurance Peak II, JBL Vibe 100TWS, and others. To activate, turn the earbuds on, then quickly triple-press the control button on both or sequentially from left to right.
How To Sync Left And Right Jbl Earbuds
Syncing JBL earbuds can be a bit tricky, especially when they are not working in harmony. Many JBL models follow the same resync procedure, although some might be different.
Let me share a specific sequence that worked for me.
For certain models like the Live Free NC+ TWS, Reflect Mini NC, and Reflect Flow Pro,:
The process involves putting them back in their charging case and closing the lid.
Then, disable Bluetooth on your phone, take the earbuds out of the case, and press the button located at the back of the case.
For the JBL Live 300TWS and JBL Club Pro+ TWS, you’ll find the button at the bottom.
A double press (2x) should start the process, and you’ll see a series of LEDs flashing in orange, pink, or another color for a few seconds, indicating they are synced together.
If you receive a notification to update your earbuds, it’s recommended to follow the instructions.
Typically, you’ll need to put them back in the case with the lid open to allow the update process to happen quicker.
Reset The Earbuds
If syncing doesn’t resolve the issue, a reset might be necessary. Resetting is more invasive than syncing but definitely worth a try before anything else.
Resetting brings the earbuds back to factory defaults, erasing all saved pairing information and custom settings within the app.
Resetting Jbl Earbuds Manually
Different JBL earbud models follow different reset procedures. It’s essential to consult the manual or support website for your specific model to find the exact instructions.
For JBL, Tune, 115TWS, 125TWS, 225TWS, Ghost, Free, II, 215TWS, 120TWS, 220TWS, X. , you may follow these steps:
Preparing for Reset
Begin by forgetting the earbuds from your phone. It’s crucial to disable Bluetooth on any devices they were previously paired with.
Now, place your earbuds back in the charging case. It’s important to make sure the case has enough juice to charge your earbuds; otherwise, the reset might not be effective.
Open the lid before taking them out, then connect the case to a power source.
Many people make the mistake of doing this without connecting the USB cable, but ensuring a stable power supply is crucial.
Executing the Reset
Congrats, you’ve just completed the reset.
Through this process, we’re not just hitting a virtual “refresh” button; we’re recalibrating the earbuds’ internal settings, often resolving the issue of one side not working.
It’s a simple yet effective way to breathe new life into your JBL Earbuds.
If you’ve connected your earbuds and still face the problem with one side not working, it’s time to reset. Tap the button on the right earbud twice, then press and hold for 5 seconds.
This action should turn the earbuds off and restore them to factory default settings.
After the Reset
This fresh start often resolves the issue of one side not working, bringing back the balanced sound that JBL earbuds are known for.
Reset JBL Earbuds Through The JBL Headphones App
If your JBL earbuds are not working on one side, resetting them through the JBL Headphones app can be a quick fix.
Clean The Earbuds
If not cleaned, this build-up can penetrate through, clogging the mesh and making the sound much quieter than it should be, leading you to think one side is not working.
Important Reminder: After using WD40, avoid placing the earbuds back immediately. Allow the case to air out completely, then gently clean the pins and slots for the earbuds with a dry cloth before reinserting them.
Stay Within The Bluetooth Range
One common issue with JBL earbuds not working on one side could be a Bluetooth range problem.
Check Audio Balance On Your iPhone
Sometimes, the issue might be with the audio balance setting on your phone.
This feature allows users to shift sound between the left and right channels, giving the impression that one earbud is not working.
To adjust this on iPhones, go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual. Make sure the toggle for Mono Audio is disabled and the balance is centered.
Check Audio Balance On Android Devices
For Android devices, the process to check and adjust the audio balance is slightly different.
Navigate to Settings, then Accessibility and look for Hearing Enhancements or similar options. Here, you’ll find settings for Left/Right Sound Balance.
Max Volume Limiter
If the volume on your JBL earbuds seems unusually low, the Max Volume Limiter feature in the JBL Headphones app might be active.
This feature is designed to protect your hearing by limiting the volume to 85dB on both earbuds.
Sometimes, a firmware glitch might cause this setting to reduce the volume significantly. Disabling it can help.
Contact JBL Support
In cases where one earbud seems damaged or dead, perhaps due to battery failure, a loose wire inside, or issues with the PCB, it becomes a tricky business to fix. In such situations,
I recommend utilizing your warranty and contacting JBL support. Their agents can provide troubleshooting steps or might offer a replacement unit if your earbuds are within the warranty period.
Opening them up for repairs, especially for locating parts on platforms like eBay, should be a last resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why has one of my JBL earbuds stopped working?
Several reasons can cause one of your JBL earbuds to stop working, including a firmware glitch, connection issues, or syncing problems between the left and right earbuds.
Other common issues include dirty contacts, clogged drivers, or custom settings on your device. Check your Headphone app for any Mono Audio Balance settings or updates and ensure there’s no dead battery or issues with the PCB or cables.
Question: How do I reset my left JBL earbuds?
To reset your left JBL earbud, refer to the specific instructions for your model in this article. It usually involves syncing or updating the earbuds, and the process might vary slightly between different models.
Question: Why is my left JBL earbud not charging?
Charging issues can occur due to dirty or stuck pins in the charging case. Sometimes, it can be a fixable firmware issue—try updating your earbuds’ firmware for a potential solution.
Question: How do I force reset my JBL?
To force reset your JBL earbuds, follow the procedure specific to your model. Generally, it involves pressing the button on the right earbud twice and then holding it for a few seconds. Look for LED flashing signals on the charging case. This procedure can be found at the bottom or back of the case for some models.
Question: Why is my left earbud silent?
If your left earbud is silent, check for clogged drivers caused by ear wax or gunk. The tip and mesh protecting the driver might be dirty. Cleaning or reinstalling the protective mesh and checking the Max Volume Limiter on your phone or the audio balance might help.
Question: How do you charge JBL earbuds without a case?
Charging JBL earbuds without a case is not typically recommended or feasible due to their design.
Question: Why does my left JBL earbud keep disconnecting?
Disconnecting issues often relate to Bluetooth syncing problems. Try re-syncing your earbuds as per the instructions provided, and ensure they are within the Bluetooth connection radius. It could also be a problem with the Bluetooth chip.
Question: How do I manually turn off my JBL wireless earbuds?
To manually turn off your wireless JBL earbuds, typically you need to place them in their case and close the lid, or press and hold the button on the earbuds.
Question: Do JBL earbuds charge while the case is charging?
Yes, JBL earbuds do charge while their case is being charged.
TO WRAP IT UP
while JBL earbuds are among the best-performing and feature-rich options in the true wireless category, they are not immune to malfunctions. This guide aimed to help you diagnose and fix any faulty issues you might encounter, particularly when one side of the earbuds stops working.
