JBL Flip 4 not Turning On: Troubleshooting Tips and Fixes


Updated on: July 18, 2023

When your JBL Flip 4 won’t power on, it usually signals an issue with the speaker. To fix this problem, you need to look into the reason for carrying out the correct troubleshooting steps. 

Continue reading to see how you can fix this problem independently. 

Why Your JBL Flip 4 Won’t Power On & How to Fix It

Fix#1: Factory Reset JBL Flip 4:

JBL Flip 4 reset

If your JBL Flip 4 is not turning on, there might be a setting problem. However, for a quick fix, you can try to reset the speaker to its default settings to have a clean slate and try to fix the problem.

Follow these steps to reset your JBL Flip 4 to its original factory settings. For a detailed guide on resetting, you can refer to this article on how to reset your JBL Flip 4 to its factory settings.

  1. Turn the JBL Flip 4 On by pressing and holding the power button.
  2. Hold the Volume Up and Play buttons simultaneously for about 5-10 seconds until the device turns off automatically.
  3. Turn the speaker back on by pressing the Power button on the speaker. You have Factory Reset your JBL Flip 4 successfully.

Fix#2: Check the Power Outlet:

A faulty power outlet could also prevent the speaker from turning on by disrupting the charging process. So, try to charge the speaker from a different power outlet to fix this issue.

Fix#3: Replace the Charging Cable:

It’s quite normal for the charging cable to get tangled, which may result in a damaged or broken cable. A broken or damaged charging cable can stop the charging process and the speaker from turning on. 

Therefore, replacing the charging cable with a new one could resolve the issue. You may also try using an entirely new compatible charger to start charging and turn on your JBL Flip 4.

Fix#4: Cleaning the Charging Port:

If the speaker’s charging port is not cleaned properly or if there’s dust and debris stuck in the port, the charging cable won’t be able to reach the port properly, which may result in no charging. This could be a reason why your speaker is not turning on.

So, take a small swab of cotton and clean the charging port for any dust particles and debris. You can also use a small brush with soft bristles to clean the charging port.

Fix#5: Replace the Battery:

A faulty or depleted battery can also halt the JBL Flip 4 from turning on. The speaker’s battery may go bad if you use it while charging or continue to play music on the speaker continuously for long hours. Furthermore, direct exposure of JBL Flip 4 to the sun or keeping it in warm areas can also result in a damaged or depleted battery.

Consider replacing the speaker’s battery and check if it resolves the issue. However, you must note that the JBL Flip 4 batteries are not user-replaceable. If your speaker’s battery is faulty, send it to the JBL service center for replacement.

Fix#6: Update Firmware:

Long pending firmware updates or a software bug can also result in the issue you’re currently facing with your JBL Flip 4. So, update the firmware of the speaker to fix this problem.

Before updating the firmware, ensure your JBL Flip 4 is properly paired. Here’s a guide on how to pair JBL Flip 4. Once paired, follow the steps below to update the firmware of your JBL Flip 4.

  1. Turn on the speaker and connect it to the phone via Bluetooth.
  2. On your phone, download and open the JBL Connect App.
  3. Launch the app and give it time to detect and pair with your speaker.
  4. Once the speaker is detected, click on it and see if there’s any update available under the speaker’s name in the app. A red dot under the speaker name indicates an available update.
  5. Click on the button to start the update and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the updates. 
  6. Wait for the speaker to restart and adjust to the new firmware update.

Fix#7: Check the Power Button:

If your JBL Flip 4 is not turning on, it might be because of the broken or jammed power button. If the power button is broken, you must get it fixed from a hardware store or call customer service for repairs if the warranty is still valid.

If the button is jammed, consider using a pin to free it.

Fix#8: Check the Battery Level:

A low battery can be another reason your JBL Flip 4 won’t turn on. Check the speaker’s battery from the battery level indicator and put it on a charge if required. It will solve the problem.

Fix#9: Call the Customer Service:

You may try calling JBL customer service to discuss the problem if nothing else works. They’ll either guide you about what to do through a phone call or send a repair person to your place if required. 

Fix#10: Inspect for a Faulty Circuit Board:

If you’ve tried all the above solutions and your JBL Flip 4 still won’t turn on, there could be an underlying issue with the main circuit board of the speaker. The circuit board is the heart of the device, containing the integral components that allow the speaker to function properly. If it’s damaged or faulty, it can lead to the speaker not turning on, among other issues.

Possible Symptoms:

  • The speaker shows no sign of life, even after confirming that the battery is functional and properly charged.
  • The speaker might turn on while plugged in but turns off immediately once unplugged.

How to Address it:

  1. Professional Inspection:
    • Due to the complexity and risk involved, it’s recommended to have the circuit board inspected by a professional technician or send it to a JBL service center. They can accurately diagnose if the circuit board is faulty and whether it needs repair or replacement.
  2. Warranty and Customer Support:
    • If your speaker is still under warranty, contact JBL customer support immediately to discuss the issue and arrange for a repair or replacement. Avoid attempting to fix the circuit board yourself as it could void the warranty.
  3. Replacement:
    • If the circuit board is indeed faulty and the warranty has expired, you may need to pay for a replacement. While this can be relatively expensive, it can restore your speaker to its full functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What should I do if my JBL Flip 4 charges but won’t turn on, even after replacing the battery?

Try performing a hard reset by holding down the PlayPause + Vol.Up + Vol.Down buttons simultaneously. This should simulate disconnecting the battery and can restore a bricked speaker. If this doesn’t work, try pressing the power button multiple times and then holding it until it comes on. If the speaker comes to life, it might be a firmware problem, so ensure to update it via the JBL app.

What if the speaker is still not responding after trying the hard reset and updating the firmware?

Leave the speaker in a cool, dry place for about a month. If there is still no response, contact JBL customer service for further assistance.

My speaker only works when plugged into a power source, and the buttons do not work at all. What could be the issue?

Your speaker might be in service mode, a mode presumably for technicians to use for debugging. To exit this mode, connect the speaker to a power source, and then hold a specific combination unique to each model for about 30 seconds.

What should I do if my JBL Flip 4 is in service mode?

Connect the speaker to a power source to turn it on, then hold the Connect+ and Volume-Up buttons simultaneously until the speaker powers off. After this, power it on, perform a factory reset, and update the firmware using the JBL Portable app.

What if my JBL Charge 4 won’t turn on after pressing the factory reset buttons?

Try performing a hard reset by holding down the PlayPause + Vol.Up + Vol.Down buttons simultaneously. If this doesn’t work, ensure the speaker is charged and try pressing the power button multiple times and then holding it until it comes on. Update the firmware if needed.

How can I play music when my JBL speaker is in service mode?

In service mode, you can play music through the 3.5 mm jack or USB C port, although using the USB C port may be highly unstable.

My JBL speaker is not responding to any button presses after replacing the battery, what should I do?

The speaker might have switched to service mode. To exit this mode, power on the speaker by connecting it to a charger, and then press and hold the Connect+ and Volume-Up buttons simultaneously until the speaker powers off. Afterward, operate the speaker normally, perform a factory reset, and update the firmware using the JBL Portable app.

Final Words

JBL speakers are renowned for their rugged build, sturdy design, and quality audio delivery, but they can sometimes malfunction without any apparent reason. This behavior may be a little aggravating, but you need to read between the lines and understand the reason behind the problem.

If your JBL Flip 4 won’t turn on, there could be multiple reasons. The easiest way to solve this problem would be to restart the speaker, or factory reset it. However, in other cases, you may have to follow all the aforementioned steps of troubleshooting to fix the problem.

I’m Shaun Conroy, an audiophile & founder of HiFi Audios. Holding a Bachelor’s in Sound Engineering, I bring deep expertise in audio devices and offer insights & recommendations to fellow enthusiasts.

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