JBL Charge 5 Crackling Sound? (Don’t Panic, Easy Fix!)

Are you experiencing the JBL Charge 5 crackling sound? Well, there’s a simple solution!

The crackling sound of your JBL Charge 5 can be a result of issues with the audio source, outdated firmware, or even internet connection issues.

The following solutions should restore the JBL’s regular functionality: 

For a more thorough analysis of the solutions above, proceed with the guide!

How to Easily Fix the JBL Charge 5 Crackling Sound?

Note: Verify the JBL speaker is charged to maximum capacity before proceeding! 

1. Shorten the Bluetooth Distance

Insufficient Bluetooth range is the most typical cause for the crackling sound produced by the JBL Charge 5.

If you’re not using the device over a wired connection and prefer pairing it to your smartphone or laptop over Bluetooth instead, you must verify that the devices are within range.

What’s the Bluetooth Range of the JBL Charge 5?

The JBL Charge 5 can sustain a wireless connection for approximately 130–135 feet before it starts to experience disruptions.

So, ensure your smartphone or computer is within that range, otherwise the crackling sound may occur. 

How to Check for Bluetooth Interference?

The crackling could also be an indication of Bluetooth interference, caused  by the following:

• Other wireless devices in close range of your JBL.
• Solid obstructions or walls in between the devices.
• RF transmitters, metallic surfaces, or microwaves.

Note: It’s recommended to maintain a clear path between the connected device and the JBL Charge 5 for the entirety of the testing. 

2. Switch the Phone’s Audio Source

In most cases, the persistent JBL Charge 5 audio crackling is caused by your mobile device’s audio source or music player.

For example, if you’re streaming a downloaded file or directly through a music platform such as YouTube or Spotify while your device’s connection is bad. 

So, we recommend testing on several platforms and broadcasting sources to determine if the speaker’s output will improve and if the crackling will persist.

Additionally, ensure you have set the platform’s volume to “Middle” or “Low,” so it doesn’t pre-modulate, causing more crackling.

3. Reduce the JBL Speaker’s Volume

Well, blasting the JBL speaker at maximum volume can be a crucial cause for the crackling or potentially other audio disruptions.

If the speaker stays at high volume for prolonged periods of time, it could even damage the internal hardware of the device, resulting in irreversible damage.

What’s the Safe Volume for JBL Charge 5?

Based on the music you listen to and the connected device’s volume, we would assume that anywhere between 70% and 80% would be a safe margin. 

Quick Tip: Feel free to experiment with the speaker’s volume to determine whether it has any impact on the crackling sound. 

4. Update the JBL Speaker Firmware

An outdated system firmware is the leading cause of the JBL Charge 5 popping sound issue.

Fortunately, you can quickly and seamlessly update the speaker through the JBL Portable app, available for iOS and Android.

The speaker must first be added to the application by completing the setup instructions.

So, to add the speaker, open the app, tap on the “+” sign, and follow the on-screen setup instructions.

How to Update JBL Charge 5 Firmware?

1. Launch the JBL Portable app and ensure the speaker is added.
2. Search for the small red dot right above the gear icon in the app.
3. Tap on the dot and proceed with the steps to update the firmware.

If the speaker sustains an uninterrupted internet connection, the update will be downloaded and installed automatically.

So, do not interfere with the JBL Charge 5 until the update is completed.

5. Check Device’s Internet Connection

Well, a fluctuating connection is the leading cause of the JBL Charge 5 crackling sound. 

Whether you’re home and connected to the Wi-Fi or on the go using mobile data, fluctuating internet connection (data) could play a big role in the audio distortions of the JBL Charge 5. 

How to Improve Wi-Fi Connection Quality?

Assuming your phone’s already paired to a Wi-Fi, here are tips to improve the quality:

• Perform a power cycle on the network router.
• Ensure the router’s service cable is attached.
• Disconnect some of the devices on the Wi-Fi.

You can test the performance of your network by navigating to speedtest.net and clicking the “GO” button.

The download speed must be at least 5 Mbps, or else you’ll face sound crackling.

Switch to a Mobile Hotspot Temporarily!

Switching to your mobile device’s hotspot could be a sensible solution to do if you are uncertain about the consistency of the Wi-Fi.

A temporal fault with the router or overloading of the network might be a common cause for a non-lasting discrepancy in the Wi-Fi.

So, access the quick menu of your device and ensure the “Mobile Data” feature is set to “On.”

Then, check whether the smartphone/device automatically switches to mobile data from Wi-Fi. 

6. Reset the Speaker to Factory Defaults

If the JBL Charge 5 popping sound is still there, we would strongly recommend restoring the speaker to factory defaults along with all system settings.

To reset the JBL Charge 5 speaker, press and hold the “Volume+” and “Play” buttons for about 3 seconds until the device powers off.

Then, wait for a minute or two until the system reloads and all services are back online before testing for the crackling noise.

If it’s there, keep reading!

7. Reinstall the JBL Portable Application

There’s a strong possibility that the crackling comes from an issue with the JBL Portable app.

If the speaker is unable to maintain a consistent connection with the app, reinstalling it should be a considerably effective solution, for both iOS and Android.

7.1 How to Reinstall the JBL App On iPhone?

1. Unlock your iPhone and locate the JBL app on the homepage.
2. Press and hold the app’s icon until the actions menu appears.
3. Tap the red “Remove App” button from the drop-down menu.
4. Wait until the app is uninstalled and removed from the screen.
5. Open the App Store and search for “JBL Portable” in the field.
6. Tap on the cloud icon to re-download the app and add the JBL.

7.2 How to Reinstall the JBL App On Android?

1. Launch the Google Play Store and tap on your profile icon.
2. Next, go to “Manage apps & device” and press on “Manage.”
3. Select the JBL Portable app from the list of installed platforms.
4. Tap the “Uninstall” button to remove the app from your device.
5. Head back to the homepage of the store and relocate the app.
6. Tap on the “Install” button and reconnect the JBL Charge 5.

Note: Removing the Charge 5 from the JBL app will erase all profile settings.