Why are my JBL Headphones Flashing Blue? Quick Fixes

JBL Bluetooth headphones eliminate all the inconveniences of tangly wired headphones, but they can sometimes be frustrating to use. My JBL Bluetooth headphones suddenly stopped working and started flashing blue. Different people encounter this problem and look for reasons and quick solutions: Why are my JBL Headphones Flashing Blue?

In this situation, I might find myself tearing my hair out, trying to figure out what these blinking lights mean and what I can do to get my headphones to start working again. JBL Bluetooth headphones only have a few controls, typically power and volume buttons. The blinking blue light on my JBL headphones indicates a common Bluetooth problem.

The big problem is selecting which one exactly I need to press to bring my headphones back to life. In this article, I will tell you what those blinking red and blue lights and other light patterns mean. You’ll also learn what you need to do to solve the issues indicated by these lights.

Why JBL Bluetooth Headphones Flashing Blue? Potential Reasons

JBL Bluetooth headphones have status lights. These tell me what’s going on with my headphones. If, for example, the status light is a constant blue, it usually means the headphones are connected to my smartphone, laptop, or speaker. They’re ready to use. Different headset brands have different status lights.

But in general, if my headphones flash red and blue, they are unpaired from my device. Unpaired headphones mean they are not connected to any other device. They are in pairing or discovery mode. It means my headphones are looking for another Bluetooth device to connect with.

Sometimes, headphones in pairing mode try but fail to connect with another device. They’re running into an error during pairing, so they blink red and blue to let me know. If this happens, there are many ways to fix the red and blue flashing lights.

Why Do JBL Bluetooth Headphones Have a Pairing Mode?

Bluetooth headphones have a pairing mode because it lets them connect with other devices. Pairing mode typically lasts anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes. There are a few benefits to having a pairing mode:

It saves battery on both devices because they’re not always looking for other devices to pair with.
It allows both devices to establish a secure connection with each other.
The app saves the pairings I prefer, so I don’t have to do it every time.

Types of Bluetooth Pairing Mechanisms

Most Bluetooth devices use the two most common pairing mechanisms, legacy pairing and a newer mechanism called Simple Secure Pairing (SSP).

Legacy Pairing

Legacy pairing is used in devices running on Bluetooth 2.0 and older versions. It requires you to enter the correct PIN code into both paired devices. Most Bluetooth headphones that use legacy pairing have a fixed PIN code, such as 0000 or 1234. You can find the PIN code in the headset’s manual.

Secure Simple Pairing

SSP is a more complex mechanism that uses elliptic curve cryptography to connect Bluetooth devices. It is used in newer devices running on Bluetooth 2.1 and above, which is what most commercial headphones, smartphones, and consumer devices use today.

This mechanism needs a confirmation on one device to establish a connection, but you usually don’t have to enter a PIN code on any device.

How Does JBL Bluetooth Pairing Work?

Bluetooth headphones paired with smartphones. The pairing between two Bluetooth devices is done so they can work together. A connection is established when both devices create a trusted relationship using a link key. It is used to confirm both devices to each other.

The link key is also used to generate a temporary encryption key to protect the data transmitted across both devices. As soon as a connection is made, the encryption key is discarded. However, both devices keep the link key. They use this to re-confirm each other in future connections.

How I paired my JBL Bluetooth Headphones?

The process includes the following steps:

I open the Bluetooth settings on my smartphone or laptop and turn Bluetooth on.
I press the pairing button. I look at the manual to find where the pairing button is.
Then I wait for the status lights to blink red and blue. It tells me the headphones are now in pairing mode.
On my device, I will find the list of Bluetooth devices found now, including my headphones.
Then I select the name of my headphones to connect.
Even if multiple devices become available, my device will only establish a Bluetooth connection with the device I choose – unless it was previously connected and automatically connects.

Why are my JBL headphones blinking blue?

If my headphones are blinking blue, it could mean a few things.

A constant blinking blue light can indicate a healthy connection.
A slow pulsing blue light can mean the headphones are in pairing mode.
The most common light pattern for pairing mode is blinking red and blue.

However, I may still want to try pairing my headphones with another device to see if the pulsing blue light stops once it is connected.

It can mean interference. Move away from the source of interference, such as a Wi-Fi router or microwave oven.

How to stop headphones from showing a constant, blinking blue light? Troubleshooting

If the blinking blue light indicates a healthy connection, you have nothing to worry about. But the constant flashing can be annoying, especially if you’re in a dark room and the headphones are causing too much attention to themselves.

If the headphones have an app, you may find an option that disables the status lights. Some headphone brands, like Sennheiser, let you turn off the status lights using the hardware controls.

Put the headphones in pairing mode. The status lights will flash red and blue.
Press the volume down button.
Turn off the headphones.
Turn them on again.
Connect your headphones with your device.
If all else fails, you can always use tape as a last resort to cover the light.

Why are my headphones blinking amber, red, or orange?

The battery is running low if your headphones are flashing red or amber.

An orange light may mean the battery is at a medium level, and you need to charge the headphones in a few hours.

It may also mean that the headphones are currently charging.

If it’s red, you likely only have a few minutes left before your headphones run out of power. The quick solution is to charge your headphones.

Why are my JBL headphones not pairing?

The most common reason my headphones will not appear in the Bluetooth devices list is that they are not in pairing mode. I have to check to see if the headphones are powered on. Then hold the Bluetooth button on the right ear cup for three seconds to switch to pairing mode.

How do I reset my JBL Bluetooth headphones?

Press and hold the volume up and down buttons on the right ear cup simultaneously for 20 seconds. Release the buttons. You will hear a sound that indicates your JBL headphones have been reset.

Final Thoughts

Headphones and many auditory earmuffs are a vital part of our daily routine. If it weren’t for good playlists and discreet headphones, many of us would be unemployable. Hopefully, you’ve understood what those lights on your headphones now mean. Regardless of whether they’re red, blue, orange, or red, you should be able to know what your headphones are trying to communicate and how to solve this.

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