I’ve dug into forums and support threads to figure this out, and it turns out JBL speakers cutting out is a pretty common headache – especially on models like the Flip 4/5 and Charge 4/5. Often it’s not random at all but due to things like weak Bluetooth signals, interference, or software quirks.
Below I’ll share the main culprits and fixes I found (and believe me, plenty of folks on Reddit/tech forums have already tested these).
One frequent issue is Bluetooth range/interference. JBL speakers (like the Flip 4) only have about a 30 ft range, and walls or devices can kill the signal. In practice, if your phone or PC moves even a few meters away or behind a wall, the music can chug or cut.
One user pointed out that Bluetooth “is limited to about a 33-foot range” and walls or interference can easily drop the connection. Similarly, nearby routers or wireless devices often clash with Bluetooth.
Fix: Keep your source device close to the speaker and clear of obstacles. If you’re near a busy Wi-Fi router or other electronics, try moving to a quieter spot – some users actually solved cut-outs by moving their phone away from the router or turning off other wireless gear while streaming.
Below are 5 methods that can help to fix your Jbl speaker.
1. Update Firmware and App
Believe it or not, outdated firmware or app conflicts often cause cutouts. Several users found simply updating the speaker’s software through the JBL Connect/One app cured the glitch. For example, one Flip 5 owner updated via the JBL app and it “worked for me”, resolving the stutters.
Another user noted the fix was to download the JBL Connect app, then update the speaker’s firmware to the latest version. If you haven’t tried this, install the official JBL app (Android or iOS) and let it push any new firmware to your speaker – make sure the speaker is plugged in and charging during the update.
In fact, one person reported that after updating to the newest firmware, playback stopped skipping – it was literally a compatibility bug. After updating, if the speaker still cuts out, check your smartphone too.
In one case, a user with a Xiaomi phone found that his Flip 5 only cut out with that phone; it worked fine with others, hinting at a Bluetooth compatibility quirk. As a rule, if a firmware update doesn’t help, you could try uninstalling/reinstalling the JBL app. There are even reports that the JBL app itself can cause trouble: one Charge 5 user deleted the JBL One app and factory-reset the speaker, which finally stopped the Bluetooth dropouts. (So if you ever suspect the app, try streaming without it or use a different device/app.)
2. Reset and Re-Pair
A factory reset often fixes connection issues. Many JBL models let you reset by holding certain buttons – for example, on many Flip/Charge speakers you hold Volume Up + Play until it powers off, then re-pair the speaker. After a reset, you should “forget” the JBL in your phone’s Bluetooth settings and pair it fresh.
Users on Reddit swear by this: one Flip 4 owner said a quick reset (then re-pairing) “worked finally. Who knew a simple reset can fix it.” Another found their speaker had “horrendous Bluetooth reception” (even crackling above 30% volume) until they reset it, after which it “works perfectly.”
So if you’re still stumped, try resetting your JBL speaker. Look up the exact reset steps for your model (it usually involves holding some combination of buttons). This clears old pairing glitches and can rid any stuck settings that cause cutouts.
3. Multiple Devices and PartyBoost Chains
If you have multiple Bluetooth devices or speakers linked together, that can confuse the JBL’s connection. Make sure no other phone or computer is still paired and trying to talk to the speaker.
In fact, one user reported that disconnecting every other Bluetooth device and leaving only one active (the one playing music) stopped all the interruptions.
If you use PartyBoost/Connect+ mode with multiple JBLs, that can introduce its own quirks. For instance, some Charge/Flip owners noticed that linking two speakers sometimes made both crackle – but swapping which was “host” or updating firmware fixed it. As a rule: if using multi-speaker mode, update firmware on all units, and if one speaker is flaky, remove it from the chain and test the others alone.
4. Battery and Power Settings
Believe it or not, a low or misreporting battery can cause dropouts. JBL speakers sometimes go into power-save mode or mute when the battery is low. Always try streaming while the speaker is fully charged or plugged in.
One tech tip was to set your phone/tablet volume to max and control volume from the JBL itself – in some cases (especially with AUX or wired use) that prevents JBL’s internal limiter from muting quiet passages. The advice came up often: a speaker with low charge may stutter or cut out.
5. Faulty Hardware or Damage
If none of the above works, consider hardware faults. Physical damage, water exposure, or a factory defect can cause the symptoms. For example, one Flip 4 was dropped from about 5 ft, after which its Bluetooth range shrank to just 6 inches! The owner concluded the Bluetooth chip was probably damaged.
Likewise, if your speaker ever got spilled on or soaked, internal components could be off. In another case, a user reported that hard bass caused a flex cable inside the Flip 5 to come loose, leading to random cutouts (it was fixed by re-attaching the cable).
Similarly, unusual crackling or complete turn-offs have been tied to defects. (Some JBL models have been known to be more sensitive – e.g. early Flip 5’s had a firmware bug, and PartyBox 300 won’t work reliably with computers).
If your speaker is under warranty, getting it checked or replaced by JBL might be necessary. But before you go that route, try the simpler fixes above – most people find it’s an easy software or connection issue, not a hardware failure.
Also check: 5 Best Soundbars For Large Rooms With High Ceilings
Final Thoughts
The most common reasons a JBL speaker keeps cutting out are weak Bluetooth signal or interference, outdated firmware/app issues, and connection glitches. My advice is keep your device close and clear of obstacles, update or reset the speaker via the JBL app, and remove any extra Bluetooth pairings. A factory reset often works like magic. Finally, ensure the battery is healthy and consider possible damage if nothing else helps.
Hopefully one of these does the trick. Good luck getting your JBL back to smooth sound, and hopefully you won’t need to buy a new one!
