Noise cancellation on JBL Tune 600 is controlled by a physical button on the left ear cup

The JBL Tune 600 has a dedicated noise cancellation button located on the outside of the left ear cup. Press and hold this button for about two seconds to turn noise cancellation on or off. You'll hear a confirmation tone when the feature activates — a higher-pitched beep means it's on, and a lower-pitched beep means it's off.

The button is slightly raised and textured so you can find it by touch without looking. It sits near the bottom edge of the left ear cup, separate from the power button and volume controls. Once activated, the headphones will begin filtering ambient sound, though the level of noise reduction depends on the fit and seal of the ear cups against your ears.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold the noise cancellation button on the left ear cup for two seconds to toggle the feature on or off.
  • A higher-pitched tone confirms noise cancellation is active; a lower tone means it has been turned off.
  • Proper fit matters — make sure the ear cups seal snugly against your ears for the best noise reduction.
  • Noise cancellation drains the battery faster than normal listening, so charge the headphones regularly if you use it often.

Finding the button if you're new to the headphones

If you've just unboxed your JBL Tune 600, locate the left ear cup and feel around the bottom edge. The noise cancellation button has a slightly different texture than the smooth plastic surrounding it, making it distinct from other controls. It's positioned lower than the power button, which sits at the top of the same ear cup.

Once you've found it, press and hold for the full two seconds. Pressing too quickly won't activate the feature. You should feel a slight click as you press, and the confirmation tone will play through the speakers immediately after.

What happens when noise cancellation is on

When active, noise cancellation reduces low-frequency sounds like engine rumble, air conditioning hum, and traffic noise. It works less effectively on sudden, sharp sounds like a door slamming or someone speaking directly to you. The technology uses microphones on the outside of the ear cups to detect ambient sound and generate opposing sound waves that cancel it out.

You may notice a slight hissing or pressure sensation in your ears when noise cancellation first turns on — this is normal and usually fades within a few seconds as your ears adjust. If the sensation bothers you, turn the feature off and try again later, or check that the ear cups fit properly.

Battery drain and charging considerations

Noise cancellation uses additional power beyond normal playback. The JBL Tune 600 will run for roughly 35 hours with noise cancellation off, but only about 20 hours with it on. If you use noise cancellation daily, plan to charge the headphones every two to three days rather than weekly.

Charge the headphones using the included USB cable. A full charge takes about two hours. The headphones will continue to work while charging, so you can use them during the charging process if needed.

Troubleshooting if the button doesn't respond

If pressing the button produces no tone and noise cancellation doesn't activate, first check that the headphones are powered on. The power button is at the top of the left ear cup — hold it for two seconds to turn the headphones on if they're off. A voice prompt will announce the power status.

If the headphones are on but the noise cancellation button still doesn't work, try restarting the headphones by holding the power button for five seconds until you hear a shutdown tone, then press it again to turn them back on. If the button remains unresponsive after a restart, the button itself may be damaged and the headphones may need service.

Pairing and using noise cancellation with your device

Noise cancellation works independently of Bluetooth pairing — you don't need to pair the headphones with your phone or computer for the feature to function. Once you've turned on noise cancellation using the physical button, it stays active regardless of what device you're connected to or whether you're listening to anything.

You can toggle noise cancellation on and off as many times as you want throughout the day. There's no limit to how often you can use the feature, and turning it on and off won't affect your Bluetooth connection or any audio currently playing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does noise cancellation work without music playing?

Yes. Noise cancellation reduces ambient sound whether or not you're listening to audio. You can turn it on and sit in silence to experience the noise reduction, or use it while listening to music, podcasts, or calls.

Can I adjust how strong the noise cancellation is?

The JBL Tune 600 has only one noise cancellation level — on or off. There's no way to dial the intensity up or down. If you find it too strong or not strong enough, your only option is to turn it completely off.

Will noise cancellation work if the battery is low?

Noise cancellation will continue to work even when the battery is nearly empty. However, as the battery drains, the effectiveness may decrease slightly. Charge the headphones regularly to maintain full performance.

What's the difference between noise cancellation and passive noise isolation?

Passive isolation comes from the physical fit of the ear cups blocking sound naturally. Noise cancellation is an active technology that generates opposing sound waves. The JBL Tune 600 uses both — the ear cups provide some passive isolation, and the button activates the active noise cancellation system.