What you need to know before you start

The Solo speaker in Riverside — the compact Bluetooth device made by Beats — uses a glued-in battery that cannot be swapped out by the user. If your speaker no longer holds a charge, you have three real options: send it to Beats for a battery replacement service, replace the entire device, or open it yourself if you are comfortable with tools and risk.

Beats does not sell replacement batteries for the Solo speaker separately. The company offers a mail-in repair service through their support site, though the cost varies depending on whether your device is still under warranty. If your speaker is out of warranty, the repair typically costs between $40 and $80, plus shipping.

Opening the speaker yourself voids any remaining warranty and requires a heat gun or hair dryer, a plastic pry tool, and a replacement battery rated for the Solo model. The process takes 30 to 45 minutes and involves removing glue, disconnecting a small connector, and reassembling the case.

Key Takeaways

  • Beats offers a mail-in battery replacement service through their official support portal, which is the safest option if your speaker is still under warranty.
  • Out-of-warranty repairs through Beats typically cost $40 to $80 plus return shipping, and take one to two weeks.
  • You can buy a replacement Solo speaker outright for $100 to $150 depending on the model year and retailer.
  • Opening the speaker yourself requires heat, plastic tools, and a compatible replacement battery, and will void any warranty coverage.
  • Before attempting any repair, check your purchase date and receipt to confirm whether your device is still covered under Beats' one-year limited warranty.

Sending your speaker to Beats for repair

Visit the Beats support website and navigate to the repair or service section. You will need your device serial number, which is printed on the back of the speaker or inside the battery compartment. Beats will ask you to describe the issue — in this case, that the battery no longer holds a charge or will not turn on.

If your speaker is within one year of purchase and you have proof of purchase, the repair is covered at no cost. Beats will provide a prepaid shipping label. If your speaker is out of warranty, you will see the repair cost before you commit. You then ship the device to the address Beats provides, and they return it within 7 to 14 business days after receiving it.

Keep your tracking number and the reference code Beats gives you. If the speaker does not arrive at their facility or gets lost in transit, you will need both to file a claim.

Buying a replacement speaker instead

A new Solo speaker costs $100 to $150 depending on the color and current sales. You can buy one from Best Buy, Amazon, Apple, or directly from Beats. If you bought your original speaker within the last 30 days, most retailers will accept a return or exchange without a restocking fee.

Before you buy a replacement, check whether your current speaker is worth selling. Used Solo speakers in working condition sell for $30 to $60 on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, depending on the model year and color. That can offset part of the cost of a new one.

A replacement is faster than repair — you get a working speaker the same day if you buy in store, or within two to three days if you order online. You also get a fresh one-year warranty on the new device.

Opening the speaker yourself

If you decide to open the Solo speaker, you will need a heat gun or hair dryer set to high, a plastic spoon or pry tool, a small Phillips screwdriver, and a replacement battery. The battery inside a Solo speaker is typically a 3.7V lithium-ion cell rated for 1000 to 1200 mAh. Search for "Beats Solo replacement battery" on Amazon or eBay — prices range from $15 to $30.

Heat the seam where the two halves of the speaker meet for 30 to 60 seconds to soften the adhesive. Use the plastic tool to gently pry the case open, working your way around the edge. Do not force it — if it does not move, apply more heat. Once the case is open, you will see the battery connected to the circuit board by a small white or black connector. Gently pull the connector straight out, then peel away the old battery.

Stick the new battery in place, reconnect the white or black connector, and press the case halves back together. You can use a small amount of clear silicone adhesive or super glue around the seam if you want a permanent seal, though this is optional. Let any glue cure for 24 hours before using the speaker.

This approach carries real risk: you can damage the circuit board, crack the plastic case, or short-circuit the battery if you are not careful. It also voids any warranty Beats might still honor. Only attempt this if you have experience opening electronics.

Checking your warranty status

Beats covers manufacturing defects for one year from the date of purchase. A battery that no longer holds a charge usually qualifies as a defect, so your speaker may still be covered even if you bought it a year ago. Find your original receipt or order confirmation — it will show the purchase date.

If you bought the speaker from a retailer like Best Buy or Amazon, you can also check your account history on their website. Beats can look up warranty status using your device serial number, which is on the back of the speaker or inside the battery door.

If you are within the warranty window, mail-in repair is free. If you are outside it, the cost is fixed — you will know the price before you ship the device.

What to do if your speaker will not charge at all

Before you assume the battery is dead, try a different charging cable and a different power outlet. Some Solo speakers stop responding to charge if the charging port is dirty or the cable is damaged. Use a dry cotton swab to clean the metal contacts on the charging port, then try again.

If the speaker still will not charge after 30 minutes, hold the power button for 10 seconds to force a restart. Some Solo models enter a deep sleep mode that looks like a dead battery but responds to a hard reset.

If none of these steps work, the battery or charging circuit is likely the problem. At that point, your options are the same: send it to Beats, buy a replacement, or open it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Beats Solo battery last before it needs replacement?

A Solo speaker battery typically holds a useful charge for 300 to 500 full charge cycles, which is roughly two to three years of regular use. After that, the battery starts to hold less charge with each cycle. Most people notice the speaker will not last a full day of listening before needing to recharge.

Can I use a different brand battery if I open the speaker myself?

Yes, as long as the voltage and connector type match. The Solo uses a 3.7V lithium-ion battery with a standard JST connector. Check the specifications of any replacement battery before you buy it to make sure the connector matches what is inside your speaker.

Will Beats repair my speaker if I opened it myself?

No. If Beats sees evidence that the case was opened — glue residue, scratches, or a misaligned seam — they will refuse the repair and may charge you a fee to assess it. If you open the speaker and something goes wrong, you will need to buy a replacement.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a Solo speaker?

If your speaker is under warranty, repair is free. If it is out of warranty, repair costs $40 to $80 plus shipping, while a new speaker costs $100 to $150. A new speaker is often only $20 to $40 more and comes with a fresh warranty, so many people choose replacement instead.

What should I do with my old speaker after I get a new one?

You can sell it for parts on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, even if the battery is dead — people buy broken speakers to repair them or harvest components. You can also donate it to an electronics recycling program in your area, which is free and keeps it out of a landfill.