JLab earbuds connect via Bluetooth, which means turning on Bluetooth on your device and putting the earbuds into pairing mode so they can find each other. Most JLab models pair the same way, though some newer models have a dedicated app that makes the process smoother. The whole process usually takes under two minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Put your JLab earbuds into pairing mode by holding the button on the charging case for three to five seconds until the LED flashes, then turn on Bluetooth on your phone or computer.
- Once paired, your earbuds will reconnect automatically to that device the next time you turn them on, as long as Bluetooth is enabled.
- If your earbuds do not appear in your Bluetooth list, reset them by placing them back in the case, closing the lid for ten seconds, then opening it again and holding the button.
- The JLab Connect app (available on iOS and Android) lets you customize sound settings and check battery level, though it is not required to use the earbuds.
How to pair JLab earbuds for the first time
Start by making sure your JLab earbuds are fully charged. Place them in the charging case and close the lid. On the back or side of the case, you will see a small button — hold it down for three to five seconds. You should see an LED light begin to flash, usually in white or blue. This means the earbuds are now in pairing mode and searching for a device to connect to.
On your phone or computer, open the Bluetooth settings. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn it on. On Android, go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth and turn it on. On a Mac, click the Apple menu > System Settings > Bluetooth. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Bluetooth. Your JLab earbuds should appear in the list of available devices — the name usually starts with "JBL" or "JLab" followed by numbers or letters.
Tap or click the JLab earbuds name to connect. Your device will confirm the connection, and the LED on the case will stop flashing and stay solid. You are now paired. Take the earbuds out of the case and they should power on automatically and connect to your device.
Reconnecting to the same device after the first time
Once you have paired your JLab earbuds to a device, they will remember that device. The next time you take the earbuds out of the case, they will automatically try to connect to the last device they were paired with, as long as Bluetooth is turned on. You do not need to go through the pairing process again.
If your earbuds do not reconnect automatically, make sure Bluetooth is turned on on your device. If it still does not work, put the earbuds back in the case, close the lid, wait a few seconds, then open it again. They should reconnect within a few seconds.
Pairing with a second device
JLab earbuds can be paired to multiple devices, but they can only be connected to one device at a time. To pair them to a second device, put the earbuds back in the case and hold the button on the back for three to five seconds again until the LED flashes. Then follow the same pairing steps on your second device.
Once paired to both devices, your earbuds will try to connect to whichever device they were last connected to. If you want to switch to the other device, you may need to turn off Bluetooth on the first device or manually select the earbuds from the Bluetooth menu on the second device.
What to do if your earbuds will not appear in Bluetooth settings
If you hold the button on the case but the LED does not flash, the earbuds may not have enough battery. Put the case on a charger for at least 15 minutes and try again. If the LED still does not flash, the button may not be responding — try holding it for longer, up to ten seconds.
If the LED flashes but your earbuds do not show up in your Bluetooth list, reset them completely. Place the earbuds in the case, close the lid, and wait ten seconds. Open the lid, then hold the button for ten seconds until you see the LED flash a different color (often red or white). This resets the earbuds to factory settings and clears any previous pairing. Now try pairing again from the beginning.
If your device has previously connected to these earbuds, it may be trying to reconnect to an old pairing. Go to your Bluetooth settings and look for the JLab earbuds name in the list of paired devices. Tap the information icon or "Forget this device" option to remove the old pairing, then try pairing again.
Using the JLab Connect app
JLab makes a free app called JLab Connect, available on both iOS and Android, that lets you adjust sound settings like bass and treble, check the battery level of your earbuds and case, and update the firmware if a new version is available. The app is optional — your earbuds will work without it — but it gives you more control over how they sound.
To use the app, download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, open it, and make sure your earbuds are already paired to your phone via Bluetooth. The app should recognize your earbuds automatically. From there you can customize equalizer settings, rename your earbuds, and see real-time battery information.
Troubleshooting connection problems
If your earbuds keep disconnecting from your device, move closer to your phone or computer. Bluetooth works best within about 30 feet, and walls, metal objects, and other wireless devices can interfere with the signal. If you are far away or in a crowded area with many Bluetooth devices, the connection may drop.
If one earbud connects but the other does not, put both earbuds back in the case for ten seconds, then take them both out at the same time. They should sync with each other and both connect to your device. If this does not work, reset the earbuds as described above and pair again.
If your device shows the earbuds as connected but you hear no sound, check the volume on both your device and the earbuds themselves. Some JLab models have a volume button on the earbud — try pressing it to increase the volume. Also make sure the earbuds are actually in your ears and the speaker openings are not blocked by earwax or debris.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use JLab earbuds with multiple devices at the same time?
No, JLab earbuds can only be connected to one device at a time, even if they are paired to multiple devices. To switch between devices, you need to either turn off Bluetooth on the first device or manually select the earbuds from the Bluetooth menu on the second device.
Do I need to charge the case to charge the earbuds?
Yes, the case holds the battery that charges the earbuds. When you put the earbuds in the case, they charge from the case battery. The case itself charges via USB-C or micro-USB (depending on your model) when you plug it into a power adapter or computer. Check your manual to see which charging port your model uses.
What if I lost one earbud?
JLab sells replacement earbuds individually on their website, though the cost varies by model. You can also contact JLab customer support with your model number and serial number to ask about replacement options. In the meantime, you can still use the remaining earbud in mono mode on most devices.
Why do my earbuds disconnect when I go to another room?
Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet in open space, but walls and obstacles reduce this range significantly. If your phone stays in one room and you walk into another, the signal may drop. Keep your phone closer to you, or move it to the same room you are in.
Can I pair JLab earbuds to a smartwatch?
Yes, if your smartwatch has Bluetooth and supports audio, you can pair JLab earbuds to it the same way you pair them to a phone. Put the earbuds in pairing mode, then go to the Bluetooth settings on your watch and select the JLab earbuds from the list.