Front left view of the JBL Charge 5 BT speaker.

JBL Charge 5 Low Frequency Mode, Not So Fast

Unfortunately, the usual way to switch low frequency mode does not work on the JBL Charge 5. Hopefully, JBL will re add this feature in a later version of the firmware.  But if this did work, it might work as it has on other JBL Charge speakers.  Now when ON, this mode makes the passive bass radiators vibrate noticeably more.  Furthermore, low frequency mode adds a decidedly “thumpy” aspect to the content playing. And this would make this speaker sound much bigger than it really is.

How to Toggle JBL Charge 5 Low Frequency Mode

First off, by default, this BT speaker has this extra bass mode turned on.  Moreover, if this toggling actually worked, this would also add more treble and lots more bass.

The Charge 5, top view, showing the -Volume Down- and -Bluetooth- buttons.
The Charge 5, top view, showing the -Volume Down- and -Bluetooth- buttons.

How to Switch OFF and ON

Someday we hope that you’ll be able to turn low frequency mode OFF. This would work by pressing the Volume Down (-) and Bluetooth buttons. You would hold them in for about ten seconds.  Hold until the oval ring around the buttons lights.

Picture showing all lights lit.
All lights lit.

Also, to turn extra bass mode back on, again, press the Volume Down and Bluetooth buttons. Hold them in until the oval button ring lights up again.  Then release the buttons.  Finally, when the ring goes off, low frequency mode resumes once more.

Qualifiers

    1. Speaker firmware version for this test: 0.5.2.0.

Other Posts About the JBL Charge 5

    1. The Buttons Discussed
    2. Firmware Update Instructions
    3. The Charge 5 Won’t Turn On – How to Fix
    4. How to Put Into Pairing Mode
    5. How to Reset

References for JBL Charge 5 Low Frequency Mode

    1. JBL Charge 5 Product Page
    2. Where to Buy the JBL Charge 5