Unfortunately, the usual way to activate the additional JBL Charge 5 bass does not work. Further, we know of no other way to switch this mode ON. But you could simulate it by adjusting an equalizer app on your streaming source device. Hopefully, JBL will add this feature in a later version of the firmware.
But if this did work, it might operate as follows, just as it has on other JBL Charge speakers.
Now when ON, this mode would make the passive radiators vibrate noticeably more. Moreover, more bass would add a decidedly “thumpy” aspect to the content playing. This could make the 5 sound much bigger than it really is.
JBL Charge 5 Bass: Proposed Method
First off, by default, the 5 would have bass turned on. Moreover, if this toggling actually worked, then it would also add more treble.
![Picture of the -Volume Down- and -Bluetooth- buttons on the JBL Charge 5.](https://i0.wp.com/tomstek.us/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/JBLCharge5VolDownBluetoothButtons_001.jpg?resize=300%2C174&ssl=1)
JBL Charge 5 Bass: Detailed Adjustment
How to Turn It OFF
Someday we hope that you’ll be able to turn this bass ON. It would work by pressing the Volume Down (-) and Bluetooth buttons. Then hold them in for about ten seconds. Finally you would release them when the oval ring lights up.
Find these buttons on the top of the 5.
![Picture of all lights lit on the top button panel on the JBL Charge 5.](https://i0.wp.com/tomstek.us/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/JBLCharge5TopAllLightsLit_001.jpg?resize=300%2C176&ssl=1)
How to Turn It ON
Also, to reverse what you did above, then again, you would press the Volume Down and Bluetooth buttons. Hold them in until the oval button ring lights up once more. Then release. Finally, when the ring goes dark, the bass setting would go back to what it was before.
Qualifiers
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- Firmware version for this test: 0.5.2.0.