JBL Charge 4 Charging

Follow this JBL Charge 4 Charging routine, that explains charging the JBL Charge 4 via its hidden DC input charging USB-C port.

JBL Charge 4 Charging: First Remarks

 

First, we suggest that you recharge the JBL Charge 4 with a full power USB 2.0 charger such as the JBL USB charger is sold separately.

JBL Charge 4 Charging: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is it Time to charge the JBL Charge 4 ?

You know that it’s time to charge the 4 when the battery status gauge near the bottom on the front shows a single flashing light, or simply, when the JBL Charge 4 stops playing.

When you see that last light flashing, connect the black USB-C cable included with the 4 between the Charge 4 and your USB power adapter. Then, plug the supply into a working AC outlet, to keep the music going.

You can play the 4 while it’s charging.  But the battery will recharge more slowly.

Finally after four hours or so, your Charge 4 fully recharges. Then, you can play it again for roughly twenty hours before it runs dead again.

What’s the JBL Charge 4 Charging Time?

This 4 fully recharges in approximately four and a half hours, depending on the state of the power bank battery when charging begins, and the charger used to juice it up.  Smaller current AC USB chargers may take more time to fully recharge.

Why Does my JBL Charge 4 Keep Shutting Off?

An older battery often causes unexpected shutdowns, as it can no longer output the minimum current the 4 needs to work properly.  Installing a new battery can solve this problem.  We suggest though, that you get with a qualified electronics technician to install a new battery.

What Does the JBL Charge 4 Light Flashing Mean?

When you see the light blinking on the Charge 4’s battery status gauge, the battery has very little power left.  So the Charge 4 will shut off within an hour (roughly) if not recharged. Note that the gauge still flashes even when you connect a working charger.  The flashing continues until the battery reaches full charge.

Why Won’t the JBL Charge 4 Charge?

If the JBL Charge 4 Won’t Charge, Check the Following…

1. 1. The AC outlet that you plugged the charger into has power.
   2. Your AC adapter supplies at least 5 volts at 2.3 amps.  Smaller power supplies may recharge more slowly, or not at all.
   3. Your USB-C cable is good.  Try a different cable that you know works.
   4. Otherwise, the unit may need repair.

JBL Charge 4 Charging: Step-by-Step Procedure

1. For Best Results, Use a JBL Charger

As we said earlier, we use the JBL USB wall charger AC adapter that comes with other JBL speakers, although not with this one.  See this power plug shown next. You can buy this adapter from JBL.

2. Open the Port Door on the Back

Pry open the port door flap on the lower back of the Charge 4, and pull it toward you to open all the way. This exposes the USB-A power out and USB-C charging input ports inside, as shown next.

3. Plug in the USB-C Power Cord to the Charge 4

Then, plug the USB-C connector end of the charge cord (the smaller end) into the matching port on the 4, as shown next. Note that you can safely insert this plug either way. The USB-C port is the smaller of the two USB ports.

4. Plug the AC Power Adapter into a Working Wall Outlet

Now that the Charge 4 and its AC adapter are connected, we plug the wall charger into a functioning AC outlet, as shown next.

At least one of the battery status lamps lights up on the Charge Four when you apply power. There are five lamps on the JBL 4 that come on in succession as battery recharging progresses.  You can see them in the above picture, reflecting off of the floor.

5. Let the JBL Charge 4 Recharge Until All Battery Power Lights Go Off

Battery charging is almost complete when all but the last of the battery status lights light solid. The last one continues to blink for several minutes more to top off the charge.

The battery recharge cycle finishes when all battery status gauge lights go OFF.

6. Unplug the USB-C Charging Cable from the Charge 4

7. Fully  Push Closed the Water Resistant Port Door

Note that unless you fully close this power port opening flap, water could enter the input and output connector ports area, and likely damage the electronics inside. So, take care to correctly seat the port door.  Then, you’ll get the full water resistance protection.

See how this port door looks when fully closed and sealed in the next picture.

8. Done with JBL Charge 4 Charging !

We have now fully recharged the 4. Note that the battery status gauge just after turning on the Charge 4 following a full recharge. All gauge lamps glow, meaning that the unit is indeed charged to full.

Repeat this recharging every twenty hours of music play to keep the battery power bank in ready-for-use condition. We charge ours when the battery status gauge shows just one lamp glowing.  Keeping the unit charged is important if you charge your phones / tablets from it.

Other Posts About the JBL Charge 4

1. 1. JBL Charge 4 Charger Adapter Specs
   2. The Change Bluetooth Name Procedure
   3. How to Adjust Volume on JBL Charge 4
   4. Hard Reset Instructions
   5. Locating the Reset Button

References for JBL Charge 4 Charging

1. 1. JBL Charge 4 Official Product Page
   2. Where to Buy the JBL Charge 4