Entering JBL Charge 5 lock mode powers down the speaker. So when locked, you cannot pair to or play music through it. Lock mode also disables the buttons, except for the combo you need to exit this mode. Also, all the top panel lamps glow white while lock mode is in effect. Furthermore, the battery gauge on the front glows white and pink. This signals that the 5 is in lock mode. Plus it may deter others from messing around with it until its owner wants to unlock it.
JBL Charge 5 Lock Mode: How to Turn ON
To turn on Lock mode, power up the Charge 5 first. Then press and hold in the Pairing and Volume UP (+) button combination at the same time. Hold them in until all lights glow and the Charge 5 plays the power down sound. This usually takes ten seconds or so.
Note that you can enter this mode as long as the 5 is ON. But you cannot do so when the 5 is OFF.
Also, it doesn’t matter whether the unit has connection to external power. But remember that unlike in service mode, you don’t need the AC adapter to exit lock mode. This is true as long as the battery has enough juice to power up the Charge 5.
JBL Charge 5 Lock Mode: How to Turn OFF
Again, you can restore correct operation by cancelling this mode. But note that when Lock mode is active, you can switch it back off without connecting the charger. That is as long as the battery is not completely dead.
As long as the lights are glowing, you should be able to exit lock mode without connecting a charger. To exit lock mode, press and hold the Power button until all lights go dark.