JBL Flip 5 Software Update Instructions

Here’s our JBL Flip 5 software update instructions.  This routine can take up to thirty minutes to finish, depending on the speed of your WiFi connection.  Plus, you can’t reverse once done.  That is, you won’t be able to return to any prior software version once you complete this speaker update.  So, be sure that you indeed want the update before going ahead with it.

JBL Flip 5 Software Update Instructions: Preparation Steps

You’ll need the following…

1. 1. An internet connection.
   2. A Bluetooth smart device.
   3. The JBL Connect app,
   4. The JBL Flip 5 itself.

So, connect your mobile device to the internet and install the JBL Connect app if you haven’t already.

Connect your speaker to household power, because we don’t want its battery going dead during the software update.  A dying battery could corrupt the speaker’s memory, and so, brick the speaker, leaving it useless and not repairable.

So, to be safe, plug the speaker into AC power.

Finally, connect the other end of the USB-C cord to the adapter. Finally, plug that adapter into a working outlet.

Then, pair your mobile device with the speaker

You are now ready to begin the software update process.

JBL Flip 5 Software Update Instructions: Step by Step

1. Find the JBL Connect App on your Mobile Device

We found ours on the fourth home page in the Apple iPad Air, as shown next.

2. Run the JBL Connect App

The app takes a few seconds to show you some pretty animations when you first start it.

But then it finds your paired JBL Flip 5 BT speaker and shows you its status screen.

Note the presence of the Update button near the bottom left of the speaker’s home page.  This means that a software update is available. If no newer software version is out, this button does not appear.

3. Tap the Update Button

Touching the Update button brings up an information page about the available update.  It describes what’s new in the latest software version.

Now this screen gives details about the available software update.  In our case here, it suggests the Flip 5 upgrade to software version 4.0.0.0.

4. Tap the Orange Upgrade Button to Continue with the JBL Flip 5 Software Update

If the battery has enough charge, then the software update process starts.  But if your battery is low, the system then asks you to connect the charger.  Then if it does ask, plug in the speaker. Then follow any screen prompts to begin the update.

5. The Software Update Process on JBL Flip 5 Begins

The update then starts.  So the Connect app displays a progress screen, to tell how far along the update is.

5a. The Latest Software Then Downloads to your Mobile Device

Your mobile device downloads the new software first.

5b. Software Update Progress, at Twenty-Five Percent Complete

Once the download to your mobile device finishes, the Connect app then verifies the software. Then it uploads the image to the Flip 5.

5c. Software Update Progress at Fifty Percent Complete

We’re several minutes into the update at this point in the process.

5d. Software Update Progress at Seventy-Five Percent Complete

5e. JBL Flip 5 Software Update Progress, at Ninety-Nine Percent Complete

5f. Software Update File Transfer 100 Percent Complete

Once the app copies the upgrade file to the Flip 5, you get the  Restarting  screen, as shown next.

But note that the speaker is still in the process of installing the new software. This goes on for several minutes after the Restarting screen appears. This screen warns us that our speaker will restart automatically. Then it asks us not to unplug the Flip 5 while it’s running the update. During this time, keep the speaker close to the mobile device running the app.

6. Wait for the Speaker to Shut Off and Power On Again

Watch the Power light on the speaker, as shown next.  That lamp will soon go dark, as shown next, as pointed out by the green arrow.

The speaker may or may not turn itself back on again.  Ours did come back on by itself for this update.  If yours did not, then go ahead with the next step (Step 7).  But if yours did come back online though, then skip Step 7 and pick up with Step 8.

7. Power On the JBL Flip 5

Next, press the dark Power button to turn the speaker ON again.  The unit should again pair with your mobile device where you’re running the JBL Connect app.  The Power button glows solid blue as your speaker successfully pairs again with your tablet or phone, as shown next.

Then back in the Connect App, the Upgrade Successful appears. This occurs when the app gets confirmation from the Flip 5 that the software update completed without errors.

8. Press the Let’s Party Button

With your speaker successfully paired to the JBL Connect app again, press the orange Let’s Party button.

The app then displays the JBL Flip 5 status screen once again.  But now, notice that the Update button no longer appears.  So this means that the software update worked, and that the speaker is now running the current firmware.

9. Done with JBL Flip 5 Software Update !

Finally, you’ve now updated the software to the current version in the JBL Flip 5.

Other Posts About the JBL Flip 5

1. 1. How to Pair JBL Flip 5 with Alexa
   2. Bluetooth Pairing Procedure
   3. How to Tell if JBL Flip 5 is Charging
   4. Low Frequency Mode for Extra Bass
   5. How to Put in Pairing Mode

References for JBL Flip 5 Software Update Instructions

1. 1. JBL Flip 5 Official Product Page