Updating Firmware on JBL Flip 6

Shows how the updating firmware procedure works on the JBL Flip 6. This procedure can take five to ten minutes to finish. Factors such as WiFi connection speed and how fast your mobile device is can affect how long it takes.

Note though that you can’t reverse this once updating is complete.  That is, you won’t be able to return to any prior firmware version.  So, be sure that you indeed want the update before proceeding.

Updating Firmware on JBL Flip 6: Prep Steps

You’ll need the following…

1. 1. An internet connection.
   2. A Bluetooth mobile device.
   3. The JBL Portable app.
   4. And the JBL Flip 6 speaker itself.

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

As a precaution, connect your Flip 6 to household power. Why? Because we don’t want its battery to die while updating.  In fact, a dying battery could corrupt the speaker’s memory. So, this may brick it, leaving it useless and not repairable.

So, to be safe, plug the speaker into AC power. It’s best to use the USB cable that comes with this unit. But if you don’t have that, other decent cords are available that work just as well.

Finally, connect the other end of the USB-C cord into a charger. Then plug that charger into an AC outlet.

Then, pair your mobile device with the speaker.

You are now ready to begin the updating the firmware on the Flip 6.

Updating Firmware on JBL Flip 6: Step by Step

1. Find the JBL Portable App on your Mobile Device

We have ours ours in a custom folder called Bluetooth Speakers on an Apple iPad Air.

2. Run the JBL Portable 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 6 wireless speaker and shows you its status screen.

Note the presence of the Software update available link near the top of the speaker’s home page. This means that an update is available.  But if no newer firmware is out, then this button does not appear.

3. Tap the Software Update Available Bar

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

Now this screen gives details about the available firmware.  In this case, it suggests the updating will install firmware version 0.6.4.0 on the speaker.

4. Tap the Orange Update Button to Continue with the Updating Firmware on JBL Flip 6

If your speaker battery has enough charge, and / or you connected the charger, then the update process starts.

But if your battery is low and you’ve not connected a charger, the app asks you to do so now. If it does, then do that. Then follow any screen prompts to begin updating.

5. The Updating Firmware Process on JBL Flip 6 Begins

The update then starts.  So the Portable app displays a progress screen to let you know how far along the update is.

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

Your mobile device downloads the new firmware to its memory first.

5b. Update Progress, at Thirty-One Percent Complete

Once download to your device completes, the app then verifies and uploads the firmware image to the speaker.

5c. Updating Firmware Progress at Fifty-Nine Percent Complete

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

5d. Updating Firmware Progress at Ninety-Nine Percent Complete

5e. Update File Transfer Now Complete

Once the app copies the upgrade file to the Flip 6, you get the  Updating screen, as shown next.

At this point, the speaker is installing the update into its primary memory.  This takes roughly two minutes.

The speaker will restart automatically when it finishes updating.

6. Wait for the Speaker to Shut OFF and Power ON Again

Watch the Power light on the speaker.  That lamp will soon go dark.

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 6

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 Portable app.  The Pairing button glows solid white.

Then meanwhile, back in the Portable App, the Update Successful appears. This happens when it gets confirmation from the speaker that the upgrade completes.

8. Press the Let’s Party Button

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

The app then displays the JBL Flip 6 home screen again. But now, notice that the Software Update Available bar disappears.

So this means that the update succeeded and that the speaker is now running the current firmware version.

9. Done with JBL Flip 6 Update Firmware Instructions !

Finally, you’ve now updated the firmware to the current version in your JBL Flip 6.

Other Posts About the JBL Flip 6

1. 1. Reset JBL Flip 6 Procedure
   2. JBL Flip 6 Firmware Upgrade Procedure
   3. Output Watts RMS Figures
   4. The PartyBoost Feature Explained
   5. Solving the JBL Flip 6 Not Turning OFF Problem

References for JBL Flip 6 Update Firmware Instructions

1. 1. JBL Flip 6 Official Product Page
   2. Where to Buy the JBL Flip 6