How To Fix JBL 3.1 Soundbar Subwoofer Not Working?

Asking how to fix the JBL 3.1 soundbar subwoofer not working? You’re at the right place!

Solving the problem consists of several factors. The subwoofer’s power supply must be taken into consideration along with its connection with the soundbar.

Fortunately, we will cover all of that in this guide and get the problem resolved for you!

To fix a non-working JBL 3.1 soundbar subwoofer, power cycle both the subwoofer and the soundbar first. Perform a pairing process the correct way and solve power-related issues. Next, perform a reset on your JBL soundbar to solve the issue.

Why Is The JBL 3.1 Soundbar Subwoofer Not Pairing?

If your JBL 3.1 soundbar isn’t pairing to the subwoofer, you’re most likely doing something wrong during the setup.

Before we get on with the troubleshooting of the problem, we will guide you through the right way to pair your JBL subwoofer and soundbar.

How To Pair JBL Subwoofer To 3.1 Soundbar?

Here is how to pair your JBL subwoofer to your 3.1 soundbar:

1. On the back of your JBL 3.1 subwoofer, locate the “JBL” button.
2. The JBL button should be blinking in white.
3. Press the JBL button on the back of your subwoofer once.
4. Grab your soundbar remote.
5. Press the “Dim Display” button for 5 seconds.
6. Next, hit the Volume + button quickly and the Volume – afterward.
7. Wait for your 3.1 JBL soundbar to display “Connecting” on its screen.

If the pairing process didn’t work for you, attempt the instructions above 1 more time.

When the button on the back of your subwoofer that you pressed earlier has stopped blinking and is in solid white, it means that the devices got successfully connected.

Note: In case it does not work this way, jump straight to Solution #2 and onwards.

How To Fix JBL 3.1 Soundbar Subwoofer Not Working?

If the pairing didn’t work for you regardless of how many times you attempted the instructions, then there most certainly is something wrong with your JBL soundbar.

Let’s start with the solutions below to resolve the problem:

Solution #1 Increase Subwoofer Volume

Sometimes when setting up your subwoofer for the first time, it’s possible that the volume is lowered all the way down.

In that regard, you should first attempt to solve the problem by increasing the volume of your subwoofer.

Generally, you can increase the bass of your subwoofer through the remote and the volume from the back of the device.

We suggest increasing the volume from both of the instances to check if that would resolve the issue.

Where Are The Subwoofer’s Volume Buttons?

The volume button for your subwoofer is on the back of the device, between the crossover button and the subwoofer input.

You will see a button that you can rotate. Rotating it towards the right side will increase the volume and rotating it towards the left will decrease it.

The bass button for your subwoofer is located on the remote.

There, you will see Bass +/- buttons and you should click the bass + button around 5 times to increase that as well.

Note: Make sure that your subwoofer is playing audio during the time you increase the volume so you can determine if the issue is solved.

Solution #2 Power Cycle Subwoofer & Soundbar

The next thing you should attempt is to perform a power cycle on your subwoofer along with the soundbar.

This process will discharge your device out of any remaining electricity, therefore solving any temporary power blunders and issues your device may have.

Here’s how to power cycle your subwoofer and soundbar together:

1. Press the power button on your JBL soundbar and subwoofer.
2. Unplug both of their A/C power adapters from the outlet.
3. Standby for 5 minutes and begin re-attaching the cables.
4. Connect your soundbar first and then the subwoofer.
5. Turn ON both of the devices and test.

Note: If by any chance the JBL button on the back of your subwoofer is still blinking, pair the device to your soundbar following the instructions at the beginning of the guide.

Solution #3 Troubleshoot Power Supply

There’s a high chance that your subwoofer is going through an issue with the power supply.

That’s why our next resolution is related to troubleshooting the power income of your subwoofer in a variety of ways.

1. Attach Adapter Properly

Ensure that you’ve connected the A/C power adapter of your subwoofer and soundbar correctly.

2. Change Power Source

Connect your subwoofer to an alternative power outlet and test the device.

3. Unplug from Power Strips

Using power strips is never a proven way of supplying your device with electricity. Make sure to either use a 100% proven strip or divider or the wall outlet.

4. Replace Power Adapter

JBL subwoofers use standard power adapters, which you can acquire for no more than $20. Replace the power adapter to see what that would do.

Note: Make sure to test your subwoofer’s functionality after each of the troubleshooting suggestions you’ve seen above.

Solution #4 Move Subwoofer Closer To Soundbar

We assume you’re using Bluetooth to connect your subwoofer and soundbar.

If that’s the case, your subwoofer may not be working due to the large distance between both devices.

You should take your subwoofer closer to the soundbar in order to solve the problem.

The suggested range must not over-extend 5-7 meters to keep the connection strong and issue-free. Any longer than that could cause interruptions in the connection.

Note: When positioning your soundbar, check if the JBL button would still be solid white.

If it blinks again, this means that the subwoofer got disconnected during the moving and you have to pair the device again.

Solution #5 Reset JBL Soundbar

If nothing worked so far, you should perform a factory reset on your soundbar.

Since the connection is greatly dependent on your soundbar, erasing all system configurations of the device has a high chance of solving the issue with your subwoofer.

Here’s how to reset your JBL soundbar in easy steps:

1. Make sure that your soundbar is up and running.
2. Press and hold the Volume Down and the Virtual Surround buttons.
3. Hold both of them down for 5 seconds.
4. Release once the RESET goes over the screen of your soundbar.

Note: Performing a reset on your soundbar resets the entire audio system configurations with the speakers and the subwoofer. 

You may have to pair the subwoofer once again after the reset is complete.

Read Next: How To Fix JBL Soundbar HDMI ARC Not Working?

Thus, to fix a JBL 3.1 subwoofer that refuses to work, power cycle the device and increase its volume first. Next, inspect the power supply of the device and make sure that both devices are in close proximity if Bluetooth is used. Lastly, reset the audio system by factory resetting your soundbar.

Bottom Line:

Now that you know why the JBL 3.1 soundbar subwoofer not working and how to solve the problem, all that is left is to attempt our solutions.

There’s a possibility that you will struggle at some point and if that happens, never hesitate to contact JBL for additional assistance!