How to Connect JLab Headphones
Many JLab earbuds power on the moment they leave the case, so there is nothing to press. Here is pairing for each type, plus resets and the fixes.
Hold the button on both JLab earbuds for around five seconds until the light flashes, or take them out of the case for the first time and they enter pairing mode automatically. On JLab over-ear models, hold the power button for around five seconds from off. Then select the JLab entry in your device’s Bluetooth list, and expect the model name rather than the word JLab.
JLab earbuds have one behavior that catches people out: many models power on automatically the moment they leave the case, so there is nothing to press.
Earbuds
Most JLab earbuds, including the JBuds and Go ranges, power on when you remove them from the charging case and power off when you put them back.
On first use out of the box they enter pairing mode automatically. Open Bluetooth settings and the model name appears.
To pair a second device later, put both buds in the case, take them out, and hold the touch surface or button on both buds for around five seconds until the light flashes.
Some JLab models pair the two buds to each other first and then to your phone, which means the first bud out becomes the primary. If only one bud connects, put both back in the case for ten seconds and take them out together.
Over-ear and neckband models
With the headphones switched off, hold the power button for around five seconds until the light flashes and you hear a pairing prompt.
Select the JLab entry in your Bluetooth list.
To pair a second device on models supporting multipoint, put the headphones back into pairing mode and pair again. Both stay connected, with audio following whichever is playing.
Switching between sources
JLab over-ear models often accept more than one input, and knowing how the device chooses between them saves a lot of confusion.
Bluetooth is the default whenever a paired device is in range and the headphones are on.
The 3.5 mm cable takes priority on most models. Plugging a cable in switches the headphones to that input, and unplugging it returns them to Bluetooth. On several models the headphones will pass audio over the cable with the power off, which is useful when the battery dies.
USB-C audio, on models that support it, generally takes priority over both when a data capable cable is connected to a source rather than a charger.
Where a model supports multipoint, switching between two Bluetooth sources happens automatically by whichever starts playing. Pausing on one and starting on the other is the manual method, and it is more reliable than expecting the headphones to guess.
Button layouts and hold times differ between JLab models more than they should, so check the card in the box for your specific model if the general pattern above does not match what your headphones do.
The JLab app
JLab publishes an app on both platforms handling firmware updates, equalizer presets, control customisation and, on supported models, the multipoint toggle.
Firmware updates are the reason worth installing it, since connection reliability improves in updates and there is no other route to apply them.
Several JLab models also carry a physical EQ cycle through the on device controls, stepping through preset curves, which works without the app.
When it will not connect
Another device already has them. The most common cause. Turn Bluetooth off on every phone, tablet and laptop nearby that has paired with them before.
Only one bud connects. Put both in the case, close the lid for ten seconds, and take them out together. That re establishes the link between the buds.
Not in pairing mode. Hold longer and confirm the light is flashing rather than solid.
A stale pairing. Remove the JLab entry from the device’s Bluetooth list and pair from scratch.
Flat battery. Charge for 30 minutes before troubleshooting anything else, since a deeply discharged battery will not respond at all.
Case contacts dirty. Clean the metal contacts on the buds and inside the case with a dry cotton bud, since debris there prevents charging while everything looks normal.
Resetting
On earbuds, put both buds in the case, then hold the touch surface or button on both for around 15 seconds until the light flashes or changes color. Some models reset by placing the buds in the case and holding the case button.
On over-ear models, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds with the headphones off.
Afterward, remove the JLab entry from the Bluetooth list on every device that has paired with them. A device holding old credentials keeps trying to reconnect with them, which fails silently and makes the reset look as though it did nothing. Our guide on resetting Bluetooth headphones covers why that step matters.
Frequently asked questions
How do I put JLab headphones in pairing mode?
On earbuds, take both buds out of the case and hold the touch surface or button on both for around five seconds until the light flashes. On first use out of the box they enter pairing mode automatically when removed. On over-ear models, hold the power button for around five seconds with the headphones switched off.
Why does only one JLab earbud connect?
The link between the two buds has dropped. Put both buds back in the case, close the lid for ten seconds, then take them out together rather than one at a time. That re establishes the connection between them before either pairs to your phone, and it fixes this more often than a full reset.
How do I switch between Bluetooth and a cable on JLab headphones?
On most models the 3.5 mm cable takes priority automatically, so plugging it in switches the headphones to that input and unplugging returns them to Bluetooth. Several models also pass audio over the cable with the power off, which is useful when the battery is dead. USB-C audio, where supported, generally takes priority over both.
How do I reset JLab headphones?
On earbuds, hold the touch surface or button on both buds for around 15 seconds, or hold the case button with the buds inside depending on the model. On over-ear models, hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds while switched off. Then remove the headphones from every paired device’s Bluetooth list before pairing again.