Although our computers and laptops are not always in need of speakers because we all have different audio solutions, having good speakers connected is not really going to harm anyone. Especially if you want the sound of media to be spread across the entire room and you want to be able to hear everything clearly.
Whether you are using JBL speakers or speakers from other companies, the process is more or less the same; but in today’s post, we are going to focus on how to connect JBL speakers to computer and laptop. The process is among the easiest but considering how there are a number of ways you can connect the speakers, we are going to cover every aspect of it.
How to Connect JBL Speakers to Computer and Laptop
There are two methods that you can use to connect the JBL speakers to computers and laptops; one is using the AUX cable (for older JBL speakers) and the other involves the use of Bluetooth connectivity. Furthermore, we are listing down the methods for both Windows and macOS.
Method 1: Using the AUX Cable
I love when wireless speakers or headphones, for that matter offer AUX connectivity. This just goes to show that the manufacturers do care about the users by providing them with more than one way of connecting their peripherals.
Thankfully, you can connect your JBL speakers to your laptop or computer by just using an aux cable, however, some of the newer models do not support this feature as they only have Bluetooth as the main connectivity option.
With that said, follow the guide below to connect your JBL speakers to a computer or laptop using an AUX cable.
- Turn on the JBL speaker by pressing and holding the power button until you see the LED indicator turned on.
- Once the speaker is on, look for a slot cover on the back of your JBL speakers and lift that.
- You will now see a USB connection along with a 3.5mm jack.
- Simply go ahead and plug your 3.5mm jack into the JBL speaker and connect the other end to your laptop or your computer.
- If you are using Windows 8 or above, you will have to manually change the output of the audio. Click the Volume icon found at the bottom right of your screen, and press the arrow pointing upwards. On Windows 11, the arrow would be pointing towards the right.
- Now from the list of output devices, choose the JBL speaker that you have just connected.
That is all you have to do to connect the JBL speakers using an AUX cable. However, the above-mentioned guide is specifically for Windows-powered computers/laptops. Below, you can find the guide that will let you connect the headphones to your Mac.
- Make sure your JBL speaker is turned on and connected to the Mac using the AUX cable.
- Click the Apple menu found on the upper left corner of the screen and click on System Preferences.
- Once you are there, click on Sound.
- Here, you will need to look for an Output button and click that.
- Once you are there, you will see a list of connected devices. Simply click your JBL speakers that you see in that list and you are good to go.
Method 2: Connect JBL Speakers Using Bluetooth
If you are like me and you prefer wireless audio, then the good news is that you can go ahead and connect your JBL speaker using Bluetooth as well. I have mentioned this before how the modern JBL speakers do not come with an AUX port. Here is a list of speakers that do not have an AUX input.
- JBL Flip 5
- JBL Charge 5
- JBL Pulse 4
- JBL Go 3
- JBL link 20
- JBL link 300
- JBL link 500
Thankfully, the process of connecting your JBL speakers to a computer or laptop is rather easy. Let’s get started.
- Make sure that your JBL speaker is turned on and in pairing or discovery mode.
- On your Windows 11 computer, click on the Start menu and then go to Settings.
- Once you are in the Settings, click on Bluetooth & devices found in the left pane.
- On the right side, click on Add a device button.
- You will now be asked to choose the type of device you want to connect. Simply click on Bluetooth.
- After a few seconds, your JBL speakers should appear and you can go ahead and connect them.
If you are using a Mac, then the process is slightly different but don’t worry, we have you covered. Let’s take a look.
- Make sure that your JBL speakers are turned on and in pairing/discovery mode.
- On your Mac, click on the Apple icon found on the Apple left corner of the screen.
- Now choose System Preferences and then select the Bluetooth Icon.
- You will be taken to a new window where you will see the list of devices available to connect, simply find your JBL speaker and hit connect.
What to Do if My Computer Does Not Have Bluetooth?
Now, there are going to be cases in which your laptop or computer might not have Bluetooth connectivity, to begin with. This is largely the case with older computers or there could be some fault in the Bluetooth module.
If you still want to go ahead and connect your JBL speakers, I would highly advise you to invest in a Bluetooth dongle. These dongles are very cheap and they often support the latest Bluetooth protocols, too. You can plug them into the USB port of your device and you are good to go.
Conclusion
If you have been wanting to connect your JBL speakers to your computer or laptop, this guide covers all the essentials that you will have to go through. It is simple, straightforward, and covers all the bases that one would need to successfully connect their speakers to their computer.
I have been gaming for almost 24 years with extensive knowledge of all platforms and the gaming industry, in general. With interests in literature, art, gaming, and PC hardware.