Having issues getting your Bose SoundLink Color 2 speaker to connect to your device? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The SoundLink Color 2 is one of Bose’s most popular portable Bluetooth speakers, but some users have reported problems with getting it to connect properly.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most common reasons why your SoundLink Color 2 may not be connecting, along with steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue.
Bluetooth Isn’t Turned On
The first thing to check whenever your Bose SoundLink Color 2 won’t connect is whether Bluetooth is actually turned on. On both your speaker and your device (phone, tablet, laptop etc), ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
On the SoundLink Color 2, you can press the Bluetooth button to turn Bluetooth on or off. Make sure the Bluetooth indicator is flashing blue, which means it’s in discoverable mode.
Then on your device, go into your settings and ensure Bluetooth is toggled on. Your device will then search for available Bluetooth devices and should display the SoundLink Color 2 as an available device.
Speaker Isn’t In Pairing Mode
In order for your device to connect to the SoundLink Color 2, the speaker must be in Bluetooth pairing mode. Here are the steps to get it into pairing mode:
- Make sure the speaker is powered on.
- Press and hold the Bluetooth button for 2 seconds until the Bluetooth indicator flashes blue.
- On your device, go into your Bluetooth settings and select “Bose SoundLink Color II” from the list of available devices.
Once paired, your device will connect automatically to the SoundLink Color 2 whenever Bluetooth is turned on in the future.
Speaker or Device Needs To Be Reset
If you’ve paired your device and SoundLink Color 2 before but now they won’t connect, try resetting and repairing them. Here’s how:
- On the SoundLink Color 2, press and hold the Bluetooth and Volume down buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds. The Bluetooth indicator will flash amber and then the speaker will reset.
- On your device, go into your Bluetooth settings and forget/unpair the SoundLink Color 2 speaker.
- Now pair your device and SoundLink Color 2 again by following the steps above.
Resetting both devices often fixes connection issues, allowing you to repair them from scratch.
Speaker Software Needs Updating
Bose periodically releases software updates for the SoundLink Color 2 that include bug fixes and performance improvements. If your speaker is having connectivity issues, updating to the latest software version may help.
To update, you’ll need your speaker, your device, and a micro USB cable. Follow these steps:
- On your device, download the Bose Connect app from the app store.
- Open the app and plug your SoundLink Color 2 into your device using a micro USB cable.
- The app will automatically check for updates and prompt you to install any available updates.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the software update.
Once updated, try connecting your speaker and device again via Bluetooth. Often software updates include fixes for Bluetooth connection problems.
Bluetooth Antenna Damage
In some cases, hardware damage can cause Bluetooth connection issues with the SoundLink Color 2. Specifically, the Bluetooth antenna inside the speaker may have become damaged, preventing a strong Bluetooth signal.
The antenna is located inside the speaker underneath the fabric grille. Damage can occur from dropping the speaker or getting it wet. Unfortunately if the antenna is damaged, you’ll likely need to replace the entire speaker, as the antenna cannot be repaired.
Before replacing it, try resetting the speaker and your device as well as updating the software. But if connection issues persist, physical antenna damage is likely the culprit.
Interference From Other Devices
Bluetooth connection problems can also stem from interference from other electronic devices nearby that operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This includes things like:
- Other Bluetooth speakers or headphones
- Wireless routers and modems
- Microwave ovens
- Baby monitors
- Garage door openers
- Cordless phones
If any of these devices are operating nearby, their signals can potentially interfere with and disrupt the connection between your speaker and device.
Try moving the SoundLink Color 2 away from other electronic equipment and see if connectivity improves. Also consider switching your router, modem or other wireless device to the 5 GHz band if possible, as 2.4 GHz is more prone to interference.
Too Far Apart
Another common reason a Bluetooth speaker won’t connect is simply being out of range. While Bluetooth can transmit over distances of up to 30 feet, performance will degrade as distance increases.
Walls, windows, metal objects and human bodies in between your connected devices can also impact the signal and reduce the effective range.
If your SoundLink Color 2 won’t connect, try moving your device closer to the speaker, within 10-15 feet for best performance. Clear any obstructions between them and make sure they have a straight line of sight.
You can also try changing the orientation of the devices. Since Bluetooth uses antennas that transmit in specific directions, turning your speaker or device slightly may improve connectivity.
Incorrect Source Selected
On the SoundLink Color II speaker, there is a source button you use to switch between device connections. For example, if you pair your phone and tablet to the speaker, you press this button to switch between playing audio from your phone vs your tablet.
If your speaker won’t connect, double check that you have the source set to the correct device. Press the source button to cycle through connected devices until you get to the one you want to play music from.
The corresponding Bluetooth indicator for that device will blink when it’s selected as the active source. Make sure it’s the indicator for the device you want before trying to connect and play audio.
Disabled Media Audio
On Android devices, you need to enable media audio in your Bluetooth settings for audio streaming to work properly with speakers like the SoundLink Color 2.
Go into your Bluetooth settings on your Android device and select the option for media audio to ensure this is toggled on. If media audio is disabled, your speaker may connect but you won’t get any sound.
Try a Different Device
To help determine if the issue lies with your speaker or your device, try connecting the SoundLink Color 2 to a different device like another smartphone, tablet or computer.
If the speaker successfully connects to another device, then the issue is likely with your original device rather than the speaker itself. You may need to toggle your device’s Bluetooth off and back on, re-pair the speaker, or consult the device manufacturer for help.
But if the SoundLink Color 2 fails to connect to multiple devices you test it with, then the speaker itself is likely the source of the problem. You can try resetting and updating the speaker, checking for antenna damage, or contacting Bose support for assistance.
Contact Bose Support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps above but your Bose SoundLink Color II still refuses to connect via Bluetooth, your last resort is to contact Bose support.
You can reach out to their support team via phone or online chat. Bose’s customer service is generally quite helpful in trying to diagnose Bluetooth issues with their speakers.
Before contacting them, make sure you’ve got your speaker’s serial number handy as they’ll need it to look up your product. Also know what device you’re trying to connect from (model, OS version etc) as well as what troubleshooting you’ve already tried.
Bose may suggest resetting your speaker, updating software, replacing the battery or other fixes. If they determine your speaker is defective, they can initiate a warranty return/replacement if it’s still covered by warranty.
Conclusion
That covers the most common reasons why your Bose SoundLink Color 2 won’t connect via Bluetooth and how to troubleshoot them. The key steps are:
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices
- Put speaker in pairing mode
- Reset and re-pair the speaker and device
- Update the speaker software
- Check for antenna damage
- Minimize interference from other devices
- Move devices closer together
- Set speaker source to the correct device
- Enable media audio on Android
- Test with a different device
- Contact Bose support
In most cases, the speaker will connect after trying one or more of these fixes. But if you continue having issues, Bose support can help diagnose the specific problem with your speaker and guide you towards a solution or replacement.