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Charging a Bluetooth Speaker – How To Do It Right

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Updated March 15, 2023

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If you are new to the world of personal audio, you may wonder how to charge a speaker. Many of the best speakers, after all, are Bluetooth speakers, and some are battery-powered and portable, requiring frequent charges. So why use the best Bluetooth speakers, and how do you keep them successfully charged at all times? Keep reading for some tips.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Charging a speaker is important if your Bluetooth device is powered by an integrated lithium-ion rechargeable battery.
Keep your speakers charged at all times and avoid allowing them to fully discharge to ensure a good lifespan and decent battery life.
You should also look into quick-charging options and rely on a USB AC adaptor over a USB port. Power banks, 9v chargers. Additionally, wireless charging can be an attractive option for compatible speakers.

Benefits of Battery-Powered Bluetooth Speakers

Portability is the name of the game here once you learn how to connect a Bluetooth speaker to a phone. Battery-powered speakers also cut down on the cables, so you can learn how to clean a Bluetooth speaker without running into frustrating cords. Although wireless, you’ll need to know how to charge a Bluetooth speaker with an AUX cable, in the event you can’t use a USB cable. These speakers also integrate with a wide variety of audio devices if you want to learn how to connect a Bluetooth speaker to a PC.

Insider Tip

You should also regularly clean your speaker with a dry microfiber cloth, avoiding water and any chemical agents.

Portable speakers travel with you wherever you go, so long as you know how to charge a Bluetooth speaker. That way, you will never have to wonder how to connect a soundbar to a TV with no audio output. Additionally, they are known for not needing too much maintenance, so you won’t have to learn why your soundbar keeps turning off. Some of these speakers also integrate with one another, so you can learn how to play music on two Bluetooth speakers.

How to Charge a Portable Wireless Speaker

Short answer? Plug it in and charge it. Longer answer? There are some tips to consider that will help you keep these speakers charged so that they are ready when you need them.

Use an Outlet

AC outlets charge quicker than USB connections to a computer, phone, or tablet. If you want a speedy recharge, head to your local power outlet and give it a go. You should be able to fully charge your speaker in an hour or two, but charging time will depend on the make and model battery level. A dead battery will take much longer to charge than one with a 50% battery charge, especially with some of these newer products that boast features like a 20-hour battery life. After all, the main point of a wireless speaker is that you can have a good listening experience by having many hours of playtime with your favorite music.

Avoid a Full Discharge

You want to avoid fully discharging the battery inside of your speakers. Modern lithium batteries operate under the presumption of charging cycles. After a set number of cycles, you will run into problems. Allowing the battery to fully discharge before automatically charging it back up enters into a new charging cycle. So, yeah, avoid doing that. Always start charging at around 20 percent or so.

STAT: Research on rechargeable Li-ion batteries dates to the 1960s; one of the earliest examples is a CuF2/Li battery developed by NASA in 1965. (source)

Go for Quick-Charging

If you have a regular functional USB cable you are using to charge, look into quick-charging options. Many modern speakers allow for the integration of USB-C quick chargers, and some even offer wireless charging.

Speaker Charging FAQs

How do I charge Bluetooth speakers without a charger?

If you don't have a charger, you can try plugging directly in via an active USB port. Otherwise, you will have to make some hardware adjustments with a soldering tool to allow for inductive charging.

How do I extend the battery life of a Bluetooth speaker?

Make sure you keep it charged by using your USB AC adaptor, and try not to touch the power button accidentally. When necessary, look into user-replaceable batteries to extend the shelf life of your speakers.

How long can I expect my rechargeable batteries to last?

This depends on the design of your batteries and the device they are used with. You should get four to eight hours of use per charge, though this can be increased with a power bank. Additionally, charge with a wireless charger or head to an AC outlet when needed.

References:

Lawrence Bonk

Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns appearing in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.