You can connect two JBL speakers in three ways: using Bluetooth to pair them together, connecting them through a single audio source, or linking them with a cable if your model supports it

The method you choose depends on your speaker model and what you want the speakers to do. Some JBL speakers can pair wirelessly with each other so both play the same music at the same time. Others work better when you connect them both to the same phone, tablet, or audio device separately. A few older or larger JBL models have audio input jacks where you can run a cable from one speaker to another.

Before you start, check your speaker's manual or the model number on the back — different JBL lines (Flip, Charge, Party Box, Link) have different pairing methods. The steps below cover the most common setups you will encounter.

Key Takeaways

  • JBL speakers with PartyBoost or Connect+ can pair wirelessly with each other, but only certain models work together — check your manual to confirm both speakers support the same pairing standard.
  • If your speakers do not have a pairing feature, you can connect both to the same phone or tablet separately, though they will not stay perfectly in sync.
  • Some JBL speakers have a 3.5mm audio jack on the back where you can plug in a cable from another speaker or audio device.
  • The speaker you connect to first becomes the primary speaker — the second one receives the signal from the first, not directly from your phone.

Pairing two JBL speakers with PartyBoost or Connect+

JBL's PartyBoost feature lets certain speaker models connect to each other wirelessly. This is the cleanest method if both your speakers support it. PartyBoost is built into most JBL Flip, Charge, and Xtreme models made in the last five years, as well as some older ones.

To use PartyBoost, turn on both speakers and make sure they are not already connected to your phone. Press and hold the PartyBoost button on the first speaker until you hear a tone or see a light flash. Then press and hold the PartyBoost button on the second speaker. The speakers will beep or flash again when they find each other. Once they are paired, connect your phone to the first speaker via Bluetooth as you normally would — both speakers will play the same audio.

If you do not see a PartyBoost button, your speakers may use Connect+ instead, which works the same way but is found on some Link and other newer models. Check your manual for the exact button location and pairing sequence, as the process varies slightly by model.

Connecting both speakers to your phone separately

If your speakers do not have PartyBoost or Connect+, you can still play audio through both at once by pairing each one to your phone individually. This method works with any JBL speaker that has Bluetooth, but the two speakers will not stay perfectly synchronized — there may be a slight delay between them.

Turn on the first speaker and hold its Bluetooth button until it enters pairing mode (usually a flashing light). Go to your phone's Bluetooth settings and select the speaker's name. Once it is connected, turn on the second speaker and repeat the process. Your phone will now remember both speakers.

When you want to play music through both, open your phone's Bluetooth settings and look for an option to connect to multiple devices. Not all phones support this — iPhones cannot connect to two Bluetooth speakers at once, but many Android phones can. If your phone does not support dual Bluetooth, you will need to use PartyBoost or a cable instead.

Using a cable to connect speakers with audio input jacks

Larger JBL speakers like the PartyBox series and some older models have a 3.5mm audio input jack on the back. If both your speakers have this jack, you can run a cable from the audio output of one speaker to the audio input of the other. This creates a chain where the first speaker receives the signal from your phone and passes it to the second speaker.

You will need a 3.5mm audio cable, which costs between $5 and $15 at most electronics stores. Plug one end into the audio output jack of the first speaker and the other end into the audio input jack of the second speaker. Connect your phone to the first speaker via Bluetooth. Both speakers will play the audio, and they will be perfectly in sync because they are receiving the same signal through the cable.

This method works reliably but requires the speakers to be close enough for the cable to reach. It also means you cannot move the speakers independently without unplugging the cable.

Troubleshooting when speakers will not pair

If your speakers are not finding each other during PartyBoost pairing, make sure both are fully charged and within 10 feet of each other. Turn both speakers completely off, wait 10 seconds, and turn them back on. Then try the pairing process again from the beginning.

If one speaker pairs but the other does not, check that both speakers support the same pairing standard. A newer JBL Flip 6 will not pair with an older Flip 4 using PartyBoost, even though both have the feature. Your manual will list which models are compatible. If you have mismatched speakers, use the separate Bluetooth connection method instead.

If your speakers keep disconnecting from each other, they may be too far apart or there may be interference from other wireless devices. Move them closer together and away from WiFi routers, microwaves, and other Bluetooth devices. If the problem continues, forget both speakers from your phone's Bluetooth settings and pair them again from scratch.

What to do if your speaker model does not support pairing

Older JBL speakers and some budget models do not have PartyBoost or audio input jacks. In this case, your only option is to connect both speakers to your phone separately via Bluetooth, understanding that they will not stay perfectly in sync.

If you need true synchronized audio and your speakers do not support it, you have two choices: upgrade to a newer JBL model that includes PartyBoost, or use a single larger speaker instead of two smaller ones. JBL's PartyBox line is designed specifically for playing music to a group, and models like the PartyBox 110 and 310 can pair with each other or with smaller speakers that support PartyBoost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pair a JBL Flip with a JBL Charge using PartyBoost?

Yes, if both are recent models (roughly 2018 or newer). Older versions of these speakers may not be compatible. Check your manual or contact JBL support with your model numbers to confirm before trying to pair them.

Will both speakers play at the same volume when paired?

When speakers are paired with PartyBoost or a cable, they will play at whatever volume you set on your phone. You can usually adjust the volume on each speaker individually as well, so one can be louder than the other if you want.

What if I want one speaker to play different music than the other?

Paired speakers always play the same audio. If you want different music on each speaker, disconnect them and pair each one to a different phone or audio device instead.

Do I need to pair the speakers every time I turn them on?

No. Once two speakers are paired with PartyBoost, they will remember each other and reconnect automatically when you turn them both on. You only need to pair them once.

Can I use a PartyBoost speaker with a non-PartyBoost speaker?

No. PartyBoost only works between speakers that both support it. If you have one PartyBoost speaker and one without, connect both to your phone separately instead.