Bose SoundLink 3 Instruction Manual

The Bose SoundLink 3 is a premium Bluetooth wireless speaker designed for high-quality audio playback. It features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, voice prompts for easy pairing, NFC for quick connection, auxiliary input, USB charging port, and integrated controls for volume, playback, and Bluetooth management. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Package Contents 3. Initial Setup & Charging 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Bluetooth Pairing 7. Playing Audio 8. Using the Aux Input 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Speaker unit, Control Panel, Battery, Charging port, Auxiliary input, NFC touchpoint.

FeatureDescription
Bluetooth WirelessStream audio from compatible devices up to 30 feet away
Rechargeable BatteryLithium-ion battery provides up to 14 hours of playback
Voice PromptsAudible guidance for Bluetooth pairing and status
NFC (Near Field Communication)Tap-to-pair with NFC-enabled devices
Auxiliary Input3.5mm jack for wired connection to audio sources
USB Charging PortMicro-USB port for charging the speaker
Multi-function ButtonControls power, Bluetooth pairing, and call management
Volume ButtonsAdjust speaker volume level
Playback ControlsPlay/Pause, Track Skip Forward/Backward
Battery IndicatorLED lights show remaining battery level

Package Contents

Unpack and verify all items are present.

  1. Bose SoundLink 3 speaker.
  2. AC power adapter (with regional plug).
  3. Micro-USB charging cable.
  4. Auxiliary audio cable (3.5mm to 3.5mm).
  5. Protective carrying case (varies by region).
  6. Quick Start Guide and Safety leaflet.

WARNING! Keep plastic bags away from children to avoid suffocation hazard. Inspect contents for damage.

Initial Setup & Charging

Before first use, fully charge the speaker.

  1. Connect the micro-USB cable to the speaker's charging port.
  2. Plug the AC adapter into a standard wall outlet (100-240V, 50/60Hz).
  3. The battery indicator LED will pulse amber while charging and turn solid green when fully charged (approx. 3 hours).
  4. Power on the speaker by pressing and holding the Multi-function button until you hear the startup tone and see the LED indicator light up.

CAUTION! Use only the provided Bose AC adapter and cable. Do not expose the speaker to extreme temperatures while charging.

Specifications

Controls and Indicators

All controls are located on the top panel of the speaker.

Multi-function Button: Press to power on/off. Press and hold for 2 seconds to enter Bluetooth pairing mode. Press to answer/end calls when connected to a phone.

Bluetooth Button: Press to disconnect current device and prepare to pair a new one.

Volume +/- Buttons: Adjust speaker volume. Volume level is independent of source device volume.

Play/Pause Button: Control playback of music. Press to play or pause. Press twice to skip to next track.

Battery Indicator LEDs: Show battery status: Green (High), Amber (Medium), Red (Low), Flashing Red (Needs charge).

Bluetooth Pairing

Pair your speaker with a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

  1. Turn on the speaker. The voice prompt will say "Ready to connect".
  2. On your Bluetooth device, enable Bluetooth in the settings menu.
  3. Select "Bose SoundLink 3" from the list of available devices.
  4. If prompted for a PIN, enter "0000" (four zeros). A tone and voice prompt will confirm successful pairing.
  5. For NFC pairing: Ensure NFC is enabled on your device. Simply tap the device to the NFC symbol on the speaker's case.

Tip: The speaker can remember up to 8 devices. To pair a new device, press the Bluetooth button to disconnect the current one.

Playing Audio

Once paired, audio from your device will play through the speaker.

  1. Start playing music, a podcast, or other audio on your Bluetooth device.
  2. Use the speaker's Play/Pause and Volume buttons to control playback.
  3. To skip tracks: Press the Play/Pause button twice quickly to skip forward. Press three times quickly to skip backward.
  4. To handle phone calls: When a call comes in, press the Multi-function button once to answer. Press again to end the call.
  5. To check battery: Press the Volume + and - buttons simultaneously. The LED will indicate battery level.

WARNING! Do not expose the speaker to liquids. High volume levels over extended periods can damage hearing.

Using the Aux Input

For devices without Bluetooth, use the auxiliary input.

  1. Connect one end of the auxiliary cable to the speaker's AUX IN jack.
  2. Connect the other end to the headphone jack of your audio source (e.g., MP3 player, laptop).
  3. The speaker will automatically switch to Aux input mode when a cable is connected. You may need to press the Bluetooth button to switch inputs if Bluetooth is active.
  4. Control playback and volume from your source device.

Note: Disconnect the auxiliary cable to return to wireless Bluetooth operation.

Care & Maintenance

To ensure long life and optimal performance.

CAUTION! Do not attempt to open or disassemble the speaker. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference. ICES-003 Compliance: Class B digital apparatus. Copyright © Bose Corporation. Bose and SoundLink are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com/support or contact Bose Customer Service in your region.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Speaker won't power onBattery depletedConnect to power adapter and charge for at least 30 minutes before trying again.
Cannot pair via BluetoothSpeaker not in pairing mode / Device out of rangePress & hold Multi-function button until you hear "Ready to pair". Move devices closer (within 30 ft).
Audio cuts out or is choppyWireless interference / Low batteryMove speaker and source device closer together. Charge the speaker. Avoid Wi-Fi routers and microwaves.
No sound from Aux inputWrong input selected / Cable issuePress Bluetooth button to switch to Aux input. Ensure cable is fully inserted at both ends.
Poor battery lifeBattery age / High volumeBattery capacity decreases over time. Reduce volume to extend playback time.
Voice prompts are disabledSettings changedPress and hold the Volume - and Play/Pause buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds to reset voice prompts to default (On).

Reset: To reset all settings to factory default, press and hold the Multi-function button for 10 seconds while the speaker is on. You will hear a confirmation tone.

Service: For warranty and service information, visit www.bose.com/support.

Bose SoundLink 3 Instruction Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025