Bose SoundLink Bluetooth III Manual

The Bose SoundLink Bluetooth III is a portable wireless speaker featuring Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio from compatible devices, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, built-in microphone for speakerphone calls, auxiliary input for wired connections, voice prompts for status updates, and intuitive controls for power, volume, pairing, and call management. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, charging, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. What's in the Box 3. Getting Started 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Bluetooth Pairing 7. Using the Speakerphone 8. Charging the Battery 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Portable speaker unit, Power adapter, USB charging cable, Protective carrying case (optional).

FeatureDescription
Bluetooth ConnectivityWirelessly stream audio from smartphones, tablets, and computers
Rechargeable BatteryLithium-ion battery provides hours of playback
Built-in MicrophoneFor hands-free speakerphone calls
Auxiliary Input3.5mm jack for connecting non-Bluetooth devices
Voice PromptsAudible guidance for power, pairing, and battery status
Multi-point PairingRemember multiple devices for easy switching
PowerTurns speaker on/off
Bluetooth ButtonInitiates pairing mode
Volume ControlsAdjusts speaker volume level
Call Control ButtonAnswers/ends calls, triggers voice assistant

What's in the Box

Unpack and verify all items are present.

  1. Bose SoundLink Bluetooth III speaker.
  2. AC power adapter.
  3. USB charging cable.
  4. Protective carrying case (if included).
  5. Quick Start Guide.
  6. Safety and Warranty Information.

WARNING! Keep packaging materials away from children to prevent suffocation. Inspect for damage upon unboxing.

Getting Started

Charge the speaker fully before first use.

  1. Charge: Connect the power adapter to the speaker's DC input and plug into a wall outlet.
  2. Power On: Press and hold the Power button until the indicator light turns on and you hear a tone.
  3. Initial Pairing: Press the Bluetooth button to enter pairing mode (indicator blinks blue).
  4. Connect Device: Enable Bluetooth on your device, select "Bose SoundLink III" from the list.
  5. Auxiliary Input: For wired connection, plug a 3.5mm audio cable into the AUX input.

CAUTION! Use only the provided Bose power adapter. Do not expose to liquids.

Specifications

Controls and Indicators

Top Panel: Power button, Bluetooth button, Volume Up/Down, Call Control button, Auxiliary input.

Indicator Lights: Power (white), Bluetooth (blue), Battery (amber/red).

Power: Solid white = On; Off = Powered down. Bluetooth: Blinking blue = Pairing mode; Solid blue = Connected. Battery: Solid amber = Charging; Solid green = Fully charged; Blinking red = Low battery.

Voice Prompts: Announce power on/off, device connected/disconnected, battery level, entering pairing mode.

Bluetooth Pairing

Pair with new devices or reconnect to previously paired devices.

  1. Turn on speaker (if off).
  2. Press Bluetooth button – voice prompt says "Ready to pair" and indicator blinks blue.
  3. On your device, go to Bluetooth settings and select "Bose SoundLink III".
  4. Upon successful connection, you'll hear "Connected to [device name]" and the indicator turns solid blue.
  5. To switch between paired devices, disable Bluetooth on the currently connected device, then enable on the desired device.

Tip: For best performance, keep the speaker within 30 feet of your device without obstructions.

Using the Speakerphone

Make and receive calls hands-free when paired with a phone.

  1. When a call comes in, press the Call Control button once to answer.
  2. During a call, press Volume Up/Down to adjust call volume.
  3. To end a call, press the Call Control button once.
  4. To reject an incoming call, press and hold the Call Control button for 2 seconds.
  5. To redial the last number, press the Call Control button twice when not in a call.
  6. To activate your phone's voice assistant (Siri/Google Assistant), press and hold the Call Control button.

WARNING! Ensure the speaker is on a stable surface during calls to avoid falls. Do not use while charging in wet conditions.

Charging the Battery

Charge using the provided AC adapter or a standard USB port.

  1. Connect the small end of the USB cable to the speaker's DC input.
  2. Connect the other end to the AC adapter and plug into an outlet, or connect to a computer's USB port.
  3. The battery indicator will glow amber while charging and turn green when fully charged.
  4. A full charge provides up to 14 hours of playback. Voice prompt will indicate "Battery low" when charge is nearly depleted.

CAUTION! Do not leave the speaker charging unattended for extended periods. Use only Bose-approved charging accessories.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Do not use liquids, aerosols, or abrasives.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme temperatures and direct sunlight.

Battery Care: For long-term storage, charge to about 50% and power off. Recharge every 6 months.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to interference that may cause undesired operation. ICES-003: Class B digital apparatus. Copyright © Bose Corporation. All rights reserved. Bose and SoundLink are trademarks of Bose Corporation. For support, visit www.bose.com/support or contact Bose Customer Service at 1-800-999-2673.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Speaker won't turn onBattery depletedConnect to power adapter and charge for at least 15 minutes before trying again.
Bluetooth connection failsOut of range/pairing modeMove devices closer; ensure speaker is in pairing mode (blinking blue light).
No sound from speakerVolume low/not connectedIncrease volume on both speaker and source device; check Bluetooth connection status.
Poor call qualityInterference/distanceMove closer to phone; ensure no obstructions between devices.
Battery drains quicklyHigh volume/old batteryReduce volume; if battery is several years old, consider replacement.
Speaker not chargingFaulty cable/adapterTry a different USB cable and power source; ensure connections are secure.

Reset: To reset Bluetooth connections, press and hold the Bluetooth button for 10 seconds until you hear "Bluetooth device list cleared".

Service: 1-800-999-2673; www.bose.com/support

Bose SoundLink Bluetooth III Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025