Bose SoundLink Portable Manual

The Bose SoundLink Portable is a wireless Bluetooth speaker designed for high-quality audio on the go. It features Bluetooth connectivity, built-in rechargeable battery, voice prompts for easy pairing, auxiliary input, USB charging port, and integrated controls for music playback and calls. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Contents 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Indicators 6. Connecting Devices 7. Playing Audio 8. Battery and Charging 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Wireless Bluetooth speaker, USB charging cable, AC power adapter, Protective carrying case (varies by model).

FeatureDescription
Bluetooth ConnectivityWireless pairing with smartphones, tablets, and computers
Rechargeable BatteryBuilt-in lithium-ion battery for portable use
Auxiliary Input3.5mm audio jack for wired connections
USB Charging PortFor charging external devices (if supported)
Voice PromptsAudible guidance for pairing and status
Integrated ControlsPower, Bluetooth, Volume, Play/Pause, Call Answer/End
Multi-point PairingRemember multiple devices for easy switching
Water ResistanceSome models feature splash resistance (check specific model)
Bose Connect AppOptional app for firmware updates and settings
Carrying HandleIntegrated handle for easy portability

Unpacking and Contents

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure all items are present.

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

WARNING! Keep plastic bags away from children to avoid suffocation hazard. Retain packaging for future transport or service.

First-Time Setup

Power on speaker; follow voice prompts for initial pairing.

  1. Charge the speaker: Connect USB cable to speaker and AC adapter, plug into outlet.
  2. Power on: Press and hold POWER button until indicator lights.
  3. Enable Bluetooth on your device (phone/tablet/computer).
  4. Put speaker in pairing mode: Press BLUETOOTH button until voice prompt says "Ready to pair" and indicator blinks blue.
  5. Select "Bose SoundLink" from your device's Bluetooth list.
  6. Confirm connection: Voice prompt will say "Connected to [device name]".

CAUTION! Use only the provided or Bose-approved power adapter. Place speaker on stable, flat surface.

Specifications

Controls and Indicators

Access controls on top panel. Front/Rear: POWER, BLUETOOTH, VOLUME +/- , MULTI-FUNCTION (Play/Pause/Call), AUX input, USB port.

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

Power: Press to turn on/off; hold to enter pairing mode. Bluetooth: Press to pair new device or switch between paired devices. Multi-function: Press to play/pause music; press twice to skip track; press and hold to activate voice assistant (Siri/Google Assistant). Volume: Adjust volume level. Battery Indicator: Solid white = good charge; blinking amber = low battery; solid red = charging; off = fully charged.

Connecting Devices

Bluetooth: Primary wireless method. AUX: Wired connection for non-Bluetooth devices.

  1. Ensure speaker is powered on and in Bluetooth mode.
  2. On your device, enable Bluetooth and select "Bose SoundLink" from list.
  3. For AUX connection: Use 3.5mm audio cable to connect device to AUX input on speaker.
  4. Switch input: If connected via AUX, speaker will automatically switch to AUX input when cable is inserted.

Tip: To pair a second device, press BLUETOOTH button to enter pairing mode, then connect from the new device.

Playing Audio

Supports music streaming, podcasts, and hands-free calls.

  1. Play/Pause: Press MULTI-FUNCTION button.
  2. Skip Track: Press MULTI-FUNCTION button twice quickly.
  3. Previous Track: Press MULTI-FUNCTION button three times quickly.
  4. Volume Control: Use VOLUME +/- buttons.
  5. Answer Call: Press MULTI-FUNCTION button when call arrives.
  6. End Call: Press MULTI-FUNCTION button during call.
  7. Reject Call: Press and hold MULTI-FUNCTION button when call arrives.
  8. Voice Assistant: Press and hold MULTI-FUNCTION button to activate Siri/Google Assistant.

WARNING! Do not expose speaker to excessive volume for prolonged periods to prevent hearing damage.

Battery and Charging

Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

  1. Charging: Connect USB cable to speaker and AC adapter. Battery indicator will glow red while charging, turn off when fully charged.
  2. Battery Status: Press POWER button briefly; voice prompt will announce battery level.
  3. Low Battery: Voice prompt will say "Battery low" when approximately 20 minutes of playtime remain.
  4. Maximizing Battery Life: Lower volume, avoid extreme temperatures, charge regularly.

CAUTION! Use only Bose-approved charging accessories. Do not attempt to replace battery; contact Bose service.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Use soft, dry cloth only; avoid liquids and abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Do not submerge in water. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and moisture.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to conditions: (1) device may not cause harmful interference, (2) device must accept any interference received. ICES-003 Compliance: 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 power onBattery depletedConnect to power adapter and charge for at least 30 minutes.
Bluetooth connection failsOut of range/pairing modeMove devices closer; ensure speaker is in pairing mode (blinking blue light).
No sound from speakerVolume low/wrong sourceIncrease volume on speaker and source device; check input source.
Poor audio qualityInterference/low batteryMove away from other wireless devices; charge battery fully.
Battery not chargingFaulty cable/adapterTry different USB cable and power adapter; ensure connections are secure.
Voice prompts not workingPrompts disabledUse Bose Connect app to enable voice prompts (if available).

Reset: Press and hold POWER button for 10 seconds to reset speaker to factory settings (will clear paired devices).

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

Bose SoundLink Portable Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025