How To Fix Bose Soundlink Color 2 Not Charging? 10 Easy Solutions to Resolve the Issue

Are you looking for a solution to the problem of Bose Soundlink Color 2 not charging? Your search ends here! I am a sound mixing and mastering engineer who used Color 2 during different music sessions, and I know how to deal with its charging problems. Therefore, stay with me till the end to uncover the 10 best solutions to get your speakers working again. Let's get started!

Quick Answer

During my experience with faulty Bose Soundlink Color Bluetooth 2, I learned that the following factors can be related to charging problems:

1. Damaged charging cables or USB ports;
2. A software glitch;
3. Outdated firmware;
4. Damaged battery.

However, the above list just covers the surface-level details. Continue reading below, and I will address all the main culprits behind the charging troubles. You will learn how to tackle software or hardware-related issues with the help of a 10-solution guide. Moreover, I will tell you how to activate a magical ship mode that protects the speaker from charging malfunctions. Let's get into it and put your speakers on track!

1. Perform a Quick Reset

Resetting the speaker is one of the simplest troubleshooting steps you should try first. It will clear any minor software glitches that could be preventing normal charging and operation. 

Solution 

I present you the following step-by-step guide to reset your Soundlink Color 2:

• Step 1: Make sure the speaker is powered on. 
• Step 2: Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds until you hear a tone or a blue light blink. This indicates the reset is complete.

• Step 3: Release the power button and select your desired language. You are good to go.

2. Re-plug the Charging Cable on Both Ends 

You can face a charging issue in the Color 2 because the charging cable is not securely attached on both ends (The one on the charger side and the other on Soundlink itself). This results in an unstable power connection.

Solution 

Allow me to share some tips with you to tackle this problem:

1. Disconnect the charging cable from both ends. 
2. Many USB ports of either the source of the speaker become dirty with time. Clean them with a soft, dry brush or cloth if needed. You can use this Falcon Compressed Gas for this cleaning purpose.
3. Firmly attach the cable to the speaker and power source. Ensure a tight fit and observe the charging indicator.

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Last update on 2025-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Swap with a Different USB Cable

Swapping with a different USB cable can rule out the possibility that the original cable is faulty or incompatible with the speaker.

Solution 

Here are some troubleshooting steps I want you to try:

1. Remove the previous charging cable from the speaker and power cable. 
2. Look for any signs of damage, such as bent, broken, or corroded connectors on the cable.
3. Use a new micro-USB cable that is undamaged and rated for at least 1A/1000mA. A Fast MicroUSB Cable is a great option as it also supports fast charging. 

Fast Quick Charging MicroUSB Cable

Last update on 2025-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Get a USB Charger that Matches Your Product's Power Demand

In some cases, the problem behind the charging issue is nothing but an incompatible charger. You need to ensure that the USB charger meets with the amp of the speaker and provides enough power. 

Solution 

The Color 2 speaker requires a 1A USB charger. Let me present you some tips on how to get such a compatible charger:

1. Check the power or amp rating: You can check the charger's label for its amp (A) or milliamp (mA) rating. It should be 1A/1000mA or higher. You can also check the power or amp rating of the product from its user manual. 
2. Buy a new charger: Get an adapter that is compatible with the product. MyVolts 5V Power Supply Adaptor is a perfect choice as it gives a 2A output maximum amp rating. 

MyVolts 5V Power Supply Adaptor

The plug fits a US 2-pin wall power socket.

Last update on 2025-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Replacement Battery for Bose

Last update on 2025-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Upgrade The Firmware 

Bose often releases new updates or firmware to improve their products. The firmware controls the functions of the speaker. Sometimes, a software bug can affect the speaker's performance and charging. Updating to the latest firmware version can get rid of such issues. 

Solution 

Join me as we explore the step-by-step guide to update the firmware of the Color II:

• Step 1: Download the Bose Update Tool from the official website.

• Stеp 2: Turn off thе spеakеr and disconnеct from any powеr sourcе. 
• Stеp 3: Connеct your Bosе to thе computеr using a USB cablе. Ensurе your computеr has a propеr intеrnеt connеction. 
• Stеp 4: Opеn thе Bosе Updatеr app on your computеr. It will automatically dеtеct thе connеctеd spеakеr and chеck for any availablе firmwarе updatеs.

• Stеp 5: If an updatе is availablе, click on 'Updatе' to start thе procеss. You'll sее a progrеss bar indicating thе updatе status.

• Step 6: Once done, you'll get a "Your speaker is up to date" message. You can now disconnect the speaker and turn it on.

6. Turn on Ship Mode 

Ship mode is designed to minimize battery drain during long periods of non-use. When enabled, it puts the speaker into a low-power state that significantly reduces battery drain. This mode also acts as a soft reset and can prevent charging-related issues.

Solution 

Pеrmit mе to outlinе a stеp-by-stеp guidе to activatе thе Ship modе to gеt rid of thе abnormal charging behavior of thе Color 2 Spеakеr:

• Step 1: Connect the Bose SoundLink Color II speaker to a power outlet using the USB cable and charger. 
• Step 2: Press and hold the Multi-Function button on the speaker for 10 seconds until you hear a tone. 

• Step 3: Unplug the speaker from the power outlet while still holding the button. Release the Multi-Function button. The speaker is now in Ship mode.

Check if the speaker is charging normally without issue. To exit Ship mode, connect the speaker back to the same power outlet using the USB cable. It will automatically turn on and exit Ship mode. 

7. Allow the Speaker to Play for 10 Minutes Moderately

Playing the SoundLink Color II speaker at a moderate volume for around 10 minutes can also fix charging problems. 

Let me tell you why this can help:

1. Over time, the speaker cones inside the device can become stiff. Playing music at a moderate volume helps warm up the speaker components and loosen the cones. 
2. Moreover, draining the battery power constantly also initiates the deep-level charging cycle. This improves their flexibility and responsiveness, resulting in better charging performance.

If the problem really relates to the internal speaker cones, the normal charging state will activate after playing for 10 minutes.

8. Release the Power Button While Plugging-in at the Same Time

Sometimes, the speaker may not recognize the power button or the charging cable. It may even get stuck in a certain mode, such as Ship mode or Update mode. This can result in the speaker not charging or not playing music.

Pressing the power button while inserting the charging cable can simultaneously synchronize both parts. This may improve the charging-related issues. 

Solution 

I recommend you follow these steps:

• Step 1: First, hold the adapter close to the power outlet, but don't plug it in yet.
• Step 2: Press and hold the power button on the speaker for around 10 seconds until you hear a tone or the battery indicator flashes. 
• Step 3: While holding the power button, firmly plug the adapter into the power outlet. Make sure the connection is tight.
• Step 4: Now, release the power button and the charger at the exact same time. You may hear a tone, or the battery indicator may change color.

Check the battery indicator and see if the above steps initiate the charging or not.

9. Factory Reset with Multifunction Button 

The multifunction button (3 dots-like appearance) on top of the Bose SoundLink Color II speaker can reset it and potentially fix charging issues. This button controls incoming calls and playback of the audio. Resetting with this button can clear any software bugs preventing normal charging operation. 

Solution 

I have listed the following steps that can reset the speaker with a multifunction button: 

• Step 1: First, turn on the Bose SoundLink Color II speaker and plug it into a power outlet using the USB cable. 
• Step 2: Locate the multifunction button in the center of the speaker's control panel. 

• Step 3: Press and hold this multifunction button for around 10 – 15 seconds. 
• Step 4: Release the cable while still holding the button. 
• Step 5: Let go of the button and plug the charger back in the adapter. Check the charging indicator.  

If your Soundlink Color 2 doesn't charge well, a quick solution is to reset the Bluetooth speaker or update the firmware. Don't forget to check the cables or adapter. In the end, customer care is always there, if nothing works.Douglas Banda, Sound Mastering Engineer and Senior Writer at SoundMaximum

10. Contact the Officials

If none of the troubleshooting tips help your Bose Color II speaker, the device may need professional service. There could be an underlying hardware or battery issue that requires repair or replacement. In such a case, contact Bose setup service online for assistance. 

I have listed some ways to contact the official Bose customer support:

1. Go to Official Site: Visit the Bose support website and select your product. You can find personalized articles that cater to your Soundlink Color 2.
2. Contact via Number: Call Bose support using the number 1-800-379-2073. Have the serial number and proof of purchase handy.
3. Contact via Agent: Chat with a Bose agent online through the support site by clicking the "Chat" button.

FAQ

Conclusion 

Let's revise why your Bose Soundlink Color 2 is not charging. Thе problеm can bе a damagеd powеr cablе, an incompatiblе powеr adaptеr, or intеrnal softwarе glitchеs. A rеd light indicator will confirm thе low battery level in thе spеakеr. 

To rеsolvе thе battеry-rеlatеd problеms, pеrform a quick rеsеt, gеt a nеw cablе/adaptеr, updatе thе firmwarе, or turn on thе ship modе. If nothing is working, you can contact Bosе's official customеr support to gеt pеrsonalizеd hеlp.

Nonеthеlеss, taking carе of thе spеakеrs and charging thеm rеgularly can prеvеnt thеsе issuеs. If you find this article helpful, share it with your friends.