Bose SoundLink Mini Won't Turn On When Connected to Power

Let’s start simple. The most basic reason your SoundLink Mini might not be turning on when you connect the AC power adapter is that the adapter itself is not getting power from the socket. Try plugging the adapter and speaker into a different power socket in case the first one you tried has some sort of issue. If the adapter is plugged into a surge protector, make sure the power switch on the protector is turned on.

Another simple issue preventing your SoundLink Mini from receiving power might be that the charging dock has a fault. The SoundLink Mini can be charged either directly via the power port on its side or indirectly while it is sitting on top of the charging dock. To rule out issues related to the charging dock, plug the AC power adapter directly into the side of the speaker and see if your speaker powers up.

Still not working? Another cause for power issues might be a bad AC power adapter. While Bose recommends using their official chargers, many standard barrel plug power adapters (especially for hard drives) will work as replacements as long as they output exactly 12 volts and at least 0.83 amps. According to Amazon reviews and some pictures online the barrel jack of the official charger has a positive center pin. You can find more information on choosing the correct replacement adapter on this Banggood article.

Sometimes the SoundLink Mini can get into a state where it needs to be reset. The oldest tech support tool in the book is “turn it off and back on again,” so let’s do just that. As explained in Replaced my battery, however, all LED lights are now illuminated, you can reset the SoundLink Mini in three steps:

1. Plug the speaker in.
2. Press and hold the mute button for 10 seconds until the LEDs on the top of the speaker flashes.
3. Let go of the mute button. Press the power button to turn the speaker back on.

Some users have reported that after resetting their speaker, they have to re-pair their Bluetooth devices, but this seems like a small price to pay for getting the device working again.

If all of the above fixes don’t help, your best bet is to open the device and look at the circuit boards and connections for signs of damage. You can use this repair guide for instructions on how to disassemble the SoundLink Mini. Once you’re inside, look for signs of corrosion, damage to the circuit boards (like cracks in the boards), or evidence of a loose connector. If any of the connectors between circuit boards or between a circuit board and the power input port have come loose, the speaker will not function.

Many users have reported that upgrading or downgrading the firmware on their speaker fixed the issue of it not turning on. While the original SoundLink Mini (version 1) does not have upgradeable firmware, the revised SoundLink Mini II does include support for firmware updates. To update your firmware as described in My SoundLink Mini isn't turning on!, head to the Bose BTU website, download the software there, and follow the instructions on the page.

Many people have found that downgrading the firmware on the SoundLink Mini II can be beneficial. Why does my bose doesn't turn on and while charging red light flashes explains the downgrade process, but here’s the gist:

1. Plug your SoundLink Mini II into your computer with a USB cable
2. Head to the Bose BTU website
3. Once your speaker is detected on the website, press this sequence of keyboard keys in order: a — d — v — <up arrow> — <down arrow>

A new advanced options screen will show a list of available firmware versions. You can now choose a version prior to the current version on your speaker.