How to Set Up Your Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen)

What You'll Need

• Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Generation)
• Bang & Olufsen app (iOS or Android)
• Bluetooth-enabled phone or tablet
• USB-C cable (included) for charging

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Charge the speaker via the USB-C port. The LED ring around the power button indicates the charge level. Give it a full charge before first use for the best battery calibration.
2. Download the B&O app and create an account or sign in.
3. Power on the speaker by pressing the large Play button on top.
4. Enable Bluetooth on your phone. The A1 enters pairing mode automatically on first boot.
5. Open the B&O app:
   • Tap to add a new product
   • Select Beosound A1 from the list
   • Follow the pairing steps
6. Customize your sound profile in the app. B&O offers several presets and a manual EQ.
7. Set up Alexa if you want voice control. The A1 has a built-in Alexa voice assistant that works when connected to Wi-Fi through the B&O app.

Placement and Sound Tips

The Beosound A1 uses B&O's True360 technology to project sound in all directions. Place it in the center of a table or any open surface for the most even sound distribution. When laying flat on a table, the downward-firing woofer bounces off the surface, which actually reinforces the bass. Hard surfaces like wood and stone work best for this effect.

The included strap lets you hang the speaker from a hook, backpack, or bike handlebar. When hung vertically, the sound profile shifts slightly, but the speaker still sounds balanced.

With IP67 dust and waterproof protection, the A1 handles beach sand, rain, and poolside splashes. Just keep the USB-C port cover closed when it is near water. You can even rinse it under a faucet if it gets dirty.

Sound Profiles and EQ

The B&O app gives you detailed control over the sound. Several listening modes are available like Warm, Bright, Relaxed, and Energetic. You can also create a fully custom EQ profile by adjusting bass, treble, and other parameters. For outdoor use, boosting the treble slightly helps the sound cut through ambient noise. For indoor late-night listening, the Relaxed mode rolls off the highs and keeps things smooth.

Alexa and Smart Home

The built-in Alexa voice assistant lets you control smart home devices, check the weather, set timers, and play music hands-free. Alexa requires a Wi-Fi connection, which you set up through the B&O app. The three built-in microphones do a decent job picking up your voice even outdoors, though they struggle in windy conditions or when music is playing loudly.

Troubleshooting

• Alexa not responding: Make sure the speaker is connected to Wi-Fi through the B&O app. Alexa does not work over Bluetooth alone. Check the app settings to verify the Wi-Fi connection.
• Bluetooth pairing issues: If the speaker does not show up in your phone's Bluetooth list, clear it from any previously paired devices and try again. Press and hold the Bluetooth button to force pairing mode.
• Low volume or weak sound: Check the volume limit setting in the B&O app. There is a configurable maximum volume that may be set lower than expected. Also make sure the sound profile is not set to a mode that reduces output.
• Battery draining quickly: Alexa and Wi-Fi use more power than Bluetooth alone. If you are just streaming music outdoors, turning off Wi-Fi in the app will extend battery life. The speaker is rated for 18 hours, but that drops with Alexa active and at higher volumes.
• Factory reset: Press and hold the multifunction button for about 8 seconds until you feel a vibration or the LED indicates a reset. The speaker will return to factory settings and be ready for a fresh pairing.