How to Set Up Your JBL Authentics 500

What's in the Box

The JBL Authentics 500 is a premium wireless home speaker with built-in Google Assistant and Alexa voice assistants. Inside the box, you'll find the Authentics 500 speaker, a power cord, and a quick start guide. The speaker features a retro-inspired design with a Quadrex grille, three tweeters, three mid-range drivers, and a dedicated woofer, delivering powerful room-filling sound with Dolby Atmos support.

Prerequisites

Before setting up your Authentics 500, make sure you have:

• A stable Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)
• A smartphone or tablet with the JBL One app installed (available on iOS and Android)
• A Google account or Amazon account if you plan to use the built-in voice assistants
• A power outlet within reach of the speaker's power cord

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Unpack the speaker and place it on a sturdy, flat surface. The Authentics 500 is a substantial speaker, so make sure the surface can support its weight. For the best sound experience, position it at ear level and away from walls and corners.
2. Connect the power cord to the back of the speaker and plug it into a wall outlet. The speaker will power on automatically and enter setup mode. You'll hear a chime and the Wi-Fi indicator will begin pulsing.
3. Open the JBL One app on your phone. The app should automatically detect the Authentics 500 in setup mode. If it doesn't appear, make sure your phone's Bluetooth is turned on, as the app uses Bluetooth for initial discovery.
4. Tap on the speaker in the app and follow the on-screen prompts. You'll be asked to select your Wi-Fi network and enter the password. The speaker will connect to your network and download any available firmware updates.
5. The app will prompt you to set up voice assistants. Choose Google Assistant, Alexa, or both. For Google Assistant, sign in with your Google account. For Alexa, sign in with your Amazon account. You can switch between assistants using the toggle on top of the speaker.
6. Once setup is complete, the speaker will confirm the connection with a sound. You can now stream music, ask questions, and control smart home devices using voice commands.

Connecting Music Services

In the JBL One app, navigate to the music services section to link your streaming accounts. The Authentics 500 supports Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, and Alexa Cast. You can also stream via Bluetooth by pressing the Bluetooth button on top of the speaker and pairing from your phone's Bluetooth settings. For the highest audio quality, use Wi-Fi streaming methods like AirPlay 2 or Chromecast rather than Bluetooth.

Smart Home Integration Tips

• With Google Assistant built in, the Authentics 500 can control any Google Home-compatible device. Say "Hey Google, turn off the living room lights" or create routines in the Google Home app that the speaker can execute.
• If you prefer Alexa, use the toggle switch on the speaker to make Alexa the active assistant. You can then control Alexa-compatible smart devices and access Alexa Skills.
• Use AirPlay 2 to include the Authentics 500 in multi-room audio with other AirPlay speakers throughout your home, all controlled from your iPhone or iPad.
• The JBL One app lets you adjust the equalizer, manage Dolby Atmos settings, and create speaker groups if you have multiple JBL speakers.

Quick Troubleshooting

If the speaker doesn't appear in the JBL One app during setup, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and that you're within range. Try power cycling the speaker by unplugging it for 10 seconds. If Wi-Fi connection fails, verify your network name and password, and make sure the speaker is within range of your router. For voice assistant issues, check that your Google or Amazon account is properly linked in the respective assistant's app. A factory reset can be performed by pressing and holding the volume down and Wi-Fi buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds.