Bang & Olufsen Speaker Not Connecting or Streaming Issues

Identifying the Issue

If your Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd Gen) portable speaker isn't connecting to your device or won't stream audio properly, you may notice the speaker failing to appear in Bluetooth discovery, audio dropping out during playback, the built-in microphone not working for calls, or the Bang & Olufsen app not detecting the speaker. The Beosound A1 is a premium Bluetooth speaker with a companion app for customization, so troubleshooting involves both Bluetooth connectivity and app-level settings.

Common Causes

• Bluetooth already connected to another device: The Beosound A1 remembers previously paired devices and may automatically reconnect to one that's nearby, preventing it from connecting to your current device.
• Bluetooth codec incompatibility: The A1 supports aptX Adaptive and AAC codecs. If your phone doesn't support these codecs, you may experience audio quality issues or connection instability.
• Low battery or power-saving mode: When the battery is very low, the speaker may disable certain features like Bluetooth streaming to conserve power.
• Firmware update needed: B&O periodically releases firmware updates that fix Bluetooth bugs and streaming issues. Running outdated firmware can cause connectivity problems.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth interference: The A1's Bluetooth operates on the 2.4 GHz band. Crowded wireless environments with many active devices can cause signal interference.
• Multipoint connection confusion: The Beosound A1 supports multipoint Bluetooth, allowing two devices to be connected simultaneously. This can sometimes cause audio routing confusion between the two connected devices.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1. Check the battery level: Press the power button briefly to see the battery status indicated by the LED. Charge the speaker using the USB-C port if the battery is low. Allow at least 20 minutes of charging before troubleshooting further.
2. Disconnect from other devices: If the A1 is connected to another phone, tablet, or laptop nearby, disconnect it from that device first. On the other device, go to Bluetooth settings and tap "Disconnect" for the Beosound A1.
3. Enter pairing mode: Press and hold the Bluetooth button on the speaker until the indicator blinks. This puts the A1 into discoverable mode. On your phone, go to Bluetooth settings, search for new devices, and select "Beosound A1" from the list.
4. Remove and re-pair the speaker: On your phone, go to Bluetooth settings, find the Beosound A1 in your paired devices, and tap "Forget" or "Unpair." Then put the speaker in pairing mode and connect fresh. This clears any corrupted pairing data that may be causing issues.
5. Update firmware via the B&O app: Download or open the Bang & Olufsen app on your phone. Connect to the A1 and navigate to the product settings to check for firmware updates. Install any available updates — the process may take 10-15 minutes and the speaker should remain powered and within Bluetooth range throughout.
6. Check audio routing: On your phone, make sure the Beosound A1 is selected as the audio output. On iPhones, check the AirPlay/audio output selector in Control Center. On Android, some phones have a media output selector in the notification shade or sound settings.
7. Reduce wireless interference: Move the speaker and your phone away from Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, and clusters of other Bluetooth devices. In a crowded environment, keeping your phone closer to the speaker improves connection stability.
8. Factory reset the speaker: If nothing else resolves the issue, reset the A1 to factory defaults. Press and hold both the power button and the Bluetooth button simultaneously for about 8 seconds until the LED indicates a reset. The speaker will forget all paired devices and settings. Re-pair and reconfigure through the B&O app.

When to Contact Support

Contact Bang & Olufsen support if the speaker won't power on even when charged, if the audio output is distorted or crackling at all volume levels, or if the Bluetooth radio has failed entirely (the speaker never enters pairing mode). B&O offers premium support for their products, and the Beosound A1 carries a two-year manufacturer's warranty. Have your serial number ready when contacting support.

Prevention Tips

• Keep the B&O app installed and check for firmware updates periodically. Updates often improve Bluetooth stability and codec support.
• If you connect the A1 to multiple devices, manage multipoint connections carefully — disconnect from one device before connecting to another to avoid audio routing conflicts.
• Charge the speaker regularly and avoid fully depleting the battery, which can affect long-term battery health and Bluetooth performance at low charge levels.
• Store the speaker in its included carrying case or a dry location when not in use to protect the waterproof seals and the Bluetooth antenna from damage.