Bose Smart Speaker Not Connecting or Playing

The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 and Bose Smart Speaker 500 feature built-in voice assistants and support for Alexa and Google Assistant. This guide addresses common connectivity and playback issues.

Speaker Not Connecting to WiFi

Symptoms

  • Setup fails in Bose app
  • Speaker shows as offline
  • WiFi indicator flashing or solid amber

Solutions

  1. Use Bose Music app - Download the Bose Music app (not SoundTouch) for setup and configuration.
  2. Check network - Ensure you're connecting to a 2.4GHz or 5GHz network (both supported). Try 2.4GHz if 5GHz fails.
  3. Position correctly - Keep within 30 feet of router during setup. Move closer if connection fails.
  4. Factory reset - For Speaker 500: press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds. For Soundbar 600: use app settings.
  5. Check router settings - Disable MAC filtering, enable UPnP, and ensure DHCP is working correctly.

Voice Assistant Not Responding

Symptoms

  • Alexa or Google doesn't activate
  • Wake word detected but no response
  • Voice commands misunderstood

Solutions

  1. Check microphone - Ensure the microphone isn't muted. LED bar shows mic status. Press the mic button to toggle.
  2. Set up voice assistant - In Bose Music app, go to Settings > Voice Assistants and complete setup for Alexa or Google.
  3. Link account - Verify your Amazon or Google account is properly linked in the app.
  4. Choose one assistant - You can have both Alexa and Google set up, but only one responds to wake words at a time.
  5. Re-link if needed - Sign out and sign back into your voice assistant account in the Bose app.

No Sound or Distorted Audio

Symptoms

  • Music plays but no sound
  • Audio distorted at high volumes
  • Only one channel working (soundbar)

Solutions

  1. Check source - For Soundbar 600, verify correct input is selected (HDMI, optical, Bluetooth).
  2. Check connections - Ensure HDMI eARC cable is fully seated and using the eARC port on your TV.
  3. Adjust audio settings - In Bose app, check EQ settings and dialogue mode configuration.
  4. Update firmware - Check Bose Music app for firmware updates that may fix audio issues.
  5. Reset audio settings - In the app, reset to default audio settings if custom EQ causes distortion.

Bluetooth Connection Issues

Symptoms

  • Phone won't pair with speaker
  • Bluetooth audio cuts out
  • Can't switch between Bluetooth devices

Solutions

  1. Enable Bluetooth - Press the Bluetooth button on speaker or say "Alexa, pair Bluetooth" to enter pairing mode.
  2. Clear pairing list - In Bose app, remove old Bluetooth pairings that may conflict.
  3. Reduce interference - Keep speaker away from other Bluetooth devices and WiFi routers.
  4. Check device limit - Only one Bluetooth device can be connected at a time. Disconnect others first.

Soundbar 600 Dolby Atmos Issues

Symptoms

  • No Dolby Atmos sound
  • Missing upfiring/surround effects
  • Atmos indicator not showing

Solutions

  1. Use eARC connection - Dolby Atmos requires HDMI eARC, not optical. Connect to TV's eARC port.
  2. Enable eARC on TV - In TV settings, ensure eARC or ARC is enabled, and audio output is set to passthrough.
  3. Check content - Not all content is Atmos. Verify you're playing Dolby Atmos content from a compatible streaming service.
  4. Run ADAPTiQ - Complete the ADAPTiQ room calibration to optimize spatial audio for your room.
  5. Update TV firmware - Some TVs need updates to properly pass through Atmos audio.