JBL’s Charge series has long been celebrated for combining big sound with on-the-go power, and the new Charge 6 continues that tradition—now with a built-in Powerbank mode that can actually top up your phone’s battery while you’re streaming tunes.
If you’re camping, commuting, or simply out and about, running out of phone battery can put a serious damper on your plans. Here’s everything you need to know about how to charge your phone using the JBL Charge 6 as a charger.
Unlike most Bluetooth speakers, the Charge 6 features a somewhat different USB-C port. It doubles as both input (to recharge the speaker) and output (to juice up your devices). JBL calls this its built-in Powerbank feature, and it works just like any standalone 7,500 mAh USB Powerbank. Plug your phone into the port, and it’ll draw power from the speaker’s internal battery.
Watch: Mute ON Sounds On JBL Charge 6
Charge Your Phone Using JBL Charge 6
To start, ensure you have a USB-C to USB-C cable (for USB-C phones). Use the USB-C to USB-C cable that came with the Charge 6 predecessors, or any high-quality USB-C cable rated for at least 2.4 A. If your phone still uses USB-A or Lightning, you’ll need the appropriate adapter or cable (USB-C to Lightning for iPhones, USB-C to USB-A if your cable is older).
Locate the IN/OUT USB-C port on your speaker. The USB-C Power Out port is capable of delivering up to 5 V/2.4 A output.
Connect one end of the USB-C cable. For non-USB-C devices (Lightning & USB-B), connect the adapter with the cable plugged in to it.
Plug the other end of the USB-C cable into the phone’s USB-C port. For phone’s with no USB-C, connect your charging end to the phone’s charging port.
The phone should start charging. Verify normally by checking the battery status or charging animation.
