BOSE SoundTouch 30 Troubleshooting

When you push the power button, the system does not respond and remains off.

The power cord or power adapter could be damaged. Continuing to use a damaged power cord could cause more damage to components inside the device as power fluctuates unexpectedly. In some cases, the cable or the adapter can be damaged to the point where no power is delivered to the device. In either case, it is a good idea to test a different cable to determine if the problem lies with the power delivery.

Parts: Power Cord

Guide: Power Supply Replacement

If the device does not power on when using the remote but responds correctly when using the buttons on the device, then there is an issue with the remote. It is likely the remove has dead batteries, so try to fix the problem by replacing the remote's batteries. If the remote still doesn't function with new batteries, then it is broken and should be replaced.

Parts: Remote Batteries

If the device is in a location prone to moisture or if liquid has been spilled on the device, there is a good chance that the motherboard is wet. If the motherboard is wet, the device will likely not function properly. The best option if the motherboard gets wet is to remove it from the speaker, let it dry in open air for a day or two, and then put it back in the device and test it again. If this doesn't work then you will need to replace the motherboard. If you are unable to purchase a new motherboard, then you can recycle a replacement from another BOSE SoundTouch 30.

Guide: Motherboard Replacement

Your phone is connected but there is no sound when you try to play music.

Sometimes, the problem lies with the phone or app being used rather than the device itself. Not all apps are compatible with the device. To solve the sound issues, try switching to a different app, updating Bluetooth firmware, and making sure your phone can connect to other Bluetooth enabled devices.

If music is being transmitted directly to the device via an auxiliary cable, try replacing the cable. If the cable is damaged, there is a chance that no signal will be transmitted. Similarly, the auxiliary port itself could be damaged, in which case it will have to be replaced or fixed.

Parts: Auxiliary Cable

Your phone is connected but the sound quality is poor when you try to play music.

If music is being transmitted directly to the device via an auxiliary cable, try replacing the cable. If the cable is damaged, there could be a weak connection, resulting in lower sound quality. Similarly, the auxiliary port itself could be damaged, in which case it will have to be replaced or fixed.

Parts: Auxiliary Cable

A damaged speaker can result in poor sound quality. Check the speakers to ensure that they are not torn or broken and that all wires are connected. If a speaker is damaged, it will need to be replaced in order to restore proper sound quality. Replacement speakers are not readily available, so the speakers will have to be sourced from another unit.

Guide: Speaker Replacement

Guide: Sub-woofer Replacement

In some cases, the WiFi module can start to malfunction. This will only cause problems if a wireless connection is being used to transmit music, so test and see if an auxiliary cable works. If a cable connection works but a WiFi connection doesn't, then the problem is with the WiFi. Fix this problem by going through the section of this guide titled "Wireless Connection Not Working." If the sound still won't work, then the module will need to be replaced. Replacement modules are not readily available, so you may need to recycle one from another unit.

There are problems playing music wirelessly.

The placement of objects around the device could affect the ability of a wireless signal to reach the device. Try moving objects out of the way and try again.

Wireless connections have a distance at which they will no longer be able to connect. This problem can be solved by moving your streaming device closer to the speaker.

Depending on the series of speaker you have, certain devices will connect differently. There are currently three series of the SoundTouch 30 model. Series I and II connect via AirPlay and WiFi only, and the Series III connects via Bluetooth and WiFi only. You can determine what series your speaker is by looking at the buttons. The Series III version will have the Bluetooth symbol on the AUX button while the Series I and II will not. A Bluetooth device will not pair with a Series I or II device, and an AirPlay device will not pair with a Series III device.

In some cases, the WiFi module can start to malfunction. This will only cause problems if a wireless connection is being used to transmit music, so test and see if an auxiliary cable works. If a cable connection works but a WiFi connection doesn't, then the problem is with the WiFi. Fix this problem by going through the section of this guide titled "Wireless Connection Not Working." If the sound still won't work, then the module will need to be replaced. Replacement modules are not readily available, so you may need to recycle one from another unit.

When you try to view the display, it is either off or not functioning properly.

If the device is not receiving power, then the display will not appear to be functioning. If there is no sound coming from the speaker in addition to the display not working, it is likely that there is no power being delivered to the system. In the scenario where it appears that there is no power being delivered, follow the troubleshooting steps listed under "System Not Powering On". If sound comes out, however, then the device is getting power and there is a problem with the display.

One cause of a malfunctioning display is a faulty connection. The cable that connects to the display may have come loose or been damaged somehow. This problem can be fixed by replacing or securing the cable.

Guide: Display Assembly Replacement

If the device has suffered a fall or if the display area was hit by another object, then the display could have been damaged. This display issue can be fixed by replacing the display assembly. Replacement displays are not readily available, so a display will have to be sourced from another unit.

Guide: Display Assembly Replacement