JBL Playlist: Yes, it can be used with Bluetooth out of the box, and also Chromecast (setup is done via Google Home, but speaker does not have Google Assistant built-in) JBL Link Bar: Yes, it can be used with Bluetooth and Chromecast after setting the bar up with a Google account - choosing not to activate the Google Assistant. JBL Link Music: No, this speaker requires setup via Google Home JBL Link Portable: No, this speaker requires setup via Google Home JBL Link 10, 20 and Link View: No, these speakers requires setup via Google Home Harman Kardon Citation series: No, this speaker requires setup via Google Home Harman Kardon Allure: Yes, Bluetooth is available from factory settings. Every time it is powered on and off, the speaker will say "Now in setup mode, follow the instructions in the Harman Kardon Alexa App." Harman Kardon Allure Portable: Yes, Bluetooth will be available after initial setup in the Harman Kardon Alexa App. This means that you have to log in with your Amazon account at first, and if you do not want to use the Alexa assistant, log out of you Amazon account afterwards. Harman Kardon Astra: Yes, Bluetooth will be available after initial setup in the Harman Kardon Alexa App. This means that you have to log in with your Amazon account at first, and if you do not want to use the Alexa assistant, log out of you Amazon account afterwards.

Our new JBL Link Music and Link Portable both support Apple AirPlay 2. Pick up your Apple device, use your favorite music streaming service, and connect to the JBL speaker! Please note: before using Apple AirPlay 2, you will need to install it on your WiFi network, either using the Google Home app or Apple Home app ( your choice! ).

To use Chromecast, you must continue the setup in the Google Home app first.
Configuring the speaker only with Apple WAC will not enable the Chromecast feature.
For this to happen, you must sign-in with your Google account.

You can quickly try out the Chromecast feature, and if you do not like it, reset your Citation or LINK speaker, and redo the configuration part on your Apple device.

Close and restart the Google Home app, or restart your phone. Start the Google Home app again, and the speaker should now appear.
 

The Checklist

Let us walk-through a list of things needed to ensure every requirement is met.

1. Check your mobile device if that is able to connect to same Wireless network.
2. Make sure you are within range of your Wireless router.
3. Check the Wireless signal on your mobile device, does it have a weak signal then move closer to the router.
4. Try both Wireless network bands 2.4GHz and 5GHz in case one of them are failing.
   1. You will have longer range with 2.4GHz, but less performance and most of the times a crowded network (many devices are using 2.4GHz band).
   2. You will have less interference with 5GHz and higher performance, however, the range of the 5GHz network has shorter range.
5. Try using a different mobile device, if you have one.
6. Reboot your Wireless network router and your mobile device.

Watch the video below for help with setting up your Google Assistant device.

Wireless Network Extender

Some houses or apartments can be too big for one Wireless network router to cover it all.
Let's talk about the issues that might appear with an Extender network.

1. Network Extenders that will help cover poor signal in your home, often results in poor connection and low speed performance.
2. Often the Network Extender is a low budget device or not suited for having too many devices attached to it.
3. Placement of the speaker is crucial as you can put it in a place where it could connect to either main Wireless router or the Extender, that will confuse Wireless network devices.
4. To solve this issue, try move the speaker closer to main router or have fewer devices attached to your Wireless Extender.
5. In addition, always use 5GHz connection between your Network extender and main router (best solution and performance).

One Wireless Network Name (SSID)

1. You may have set the Wireless Network SSID (Wi-Fi network name) to one big Wireless network (With a main router + Extender(s).
2. If the speaker is within range of both Wireless networks (Main router & Extender) then it can get confused with which one to connect to.
3. To solve this issue, using two different name for your extended network will help with the performance of the Speaker and Google Assistant request.

 

If you see this message, you must download the Device Utility app from the Google Play Store. Follow the instructions in the app to activate your speaker, and then return to the Google Home app to complete the setup.
 

If the network does not appear, you can manually type in the network name (SSID) and password to connect.