JBL Tune 235NC – One earbud drops to 20% battery within 10 minutes. Any fix?

Troubleshooting Uneven Battery Drain in JBL Tune 235NC Earbuds: What to Do When One Earbud Quickly Loses Power

If you’re experiencing frustrating battery issues with your JBL Tune 235NC earbuds—specifically, one earbud rapidly depleting to 20% battery within just ten minutes—you’re not alone. Such asymmetric battery drain can hinder your listening experience and raise questions about potential fixes or warranty options.

Understanding the Issue

Many users have reported irregularities where one earbud’s battery depletes significantly faster than its counterpart. In your case, despite normal usage patterns and proper handling, one earbud’s battery life drops sharply shortly after use, while the other remains functional.

Common Troubleshooting Steps Already Tried

Before seeking professional support, consider the following troubleshooting measures, which are often effective:

Resetting the Earbuds: Performing a reset can sometimes resolve software glitches causing battery inconsistencies.
Full Recharges: Fully charging both earbuds and the charging case helps recalibrate battery management.
Checking Placement in Charging Case: Ensuring each earbud is correctly seated can influence charging efficacy.
Monitoring Usage Conditions: Confirm that external factors—such as water exposure (minor incidents notwithstanding) or physical damage—are not impacting performance.
Light Usage Patterns: Using earbuds mainly for calls and music usually does not contribute to uneven battery drain unless other underlying issues exist.

Possible Causes of Uneven Battery Drain

While these steps are standard, persistent issues may stem from:

Battery Degradation: One earbud’s battery could have degraded faster, perhaps due to manufacturing variance or prior usage.
Firmware Glitches: Outdated or corrupted firmware can cause battery reporting issues or uneven drain.
Hardware Faults: Internal component failures, such as wiring or circuit faults, might also be responsible.

Next Steps: Professional Support and Warranty Options

Given that you’ve already tried basic troubleshooting, your best course of action is to reach out to JBL customer support. If your earbuds are still under warranty or within a coverage period, repairs or replacements may be covered.

Key recommendations:

Gather proof of purchase and document your troubleshooting attempts.
Contact JBL support through their official channels—either via the website or authorized service centers.
Inquire specifically about repair options for uneven battery drain and whether a replacement or repair is advisable for your unit.