The device
| Broadcast name | JBL Charge 5 |
|---|---|
| Device | JBL Charge portable speaker |
| Made by | JBL |
| Type | Speaker |
| Is it a tracker? | No, not a tracking device |
Long battery and long standby make this one of the more findable devices days after it goes missing.
Should you be concerned?
No. This is ordinary consumer hardware and it is not capable of tracking anyone. Seeing it in a scan means one is powered on within radio range, typically ten to thirty metres indoors, which routinely includes neighbouring flats and the street outside.
If it is not yours and it bothers you, check whether it appears at a consistent time of day. A device that shows up in the evening and disappears overnight belongs to a household nearby, not to you.
If it’s yours and you’ve lost it
Select it in a scan so the rest of the list drops away, then walk the room watching the signal strength. It rises as you get closer. When it stops rising, turn 90 degrees and sweep again, two passes usually put you within a metre.
Save it under My Devices and its position gets recorded every time your phone detects it, so next time the map tells you which building before you start looking.
Devices with similar names
Other broadcast names that turn up in the same kind of scan.
- What is “Soundcore” on Bluetooth?, Anker Soundcore speaker or earbuds
- What is “Sonos Roam” on Bluetooth?, Sonos Roam portable speaker
- What is “Marshall Emberton” on Bluetooth?, Marshall portable speaker
- What is “Jabra Elite” on Bluetooth?, Jabra Elite earbuds
- What is “Chipolo” on Bluetooth?, Chipolo tracker tag
- Clap to find your phone, Clap tab
- How to check whether someone is tracking you, Safety
- Full Bluetooth name lookup, the complete list
Common questions
What is JBL Charge 5 on my Bluetooth?
The JBL Charge, a larger portable speaker with a power bank function. It appears in a scan whenever one is powered on within radio range.
Is it dangerous or tracking me?
No. This is ordinary consumer hardware with no tracking capability. Bluetooth carries through walls, so devices from neighbouring flats and the street outside appear routinely.
How far away can it be?
Bluetooth Low Energy typically reaches ten to thirty metres indoors and further outdoors with a clear line of sight. Walls, metal and water all reduce that considerably.