How To Reset Harman Kardon Speaker

Harman Kardon speakers are known for their audio quality and design. Occasionally, like any electronic device, they may require a reset to resolve connectivity issues, software glitches, or restore factory settings. This article outlines the standard methods for resetting various Harman Kardon speaker models.
General Reset Procedures
While specific steps may vary slightly depending on the model, several general approaches apply to most Harman Kardon speakers. Before attempting any reset, ensure the speaker is charged or connected to a power source.
Power Cycle
A basic power cycle can often resolve minor issues.
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- Turn off the speaker completely.
- Unplug the power adapter from the speaker and the wall outlet.
- Wait for 30-60 seconds.
- Plug the power adapter back into the wall outlet and then into the speaker.
- Turn the speaker on.
This process allows the speaker to fully discharge and restart, potentially clearing temporary software glitches.
Factory Reset
A factory reset restores the speaker to its original factory settings, erasing all saved configurations and pairings.
Warning: This process will erase all custom settings, including Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings. You will need to reconfigure the speaker after the reset.

Model-Specific Reset Instructions
Due to the variety of Harman Kardon speaker models, specific reset methods differ. Here are instructions for common models:
Onyx Studio Series (Onyx Studio 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
The Onyx Studio series generally follows a similar reset procedure.
- Power on the speaker.
- Press and hold the Volume Up (+) and Bluetooth buttons simultaneously for approximately 5-10 seconds.
- The speaker may power off and then back on, indicating the reset is complete. Some models may display a specific light pattern.
If this method doesn't work, consult the user manual for the specific Onyx Studio model.

Citation Series (Citation One, 100, 200, 300, 500)
The Citation series, known for its Google Assistant integration, often utilizes a slightly different reset process.
Citation One/100:
- Press and hold the Microphone Mute button for approximately 15 seconds.
- The speaker will reboot and return to its factory default settings.
Citation 200:
- Press and hold the Bluetooth and Volume Down (-) buttons simultaneously for approximately 5 seconds.
- The speaker will reboot and return to its factory default settings.
Citation 300/500:

- Ensure the speaker is powered on.
- Locate the small reset pinhole on the back or bottom of the speaker.
- Use a paperclip or similar tool to press and hold the reset button inside the pinhole for about 5-10 seconds.
- The speaker should power off and restart, indicating a successful factory reset.
Always refer to the official user manual for precise instructions for your specific Citation model.
Go + Play
- Power on the speaker.
- Press and hold the Volume Up (+) and Play/Pause buttons simultaneously for approximately 5 seconds.
- The speaker will power off and then back on, indicating the reset is complete.
Aura Studio Series (Aura Studio 2, 3)
- Power on the speaker.
- Press and hold the Light button and Volume Down (-) buttons simultaneously for approximately 5 seconds.
- The speaker may flash its lights or produce a sound to indicate the reset is complete.
SoundSticks 4
The SoundSticks 4 do not have a specific reset button or procedure. Power cycling (unplugging and replugging) is the primary troubleshooting step.
Troubleshooting Reset Issues
If the reset procedure fails, consider the following:

- Power Source: Ensure the speaker is properly connected to a power source or has sufficient battery charge.
- Button Functionality: Verify that the buttons used in the reset procedure are functioning correctly.
- Timing: Pay close attention to the timing specified in the reset instructions. Holding the buttons for too long or too short a period may prevent the reset from occurring.
- User Manual: Always consult the user manual for the specific speaker model for detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips.
- Software Update: Check if a software update is available for the speaker. Outdated software can sometimes cause issues that a reset might not resolve. Use the Harman Kardon mobile app to check for updates, if applicable.
Alternative Solutions
If a reset does not resolve the issue, other potential solutions include:
- Bluetooth Troubleshooting: If the problem involves Bluetooth connectivity, try forgetting the speaker in your device's Bluetooth settings and re-pairing it.
- Wi-Fi Troubleshooting: For Wi-Fi connected speakers, ensure your Wi-Fi network is functioning correctly and that the speaker is within range. Restart your router and modem.
- Harman Kardon Support: Contact Harman Kardon customer support for assistance. Provide the speaker model number and a detailed description of the problem.
Contacting Harman Kardon Support
If you are unable to resolve the issue, contacting Harman Kardon support is recommended. You can find contact information on the Harman Kardon website.
When contacting support, be prepared to provide the following information:
- The model number of your speaker.
- A detailed description of the problem you are experiencing.
- The steps you have already taken to try to resolve the issue.
Provide as much detail as possible to help the support team diagnose and resolve the problem effectively.
Key Takeaways
Resetting a Harman Kardon speaker can resolve various issues, from connectivity problems to software glitches. The specific reset method varies depending on the model. Always consult the user manual for detailed instructions. If a reset does not resolve the issue, consider troubleshooting connectivity or contacting Harman Kardon support for assistance. Power cycling should always be the first step before attempting a factory reset, and remember that a factory reset will erase all custom settings.
