How to fix ION PATHFINDER GO when the unit is not charging?
- GGrant BradleyJul 29, 2025
If your ION speaker isn't charging, ensure the USB-A to USB-C charging cable is properly connected to the power input, the power adapter, and the power outlet.
How to fix ION PATHFINDER GO when the unit is not charging?
If your ION speaker isn't charging, ensure the USB-A to USB-C charging cable is properly connected to the power input, the power adapter, and the power outlet.
What to do if ION PATHFINDER GO sound is distorted?
If the sound from your ION speaker is distorted, try lowering the volume control of your sound source.
What to do if I can’t hear the microphone over the music volume on my ION PATHFINDER GO Speakers?
If you can’t hear the microphone over the music volume on your ION speaker, turn down the music volume from your source.
How to reduce bass on ION Speakers?
To reduce the bass on your ION speaker: * Adjust the tone or EQ control on your sound source to lower the bass level. * Check if the BOOM function is enabled and disable it by pressing the [TM] button.
Why do I hear a hum from my ION PATHFINDER GO when cables are connected?
If you hear a hum when cables are connected to your ION speaker: * Disconnect cables from the input jacks to see if it’s a faulty cable. * Ensure the signal cables are not placed near power cables. * Connect all audio equipment power cables to outlets which share a common ground.
Why is the audio dropping out when playing music from a Bluetooth device on my ION PATHFINDER GO Speakers?
If you experience audio dropouts while playing music via Bluetooth on your ION speaker: * If your unit is trying to link to another speaker, exit Stereo-Link[TM] mode by double-pressing the Bluetooth button. * Wait for your unit to link to another speaker if there is one within range.
Detailed specifications including output power, speakers, frequency response, Bluetooth, USB, battery, power, dimensions, and weight.
Information regarding trademarks and licenses associated with the product and its components.
Lists all items included in the product packaging, such as the speaker and charging cable.
Provides information on how to obtain further product assistance and register the device.
Tips for using the water-resistant Pathfinder™ Go outdoors and maintaining its performance.
Details on charging the unit, battery indicators, and battery life management.
Overview and explanation of the buttons and indicators on the front panel of the Pathfinder™ Go.
Explanation of the icons and information displayed on the Pathfinder™ Go's screen.
Description of the ports and connections available on the rear panel of the speaker.
Step-by-step guide to connect your device to the Pathfinder™ Go speaker via Bluetooth.
Instructions on how to link two Pathfinder™ Go speakers for stereo sound.
Guide on how to tune and use the built-in FM radio functionality.
How to play music files from a USB drive connected to the speaker.
Explanation of how to use the speaker's USB port to charge other devices.
Steps to connect external audio sources using the 3.5mm auxiliary input.
Guide on downloading and using the ION Sound Control™ app for speaker management.
Troubleshoot charging failures and distorted audio playback issues.
Address humming, whistling, and bass problems related to cables and tone.
Steps to resolve issues when connecting or pairing a device via Bluetooth.
Solutions for intermittent audio interruptions during Bluetooth playback.
The ION Audio Pathfinder™ Go is a portable, water-resistant speaker designed for outdoor use and convenient audio playback. It offers a range of features for music enjoyment, device charging, and enhanced sound experiences.
The Pathfinder™ Go serves as a versatile audio system, capable of playing music from various sources including Bluetooth-enabled devices, USB drives, and FM radio. It features a power bank function to charge compatible smartphones, tablets, or other devices using its internal battery. The speaker is designed to be water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor environments, though it should be protected from extreme weather and standing water.
To power the Pathfinder™ Go on or off, press and hold the Power button for 2 seconds. The speaker will automatically enter Bluetooth pairing mode upon startup. Volume can be adjusted using the dedicated Volume Up/Down (+/-) buttons. If no audio is played for 15 minutes, the unit will enter a standby mode to conserve battery life, and can be woken by resuming an audio signal or pressing any button.
The Pathfinder™ Go allows for seamless Bluetooth connection with your audio devices. To pair, press the Bluetooth button to enter pairing mode. The Bluetooth icon on the display will flash, indicating it's searching for a device. Navigate to your device's Bluetooth settings, find "PATHFINDER GO," and connect. A "Connected" voice prompt will confirm the successful pairing. To disconnect a paired device, you can turn off Bluetooth on your device, double-press the Bluetooth button to re-enter pairing mode, or briefly press the Bluetooth button to disconnect and enter Aux mode. Voice prompts can be enabled or disabled by pressing and holding the Bluetooth button.
For an immersive stereo experience, two Pathfinder™ Go speakers can be linked together. Press and hold the Stereo-Link™ / Repeat button on both speakers to enter Stereo-Link™ mode. Both speakers' Stereo-Link™ and Bluetooth icons will flash as they search for each other. Once linked, these icons will be lit solid. Then, press and release the Bluetooth button on either speaker (which will become the primary speaker) to begin Bluetooth pairing. Connect your Bluetooth device to "PATHFINDER GO" as usual. The primary speaker will play the left channel, and the secondary speaker will play the right. Playback controls are active on both speakers. To disconnect linked speakers, double-press the Stereo-Link™ / Repeat button on either unit. The Pathfinder™ Go can also link with ION Audio Pathfinder™ 320° speakers.
The speaker includes an FM radio. Press the Source button until "FM" is displayed. Briefly press the Previous and Next buttons (</>) to move between stations. Press and hold these buttons to seek the next strongest station. To save a radio station as a preset, press and hold the Play/Pause / Presets button, use the </> buttons to select a preset number (1-12), and then quickly press the Play/Pause / Presets button again to save. To recall a saved preset, briefly press the Play/Pause / Presets button to cycle through the 12 presets.
Insert a USB drive with compatible MP3 files into the USB-A Playback / Device Charging Port. The Pathfinder™ Go will automatically switch to USB mode, or you can select it by pressing the Source button. Files are played alphabetically, first by root level, then by folder, and then by track name. Playback controls include Play/Pause, Previous/Next track (brief press), and fast forward/rewind (press and hold). The Stereo-Link™ / Repeat button cycles through repeat/shuffle options: "OnE" (repeat current track), "rAn" (random order), "ALL" (repeat all tracks), and "FOLd" (repeat current folder's tracklist).
Connect an MP3 or other audio player to the 1/8" (3.5 mm) auxiliary input on the rear panel. The speaker will automatically switch to Aux mode while maintaining any Bluetooth connections. Adjust the volume on your connected device and the Pathfinder™ Go. Disconnecting the Aux cable will revert the speaker to its previous audio mode (Bluetooth or USB Playback).
Press the Boom Button™ to simultaneously enhance the bass EQ and volume, and activate a light show that pulses to the beat of the music. The "BOOM" icon on the display will indicate when this function is active.
The ION Sound Control™ app (available on Apple App Store and Google Play) provides remote control over various speaker functions. After connecting your device to the Pathfinder™ Go via Bluetooth, open the app to select audio sources (Bluetooth, USB, FM, Aux), adjust volume and equalization (EQ), enable/disable voice prompts, change light modes, and check battery life status. The app also offers access to support resources.
The Pathfinder™ Go can charge external devices. Connect a USB type-A cable to the USB-A Playback / Device Charging Port on the rear panel, and then connect the other end to your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible device. This port provides 5V, 1A charging.
Before first use, fully charge the Pathfinder™ Go. For optimal charging, power off the speaker while it charges. Use the included USB-A to USB-C® cable to connect the USB-C® charging port to a 5V, 2A USB power adapter (not included) or a powered computer. A full charge can take up to 3 hours. The lightning bolt icon on the display indicates charging, and the battery icon fills to show the charge level. Once fully charged, the lightning bolt icon disappears, and the battery icon is completely filled. To prolong battery life, avoid full discharge, store with a 50% charge, and do not charge or store in extreme temperatures (above 90°F/32°C or below 32°F/0°C). If the battery fails to charge, contact ION Audio support. Dispose of the unit at a recycling center in accordance with local ordinances.
The manual provides guidance for common issues:
| Power Output | 50W |
|---|---|
| Water Resistance | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| USB Charging Port | Yes |
| Inputs | 1/8-inch (3.5mm) aux input |
| Bluetooth Range | Up to 100 ft (30.5 m) |