The main reasons for a malfunctioning Bushnell Wingman speaker remote are dead batteries, paring issues, app connectivity, or damage to the remote. Possible solutions include replacing batteries, clearing obstructions, ensuring a clear line of sight, or using a replacement remote.
The Bushnell Wingman is a small speaker made for golfers who love music. It connects to your phone through Bluetooth and works with the Bushnell Golf app. This app helps you set up your golf course, keep track of your scores, and figure out distances to the next hole using GPS.
While the speaker is easy to carry around, problems with the remote control have been a dominant frustration for many users.
If your Wingman Remote isn’t working as it should, here are the possible causes and how you can troubleshoot them:
5 Reasons Why Bushnell Wingman Remote Is Not Working (And Solutions)
The small remote control of the Bushnell Wingman can be placed atop the speaker.
You have to connect this remote to your phone using Bluetooth and the Bushnell Golf app, and the remote has just one button.
If it’s not working, here are the common reasons and how you can fix it:
1. Dead batteries
Dead batteries are a common cause of remote control failure, and the remote of the Bushnell Wingman isn’t an exception.
Over time, batteries lose their charge, rendering the remote control ineffective.
This can happen gradually, resulting in a gradual decline in remote performance or, suddenly, a complete failure.
Solution: Replace the battery of the Bushnell Wingman remote control.
Step 1: Locate the grove on the remote control and pry into two halves apart.
Step 2: Remove the old battery from the compartment.
Step 3: Insert a new battery into the compartment. Please place it in the correct orientation.
Step 4: Close the battery compartment securely by taking note of the groove at the sides and snapping it together.
Here’s a video demonstrating these steps for better guidance:
Step 5: Test the remote control by pressing the button to see if it now operates the speaker correctly. If not, proceed to the next possible cause.
2. Obstruction Between the Remote and Speaker
When objects or obstacles block the line of sight between the remote control and the speaker, the infrared (IR) signal emitted by the remote may be interrupted.
This can prevent the remote control from communicating effectively with the speaker, leading to a lack of response.
Solution: Remove any objects or obstacles blocking the direct line of sight between the remote control and the speaker.
- There should be a clear path between the remote control and the IR sensor on the speaker, located on the front panel.
- Reposition the speaker or remote control to improve the alignment.
- Test the remote control again to see if the obstruction was the cause of the issue.
If none of these solves the problem, the remote control is faulty. But before looking into that, check for a problem with the pairing.
3. Pairing Problems
Bluetooth pairing problems can arise for various reasons, such as incompatible devices, software glitches, or interference from other electronic devices. When you turn the speaker on, it reconnects to the last device it was paired with.
So, if the remote is not working, it may be connected to a device you’re not currently using. Pressing both volume buttons together disconnects it.
Solution: Reset the Wingman remote.
- If you need to reset the Wingman, ensure it’s not connected to the charging cable.
- Find a small pin, like a paperclip, and insert it gently into the reset button, a small hole to the right of the USB charging port.
- Hold it for about 2 seconds until the LED light around the button turns off.
4. Outdated Bushnell app for pairing
Assuming you’re attempting to set up the Bushnell Wingman for the first time and you’ve successfully paired your phone with the Wingman speaker and remote, you may notice that as you exit your Bluetooth settings and return to the app, you won’t be able to proceed to the next step to finish the registration.
Some people who have faced this problem try to delete and reinstall the app multiple times and turn Wingman on and off each time, but that doesn’t always work.
You may still be able to play music through the Wingman, but the registration process on the app won’t be complete.
Solution: Pair Bushnell Wingman Remote properly.
Download the newer Bushnell Golf Mobile app. Many people facing this are those using the previous Legacy app.
Here’s a video from Wingman on solving this issue using an iPhone or Android.
5. Damaged Remote
Physical damage to the remote control can occur due to accidental drops, impacts, or when you mishandle it.
This damage may include cracked casings, broken buttons, or internal circuitry issues.
Solution:
- Check the remote control for visible signs of physical damage, such as cracks, dents, or broken buttons.
- Check if the single button on the remote is stuck or if debris accumulates underneath it.
- You may need to clean the remote control if necessary.
If the remote is damaged, you may have to order a replacement remote or resort to the button controls on the speaker in the meantime.
Button Control on the Bushnell Wingman Speaker
The central control for the Bushnell Wingman speaker is the detachable remote that connects to your phone via Bluetooth through the Bushnell Golf app.
With just one button, you can get distance readings to the nearest hole on a golf course. You can hold the button for fun sound effects like applause or custom messages.
However, when it stops working due to damage, you can use the easy-to-use controls on the speaker, but they are tricky to press.
- When you turn it on, it reconnects to the last device it was paired with.
- Pressing both volume buttons together disconnects it.
- You can also hold them down to restart or skip tracks, but be careful because this might make you skip tracks accidentally while adjusting the volume.
- The play button manages phone calls and EQ settings with single or double presses.
Control and Lightning meaning on the Bushnell Wingman Speaker
The speaker has a light ring that tells you different things.
Ring color gestures | Meaning |
Orange | Indoor mode |
Blinking orange slowly | Outdoor mode |
Green | Charging |
Blinking Orange | Pairing mode or low battery |
A sound with three blinks | When you turn up the volume all the way |
Meanwhile, the ring colour gesture doesn’t do anything when you turn the volume down.
What battery does the Wingman Remote use?
The Wingman remote comes with a CR-2032 battery that can be removed and swapped for a new one.
Consider replacing it with a fresh, top-quality battery from brands like Panasonic, Duracell, or Energizer.