Troubleshooting Your Bushnell Wingman: A Guide to Fixing a Non-Responsive Remote

The Bushnell Wingman GPS speaker is a game-changer on the golf course, blending high-quality audio with precise, audible GPS yardages. But what happens when the remote control, the very heart of its convenience, stops working? A non-responsive remote can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of a round. – bushnell wingman remote not working

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common reasons your Bushnell Wingman remote isn’t working and provide a step-by-step troubleshooting process to get you back on the green with your favorite tunes and accurate distances.

The Most Common Culprits Behind a Faulty Remote

Before you panic, it’s important to understand the typical issues that can cause a Bushnell Wingman remote to stop functioning. The problem is often simpler than you think.

• Dead Battery: This is the #1 reason for a non-responsive remote. The remote uses a small, non-rechargeable CR2032 “coin cell” battery. Just like any battery, it has a finite lifespan and will need to be replaced.
• Loss of Bluetooth Connection: The remote pairs with your phone and the speaker via Bluetooth. If this connection is lost or interrupted, the remote will be unable to transmit commands.
• App-Related Issues: The Bushnell Wingman relies on the Bushnell Golf App to function properly. If the app is not running, if permissions are incorrect, or if the connection is bugged, the remote may not work.
• Device Pairing Glitches: Sometimes, the connection between the remote, the speaker, and your phone gets confused. A full re-pairing process is often the best solution.
• Firmware or Software Bugs: While less common, outdated firmware on the speaker or an issue with the app itself can cause communication problems.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Follow these steps in order to diagnose and fix your “Bushnell Wingman remote not working” issue.

1. Check the Remote’s Battery

This should always be your first step. A dead battery is the most likely cause.

• Locate the Battery Compartment: On the back of the remote, you will find a small groove.
• Pry it Open: Use a small, flat object (like a coin or a small screwdriver) to carefully pry the two halves of the remote apart.
• Replace the Battery: Remove the old CR2032 battery and insert a new, high-quality replacement (brands like Duracell, Energizer, or Panasonic are recommended). Make sure to place the battery in the correct orientation.
• Snap it Back Together: Gently snap the two halves of the remote back together until it’s secure.

Once the new battery is in, press the remote’s button. If you hear a beep, it indicates that the remote is working and is ready to be paired.

2. Perform a Full Re-pairing Process

If a new battery doesn’t solve the problem, or if the remote doesn’t beep, you need to “forget” the devices and re-establish the connection from scratch. This is the most effective way to clear out any pairing conflicts.

1. Turn Everything Off:Power down your Bushnell Wingman speaker and close the Bushnell Golf App on your phone.
2. Unpair from Bluetooth Settings:Go into your phone’s Bluetooth settings and completely “forget” or “unpair” both the “Wingman” speaker and the “Wingman Remote” from your list of connected devices.
3. Uninstall and Reinstall the App:Uninstall the Bushnell Golf App from your phone. This is crucial to ensure a clean slate and to fix any potential app-related glitches.
4. Restart Your Phone:Power cycle your smartphone.
5. Reinstall the App:Download and install the Bushnell Golf App from the App Store or Google Play Store.
6. Start the Pairing Process:Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to “Add a New Device.”
7. Pair the Remote First:The app will prompt you to pair the remote first. Press and hold the button on the remote until you hear it beep once, indicating it’s in pairing mode. The app should then guide you to the next step.
8. Pair the Speaker:After the remote is paired, the app will instruct you to turn on the speaker and pair it via your phone’s Bluetooth settings.
9. Confirm Connection:Once both devices are paired, the app should show a “Connected 2 of 2” message, confirming that both the remote and the speaker are properly linked.
10. Check App Permissions and Settings

Sometimes, the issue isn’t with the devices themselves but with how they interact with your phone’s operating system.

• Location Services: Ensure that Location Services are enabled for the Bushnell Golf App. The app needs this permission to track your location on the course and provide accurate distances.
• Bluetooth Permissions: Double-check that the app has permission to use Bluetooth.
• App Running: The remote will only function if the Bushnell Golf App is running in the foreground or background on your mobile device.

When to Seek Professional Support

If you’ve followed all the steps above and your Bushnell Wingman remote still isn’t working, it may indicate a more significant problem.

• Defective Remote: It’s possible that the remote itself is faulty. In this case, you will likely need to order a replacement from Bushnell or an authorized retailer.
• Internal Speaker Issues: Less likely, but a problem with the Wingman speaker’s internal Bluetooth or receiver can prevent it from communicating with the remote.

For these more complex issues, it’s best to contact Bushnell’s customer support directly. They have specialized troubleshooting procedures and can determine if your device is still under warranty.

By systematically working through these steps, you can quickly identify and resolve the issue with your Bushnell Wingman remote, ensuring your next round of golf is perfectly complemented by great music and precise GPS data.

A Final Check and What to Do Next

If you’ve followed the troubleshooting steps and your Bushnell Wingman remote remains unresponsive, a few final checks can save you from a frustrating call to customer service.

• Reboot the Speaker: Sometimes, the speaker itself can have a temporary glitch. While the Wingman doesn’t have a traditional “reset” button, you can try a soft reboot by holding down the power button for an extended period (10-15 seconds) until it completely shuts off. Then, turn it back on and see if the remote reconnects.
• Physical Inspection: Take a close look at the remote for any signs of damage. Check for debris or moisture in the battery compartment or on the contact points. Even a tiny piece of dirt can disrupt the connection. The remote’s design is fairly simple, so a visual check is easy to perform.

When to Contact Bushnell Customer Support

If all else fails, it’s time to reach out to the professionals. Bushnell’s customer support is well-versed in Wingman issues and can provide further assistance, including warranty claims and replacement options.

• Gather Your Information: Before you call, have your product’s serial number ready. You can find this on the original packaging or on the speaker itself.
• Be Prepared to Describe the Problem: Explain the issue in detail and list all the troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken. This will help the support agent quickly diagnose the problem and avoid repeating steps you’ve already tried.
• Contact Information:
  • Phone: (800) 423-3537 (U.S. customer support)
  • Email: Use the contact form on their official website (bushnellgolf.com).

The Takeaway: Prevention and Best Practices

To prevent future issues with your Bushnell Wingman remote, consider these best practices:

• Store Properly: When not in use, store your Wingman and its remote in a cool, dry place. Extreme temperatures and moisture can damage the electronics and battery.
• Keep Batteries Fresh: If you’re an avid golfer, it’s a good idea to keep a few spare CR2032 batteries in your golf bag or at home. Proactively replacing the battery every few months can prevent an unexpected failure during a round.
• Keep the App Updated: Regularly check for updates to the Bushnell Golf App in your phone’s app store. These updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes, and enhanced connectivity features that can solve problems before they even start.
• Mind Your Bluetooth Connections: Be mindful of other Bluetooth devices in the area that might interfere with your Wingman’s connection. Make sure only the devices you intend to use are paired.

By following this guide, you can troubleshoot the vast majority of issues with your Bushnell Wingman remote. Whether it’s a simple battery swap or a more involved re-pairing, you’ll be back to enjoying your game with the perfect blend of technology and entertainment.

Conclusion: Getting Back in the Game

A non-responsive Bushnell Wingman remote can be a temporary roadblock to an otherwise seamless and enjoyable round of golf. However, the vast majority of “Bushnell Wingman remote not working” issues can be resolved with a systematic approach.

As this guide has shown, the solution is often a simple battery replacement. If that doesn’t work, a full re-pairing process—which includes “forgetting” the devices from your phone’s Bluetooth settings and reinstalling the app—is an incredibly effective method for clearing any software or connection bugs.

By taking a moment to troubleshoot these common causes, you can avoid unnecessary frustration and get back to what matters: enjoying your game. And by adopting best practices like proper storage and regular app updates, you can minimize the chances of future problems. Remember, if all else fails, the expert team at Bushnell customer support is there to help, ensuring your Wingman remains the perfect companion on the course.