Just when we thought that maybe, just maybe Apple had finally fixed the plethora of Bluetooth issues with cars, we now see one of the top problems in Apple’s iPhone forum is none other than a driver unable to connect his iPhone via Bluetooth his Nissan. We, at AUTO Connected Car News have been documenting the massive number of possible fixes for Bluetooth issues with iPhone and lo and behold be found some new ones. There are also new problems associated with iOS 11.3 such as users not being able to hear anything at all using Bluetooth. The most common vehicle models we see with Bluetooth issues are Honda, Acura, Toyota, Subaru and Nissan.
iOS 11.3.1 is reportedly draining batteries, stopping some iPhones from charging and causing headphone bugs.
But wait it gets even worse, iPhone iOS 11.3 has been reported to be breaking iPhone microphones! The issue cannot be repaired by performing a factory reset, or by updating to iOS 11.3.1 . Apple is asking iPhone 7 and 7+ owners to disconnect all Bluetooth devices to see if it helps. The next step is to take the iPhone 7/7+ in for service to an authorized center where repairs can be made. It appears it is a small number of iPhone users have been affected.
If you have read any of our other articles about upgrading iPhones, we know we suggest if your iPhone is working with your vehicle to wait a few weeks or even a month or two to let the bugs works out.
It doesn’t help iPhone owners but Android users seldom if ever have experienced the angst iPhone uses have experienced with Bluetooth issues and vehicles.The final resolution Apple gives is contact Apple support.
Update 7/8/2018: We have compiled a new list of Bluetooth fixes to try and have more models with problems reported by our readers..
Let’s look the latest examples of the Bluetooth issues that are being experienced by our readers:
- Ever since iOS 11 Bluetooth connectivity problems with (2015 Toyota Venza), and only when using a navigation app with iPhone 6 and iPhone X. With iOS 11.3, the sound quality of calls doesn’t seem to be as good as previously. After Toyota updated the software calls don’t drop bu sound quality is bad.
- Car won’t call out over Bluetooth – no solution is offered.
- iPhone 6S with IOS 11.3.1 on a 2018 Mercedes E-class sedan call volume over Bluetooth is very low with phone and car settings on high but works fine when connected via USB to CarPlay.
- Problems with an iPhone 6 causing the HD Radio in a 2017 Honda CR-V Touring to lose its FM and AM radio presets on a regular basis (approx every 2-3 weeks; occasionally more often). Dealer and Honda Corp say it’s the phone not a defective radio. One says my phone is too old so I need to buy a new phone, the other says it’s because I allowed my iOS to update (so basically it’s “too new”). Conflicting excuses. FYI the problem has been happening since I bought the car last July. Lots of iOS upgrades since that time so can’t blame it on one particular version of the iOS.
- Bluetooth disconnections with 2018 Jaguar F-Type with iPhone X.
- I just bought a brand new 2018 Honda Accord LX. I am SO FRUSTRATED with this connection issue. As soon as ANYTHING happens concerning my phone, incoming message, I put my thumb on the Fingerprint sensor/home button, I get a text, ANYTHING, the Bluetooth connection is severed. It is frustrating. This is a BRAND NEW VEHICLE. I have an iPhone 6 plus. I had tiny issues with my 2011 Toyota Sienna after the 11.2 update, but nothing this annoying.
- Reader’s Samsung S8+ works flawlessly with hi 2015 Subaru Outback. His iPhone 6+ disconnects each time he turns off the car. When he turns it back on and it says “No Bluetooth device.”
- iPhone 8 won’t pair with 2017 Acura TLX.
- 2018 Honda Ridgeline running IOS current update, reader can’t use free HondaLink.
- iPhone7 won’t pair to Toyota Prius C or a Rav4.
- 2017 Honda CRV, since 11.2.6 update no contact information shows up when receiving phone calls. Also 2018 HRV no contact information on texts or phone calls, when the reader switched from iPhone to the Google Pixel 2 works.
One forum member noted that it can take up to ten minutes for an iPhone to pair with a device and suggested to let devices to attempt to pair with each other for that alone.
If you’re using Bluetooth an update can be very frustrating. We outlined the famous “Nuke-it” fixes for years which go into much greater detail than Apple’s simple fixes which basically tell you contact Apple Support.
Let’s go over all of the fixes to try
The Nuke-it Fixes
These fixes remove all the settings from the car and the iPhone to start from scratch. Some have gone as far as disconnected the car battery to clear all the settings in the car, too.
1. Reset All Settings – Go to iPhone Settings ▸ General ▸ Reset ▸ Reset all settings.
2. Unpair Phone and Car Infotainment System Rename Phone – Go to iPhone Settings ▸ General ▸ About ▸ Name. Change the name of the iPhone and pair with the car infotainment system again.
3. Reset/Restore Network Settings: Restore all network settings of iOS Go to Settings ▸ General ▸ Reset (at the bottom)▸ Reset Network settings. This method also deletes all Wi-Fi and other network settings! If you reset you must re-add all your network settings in iOS.
4. Delete and Start All Over: Delete all Bluetooth devices. See full instructions.
5. Pocket or Purse Accidental Shut-off: Check to see if you shut off Bluetooth accidentally through an icon, or butt reset it by mistake.
Disable Handoff on iPhone – launch the Settings app from your Home screen ▸Tap General. ▸Tap Handoff & Suggested Apps ▸Toggle Handoff to Off. This has worked for iPhone users with multiple devices. Handoff tends to confuse the iPhone and draw resources.
Change Bluetooth Settings– Go to General ▸ Accessibility ▸Car Audio Routing ▸ Select “Bluetooth Headset” instead of the default Automatic.
Change Bluetooth to Automatic Go to settings, General->Accessibility->Call Audio Routing and change to automatic.
Factory Reset & Restore Factory reset the iPhone and re-install iOS 11 from scratch. Restore apps and more from iTunes. This cleans up all the settings and connections.
Check automaker/dealer for software updates and update vehicles.
Delete/Reset the Vehicle’s Bluetooth Settings – we have reports that by removing the fuse for the infotainment unit for a few seconds and then re-pairing the updated iPhones, it then allows the Bluetooth to work again. A variation on this fix is to disconnect the car’s battery for a few seconds to lose the stored data and then re-connect the battery and re-pair the iPhones.
Reset Delete Variation for Cars
1. Delete iPhone device profile from car.
2. Delete Bluetooth link setting from iPhone for car phone.
3. Turn Bluetooth setting to “off”
3. Go to iPhone Settings> General> Reset > select “Reset all network settings.”
5. Do a two finger “hard reset” on iPhone.
6. Boot iPhone back up.
7. Turn Bluetooth back on.
8. Re-pair iPhone to car system.
9. Test by making a call and see if it drops.
More:
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- Play with car dash buttons – just in case you turned something on or off by mistake, go through all the car’s menus and change the settings that seem appropriate. Kicking the car won’t help but may help you feel better.
- Forget device on iPhone then pair again in Airplane Mode.
- Connect through USB or AUX – for playing music you can connect with the AUX adapter or through USB to play music.
There is good news if you throw a fit in your car because you can’t make handsfree Bluetooth phone calls and run into a tree. When you call 911 you iPhone now has Advanced Mobile Location (AML), that sends your location to compatible support centers.
If you have updated to iOS 11.31-4 for iPhone 6S/6S+, 7 or iPhone 8, X and it fixed or fried your Bluetooth connection or music streaming with your in-car infotainment system, please let us know in the comments below, be sure to note your make, model and year of your vehicle.We also welcome any solutions you have found worked with your car.
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I have a brand new Outback 3.6 Limited. iPhone 8 worked perfectly for 2 weeks. then failure. Display says that phonebook downloaded successfully, but blank when I access phonebook on dash display. Subaru glibly says,”Phone not compatible.” A $40,000 automobile, and not compatible. The phone is new and the car is new. Companies can’t keep up with independent technical advances. Stop being that proprietary.
“If you a car, check on compatibility with your phone first.” All should be compatible, especially some that maybe needed to save a life, like a phone.
I found that after updating to 11.3.1 and repairing Bluetooth l, I then had problems with voice navigation in my Honda 2015 Fit. The update apparently turned off HFP which is hidden. You have to be in car with power on to access it. Once I flipped it back on, everything worked perfectly- Siri, phone calls, messaging sending and retrieval, navigation.
What a pain.
Didn’t fix my 2018 Acura RLX or my 2016 Acura MDX!
As per one of commenters, have you turned on HFP while the car is on?
I have a Acura MDX Elite 2017. I had problems with syncing all of my contacts. IOS 11.3.1 seems to have solved that, I see them all now in my car’s address book.