Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Apple bluetooth headset static

I have been using the Apple Bluetooth headset for a few months with no problem. I am around all types of electronic equipment including wireless networks and phones in both home and office. All of the sudden I have an enormous amount of static on my headset. I hear it and people on the other end of conversations can hear it. My iPhone works great with the wired headset, on speaker and as a handset. I have shutdown and restarted the phone and headset, recharged them both and deleted the bluetooth pairings on the phone and "re-paired" them. The static remains.

Does anyone have any helpful thoughts?

iBook, Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Posted on Jan 18, 2008 6:33 AM

Reply
33 replies

Mar 18, 2008 7:51 AM in response to cm0rris0n

I am also having this issue and have yet to debug the root cause. The problem is that it does not occur all the time, and tends to clear up after a sequence of power-off and down, but it is not consistent. I now believe it is the headset and not the iPhone because it will also occur when I pair the headset to my Blackberry.

Anyone have any updates on this issue?

Apr 7, 2008 8:49 AM in response to Whistler bound...

There are two different types of "static". One is interference between the BT headset and the iPhone, the other is static internal/isolated to the BT headset.

I've on occasion experienced the static between the headset and the iPhone, but it resolves or changes with the position of the phone relative to the headset or by rebooting the iPhone.

A few days ago, the BT headset had static regardless of the pairing to the iPhone. Tell-tale signs were pushing the button on the headset to start-up or shut-down; static can be heard while listening to the ascending and descending tones. When the tone ends, the static ends. A single push of the button on the headset produces static can be heard followed by the 'beep' to answer or end a call then the static ends. Pairing the headset with the iPhone produces the same result, but now the same static is heard through out a conversation. Essentially, static can be heard any time the BT headset attempts to produce a sound through the ear piece and is seemingly unrelated to the iPhone.

Apr 29, 2008 3:09 PM in response to Whistler bound...

I never had static issue on my original iPhone; but when exchanged for a new iPhone (warranty), the headset had the static issue discussed in this forum. It is true when you move the iPhone closer to the headset, the static will clear. However, this defeats the purpose of a headset. It appears the only option is to replace the headset and see if it improves. I have someone else in my office who is experiencing the same problem. So Apple has to address this problem sooner or later.

May 2, 2008 10:44 PM in response to ssiegwald1

A few days ago I bought an apple bluetooth headset. I got it home, unpacked it, and sure enough...STATIC. It was basically unusable. So I tried everything I could find to fix it. Restarting the phone, restarting the headset, nothing seemed to work. I then made an appointment with the local apple genius and explained the problem. He first convinced me that it was the headset and not my phone that was the problem by getting a demo/store model from behind the counter and pairing it with my phone. I made a call and it was crystal clear. He then grabbed a new headset from the shelf and I was on my way. Everything works just fine now. It seems that getting a good one is hit or miss. So if you really want one of these don't give up.

Jul 17, 2008 6:05 AM in response to Whistler bound...

Me too. Same as everyone else here. Brand new iPhone 3G, brand new BT headset. Worked beautifully first day, then down the drain. Static with power-up and power-down on the headset. It was great for 24 hours.....

It's a real pain in the neck to have to trek back to the Apple store (90 mile drive for me). Maybe they can do a firmware upgrade or something to fix it?

With this many people having the same issue, it's got to be getting their attention. Was this going on before the 3G was introduced?

Apple bluetooth headset static

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.