iPhone 4/iOS 4 bluetooth muffled on other end

OK, since it looks like enough people are still facing the issue, I will again ask everyone who's in trouble to send a bug report to Apple.

Sending feedback to Apple is possible through iPhone's [feedback|http://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone.html] page. If you have access to the ADC program, I guess you would have access in the [bug report|https://bugreport.apple.com> portal on Apple.

You can use "Bluetooth quality issue: Headset mic muting issue" as a Subject and portions (or all) of the following text:

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Dear Apple,

A growing number of people have been facing issues with iPhone's bluetooth quality when making calls, for over two years now. Seems like iPhone fails to work in full-duplex mode when talking through a bluetooth headset.

You could easily replicate the bug by calling yourself on a land line and talking loudly and longly at the same time on both devices. You'll notice that -on most cases- you cannot hear yourself through the land line, meaning that the headset's mic is being muted while there is output through the headset's speaker. Talking through the iPhone itself cancels the effect. This issue does not occur when using any other phone/headset combination apart from the iPhone.

As of note, this effect is getting worse by the usage time of the bluetooth headset, meaning that when firstly paired it will most probably be unnoticed. Thus, try keeping a headset paired with an iPhone for a couple of days while using it regularly for calls and then try the above test.

As a matter of fact, there's a thread in Apple Discussions regarding the issue, dating back to 26-Nov-2008, here: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1804116&tstart=0

Here is another, more recent thread in Apple Discussions focused mainly on iPhone 4, however it is possible that the cause of both the problems is poor echo cancellation software: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2481487&tstart=0

Following your iOS 4.1 update, there seems to be fewer complaints, however they're again starting to ramp up. Please take a look at this, since it has been puzzling a growing part of the iPhone users community for some time now.

Thank you.
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jkozlow3 wrote:
OK, I decided to swap my iP4 out for another at the Apple store. Not sure it'll make a difference, but I'll keep the thread updated with my findings.

Update:

The replacement iPhone 4 is sadly no better than my previous one. Updated the new phone to 4.1 (it came preloaded with 4.0.2) by setting it up as a new phone (no restore from backup) and the headset is still disconnecting from the phone and my voice breaks up badly if I walk more than a few feet away. This is with a Plantronics Voyager Pro which worked perfectly with my iPhone 3G for months.

So are millions of iPhone 4 users unable to use Bluetooth or what?? That can't be the case, yet I've tried 2 phones and the problem persists. It seems that others with different headset models are also experiencing problems as well. My problem happens regardless of whether wifi is enabled or disabled on the phone, so that's not it. The only other thing I can think of is that my wifi network could be interfering, but this didn't happen with my iPhone 3G. Again, I can't imaging all iPhone 4 users across the world are unable to use Bluetooth headsets, but I'm not sure what else to try at this point.

The only reason Apple is getting away with this is because only about 10% of Iphone 4 users actually use Bluetooth. That does make sense. Also are famous thread here unfortunetly is listed under accessories not under Iphone4.

I have an iPhone 3G and my brother an iPhone 3GS and we are both facing the same issues for almost two years now.

I have been using bluetooth headsets since... ever! And I can assure you that bluetooth headsets work FAR BETTER on my 10-year-old SE T68i that I've put aside!

Thanar wrote:
I have an iPhone 3G and my brother an iPhone 3GS and we are both facing the same issues for almost two years now.

I have been using bluetooth headsets since... ever! And I can assure you that bluetooth headsets work FAR BETTER on my 10-year-old SE T68i that I've put aside!

Not sure why you've had problems with your iPhone 3G. I had an iPhone 3G for 2 years and successfully used 3 separate Plantronics models and a Jawbone over that time period without a single issue. It wasn't until I "upgraded" to the iPhone 4 that I had issues.

I'm on my second iPhone 4 - same problem as the first one. Terrible range/headset disconnects (even when 2 feet away from the phone at times) and my voice breaks up intermittently for no apparent reason.

jkozlow3 wrote:

jkozlow3 wrote:
OK, I decided to swap my iP4 out for another at the Apple store. Not sure it'll make a difference, but I'll keep the thread updated with my findings.

Update:

The replacement iPhone 4 is sadly no better than my previous one. Updated the new phone to 4.1 (it came preloaded with 4.0.2) by setting it up as a new phone (no restore from backup) and the headset is still disconnecting from the phone and my voice breaks up badly if I walk more than a few feet away. This is with a Plantronics Voyager Pro which worked perfectly with my iPhone 3G for months.

So are millions of iPhone 4 users unable to use Bluetooth or what?? That can't be the case, yet I've tried 2 phones and the problem persists. It seems that others with different headset models are also experiencing problems as well. My problem happens regardless of whether wifi is enabled or disabled on the phone, so that's not it. The only other thing I can think of is that my wifi network could be interfering, but this didn't happen with my iPhone 3G. Again, I can't imaging all iPhone 4 users across the world are unable to use Bluetooth headsets, but I'm not sure what else to try at this point.

I am having the exact same problem with the same iPhone 4 & Plantronics Voyager Pro. This NEVER happened with my iPhone 3G. I am disappointed and hope this is resolved fast.

How many people who are still affected after 4.1 are NOT using a Plantronics Voyager Pro? It seems like this headset in particular might be more affected than others.

Please provide details if you are still having issues with other models.

Thanks!

I have not had problems yet with my iPhone 4 and 4.1 with several BT devices. 4.1 fixed the only problem I had with BT - the disconnect due to WiFi conflict problem. I have tried it with a Motorola earpiece, two built-in-autmobile systems, and a motorcycle helmet intercom system. 4.1 has been solid for me.

However, my spouse has noticed some strangeness with her iPhone 4 and 4.1 with a built-in volkswagen BT system. But we are trying to pinpoint what actually is happening - it could just be other interference as we can't get it to happen consistently or reproducably.

Maybe some success here?
I have a Blueant T1, and a Plantronics Voyager Pro. This problem sure seems to have a lot to do with the 'Pro... Not always, but it is somewhat of a common denominator in this thread.

I had constant drops with both of them registered to my iphone 4 (4.1).
Deleted both of them, turned the bluetooth off then back on, hard reset the phone (hold down the home and power button until it goes black), reset the T1 (hold all three buttons) before the phone rebooted, then re-paired.

So far (a whoppin' 10 minutes of testing) it's working like a champ. I know it's working better- the phone used to have to be within 6 inches for the headset to work. Now I can walk 20' away.. through walls even...
I have not dared re-pair the 'Pro...

Will it last?
Is it a real fix?
Is it permanent?
Time will tell. Try it out though- free and no factory reset of your phone.

I have a Plantronics Pro bluetooth as well and I do think it's the bluetooth and not the phone. Yes the bluetooth worked with fine w/ my 3G and 3GS but it's having problems w/ the iPhone4. I know others w/ the iPhone4 and a different blue tooth and they aren't having problems. People I know with the iPhone4 & Plantronics Pro seem to have problems....just a thought!

So intrestingly enough...if you look at the supported BT head sets on apples web site the Plantronics Pro is NOT a supported device for the iPhone 4 but is for the older models. The Plantronics Voyager 975 IS a supported device for the iPhone 4.

Is any one having issues with the Plantronics Voyager 975 ?

I also noticed on Plantronics Web site they now have a Voyager Pro+.....which also is not on Apples approved list....

Where did you find this list of supported BT headsets?

Apple website under store, iPhone, acc, headsets. (see link below)

if you look at the iPhone 4 you will se that the Voyager pro is not on there however the discover 975 is...if you select the device and scroll to the boittem you will see what iPhones are supported with the device.

Now go to the iPhone 3 accessories and you will see the Voyager pro...select it and scrool down and you will also see that the iPhone 4 is NOT listed as a supported phone.

My feeling is if you have an iPhone 4 supported BT device you may have more leverage with apple if you are having issues.

I too have spent ALOT of time trying to get my Voyager pro to work correctly with my iPhone 4 (I have two 4's).....I have no issue spending the extra $$ on a supported device if it solves the issue. That is wht I would like to know if there is anyone with the 975 having issues (or not) with an iPhone 4.


http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shopiphone/iphoneaccessories/headsets?n=iphone4&mco=MTgxNTkzMDc&s=topSellers

That's just the Bluetooth headsets they sell on the online Apple Store, it's not necessarily a list of the "supported" BT headsets for the iPhone.

No...it is a list of supported devives....I am basing this on three things. 1. a conversation i had with Apple 2. the list of BT devices is different based on the phone selected and lastly if you select one of the BT devices and scroll to the bottem it lists the phone is it supported with....

If you look at the Pro and the 975 the iPhone 4 is clearly NOT listed as a supported device on the PRO and is on the 975.....so it is more then a list of BT devices Apples sells on thier web site.

Message was edited by: Phatboy64

Message was edited by: Phatboy64