bluetooth problems with ios 13

Brand new iPhone 11...IOS 13 up to date.


Phone will not sustain bluetooth headset connection. "Phone 1 connected" followed by a disconnect...headset disconnects during conversations. Have Plantronics M165 and M70. Symptoms the same for each.


Frustrating to say the least. Headset support says the generation of Bluetooth may be "too old" for iOS 13/iPhone 11 combo. Sounds like a shaky response to me.


Has anyone had similar issues with bluetooth headsets?

iPhone 11

Posted on Oct 15, 2019 12:42 PM

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Posted on Jan 8, 2020 7:58 PM

I tried a few options to try to replace the M165 model (which I loved). The best I found was the Plantronics Explorer 500 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010R496J4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). It works great, is pretty inexpensive has an almost identical size/shape/profile as the M165, and doesn't have this Bluetooth connection issue. I think the M165 had BT 3.0, and the Explorer 500 has BT 4.0. I have to imagine that is the issue. Good luck!

18 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 8, 2020 7:58 PM in response to Rotrypwr

I tried a few options to try to replace the M165 model (which I loved). The best I found was the Plantronics Explorer 500 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010R496J4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). It works great, is pretty inexpensive has an almost identical size/shape/profile as the M165, and doesn't have this Bluetooth connection issue. I think the M165 had BT 3.0, and the Explorer 500 has BT 4.0. I have to imagine that is the issue. Good luck!

Jan 8, 2020 11:49 AM in response to alxchng

I have found the same issue with Plantronics. I just spoke yesterday with their technical support team. They told me the M165 was old bluetooth technology and they didn't seem to care or have anyway to fix this issue. After dealing with this problem for over six months I'm going to get rid off my M165s (I have 6) and try the LC-B41. Apple really should address this issue as the M165 has worked on all of my past phones without a problem. Apple doesn't seem to care either about fixing the issue.

Dec 22, 2019 6:32 AM in response to alxchng

An update: I did a "Reset Network" and a "Reset All Settings" (annoying - tried to do a backup/restore, and then the restore failed with multiple tries so I had to manually put all the settings back). The BT connections to my Fitbit Charge 3 and Garmin Forerunner are working and steady, but not to the Plantronics PLT M165 which keeps dropping. However, if I connect the M165 and play a music playlist, it stays connected for the entire time (I listened to music several times, once more than an hour). I concluded that there is some sort of timeout that is occurring that is activity-based. If it is connected and there is an active transmission going on, it stays connected. Since my Fitbit and Garmin devices stay connected without issue, I'm thinking it is PLT M165 specific. I can't say whether it is the iPhone 11 or the M165 that is terminating the connection. I've emailed Plantronics support, will report what if anything they say. I may end up buying another brand of BT headset and see if the issue follows. Too bad because I like the M165.

Dec 25, 2019 12:24 AM in response to bljusn

Same here, iPhone XR running iOS 13.3. Using Plantronics 5200 headset. After searching the Internet, I’ve come to conclude that Plantronics Bluetooth devices are the problem. Other Bluetooth devices that I own do not have this problem, just a Plantronics devices. I use voice dictation a lot, and it will cut out and stop listening after any slight pause in talking. There is definitely a timeout issue. Apple says it’s not their problem, and Plantronics is hoping Apple fixes something. I am on two of these Bluetooth devices, and they’re not worth anything Jimmy right now. If Plantronics doesn’t push out a firmware update soon I will be looking for a new Bluetooth provider.

Dec 18, 2019 11:54 AM in response to bljusn

I'm having the same problem, ever since iOS 13 came out all of my plantronics devices are having Bluetooth connection issues. In particular the M165 model. This was never a problem on any other iOS so it is clearly an apple operating software issue. Apple, what are you doing to address this? I have called in to address this with Apple but they don't seem to care to address the issues.

Jan 8, 2020 2:57 PM in response to Rotrypwr

I wouldn't expect Apple to do anything unless Plantronics begged and pleaded - not much of an impact to Apple either way. Since other BT devices work fine, it would look to them that Plantronics has an issue. Plantronics needs to debug this, propose the fix to Apple, and get in the next iOS update. I've told the Plantronics support person as much.

Jan 30, 2020 6:25 AM in response to toneill2468

Same here. iPhone Connects with Bluetooth earpiece fine then times out/disconnects EXACTLY 10 minutes later. But only with my Plantronics Explorer 50. All other Bluetooth works fine. I communicated with the IT servicing Plantronics who obtained much info from me but after back and forth several times they advised that all of their testing was not able to locate any problems. The Plt-E50 is the only ear piece that I have been able to find with such good quality that fits comfortably. I use this for talking on the phone while busy working at home and was always able to connect when I left the house and always remained connected until I disconnected. I also had no problems ever with my iPhone 6, just since I switched about a month ago to the new iPhone 11. I did testing, exactly every 10 minutes it announces “no phone is connected”, I can manually reconnect thru both iPhone and earpiece, then exactly 10 minutes later it again announces “no phone is connected”. And it will not reconnected on it’s own. This is so frustrating and disappointing.

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bluetooth problems with ios 13

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