New iPhone 12 Bluetooth pairing problems

I believe this thread started as an Issue connecting iPhone 12 via Bluetooth to models of Homewerks bathroom light/fan/speaker then others jumped in on various other Bluetooth issues like JBL speakers, cars, etc. I encourage everyone who has a Homewerks bathroom light/fan/speaker to call Apple Support at 1-800-APLCARE and request a ticket be open for tracking the obvious problem that all model Apple phones connect to this particular bathroom fan except many versions of the iPhone 12. Then call back every two weeks for update on status of the open tickets amongst many... including Homeworks themselves that sent these bathroom fans to Apple for troubleshooting.

I had trouble getting the Bluetooth pair in Settings to work for my devices after using the wireless data transfer to move my old phone to my new one. I tried most of the suggestions for fixing Bluetooth problems but what ended up working for me was going into the controlling apps for my Bluetooth devices (I was pairing a Garmin VivoSmart and a Phonak hearing aid) and removing the existing devices from the apps and launching pairing from within those apps rather than starting from the Apple settings.

I have been following along. The only item that appears consistently in this thread is Homewerks devices. There is a separate thread about those. Most users who have reported a problem with Homewerks products say they have no problem pairing with any other devices. So the reasonable conclusion is that the problem is with those devices. If your phone does not pair with ANY Bluetooth devices, assuming you are using the correct procedure for pairing, putting the device you want to pair with the iPhone into pairing mode (which may require factory resetting the device), your phone i broken. If it pairs with some devices and not others the problem is with those devices that don’t pair. Which is entirely possible, because the iPhone 12 has the latest version of Bluetooth 5, and some older devices may not recognize the newest standard or may have taken shortcuts with the earlier standard that are no longer supported. As almost all Bluetooth devices are upgradeable check with the manufacturer to get the latest firmware.

There are no huge Bluetooth issues. There is an issue with HomeWerks music fans that is almost certainly a problem with the music firmware.

The problem with your Yamaha is most likely user error; yours is the only report I have seen of a problem with it. It may also require a firmware update for the Yamaha receiver. Go to the Yamaha website, see if there is an update, and carefully follow the pairing instructions. I assume you know that pairings do not transfer from one device to another. When you activate a new phone any devices that you want to use with it have to be paired anew.

The users who have bothered reporting have not seen any consistent problems pairing Bluetooth with other devices.

Hey everyone, PetePPB beat me to replying but wanted everyone to know Homewerks also sent me two replacement speakers and it did resolve the issues for my iPhone12. Was very simple to pull down the light housing by pinching the two clips around the housing holding the light, unplugged two connections for power to light and speaker, then bring the fixture down to the counter and simple 4 screws allows you to replace the speaker. Call Homewerks at 877-319-3757 or fill out form at https://www.homewerks.com/customer-support#form

shandora144 wrote:

I called Apple several times so there aware of the issue and keep blaming homewerks fan.

It might amaze you to know that people who have called Homewerks have been sent a replacement part that fixes the problem. But you would have had to read the thread where you posted to know that.

Problem solved. Basically one just needs to reset the headphones. With the B&W PX, resetting can be carried out on the APP and with the SONY WH-1000XM3, just press the power button for a few seconds until the light flashes.

Ok I got my paring issues fix. I went to settings, then to general, scroll down to reset then go to reset network settings. Log back into WiFi. Then I turned on my speaker and then tried pairing and it works.

Maybe this will help someone

Did you put the Unitek into pairing mode? Depending on how many connections it can support you may have to reset it to factory settings.

See→Pair a third-party Bluetooth accessory with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Homewerks has said it is a problem with their Bluetooth implementation, and you should contact their tech support.

You need to do more than turn on Bluetooth. You need to go to Settings/Bluetooth on the phone, and put the Sony speaker into Pairing mode at the same time (or within 30 seconds).

1. There is nothing for Apple to fix generically, there is a problem with your phone, and Apple certainly can’t fix it without actually seeing your phone
2. Apple does not follow this user-to-user forum for requests

You might start with self-help:

Have you followed all of these steps→Pair a third-party Bluetooth accessory with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If that didn’t solve your issue try this link→If you can't connect a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If neither solves your issue make a genius bar appointment to have your phone checked out→Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

I just hit the same problem with a cheapo USB Bluetooth/AUX adapter in my Daughters car after she upgraded to a 12. Works fine with my XR, and her other devices are OK.

I suspect the BT chip in the IPHONE 12 has quietly dropped bluetooth 2.0 compatibility, which will be the max a lot of budget devices can use due to using the cheapest chips possible.

This wont be fixable with software - so I suspect its time to upgrade those non-apple devices (What a surprise - apple forcing unwanted updates onto people due to compatibility issues)

It would be a ridiculous problem if the phone was the problem, but it isn’t. Homewerks has said it is a problem with their speaker, and you should contact their tech support.