Level 1

28 points

iPhone 13 not automatically connecting to car bluetooth

I recently got a iPhone 13 mini, which I restored from a backup of my iPhone 8. I connected the new phone to the bluetooth in my car (2011 Subaru Forester if that matters) with no problem, but have noticed that every time I get in and start the car it does not connect automatically. I have to go into bluetooth settings on the phone and manually push the 'CAR MEDIA' to get it to pair again. My iPhone 8 never had this issue, and would connect automatically each time.

I've tried restarting the phone, turning bluetooth on and off, and deleting and re-pairing the device to no avail. Very frustrating. Any ideas?

iPhone 13 Mini

Posted on Oct 8, 2021 6:35 AM

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mitchell.sam Author

Level 1

28 points

Posted on Oct 12, 2021 6:19 AM

I believe I've solved this issue. I deleted the device from the car's memory, and the car from the the bluetooth list on my phone. I then paired the phone using the voice commands instead of the buttons, and now it seems to pair automatically.

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163 replies

Mar 20, 2022 8:10 PM in response to mitchell.sam

Wow that’s crazy, I’m having the EXACT same problem with my 2011 Subaru! Did you fix it yet?

Mar 23, 2022 5:39 AM in response to Booyahbeefy

Amen, well said. Same here problem persists. As far as I am concerned it is getting worse with each update.

mahcolo

Level 1

12 points

Mar 23, 2022 9:58 AM in response to Booyahbeefy

I also agree; well said!

Mar 23, 2022 12:51 PM in response to nicolas241

Great idea!!! How to report this problem as a Bug?

Mar 23, 2022 1:18 PM in response to pawelSz88

Feedback - iPhone - Apple

Mar 23, 2022 3:36 PM in response to pawelSz88

You’re so right. Just wanted to vent too. You should bug report it too.

I’m using Apple’s Support App to report.

Apr 5, 2022 1:45 PM in response to mitchell.sam

It’s something with the iPhone 13s my iPhone 11 and 12 both paired automatically no problems no issues I have a Ford F150 my new iPhone 13 will not pair automatically

Apr 30, 2022 12:12 AM in response to mitchell.sam

What if your car doesn’t have voice command? I kind of want a refund.

Jun 24, 2022 4:42 PM in response to mitchell.sam

I found this video helpful in regards to using the voice commands https://youtu.be/f__pPiCiPKg

Fernbird

Level 1

8 points

Dec 20, 2021 4:49 AM in response to amayson

@amayson, I sure hope I can get an answer for this when I call apple today, I haven't sent my 8 in to tmobile, as the 13 only just arrived the day before yesterday. Worst case, I send back the 13 and keep the 8. OY!

Jan 20, 2022 2:15 AM in response to mitchell.sam

Same here. Update did not help. iPphone SE 2020 does not automatically connect to Alfa 159. Manual connecting is unreliable. No problem previously. Tried family members iPhone 11, same thing. Very frustrating.

somm82

Level 1

8 points

Dec 22, 2021 3:10 PM in response to RhondaRJB

it could be that your car has older version of bluetooth.

but it shouldnt be a problem

thanks

amayson

Level 1

15 points

Dec 22, 2021 3:51 PM in response to somm82

somm82: I'm sure my car does have an older version of Bluetooth... it's from 2013! But, I can't update it and Apple should make their flagship (and very expensive) new phones backwards compatible.

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iPhone 13 not automatically connecting to car bluetooth