Bluetooth fails to reconnect on my iPhone 14 Pro Max running iOS 18.2.1

Beginning with the installation of iOS 18, my iPhone 14 Pro Max occasionally fails to reconnect to defined devices. I am now running iOS 18.2.1 and have the same issue.

I only use two Bluetooth devices and both experience the problem. One is iPod Pro 2s, the other is a Porsche Taycan.

This never happened prior to iOS 18.

The only way I can resolve this issue is to both delete the existing Bluetooth connection from Settings, then shut down and restart the iPhone. Once restarted, I redefine the connection and it automatically reconnects for a day or two before requiring me to go through the delete, restart, and refined nonsense.

Perhaps a bug in iOS 18? Anyone have a solution?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Jan 13, 2025 11:42 AM

Top-ranking reply

PJW3 Author

Level 1

28 points

Posted on Mar 11, 2025 10:18 AM

These steps suggested by another poster on this thread worked for me.

The solution to this (if it is the problem) is to unpair the devices at both ends, then re-pair them so they generate a new random number seed.
Even less likely is VPN interference. If you have VPN on your iPhone delete the profile (not just the app).
And finally, least likely, Reset Network Settings:

Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Transfer or Reset Phone
- Tap Reset
- Tap Reset Network Settings

- This will erase all Wi-Fi passwords, but will not result in any other data loss.

These steps have mostly resolved my Bluetooth connection issues. It still fails occasionally and I can remedy this by shutting down then restarting the phone.

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22 replies

Baanpro

Level 1

8 points

Mar 29, 2025 1:42 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

Please do not disparage others for their experiences with Apple products, it comes off as arrogant. I for one believe Apple is the best out there and live in the ecosystem daily, but there are problems with Bluetooth. Tons of folks I know have these problems, maybe you are just lucky, a paid operative, or not as knowledgeable or have the experience you espouse, not sure.

I own an IT company and have thousands of users I’m responsible for. I get complaints all the time about Bluetooth, so get off your high horse. If you don’t have something constructive to say about the issue, then please stay out of it.

Baanpro

Level 1

8 points

Mar 29, 2025 1:59 PM in response to PJW3

It’s probably not the VPN connection, although that could cause a problem in certain rare circumstances. It’s more likely the reset of network settings that’s fixing the issue. TBH, users should not have to reset their network settings every time there’s an Apple update. As you know, that action resets all Wi-Fi passwords some of which people may not have documented anywhere. I know that’s not sensible, but is still reality for some folks.

Apr 30, 2025 2:46 PM in response to PJW3

Same has happened with my iphone after upgrade to 18.4.1. Won’t deliver sound through bluetooth to any of my audio devices. Have had to go back to use my old ipad that still has a hole to plug in wired hearing buds to listen to my podcasts.

May 3, 2025 9:05 AM in response to octavia2004

octavia2004 wrote:

I absolutely agree with you. I have tried everything recommended by those on this site who have suggested all the usual steps and none of them work. It has to be linked to a bug in the upgrade. Is Apple listening? I rely on my hearing aids to listen to podcasts and news and am lost without this facility. Dug out my old iphone which happily has no problem still on ios15. Not helpful being advised that it is not the update causing it as so many have been affected and none of the fixes being advised solve the problem.

Sorry it’s not helpful, but if it really was the update it would affect roughly 500 million users. It is a problem with your phone, whether you want to hear that (or believe it) or not.

What specifically have you tried; I sincerely doubt it is “everything on this site”.

Jan 27, 2025 2:14 PM in response to Lawrence Finch

I never had this problem with my Android phone that I just replaced with an iPhone. Doubt that it’s the hearing aids.

May 3, 2025 8:22 AM in response to octavia2004

This was intended for TessaJeane Hays!

May 3, 2025 9:07 AM in response to octavia2004

octavia2004 wrote:

This was intended for TessaJeane Hays!

And indeed, that is who you responded to; from the post header:

May 3, 2025 11:20 AM in response to TessaJeanHayes

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Bluetooth fails to reconnect on my iPhone 14 Pro Max running iOS 18.2.1