Bluetooth connectivity issues with all devices after iOS 26.1 update

So after 26.01 I started losing Bluetooth connectivity with all of my Bluetooth devices, including wireless CarPlay. Updated to iOS 26.1 and still the same problems persist. I have tried multiple resets of my network. I have completed all of the deletion of my Bluetooth devices and tried reinstalling. Somebody suggested that potentially it’s caused by a VPN third-party app I also deleted my VPN app and nothing. If anybody has any solid solutions, I would love to hear them as it’s super frustrating?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Bluetooth issues IOS 26.1

iPhone 13, iOS 26

Posted on Nov 4, 2025 12:00 AM

23 replies

DCAFLOCK

Level 1

8 points

Dec 8, 2025 2:58 PM in response to Garethreynolds

I just updated to iOS 26.1 and now I can either have sound on my iPhone or Bluetooth but not both!! This is definitely an apple problem as everything has been fine for years until this upgrade!!

Dec 13, 2025 3:14 AM in response to Garethreynolds

Iphone7

Nov 4, 2025 12:18 AM in response to Garethreynolds

Good morning and thank you for replying with your concerns, Garethreynolds. 😉

I am so sorry for your inconvenience regarding the Bluetooth connectivity on your iPhone.

Thank you for mentioning the steps you have taken, such as deleting the VPN connection.

Have you restarted your iPhone?

Learn how to ⇢ Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference.

Try ⇢ Apple Support for assistance. ⇣

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

pit177

Level 1

14 points

Nov 8, 2025 4:10 PM in response to Garethreynolds

I have been having the same issue with the Rockford fosgate speakers on my Harley . My iPhone 17 pro Max on iOS 26.1 will connect fine but the music will skip or will have no volume . Never did this on iOS 18 . Also tried with an android and it worked perfectly . Defiantly an iOS issue .

Dec 2, 2025 5:56 AM in response to Garethreynolds

Update: running 26.1 and the issue has slightly improved - I can connect 60% of the time to my various BT headphones, wireless Carplay operates 40% of the time. However across ALL BT head phones and Carplay as soon as a call comes in they cut out, as soon as I use SIRI voice command, BT cuts out. If I pause music they disconnect. I cannot connect to most BT systems the first time, it typically takes many many attempts before it works. Apple genius Bar visits are a joke, they claim these are all issues related to the various car manufacturers, BOSE/Jabra/Sony speaker/headphone products. The amount of bug issues I got from 26 and 26.1 is absurd and worse Apple appears to actively declining any of it exists. Lets see what the 26.2 release comes out with. Oh and before anyone else suggests, YES I have provided feedback to Apple.

Dec 13, 2025 2:06 AM in response to Garethreynolds

I’m using an iPhone 15 Pro on iOS 26.1. Bluetooth media (A2DP) works perfectly. But Bluetooth calls (HFP) disconnect and reconnect every second. This happens with multiple devices, including my car. The issue started before using any headphones. It’s clearly an HFP call routing bug. This all started after iOS 26. It's almost impossible to talk trough headphones....but mostly when I listen to music and call comes in. Same happened in the car also.

Nov 4, 2025 12:34 AM in response to Smilin-Brian

Hi thanks for replying. I’ve only restarted my phone around 35 times since iOS 26.01 was released. Until Apple fixes the bug I’m out of options I fear. Super frustrating

Nov 24, 2025 8:22 AM in response to Garethreynolds

my wife and I just got iphone 17’s last week. We just updated them to 26.1 and now bluetooth wont connect to our Tesla Model 3. Also i’m unable to airdrop to my Macbook pro on Mac OS Ventura.

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Bluetooth connectivity issues with all devices after iOS 26.1 update