Bluetooth issues with iPhone 17 Pro

djfalkor wrote:

Just upgraded to an iPhone 17 Pro Max and running iOS 26.2 - I can't get the phone to connect with anything via Bluetooth - not my AirPods, not my car, nothing. Have already tried all the usual fixes, and nothing has worked - any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated!

Read this too, which explains how to connect Bluetooth devices to your iPhone --> Connect a third-party Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Keep in mind that when you get a new iPhone, you have to put your devices in pairing mode in order for your new phone to see and pair with them. Bluetooth pairings don't carry over to a new phone. For your car, you need to go into the Infotainment system in the car and follow the directions from your owners manual, which details how to pair a new phone with your car. It's usually best to have your car forget your previous phone. And it's also good to give your new phone a new name in Settings > General > About > Name

djfalkor wrote:

tried all that, and it still won't pair with my AirPods or with my car.

I'm curious if you can successfully pair any other Bluetooth device to your iPhone? That would rule out an issue with the Bluetooth radio in your phone if you can.

Next see this link for other ideas for your AirPods --> Pair AirPods with an Apple device - Apple Support

For your car, you may need to contact the car manufacturer for help pairing the phone to your car. In just about all modern cars, since the ability to pair an iPhone with a car became common, there are settings in a cars infotainment system to pair a new phone with a car.

If all else fails, and you are unable to pair ANY Bluetooth devices with the phone, schedule an appointment at your Apple Store Genius Bar and have the phone tested --> Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Have you tried Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings?

Since we have no idea what fixes you've tried, how about telling us so we don't just repeat what has already been tried.

I think you hit the nail on the head!

Zachyy wrote:

I think you hit the nail on the head!

Thanks, Z. I like hitting nails on the head. It beats hitting my finger!