iPhone 15 Pro Max Bluetooth not auto-connecting

Question

iPhone 15 Pro Max Bluetooth not auto-connecting

My iPhone 15 Pro Max Bluetooth will not automatically connect to some devices unless I turn Bluetooth off and back on again. Is there a fix?

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Feb 11, 2026 12:48 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 13, 2026 7:46 AM in response to MSgtRoadRunner

Some car stereos (head units) require the pairing to be done through the head unit and not the Bluetooth settings on the iPhone. I generally advise deleting all Bluetooth devices on the head unit. Many devices such as iPhones have the same name and confuse the head unit. Some head units have a full reset that may be necessary in order for devices to pair. Lastly, check with the dealership or manufacturer for any software or firmware updates. Some older vehicles (10+ years) may not be compatible with newer devices and updates required for Bluetooth security standards.

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Answer 2

Feb 11, 2026 1:10 PM in response to MSgtRoadRunner

Please update to the latest iOS version, iOS 26.3. Then please update the community as to the outcome.

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Answer 3

Feb 13, 2026 7:15 AM in response to Jeff Donald

I had already updated to iOS 26.3. It did not help the problem. I am trying something else; I'm deleting all of my Bluetooth devices, and re-connecting them one by one to see if that might help.

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Answer 4

Feb 13, 2026 9:03 AM in response to Jeff Donald

I do not have a head unit (I don't even know what that is). I have been using my iPhone (two different models) with my car for seven years with no problems. Then, about two or three weeks ago, the problem started. I received a phone call while driving, and when I tried to answer using the car's 'Accept Call' button, I was told that there was no phone connected. I tried connecting to the car from my phone by pressing it in the 'My Devices' list, and as told the phone could not connect. Once I turned Bluetooth off on my phone, and turned it back on again, I was able to connect. The phone would connect automatically again with the car until I connected to a different device (ear buds, speaker, etc. when I've finished driving), and then the whole process would start again.

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