Issues with IOS 26.5 and Bluethooth connections

Was the Honda previously paired with an Android phone?

Many Honda infotainment systems can remember multiple devices, but when Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connections are configured, the vehicle may prioritize one platform over the other. If an Android phone is still registered as the preferred device, it can sometimes interfere with a new iPhone’s Bluetooth or CarPlay setup.

Try removing any previously paired Android phones from the vehicle’s Bluetooth, Android Auto, and phone connection lists, then delete the Honda from the iPhone’s Bluetooth settings and pair it again.

That said, if the iPhone was already paired successfully before updating to iOS 26.5 and stopped working immediately after the update, the issue may not be related to Android Auto or CarPlay at all. In that case, resetting the vehicle’s infotainment connections and the iPhone’s network settings, then attempting a fresh pairing, would be the next logical step.

1. Reset Network Settings: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings: Only network settings are removed.
   1. When you reset network settings, previously used networks and VPN settings that weren’t installed by a configuration profile or mobile device management (MDM) are removed. Wi-Fi is turned off and then back on, disconnecting you from any network you’re on. The Wi-Fi and Ask to Join Networks settings remain turned on.
   2. To remove VPN settings installed by a configuration profile, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the configuration profile, then tap Remove Profile. This also removes other settings and accounts provided by the profile. See Install or remove configuration profiles on iPhone in this guide.
   3. To remove network settings installed by MDM, go to Settings > General > Profiles & Device Management, select the management, then tap Remove Management. This also removes other settings and certificates provided by MDM. See “Mobile device management (MDM)” in the iOS Deployment Reference.
   4. Reset your Network Settings. Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before.
   5. 
2. If the issue persists, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not erase your data but will reset all personalized settings to their default values. Go to Settings > General > Transfer & Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings and confirm the action. Note that you will need to reconfigure your settings afterward. All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, the Home screen layout, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.
   1. Reset All Settings: Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support:- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
   2. You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.
   3. If you want to save your settings, back up your iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.
   4. 

DrexB1 wrote:

Thanks...I did have a VPN on which I deleted. That allows me to connect via hard wire now...which it didn't before but I still can't pair via Bluetooth to my car. I can connect via CarPlay but not Bluetooth which means my apps won't play in my car. In my car, the connection will flip on and off repeatedly for a number of times before just stopping. On my phone, in Bluetooth, my car appears in the listing but won't connect when I click on it. No problem connecting to other Bluetooth devices to the phone ie airpods et al.

When you deleted the VPN, did you remove it at: Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and remove the profile there? Did you remove any associated app as well, then Force Restart your iPhone --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

Then I'd have your car forget your iPhone and remove the car from your iPhone. Then pair them again for a fresh pairing.

If CarPlay doesn't detect your iPhone, make sure CarPlay isn't restricted. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. If Content & Privacy Restrictions are turned on, tap Allowed Apps and make sure CarPlay is enabled. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap your car, and then tap Forget This Car.

If you need help with CarPlay - Apple Support (IN)

Search for accessories that have completed MFi certification. Once an accessory has completed MFi certification requirements and is reported to Apple as sold/distributed, it will be searchable in our public database of authorized Lightning, headset, charging, iAP-enabled, and Find My network-enabled accessories.

Learn how to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning-based accessories.

On your device, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth. Stay on this screen until you've completed the steps to pair your accessory.

Pair a third-party Bluetooth accessory with your iPhone or ...

If you're still having trouble with your car's audio system using CarPlay or Bluetooth, try the Aux cable. To get it fixed, there are two options:

1. Take your car to a reputable car dealer or car audio specialist. They have experienced technicians who can diagnose the problem with the Aux cable. This could be a loose connection, a faulty cable itself, or an issue with the system's Aux port. They'll be able to repair the issue or recommend a replacement cable if needed.
2. Consult your car's infotainment system manuals. These manuals often include troubleshooting sections that might address common Aux cable problems. You might find instructions for resetting the system, cleaning the Aux port, or confirming the cable's compatibility.

Before taking your car to a dealer, it's always a good idea to check the manuals first. This can sometimes save you time and money if it's a simple fix you can handle yourself. However, if the manuals don't offer a solution, or you're uncomfortable tinkering with the system, then a car audio specialist is the way to go.

Refer to the list of cars that are compatible with CarPlay --> iOS - CarPlay - Available Models

Most cars today are designed to support either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay at a time, not both simultaneously. This limitation comes from how the infotainment system establishes a connection: it prioritizes one protocol (Android Auto or CarPlay) depending on the connected device.

Here’s how it typically works:

• Single protocol per session: When you plug in an Android phone, the system launches Android Auto. If you later connect an iPhone, you’ll need to disconnect the Android device first, then switch to CarPlay.
• Manual switching: Some cars allow you to toggle between Android Auto and CarPlay in the infotainment settings, but you still can’t run them side by side.
• Device priority: If both devices are connected, the car usually defaults to the first one it detects. To change, you must remove or disable the current connection.
• Reason for limitation: Running both simultaneously would require parallel handling of two distinct ecosystems, which complicates interface design, audio routing, and driver safety compliance.

A few premium or newer infotainment systems are starting to experiment with multi-device support, but it’s rare. For most drivers, the practical solution is:

• Use Android Auto if you want to connect an Android device.
• Disconnect and switch to CarPlay if you want to use an iPhone.

By chance do you have a VPN installed on your iPhone? See this link for general help --> How to connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your car - Apple Support

I been having a similar problem since the update. I can’t connect to wireless CarPlay as well as some other Bluetooth devices. I have to restart my phone and it will work for about a day.

DrexB1 wrote:

I recently updated to IOS 26.5 on my Iphone 16 e. Since then ...

Not every issue an individual encounters on their device can be attributed to an iOS update. If the update itself were the root cause, then every device running that same version of iOS would exhibit the identical problem. In such a scenario, the forums would be flooded with countless posts reporting the same malfunction, creating an unmistakable wave of complaints that no one could possibly overlook. The absence of such widespread reports strongly indicates that the issue is not systemic, but rather specific to the device in question.