iPhone 5 - easy Bluetooth control?

Question

Level 1

22 points

iPhone 5 - easy Bluetooth control?

My iPhone 5 does not automatically connect to my bluetooth headset. Starting withn the iPhone turned on, and turning on the bluetooth headset that has been previously paired, I have to go to the bluetooth menu and manually "connect". This happens most of the time, occasionally the bluetooth headset connects automatically, but mostly I have to do it manually.

This is quite a nuissance since the bluetooth connect button is located several menu levels deep (poor design for such a frequently used feature). I have used several other phones: Blackberry, Android, etc. and in most cases you turn on the bluetooth and it either connects automaticaly, or you click the connect/answer/call button on the bluetooth headset and it connects.

There must be a simple way to make this work that I seem to be missing. The iPhone in general is a great phone, however the bluetooth connecting issue is very inconvenient.

Any ideas how to solve this issue?

iPhone 5, Verizon, IOS 6.1, Plantronics Voyager Pro bluetooth headset.

iPhone 5, iOS 6.0.1

Posted on Apr 16, 2013 10:29 AM

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Answer 1

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Apr 16, 2013 10:32 AM in response to JGreg7

So according to you several = 2?

Try Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings and then re-pair your iPhone and Plantronics. I've used the Plantronics Voyager Pro with my iPhone 5 and it reconnected every time.

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Answer 2

JGreg7 Author

Level 1

22 points

Apr 16, 2013 11:53 AM in response to deggie

Thank you for your response.

I have already tried the reset, it does seem to help, however as time goes on it seems to loose the self-connect ability. I have a bluetooth keyboard which seems to pair very well when I use it. Perhaps there is some sort of priorty in connecting as the keyboard was installed after the bluetooth? The headset does connect when I go through the menus, although sometimes it takes twice to get it to respond.

It is just that when I get into the car and turn on the bluetooth, now I have to go through the lock screen, and menus to select connect, then sit and wait for it to actually connect. On other phones I have had (connected to the same bluetooth headset), it connects with just a push of the answer/call button on the bluetooth headset. I was hoping for something like this on the iPhone.

As for the "several" it winds up being nine button pushes since you always have to start from the same place: [ home button > lock screen slider > enter code (4) > settings > bluetooth > connect... and wait], which is just enough to get a tiicket for texting in California.

Apple can put a camera button on the lock screen, which is somewhat useful, however since the device is primarily a phone, it would seem that a bluetooth connect button would be more appropriate.

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Answer 3

deggie

Level 10

167,525 points

Apr 16, 2013 1:35 PM in response to JGreg7

I would hope that you would connect it prior to driving.

I will reiterate: I have used the same model headset you are using and had no trouble having it automatically connect each time. My iPhone 5 also autoconnects to my car, my headphones, my jambox. There is a problem somewhere with your setup either in the iPhone or the headset. If you are near an Apple Store make a Genius Bar appoint and take your iPhone and headset with you.

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Answer 4

Sk8Dreams

Level 3

906 points

Apr 16, 2013 1:50 PM in response to JGreg7

If you have the keyboard in the car with you when you want to use your headset, it's possible that the keyboard connected automatically first. Try removing the keyboard connection, just for a while, and see if you still have the problem with the headset.

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Answer 5

JGreg7 Author

Level 1

22 points

Apr 17, 2013 6:51 AM in response to Sk8Dreams

I seem to be confusing everyone, my apologies. Thank you for your help and patience with this.

First, to deggie, I do try to connect the bluetooth before driving. It is the connection process I am having trouble with (as described above, I can connect it, it just is a process). As for the automatic connection, that would be wonderful. I am just not sure how to accomplish that.

I agree with your assesment, there is a problem somewhere with the setup either in the iPhone or the headset. That is what I am trying to sort out.

As for the local Apple store, well they are somewhat less than helpful. I went there last night and they wanted to give me an appointment next week. (with about six of them standing around... so much for customer service...)

Second, to Sk8Dreams, sorry for the confusion; the keyboard is in my office, never in the car, and the headset is in the car (most of the time), Generally speaking, they would not be connected at the same time, however upon occasion when I birng the bluetooth headset inside, they will both connect. Getting from my office to the car involves elevators, many floors, and a walk to the parking structure. I would assume the keyboard would have dropped out after that time, however, I will monitor that the next time I need to connect the headset.

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