iPhone connecting to car via Bluetooth for music

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iPhone connecting to car via Bluetooth for music

I'm having some issues with connecting my iPhone 6 via Bleutooth to my car (Audi A1's MMI interface).

Normally, for the past 6 months since I got the phone, my phone auto connects via an existing connecting. I get my phone calls through the car but i can also play my music, podcasts etc through the car speakers too. Not a problem.

But over the weekend, this appears to have broken. There's been no change in the settings on the car, and no changes on the phone that I can think of - I certainly haven't upgraded the OS or done anything in Settings. Now, the phone connects to the car but for phone calls only, and isn't being recognised as an audio device - so I can't play my music/podcasts.

The only weird thing I did notice, was the name of my Phone in Settings -> About has changed from XXX's iPhone to just iPhone.

Tried forgetting the bluetooth pairing on both sides (car and phone) and reconnecting but no luck. Any suggestions? Anyone else had a similar problem?

I'm on iOS8.1.2

iPhone 6, iOS 8.1.2

Posted on Feb 23, 2015 12:43 AM

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Answer 1

jason269

Community Specialist

Feb 24, 2015 7:41 AM in response to Jooky85

Hello, Jooky85.

Thank you for visiting Apple Support Communities.

I understand that you are unable to play music via you car stereo Bluetooth connection and have tried troubleshooting this issue already. There are just a couple more steps that I could recommend below.

Troubleshooting tips

Try these troubleshooting tips.

Beginning playback and controlling music

Some car stereos might require that playback be started or controlled from either the device or the stereo. Ensure that your car stereo is set to the proper input for your device. If it is and you cannot hear sound from your car speakers, try switching to your radio and then back to the proper input.

When using adapters to connect to your car stereo, you might notice variations in audio quality. When possible, use a shorter connection to the car stereo or try a different cable or adapter.

Disconnect and restart

If you are experiencing difficulties with the connection between your stereo and device, disconnect the device, and then power cycle the stereo and your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. When the Home screen reappears, reconnect your device. If you cannot power cycle the stereo, turn the car off and then back on to allow the stereo to power off.

Isolate the issue

Try to reproduce the issue with an identical or similar accessory, if one is available, or test with a second device.

For example, if you hear static coming from the left audio channel, try connecting a different device or try connecting to a different stereo or accessory that connects over the same interface (30-pin or Lightning connector, Bluetooth, or headphone jack).

Restore iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

If you have isolated an issue to the device, restore iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to its factory condition. You should rarely need to use this step with an accessory issue. If the issue affects only a third-party accessory, contact the accessory manufacturer before restoring your iOS device.

Get help using your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with your car stereo

Follow these steps first:

Check that you are in range of the Bluetooth accessory with which you are trying to pair your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Most Bluetooth accessories have a range of approximately 30 feet.

On your iOS device, tap Settings > Bluetooth and find your device in the list. If your device says Not Connected, tap the name of your accessory to attempt to connect it.

Tap Settings > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth off and then on again.

Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory is turned on and fully charged or connected to power.

Make sure that your Bluetooth accessory is in pairing mode.¹

Restart your iOS device.

Tap Settings > Bluetooth and locate the Bluetooth accessory you are currently connected to or attempting to connect to. Then tap and "Forget this Device". Try to pair your Bluetooth accessory again.
You may need to enter your Bluetooth accessory PIN again if your accessory requires one. Some common PINs are 0000, 1111, and 1234.

Restart your Bluetooth accessory by turning it off and then on again¹.

Update your device to the latest version of software. See how to update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

If your Bluetooth accessory has upgradable firmware, check to see that you have the latest version^{1, 2.}

iOS: Troubleshooting Bluetooth connections

Cheers,

Jason H.

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