iPod Touch 4th gen bluetooth problem

Question

iPod Touch 4th gen bluetooth problem

I have two iPod Touches (both 4th generation), and both are exhibiting the same problem: When paired with any bluetooth device (I have various earphones and a portable speaker), both devices have lost the range of transmission in the past few months. I used to be able to leave the iPod at one end of the room and move about without audio loss. Now I practically have to hold the iPod near my ears to get a clear signal. I've tried them with all the bluetooth earphones I have (all fully charged, with both iPods fully charged) and have the same problem. The iPods are running the latest iOS available for them. It's possible, I suppose that the bluetooth chip is failing, but how likely that it would fail in both iPods I have (ones an 8G; the other a 16G). Would it make sense to erase the devices and reinstall a backup or a fresh iOS?

Posted on Oct 31, 2015 11:59 AM

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Answer 1

lllaass

Level 10

210,411 points

Oct 31, 2015 12:29 PM in response to William Robinson

A would not expect a "slow" failure like you are experiencing. I suspect that there is interference that is causing the problem. BT operates in the 2.4 GHz band it and there is lot of devices that produce a signal in that band.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Potential sources of wireless interference - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Oct 31, 2015 12:34 PM in response to lllaass

This doesn't happen only in the home. It's prevalent while outdoors walking, biking or even kayaking where I am in the middle of a lake with no other likely signals. I have an even older iPod Touch, a 2nd generation that does not exhibit a weakened bluetooth signal. I wonder if the 4th gens BT chip was flawed.

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