iPhone SE Bluetooth issues

I've been watching this discussion with some interest since it was started but didn't added my comments namely because I thought I would be just another unlucky sod who's SE was unable to connect correctly via Bluetooth and all that I could say has already been said anyway! - image my surprise when today I tried my first hands free call and had no problem, in fact the audio was crystal clear and would say sounded even better than my previous 4S. Just to double check after finishing that call (to a mobile) I tried calling someone thats on a land line, again no issue.

For those interested (and hoping something may help) my SE is the 64Gb version running 9.3.1, was 9.3.0 out of the box but following connection to iTunes to setup from my 4S backup I allowed the phone to update itself over the air because it wasn't that large a download. The car it's paired to is an Audi TT Mk3 Coupe 2015 and I deleted the previous phones settings first (for the 4S) from the cars bluetooth system before letting the SE connect - I then made sure via the car system everything was ticked for the SE's profile and like wise via the phone made sure show notifications and sync contacts was enabled together with everything under Groups ticked. I have not paired the SE to any other device or headset so the Audi MMI is the only one showing. For those in the UK my network is 3 payg and it seems to change from 3g to 4g depending on location.

Not sure what more to add other than will continue to use phone next week while travelling around and if anything changes will report back.

Thanks for reporting your positive experience

Great news for you SiHancox but I wonder what sort of device you called via Bluetooth? I can call a mobile (cell) phone and the sound quality, though not perfect, is certainly acceptable. But if I ring a cordless home phone the sound is terribly distorted. Until there is a fix for this I am making calls to family mobiles rather than home phones.

The first call was to someone using an HTC One m9 on O2 network and the second (the landline) was to a cordless handset (not sure of the make). With all the previous comments was not expecting my SE to be any different (was the main reason did not try it sooner in the car) but now it does work (so far) it raises a big question - what's different for me compared to all those that have posted previously. Is it due to the TT being a fairly new model and so has the latest Bluetooth chips, are there different Bluetooth chips (from alternative manufacturers) being used in the SE's and I happen to have the one not effected by this issue or have I "ducked" the issue in some way by how I've set things up.

Guess until Apple acknowledges the issue publicly and explains what's going on we will be non the wiser.

Guys,

I made an appointment and went yesterday to Apple store. The "specialist, a girl" looked at my phone, told me that she never heard of this problem, tested my phone via some device and told me that all components are fine. I told her that there are many users that have problems with Bluetooth, but she replied saying not to believe what people post on internet. I came to Apple in search of a solution/replacement which I was never offered! On top of that was sent to T-Mobile, so I could call tech support and let them know. I will try again either today/tomorrow and see if I get to another Apple tech support person.

Please add Ford Fiesta 2014 to the list. 5S worked flawlessly SE terrible.

my iPhone se is not able to find any kind of bluetooth device. My macbook late 2008 and my aurvana gold headphones. Very sad tbh.

phone se from germany

For those of you who's iP SE BT Problem isn't properly handled by apple's tech Support I would recommend the following:

1. Open an issue on https://getsupport.apple.com/ and let them know you have a Problem with BT voice on iPhone SE
2. Insert a link to this discussion (iPhone SE Bluetooth issues)
3. Close the text box and specify that you will call them. You will get a Trouble ticket ID and a toll free phone number (on Screen an via email)
4. Call them .... they won't ignore your problem

"4.Call them .... they won't ignore your problem"

... and they won't fix it

I Have to agree.

this thread has been rolling for almost 2 weeks now, no official response from Apple neither. very poor show.

I took my SE back to the store, had it replaced, then took that back yesterday as well, ended up taking the member of staff outside to my vehicle to showcthe problem, as they didn't believe me, again.

Currently using my 5s again until the problem is resolved. Or should I say IF the problem gets resolved.

Poor show Apple.

They can't fix it as they don't have a solution right now - maybe they don't even know the root cause of the problem so far. But they won't ask you to reinstall or reset your phone to factory settings, see your car manufacturer for an update or other things that won't help you. And they will keep you updated personally.

Yeah I resorted back to my 5s also, my problem was not only the bluetooth but also the screen and the music & voice sound quality sucked compared to my older 5s.

My SE had a red tint at different angles and the sound quality sucked when transmitting music to BT speakers, using the built in speaker as well as through headphones. The volume noticeably lower, less fidelity and less bass and volume. I don't expect these items to be fixed so even if they would get the BT problem fixed ill still probably keep my 5s until the 7 or something comes out. Music when working out, mowing the grass etc means alot, apparently they used cheaper components when building this model.

So a $600 billion company doesn't have the resources to fix a phone that cost them roughly $150 to make? I think they do but the problem is a hardware problem and they don't want to do a recall

I have a solution for Apple, how about not being so freaking secretive about new phone releases and actually take time to test and retest these phones before releasing them out to the public.

Just in case it helps, I am experiencing a very similar issue with my iPhone 6s. I found this thread in a web search, and I hope that my input can help others.

Phone calls are distorted so badly that I cannot understand the person on the other end of the call and visa versa. I can hear the "cadence" of their speech patterns, but the audio is so distorted that I cannot pick out the words. Other audio (GPS instructions, music, etc.) are perfect.

The bluetooth connection is from the iPhone 6s to a Garmin Zumo 660 GPS. The Garmin Zumo 660 is connected via bluetooth to a new Schuberth SRC System Pro in a C3 Pro motorcycle helmet. (It is made by Cardo Systems, and is comparable to a G9.) I have also tried connecting directly between the SRC (helmet) and the iPhone 6s, but the bluetooth connection gets dropped all the time.

The problem is there most of the time, but I have been "lucky" and had a few clear calls, usually the first call of the day. Immediately after that good call, the next call is likely to be totally distorted. It does not seem to matter who originates the call. If I switch phone call audio to "iPhone" or "speaker", then the audio is good.

Once (and only once) I had a distorted call where the distortion was not as dramatic, and I could still understand the person on the other end of the line.

I am still troubleshooting this problem, but wanted to share in case it helps anyone else.

As expected same Bluetooth sound problems using my iPhone SE with a Nissan Leaf.

Apple support suggestion to run update and even restore via iTunes did of course not help.

Everyone I've talked to at Apple support claim that they haven't heard anything about this problem before...

I wonder how many iPhone SE users Apple support now have persuaded to make these time consuming and meaningless exercises.

OT: Does your iPhone SE power button also rattle when you shake the phone?

Sounds very cheap.