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iPhone SE Bluetooth issues

I have a new iPhone SE and have so far paired it to a 2014 BMW 328i and a 2011 Kia Optima and a 2015 Kia Santa Fe. In all cases, I have terrible quality bluetooth call reception... the audio while on a phone call is extremely scratchy and distorted.


If I pair an iPhone 6S to each of these vehicles (same iOS version - 9.3.1), I do NOT experience these issues and calls are clear.


When I use the iPhone SE to make phone calls outside of Bluetooth, I have no issues and calls are clear.


This bluetooth issue on my iPhone SE does NOT impact Bluetooth music streaming. Only sounds scratchy / distorted with phone calls.


Apple, so far, is blaming the vehicle manufacturers despite there being multiple vehicle models and brands involved.


BMW and Kia state this must be an Apple problem.


Apple Genius bar is absolutely no help -- they state they can't report "software issues" to Apple and are only able to replace bad iPhones.


I'm at a complete loss as to how to get this to Apple's attention so they can fix the issue.


For now, I don't know what to do. All I know is that Bluetooth audio is very important to me in California since it is illegal to use your phone except in a hands free manner.


Anyone know how we can get this information to someone at Apple that can actually do something about it?


Robert

Posted on Apr 4, 2016 5:27 PM

Reply
934 replies

Apr 7, 2016 7:48 PM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour

I have done, to try and fix problem,

1) reset network settings

2)reset everything

3)wipe phone and restore to new phone by downloading IOS 9.3.1 etc via iTunes (same as erasing and set up as new in iTunes that u mentioned)


Nothing has helped. Office works is giving me a refund and sending a courier to pick up old one.

I'll give it a few weeks till all the stores have stock and I can try before I buy, or buy a 6S. Tho the 6S really is too big for my one and only (smallish) hand.

Apr 7, 2016 9:38 PM in response to brettfromcoffs harbour

Hi,

I did the one you are referring to, without results. Then they got me to do the next step via iTunes where the phone is wiped and iTunes downloads a fresh version of IOS 9.3.1 (even tho the phone already had that on it) it was 1.97gb from memory. That made no difference. Then they initiated some type of diagnostic test on my phone, which told them everything is ok.


I'll get the refund then try before I buy, whether it be a 6S or an SE.

Cheers

Apr 7, 2016 9:45 PM in response to ianrm57

I don't know what i would of done if mine hadn't fixed itself, i drive for work. I actually sold my 5C the morning i found i had the problem so had no back up. Probably would of ebayed it and bought a 6S. I do know the manager at the Telstra store where i bought it but i love the phone and didn't want to spend another $3-400 more. These problems are why its always better to buy direct from Apple and use the 14 day return, but i hesitated on the pre order. Good Luck

Apr 7, 2016 10:03 PM in response to skierrob2

I am having the exact same issues with static and hideous phone call quality when using the SE with bluetooth in our cars (2008 BMW 335i and 2016 BMW X3). You can't understand anything the other person is saying although they can hear you. I have tried all the suggested fixes, but nothing has helped. I have switched back to the old 5s as that works perfectly in the cars. Please Apple fix this.....I waited patiently for 2 years not upgrading my phone in hopes that a phone smaller than a iPhone 6 would be available again.

Apr 7, 2016 11:22 PM in response to skierrob2

Folks,

I had what may have been a breakthrough with an iRep this evening as we worked through different tests of the static issue. He had me:

Shut the phone OFF

Pull the SIM card

Reinsert the SIM card

Boot the phone up.


I then deleted and re-added the BT connections to the devices that were not working properly. I am not 100% sure as I could not create enough volume to thoroughly test but do believe we may have success. I hear a small crackle on calls but nothing like what has been the symptom of this thread.


YMMV


Please report back so I can pass along the info.


RHD

Apr 8, 2016 12:07 AM in response to skierrob2

Add another 2015 GMC Yukon to the list. I am experiencing the exact same issue as described here. Distorted, almost inaudible BT calls on my end. People on the other end report sound is fine.


MY (failed) troubleshooting steps:


1. Reset network settings. No change

2. Reset all settings. (not recommended)

3. Deleted all BT relationships and re-paired. No change

4. Visited Genius bar they were not aware of any BT issues. GB factory reset and updated ios. No change

5. Started from scratch -- wiped the whole phone (erased all contents and settings) and then set up as a new iPhone

6. Bought another iPhone SE, same issue. No change

7. Re-paired vehicle with my iPhone 6 Plus (works fine).

My guess is this is a software issue since the sound works fine in one direction. That's my hope anyway. My return window is closing soon so I will need to decide whether or not to keep the phone. I am hopeful for a fast resolution to this issue as I like the phone otherwise but this is a dealbreaker.




This helped me (0)


This helped me (0)


Apr 8, 2016 12:19 AM in response to skierrob2

I'm in the same boat. Have decided to take the refund and see if they fix the issue. The apple guy I spoke to today, also said this is the first he'd heard of the issue. Must be the standard answer from the memo at apple HQ.


Will be hard to handle the slow old 4S after the SE. Might try and find a cheap 5S to tide me over

iPhone SE Bluetooth issues

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