skierrob2

Q: 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

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Q: iPhone SE Bluetooth issues

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  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Apr 4, 2016 5:29 PM in response to skierrob2
    Level 9 (58,810 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 4, 2016 5:29 PM in response to skierrob2

    What troubleshooting have you tried? As far as reporting to Apple, you can use the feedback link http://www.apple.com/feedback and click on the appropriate subject area.

  • by skierrob2,

    skierrob2 skierrob2 Apr 4, 2016 5:32 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (34 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 4, 2016 5:32 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    I have done the following:

     

    1. Reset network settings.

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

    3. Unpaired and re-paired the phone after "forgetting" the device in each vehicle. 

    4. For no good reason, also tried using VOLTE and a regular non-VOLTE call.  Same audio issue with both.

    5. For no good reason, used an AT&T SIM card and a Verizon SIM card.  Same audio issue with both.


    The problem persists after all this troubleshooting. None of the above steps have helped.

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Apr 4, 2016 5:38 PM in response to skierrob2
    Level 9 (58,810 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 4, 2016 5:38 PM in response to skierrob2

    When you restored the device to factory and then removed the phone from the vehicle and paired again, did you test each individual vehicle, or did you pair all 3 vehicles again before testing?

  • by skierrob2,

    skierrob2 skierrob2 Apr 4, 2016 5:40 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (34 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 4, 2016 5:40 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    Tested each vehicle individually.  Paired one, tested.  Then did a "restore as new phone" and tested a different vehicle. 

     

    No joy. 

     

    Robert

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Apr 4, 2016 5:42 PM in response to skierrob2
    Level 9 (58,810 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 4, 2016 5:42 PM in response to skierrob2

    To be honest, at that point, I don't see anything else that you can do? Do you have the option of going to a different Apple Store and explaining the situation to the Genius there? You do have the option to call Apple Support. You have 90 days of free phone support with the purchase of the new device. Explain the situation to them and you could send the device in for service. That may produce a different outcome.

  • by skierrob2,

    skierrob2 skierrob2 Apr 4, 2016 6:00 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (34 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 4, 2016 6:00 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    Thanks for the help.  I'm not convinced this is a "my phone" issue -- numerous individuals are reporting similar behavior now on Macrumors. 

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Apr 4, 2016 6:03 PM in response to skierrob2
    Level 9 (58,810 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 4, 2016 6:03 PM in response to skierrob2

    So if it isn't your phone, then what is it? The vehicles? If others are reporting it, then it would make one think it is a phone issue. Okay, you can handle it your way. Have a nice day.

  • by skierrob2,

    skierrob2 skierrob2 Apr 4, 2016 6:03 PM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (34 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 4, 2016 6:03 PM in response to ChrisJ4203

    Oh trust me -- I'll be going to a different Genius bar on Wednesday (next appointment available) and am on hold with phone support right now.  I am *not* dismissing your ideas at all.  I'm trying to cover all bases

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Apr 4, 2016 6:04 PM in response to skierrob2
    Level 9 (58,810 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 4, 2016 6:04 PM in response to skierrob2

    Okay. Good luck.

  • by Steve Sparks,

    Steve Sparks Steve Sparks Apr 5, 2016 10:51 AM in response to skierrob2
    Level 1 (18 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 5, 2016 10:51 AM in response to skierrob2

    I have similar issues with a 2014 Subaru Forrester and a 2015 Jeep Renegade using the iPhone SE.

  • by Mickrt,

    Mickrt Mickrt Apr 5, 2016 11:30 AM in response to skierrob2
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 5, 2016 11:30 AM in response to skierrob2

    I Have the same issue, Vauxhall Astra 64 plate and Nissan Juke 2011 plate, no issues with my iPhone 5c's connected my iPhone Se to my Vauxhall and my wife's Se to the Nissan, the Bluetooth is terrible, totally distorted to the point where there is no chance of a decent call.

    i have spoken to Apple tech who say it's the cars not the phone.

     

    *********

     

    <E-mail Edited by Host>

  • by akordion,

    akordion akordion Apr 5, 2016 12:11 PM in response to skierrob2
    Level 1 (10 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 5, 2016 12:11 PM in response to skierrob2

    I have Jawbone Era Bluetooth headset and I do hear cracking distortions when on a call.  I had an older phone which also had similar issue, but at that case I would turn off WiFi radio and call was clear again. I believe there could be interference with WiFi signal when phone is connected to WiFi + Bluetooth is used.  I haven't tried that with my new SE, will try it tonight.

     

    FYI - I also have other phones(Android) and they don't have distortions when on Bluetooth(exception of course when microwave is on).  Checked my headset with iPhone 5s and 6 - no sound issues.

  • by VUDoc27,

    VUDoc27 VUDoc27 Apr 5, 2016 12:25 PM in response to skierrob2
    Level 1 (14 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 5, 2016 12:25 PM in response to skierrob2

    I have had the exact same issue.  Synced my new 64GB iPhone SE (on Verizon) to my 2015 VW Tiguan and all calls and GPS navigation is massively distorted and static-y to the point of unbearable.  I ended up returning the phone thinking that I just got a lemon.  With others stating the same issue, I'm wondering if there is just some kind of defect with the bluetooth chip on the SE model in general, or if the software is by default pushing the bluetooth call audio too hot and creating distortion.  Either way, this thread has pushed me in the direction of the 6S when replacing this upgrade...

     

    Has anyone had this issue and figured out how to fix it?  I've tried all of the steps of the original poster and had no choice but to return - as hands-free calling and GPS is a crucial feature to me as well.  Apple should look into this if there's a possibliity that it can be fixed with a software update AND even more so if they're shipping with bad GPS chips.

  • by benicoletti,

    benicoletti benicoletti Apr 5, 2016 12:59 PM in response to skierrob2
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apr 5, 2016 12:59 PM in response to skierrob2

    I'm having a similar issue to Robert some slightly different variables but I think ultimately sounds like the same issue.  I have 2 different bluetooth headsets a Plantronics Discovery 975 and a Plantronics Voyager Edge and with my iphone 5S no audio issues but currently with my new iphone se it almost sounds like the person on the other end is so loud its distorted.  Even at mid volume the issue is extremely noticeable.  I never had any issues previously and was running both iOS 9.3.1 with both phones.  I can pair the headsets on my old phone or my girlfriends 6S and have no problems but I don't know why on my brand new phone the audio is terrible.  When using my beats wireless headphones paired via bluetooth i have no issue with streaming music.  My next test will be to use the beats and complete a phone call.  Apple Geniuses HELP~!

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