Apple iOS 4 iPhone with Bluetooth Connectivity Issues?

Uh oh, it looks like iOS 4 in all its multitasking glory has a small issue regarding Bluetooth connectivity. Both iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS users are reporting dropped connections when using Bluetooth on iOS 4 for both headsets and in-car systems. This is definitely not a good thing since those who travel a lot rely on Bluetooth for hands-free safety while driving. And in many states, it’s actually against the law to use your phone to talk or text unless it’s hands-free. So this clearly causes a dilemma for the people who absolutely need to use Bluetooth on their iOS 4 devices.

Users of the Apple smartphone have been contacting AppleInsider to report their problems:

“Nearly every time I’m in my car the iPhone disconnects from the built-in Bluetooth system,” one reader with an iPhone 4 wrote. “This never, ever happened with my 3G phone. I have a case number with AppleCare and they refuse to acknowledge the problem or replace the phone, even after having the problem persist after downloading a fresh copy of IOS 4, reinstalling the software and setting the phone up bare with no other apps. Could this be another antenna problem?”

It’s safe to say that the problem is likely isolated to iOS 4 if users were not experiencing this issue before. The fact that Apple is allegedly refusing to acknowledge the problem is a whole other issue itself, which is surprising given the PR nightmare it faced with “Antennagate.”

Additionally, AppleInsider says:

Users have said that their Bluetooth connections will sporadically drop after the two devices are successfully paired. Others can connect, but are met with a message that says “no media found” when trying to play music. And some said they have experienced muffled voices when placing a call over Bluetooth.

Hopefully this is an issue that can be fixed quickly and easily with software, naturally, since it seems the issue originated from upgrading software, anyway. As for the IntoMobile crew, we have confirmed Bluetooth problems with an in-house iPhone 4 and an Infiniti G35 in-car bluetooth system. Until then, if you absolutely must use your phone in the car to talk, try using your wired headset for now if you’re experiencing these Bluetooth issues yourself. Better safe than sorry!

[Via: AppleInsider]

About The Author

Marc Flores

Marc has been a mobile fanatic for the better part of a decade and has had more devices pass through his hands than he would care to count. Originally from Los Angeles and briefly in San Francisco, Marc now lives in Brooklyn where, unlike Will Park, he longs for simpler times and simpler technology. All the while, he writes about gadgets and wireless technology as he tinkers, hacks and ultimately breaks most of his gadgets in the process. Marc has written about the mobile industry for Boy Genius Report, MobileCrunch, Laptop Magazine and has had his work appear in the Wall Street Journal, Gizmodo, CrunchGear and more.

Vicosphi

Atleast this time its not just iphone 4
Alan

My wife were just discussing this yesterday. We are both experiencing this on our iPhone4.
eddie

just turn the phone off, when you turn it back on it connects. problem solved. i think this will be fixed properly in 4.0.2
Carlos

The issue is not solved by a power cycle, re-pairing, or any other typical fix. My Honda connects but the incoming audio is garbled beyond recognition. The caller can hear me just fine. with version 3.0, the bluetooth was flawless and required zero effort. Switched to iOS4 and that was the last bluetooth call in my car. My Plantronics headset works fine as both headset and headphones, just not the hands-free system in my Honda when I REALLY need it. The iPhone was already on my $h!t list for dropping calls 10 times per day….now I cant talk in the car without a wired headset.
Alex

So you're using the Altec Lansing BackBeat 903? I'm Looking around for bluetooth headsets at the moment, and so far i've come to the conclusion that the Altec Lansing BackBeat 903 is the best bluetooth headset – my Worries are tough that they wont function with the iphone 4, but they do for you? – And another thing, do you have to use the Adapter thingy to make the headset function fully? ( It's the adapter wich comes with the Altec Lansing BackBeat 906 – no diffrent from the 903, it just has that adapter thingy)
Orlando

My bluetooth motorola adapater doesn't work since I downloaded 4.0 software. Could anyone help me?
Roger

My 3G & 3GS connected flawlessly with the U-Connect system in my New Dodge Truck, My new IPhone 4 will not stay connected to this same system…it works sometimes, and drops out often…Also new 4, will not connect with my “Docs to go” app on my computer…again no problem with earlier phones
http://twitter.com/dpleese David Leese

This works. We’ve been fighting this problem for a month with my wife’s iphone. Cycling it off did the trick. When in doubt… reboot.
Davey3

I have to reconnect my iphone 3GS with my infiniti G35 every time now. I never had any problems until I updated the OS.
Pgrande

I think it is pretty weak that this problem has become so widespread and they haven’t done anything about it. My Infiniti M 35 crackles and drops the first 4 calls on the I 4 bluetooth. It’s ridiculous. Come on Jobs and the minions get this handled.
Mikuss

iphone 4 bluetooth is useless and broke,
Larry

My connectivity problems are strange to say the least. I have an iPhone 4 and use an ICON earset. My bluetooth connection is flawless when inside a vehicle. However, when I step out of a vehicle and walk around in open air or inside a buiidling my connection is intermittently lost and reconnects, usually within a few seconds to 30 seconds later. This on again, off again problem continues until I become so irritated at listening to the disconnection tone and reconnection tone and pull the earset out of my ear and stick it in my pocket where it does me no good at all. I’ve tried my ICON with other cell phones and never have this problem. I’ve tried other earsets with my iPhone and have the same problem with them so it is definitely iPhone causing the problem. I’m ready to get rid of my beloved iPhone unless Apple can fix this problem soon. Does anyone know if IOS 5 addresses the issue successfully?
http://www.facebook.com/people/Carsten-Crooks/720410162 Carsten Crooks

Funny I have the exact same ear piece and just recently started having the same problems.

I hope there is a fix soon.
Rsusag

You can also go into the settings menu and turn bluetooth off and back on. That gets my phone to reconnect and it’s faster than the restart.
Liz_toth

Bought & returned my IPhone4 due to bluetooth connection issues….Going back to BB
Bcp1 1

i have a 2010 ram my iphone4 doesnt work with it it at all . i had a motorala phone before didnt work right either. there is a bluetooth problem with u connect . My 2007 ram,s uconnect did not have any bt issues.Pls let me know if there is a fix.
SHIRLMA03

I bought a 4s iphone and it seems that have problems with the bluetooth connection. I went to the apple store to ask for help and thought that they could it fix the problem but that didn’t happen. they provided me with an 800 numbers so i can call . I called and they provided me with a case number everytime I call they always tell me that they are going to get me a supervisor and after waiting for a supervisor that never come to the phone I ended up hanging the phone. they take my number to call me back and they never does. Apple store have a lot of unprofessional people who seems not to answer questions to customer. they never know anything. apple store need to really provide training because they never know how to answer a question when you ask. I don’t recommend apple device to anybody they are just a nightmare come true. APPLE STORE AND CUSTOMERS SERVICES WORLDWIDE SUCKS!!!!

Mary New York
Rottonapple

Just bought a iphone 4 & love it but does not work well with my altec lansing backbeat bluetooth stereo headphones.Cuts out within 10 feet! And no flash player.8-( Going back to my Samsung Galaxy.