Since the introduction of iOS 8, car owners have been battling dropping Bluetooth connections, no Bluetooth connections and even problems playing music via USB ports as well as functionality loss such as lack of text messaging or other features. Recently, Apple released the iOS 8.4 update and it seems to help with a few car infotainment systems.
The main reason for the update is the new Apple Music that is found in the redesigned music app. The update also includes “improvements and bug fixes. Apple Music in theory should work with in-car systems too. Since the update, it has been revealed that there are changes in HomeSharing that no longer enables iPhones, iPads and iPods to stream audio from computers on the same network running iTunes.
It seems like every new update adds new problems. In fact now, forum members are reporting Bluetooth problems with the recent update to 8.4 with some being able to resolve it by going to settings, general, reset and reset all setting, which is the original “Nuke-it-fix” we seen before.
We also discovered a new fix we have never hear before what we call “off your Handoff,” in June that worked for a few commenters.
We’ve seen the following problems with iOS 8.4
- Inability of music to sync in iTunes.
- Driver can make phone calls through Bluetooth but unable to play music.
- Unable to pair iPhone 5S with iOS 8.4 with car or headphones after resetting the iPhone.
- iPhone resets after playing one song with Bluetooth connection.
- Music previously loaded on the iPhone from iTunes is gone as well as playlists. Some have been able to restore playlists from computer backup.
One of readers “Ray” stated that the update to iOS 8.4 solved his issues with a 2012 Hyundai Elantra playing music through a cable connected to the USB port. Has the update helped you, too?
Apple is expected to release iOS 9 in the fall. We suspect there will be even more Bluetooth issues with in-car infotainment systems.
In our last roundup of fixes it seemed like some automakers had updated their infotainment system software and it is available for download online. A new problem arose with music streaming skipping like a scratched CD.
Previously, some found that nuke-it fix sometimes helped re-pair Bluetooth connections and in-car systems.
If you have updated to iOS 8.4 for iPhone 5/5S/5c 6-6+ and it fixed or fried your Bluetooth issues or music streaming with your in-car infotainment system, please let us know in the comments below, be sure to note your make, model and year of your vehicle. We also welcome any solutions you have found worked with your car.
We have comments from readers that there are still Bluetooth problems reported with BMW, Audi, Acura, MINI, GM(Chevy, GMC, Cadillac, Buick), Honda, Kia, Toyota, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Lexus, Fiat, Hyundai, Chrysler, Acura, Mazda and more.
Previously, after talking to many automakers we asked Why Bluetooth iOS 8-8.1 & iPhone 6-6+ issues persist in cars? It seemed like the 8.1 update helped with a few new model cars. Here is a summary of Bluetooth issues and fixes and checkout the most popular nuke-it fixes.
We received good and bad news about iOS 8.2 when it was first launched.
You are welcome to sign up for our newsletter for daily news, weekly news or just Bluetooth iOS 8+ news to keep informed. Note: if you subscribe to email when published, you will get everything and don’t have to subscribe to other lists.
I just feel hopeless with this iPhone Bluetooth issue. I use iPhone 5s, I can play music but can’t take or make calls our car speakers. My wife uses iPhone 4s, she can do everything with her phone over car speakers. Apple, please help.
Hi, try – General>Accessibilty>Car Audio Routing and select “Bluetooth Headset” instead of of the default Automatic.
Looks like there is a bug in the Automatic setting.
Lost phone and audio Bluetooth connection after updating to 8.4 in my 2015 Infinity QX60. Would pair to talk on phone until I tried ‘forgetting device’ to reconnect & then could never repair!
Did you ever figure out how to get all audio to play through bluetooth in the QX60? I have the same truck and everything worked perfectly until I got the 6s Plus and iOS9.1, now some apps like NFL Mobile work only through usb to lightning and others like Watch ESPN do not play through the speakers at all (bluetooth or otherwise). Anyone know how to fix this?
Hi, try – General>Accessibilty>Car Audio Routing and select “Bluetooth Headset” instead of of the default Automatic.
Looks like there is a bug in the Automatic setting.
2014 Cadillac CTS Vsport, IOS 8.4.1 on iPhone 6: 8 to 10 minute songs end around 3:30 mark. When fast forward from steering wheel control occasionally starts threading through songs from iCloud NOT on my phone until it comes to a song ON my phone which begins playing. Hilariously stupid behavior when you think about it.
2011 Pilot Touring, with an iPad Air running iOS 8.4. No issues prior to update, device plugged in with lightning cable. Now infotainment doesn’t recognize any song titles, permit song changes through the console/steering wheel, and will only play approx 30 seconds of audio before the car decides it’s ‘unsupported’. Unplug and replug the lightning cable to restart your 30 seconds. Rinse, repeat.
Lost phone and audio connection via Blurtooth and my 2016 Mazda CX-5 after updating to 8.4. Can control music and get playlists through USB,
iPhone 6 plus running the iOS 9 beta ina 2015 Ram 1500 with UConnect. It actually seems to be working pretty well except with one problem. Used to be able to listen to or at least be notified of incoming texts on UConnect. That is NOT the case after the last beta release. Also, still cannot send voice texts due to Apple not allowing Bluetooth MAP.
VW Polo 2010 iPhone 5c recently updated to 8.4 and now no longer compatible, won’t play or display any music, connected with a lightning cable through to media-input wouldn’t recommend updating iPhone as it worked previously
Honda Insight 2007. Iphone 5s ios 8.3-8.4.
Bluetooth can not find the iphone.
Music through USB works.
2010 Tundra- Iphone 6plus will pair, but no sound from Itunes. Phone does not connect. This is some BS
2011 Ford Flex with Microsoft Sync. After 8.4 my iPhone 6 Plus won’t connect to Bluetooth for music though is connected for the phone. Music won’t play over USB either with error message being “Unrecognized device.” I’ll try the fixes suggested here.
2013 Toyota Camry. Iphone5 with IOS 8.4 update. Car entertainment system doesn’t recognize bluetooth connection after software update. Now car is back to 2008 technology with no ability to take or make phone calls nor listen to music from iphone.
Hooked up phone to lightning cable, and after 5 attempts of turning on and off bluetooth, music stopped skipping and phone paired to car. Now it seems to work without lighting cable.
I have 2015 Lexus RX350 and iPhone 5s version 8.4. I’ve done all the suggested workarounds found in the internet but the music is still skipping. Technology…
My iPhone 6 with a recently updated IOS 8.4 now doesn’t pair with the Bluetooth system in my Range Rover Sport. Any help or suggestions please?
Hyundai Sonata 2013 limited edition. Will make calls and receive. Won’t stream music via Bluetooth but will with usb cable. Use to work fine.
Mercedes A-Class 2014 Model – Post IOS 8.4 update on iPhone 6 Plus, no longer recognises in car system when connected via USB. Bluetooth Still works fine.
my 2012 mercedes vito will not connect to the bluetooth on my iphone 6 ios 8.4 it’s so fucking annoying with apple products. my samsung doesn’t have this problem. i’m about to drop all apple products as they have become more problematic than windows shit. get a grip apple instead of ponsing about with how did we do surveys. fucking arseholes
Opel Insignia Bluetooth constantly drops connection and re-connects during phone calls 4 times in 3 minutes unusable now
Renault Espace V, brand new (July 2015) with Renault R-link 2 System
After the iOS update to 8.4 on my iPhone 5S, the phone can connect for phone calls but no conection for Music, neither by BT not by USB.
Upset !
similar on r-link. Finally after getting stable USB now diificult to use again. USB cable very patchy, and now unable to search for songs etc by bluetooth
2011 Hyundai Sonata Limited here. IOS 8.4 fixed my cable connection error issue. After the last update 8.2 or whatever it was, when I connected the dock cable i just got an initialize error. The work around i came up with was to first start playing a youtube video through the youtube app, then connect the cable. The video would start to play though the car, then I’d go to a playlist and just start a song and it would connect and play normally. It was a pain if I was in a hurry but it worked. I installed 8.4 and now I don’t have any problems connecting though the cable. I didn’t see any bluetooth issues either. I didn’t have to reset anything.
2010 Cadillac CTS. Since updating to 8.4 one I dial a number and the phone rings once, the Bluetooth speaker/mike system shuts off and the audio controls on the iPhone lock. The call is connected, but I cannot hear the other person, they cannot hear me, and I cannot even switch to the headset or phone speaker. Same thing happens if someone calls me. As soon as I pick up the call, the speaker system shuts off and the phone audio settings are locked. I have to wait for the other person to hand up to disconnect the call.
Handoff was the problem. As soon as I read some of the other posts, I tried shutting of the handoff feature, and now everything is working fine again!
New Peugeot 308, with Iphone6 iOS 8.3 everyithing OK; with iOS 8.4 the sounds does not works when reproducing music or video by bluetooth, works if connected by USB cable…
Peugeot 508 Bluetooth constantly drops connection and re-connects during phone calls 4 times in 3 minutes unusable now
Jabra Freeway HFS100 no longer connects to iphone6. Thanks Apple!
2013 Acura ILX, factory stereo. My iPhone 5 was synched perfectly, but no iOS so far has been able to connect my new 6 to the car.
2014 Subaru Crosstrek, no issues before update, post-8.4 I can hear audio through the speakers but must control everything on my iPhone. The forward/back controls don’t work, turning audio on and off doesn’t start/ pause music, and none of the album/artist/song information displays on screen any longer.
Had an iPhone with 8.3 in the car today and everything works perfectly with Bluetooth streaming from that device.
Debilitating unreliability beginning with iOS8.3 (previously rock-solid) in 2014 Subaru Forester not fixed with 8.4
2005 Nissan Altima with a JVC KD-AVX44 receiver. After iOS8.4 update on iPhone 6+ the music skips when streamed via bluetooth. Very frustrating.
There is similar problem with previous update. there are reports that shutting off “Handoff” features helps with Bluetooth connections and iPhones.