Why iOS 9.0.2 for iPhones fixes security while Bluetooth and in-car connections suffer?

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iOS92The update to 9.02 fixed some security issues and seems to be causing fewer Bluetooth problems than last year’s update to iOS 8 update. However, we are still getting reports of Bluetooth issues with iPhones as well as Android smartphones. Some owners are pointing blame on the automakers. There appears to be no new remedies while drivers continue to delete settings, reset network settings, re-pair, re-set the car infotainment and turn off the handoff feature. One of our readers found that resetting the network settings in iOS 9.0.2  worked for him. The upgrade to iOS 9.0.2 does seem to important because it fixes a security vulnerability and other bug fixes.

Why is that? It appears Bluetooth settings in general, need to be clean on both devices even when the device is a car. Let’s remember that cars are designed five years in advance while smartphone are designed with the latest technology and should work and be downward compatible. Last year, with the introduction of iOS 8, Bluetooth connections suffered greatly, we believe due to the increase bandwidth being used on iPhones.

One fix that seems to help the most is disabling the “Handoff” feature. With iOS 8 Apple added a new feature “Handoff” that syncs  Apple’s apps including Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Safari, Reminders, Messages, Maps, Pages, Numbers and Keynote with those on a Mac computer, or iPad so that you start where you left off. This is done within 30 feet of the other device.

We learned that an office was having problems with Bluetooth after the “Handoff” feature was launched. Bluetooth can also be used on Mac computers for keyboards and wireless mice. If an iPhone is trying to Handoff to a computer that is not there, it could be causing problems.

It’s not just the Bluetooth signal itself that could be causing problems but the processor on the iPhones doing other functions like checking for email, Facebook updates and pinging chat apps.

At the Apple store, for another fix earlier this week, we heard complaints of battery drain for iPhonse with multiple apps running simultaneously. Those with Apple Watches also experienced problems with in-car infotainment systems.

The nicest thing about Bluetooth with car systems is that it automatically connects the phone to the car. Last weekend, I forgot to pair my phone, I didn’t expect any calls, but a call came through while I was driving. I hit the steering wheel button and answered the call.

Android Auto and CarPlay won’t necessarily be the answer because they require cabled connections which seem like work when hopping in and out of the car all day.

iOS 9.02 patches security problems however, the new updates have caused issues with Calendar and iMessage. Whenever you click on a date in Calendar, or the keys in iMessage, it sometimes doesn’t read it, seems to stick, or there’s a delay. The Siri beep response is gone, she only vibrates. There are reports of Text message problems with the text area shows ‘0:00’ with iOS 9.02.

iOS 9 has a battery saving mode called Low Power Mode that disables juice-sucking tasks and lets you monitor battery power of Bluetooth devices. In general, there have been fewer Bluetooth issues with cars reported than with iOS 8, or it could be that drivers have given up hope. This time around, newer cars seem to be having more problems than older cars.

Here’s what our readers have reported

  • After upgrading iPhone 5S to iOS 9 and 9xx iPhone will not sync on 2015 Ford Fusion.
  • 2013 Lexus RX350 won’t connect to iPhone 6S with iOS 9.01.
  • 2014 Ford Focus SE no Bluetooth connect AT ALL. Worked fine a couple of weeks ago.
  • A 2015 Ford Focus SE and the 9.0.2 update worked for a bit and then completely broke again
  • 2013 Dodge 1500 QC 4×4 – Uconnect now drops call after updating my iPhone 5s with 9.02.
  • iPhone 5S not pairing with Toyota 2014 Sienna LE for phone calls.
  • No Siri on Prius 2007.
  • 2013 Tahoe using 6s 9.0 that connects fine but can’t use Siri or voice commands cuz phone ties to connect to Bluetooth and voice command times out.
  • iPhone 6 will not connect music audio via Bluetooth to my Toyota Sienna.
  • Cadillac Cue will not sync with iPhone 6S messages.
  • Nissan Altima Coupe 2009. iPhone 6 was e-paired, reset network settings, deleted phone. No luck. Driver can call out, incoming calls show on car display, but no ringtone. At least calls aren’t being dropped now.
  • Bluetooth problems with Chevy Equinox 2013, it keeps dialing no # and if tap hang up and it keeps doing it.
  • New iPhone 6S Plus and set up Bluetooth in Lexus SUV. Incoming calls connect correctly with Bluetooth, but outgoing call using the phone to select the contact, it doesn’t automatically use Bluetooth.
  • 2013 Honda CR-V. Bluetooth connection continuously disconnects and reconnects when used for calls or streaming music.
  • 2015 Cadillac XTS with SMS not working.
  • 2014 BMW 5 series. iPhone 5S with iOS 9 update. Bluetooth control doesn’t work. Driver can’t change songs. Loads slowly.
  • Honda Civic 2013 Audio works perfectly, lots of issues with calls they get consistently transferred to phone instead of being handled by Bluetooth. It all started with iOS8, iOS9 hasn’t fixed it.
  • Both car and truck have lost Bluetooth connection after iOS9 update on iPhone 5C.
  • Installed iOS 9 on iPhone 5 it will not connect to  Ram 1500. Installed latest software in pickup still won’t connect.
  • 2011 Chrysler 200 and a 2013 RAM both with uConnect. Owner called uConnect and they said it is an Apple update issue. They can’t keep up with Apple updates.
  • 2013 Volvo C30 Bluetooth music not working. Shows song but does not play.
  • 2008 Mazda CX-9 with iPhone 6 in March 2015. At first there was a delay in connecting to the Bluetooth and driver had to wait before pulling off from my home to see the connection but it worked fine. Mind you, with my 4S, there were no connection delays or problems with the Bluetooth – ever. After the update, driver couldn’t (and still can’t) connect at all.  Driver unpaired, tried to re-pair, re-set…nothing!
  • iPhone 5s worked on a 2013 Toyota RAV 4 but is unable to “connect” since last IOS upgrade. The iPhone still works just fine on a 2012 Toyota 4 Runner.

Now that we look at our readers comments, we see that there are still problems with Bluetooth connections. When we looked at the same time period last year, we had more comments from readers with problems. The original Bluetooth glitch Apple admitted to and pushed out a fix later.

Last year, we learned that in general, the older the car, the more difficulty, there can be with Bluetooth connections. Older car owners may want to wait to see what happens.

The “Nuke-it-fix” and its variations of the continue to work for some Bluetooth fixes.  We just received this variation on the “Nuke-it-fix,” which resets all the networked settings, that worked today for Shawn.

Problem: iPhone Drops Bluetooth Connection While Making Calls in a Honda Pilot 2015, iPhone 6 -IOS 9.02

1. Delete iPhone device profile from car phone.
2. Delete Bluetooth link setting from iPhone for car phone.
3. Turn Bluetooth setting to “off”
3. Go to iPhone Settings> General> Reset > select “Reset all network settings.”
4. Put Wi-Fi password back into iPhone.
5. Do a two finger “hard reset” on iPhone.
6. Boot iPhone back up.
7. Turn Bluetooth back on.
8. R- pair iPhone to car
9. Test by make a call and allowing to just set “live” for 5-10 and check for connectivity drops.

If you have updated to iOS 9.0-9.2 for iPhone 5/5S/5c 6-6+ 6S/6S+ 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. The year and model of your car are very important.

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.

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Apple’s official changes in updates:

iOS 9.0.2 contains bug fixes and improvements including:
  • Fixes an issue with the setting to turn on or off app cellular data usage.
  • Resolves an issue that prevented iMessage activation for some user.
  • Resolves an issue where an iCloud Backup could be interrupted after starting a manual backup.
  • Improves the stability of Podcasts.
  •   Security Fix: A lock screen issue allowed access to photos and contacts on a locked device. This issue was addressed by restricting options offered on a locked device.
iOS 9.0.1 update contains bug fixes including:
  • Fixes an issue where some users could not complete setup assistant after updating.
  • Fixes an issue where sometimes alarms and timers could fail to play.
  • Fixes an issue in Safari and Photos where pausing video could cause the paused frame to appear distorted.
  • Fixes an issue where some users with a custom APN setup via a profile would lose cellular data.

56 thoughts on “Why iOS 9.0.2 for iPhones fixes security while Bluetooth and in-car connections suffer?”

  1. I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler. The Bluetooth and music worked both fine via Bluetooth and usb with my iPhone 5. Now I have a iPhone 6s Plus (9.3.2 software) and my music pays a few songs then pauses for minutes at a time. If I change the song it takes even longer. It shows the song on the stereo and says play but it takes a few minutes for it to start. Doesn’t make a difference if it’s plugged in.

  2. 2009 Lexus GX350. Problems with iOS 9.3 and later. When I am on a call using my car Bluetooth I am constantly getting a loud beep every 10 – 12 seconds. iOS 9, 9.1 and 9.2 worked perfectly. Problems started with iOS 9.3 and have not been fixed with 9.3.1 or 9.3.2

  3. I have a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Uconnect system and an IPhone 4s. After updating to the latest IOS 9.3.1- I was unable to connect to my hands-free mode. I used the steps outlined in the Nuke-It-Fix and it now works fine. Follow it exactly and you should be successful. I tried skipping a couple of steps and it wouldn’t work.

  4. 2013 Honda Accord no longer connects to my iPhone since I updated to iOS 9.2.1. Before the update, the iPhone paired to the car with no issues. Pandora can’t play and no phone calls. Now, it gets stuck on “Transfer” when I try to answer or make a call. Attempted to fix by deleting iPhone from the car and pairing it anew, but that did not work as the car could recognize the iPhone but was unable to pair with it.

  5. I have a 2013 Ford Escape and an iPhone 6s Plus. since the update I’m unable to use my phone in the car at all. It connects, but if I make a call, they cannot hear me through the speakers. If a call comes in, I do not see it on the car display. I have to answer on the phone and fight to get the sound to come through phone speaker. I’ve deleted the connection of the phone from the car. I’ve reset to factory settings in the car. I’ve turned blue tooth off and on. Nothing has fixed the phone problem.

  6. I have a Ford Fiesta 2014 model. In Australia. Since upgrading my 6s to 9.2.1 I find the Bluetooth connectivity constantly drops from my car, I can’t get my music (from guvera) to come thru the car AND tonight I started getting the option to read and listen to text messages thru my car!
    I was told when I purchased my cR that feature was only available with android phones. It gave me an option to reply BUT it didn’t work. Should I contact ford.

  7. I don’t have Bluetooth issues but I have major USB issues since the last update. I have a 2014 Equinox and have been to the dealership to make sure it’s not an issue with my car. Since the last iOS update if I adjust the volume it disconnects my phone and the radio comes back on. It also disconnects my phone if I try to skip a track from the stereo (as opposed to from iTunes). My favorite quirk is it disconnecting when I put my car in reverse. Apparently I am the only person to report this particular issue. Since this is an Apple issue there’s nothing I can do except not go in reverse, skip a track, or adjust the volume without having to reconnect my USB. It’s a stupid problem but is maddening nonetheless.

  8. I have an iPhone6+, ever since upgrading to IOS9, my autofill doesn’t work and it won’t connect with my 2008 Ford Fusion. Everything worked fine before the upgrade.

  9. I have a Suzuki grand vitara and an iphone 6s – whilst the iphone recognises the car Bluetooth it wont pair with it and I am unable to delete it and start again

  10. I have an iPhone 5S and ever since I updated to new IOS 9 my Bluetooth and USB connection on my 2014 Ford Mustang for Pandora won’t work. It plays a few seconds and stops. I’ve reset my phone and the car and still nothing. Also, when I tried to connect my iPhone to the Sync through the USB it said my phone was not recognized as a media device. However, music plays fine with iTunes through Bluetooth.

  11. Have a BMW X3 and the Bluetooth was TERRIBLE on my iPhone 6s after the most recent update. Followed your advise and I’m all set. Thanks

  12. I have a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado with Mylink. My Bluetooth works to receive phone calls, but everytime I hang up my radio starts playing Pandora or Music off of my phone even though I was listening to XM radio when the phone call came in. I have an Iphone 6 with IOS 9. I’ve tried a few things and my dealer doesn’t seem to know how to fix it. Please help.

    • Hi Brad, I had the same issue in my 2015 GMC Sierra. Phone call would come in (iPhone 6) and when finished the radio would go back to whatever station was on. After the 9.0.2 update, the radio would stay connected to Bluetooth and would randomly pick a song from my iTunes music library and start playing. It was very annoying! Also, if my son would want to play a app on my iPhone while in the truck, it would switch the radio to blue tooth and the games sounds would go thru the speakers. I tried all of the normal repairing, renaming, rebooting, hard reset, etc. etc. but the only way I could get it to work similar to before the update was to turn off SIRI. After I turned SIRI off, when I would end a phone call the radio would go back to the station I was listening to. It does not work exactly like it did before that update, but it is close. Hope it helps you out.

      • I have same problem on 2016 Cadillac XTS – listen to radio, tel call comes in, end call, Bluetooth media connection appears (not the radio stn I was listening to); yesterday, the steering wheel functions related to the radio (voice command, mute, volume and channel selection – in addition to displaying sound system choice on HUD) all stopped working but later reappeared as though nothing had happened.

  13. Music won’t play from iPhone 6s to accord blue tooth. Re-Parring the connection works for one day and then the problem returns.

  14. Iphone 6 IOS9.2 – Cadillac SRX 2015 with CUE – no longer receive text messages, this worked before IOS update on same phone – listen to XM or radio – receive phone call or make phone , cue automatically switches to blue tooth audio and starts playing once phone call ends – This did not happen before IOS 9 –

    • Sadly, same issue happening with my 2016 Escalade ESV. There’s nothing Cadillace or GMC can do. Apple MUST fix this and there’s no timeframe for just such!:(. However, they are aware. I’m beyond frustrating because what was a wonderful convenience has resulted in a huge inconvenience!!!! It takes my eyes and thoughts off road to address as the darned system either starts playing my ITunes music or I have to manually choose music since the Bluetooth signal pops up and all goes quiet. RIDICULOUS!!!!!

  15. I have a 2014 GMC acadia and my new iPhone 6s with the new ios 9 update will connect to vehicle by bluetooth but I’m no longer able to receive text messages via vehicle anymore. Is this a known issue with the new ios 9 update?

  16. I have iphone 6s which keeps on getting disconnected from 2008 BMW 528i. The BMW guys said that the phone is not compatible with the CAR’s Bluetooth.
    Any help is appreciated.

  17. 2014 Ram 1500 with Uconnect 5.0(RA2) will connect via Bluetooth, SIRI will work, but when a call comes in there is NO SOUND that comes through the speakers. They cannot hear me and I cannot hear them. The call is connected though as you can see it counting the duration. So frustrating!!!!!!

  18. i have a 2013 kia soul ! and before updating my iPhone 6 to iOS 9.2 I didn’t have any bluetooth problems in my car. Now, unfortunately, it connects and shows it is connected, but my music won’t stream at all. The song shows up on my screen but no sound comes out, but if I get a notification on my phone, it plays through the sound system in the car as if it was connected… I am not sure what is going on with Apple these days, but this iOS 9 software appears to be a bust. (I am also having problems with my iCloud account and it not backing up AT ALL with no resolution from Apple).

    • I had the same problem with my new pioneer unit after I did the I IOS9.2 upgrade. Then I realised that the only place where I had the problem was when the car was at home and the phone was still picking up the house wifi. Once I turned that off and just got the 4g signal everything worked fine.

  19. Mitsubishi ASX XLS 2015 model. No problems with iPhone connectivity under any other version. But since updating to 9.2, when I make a call it will connect and I can have a conversation but the phone will drop in and out between hands free Bluetooth mode and handset mode. Itl drop out for a few seconds and my friend will ask where I am, then it will reconnect.
    Not cool.
    Australia.

  20. Lost connectivity to 2011 Ford Escape after 9.0.2 update. iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone 6 Plus will no longer connect. Deleted all Bluetooth on vehicle and no wont pair. Latest update was applied to vehicle two month ago. Worked great before apple update.

    • Have u tried to put vehicle on park first before connecting to Bluetooth? I’ve noticed I have to try different ways than before i upgraded my from the iphone5 to the iPhone 6plus. Usually now after every upgrade in iPhone iOS I unpair my phone and repair it again W sync while I’m parked. Once it is the Syncs system again then I can request bluetooth Audio AND it starts playing whatever is on my phone out loud. If not hook up ur USB cord w phone to port then request Bluetooth audio. Should connect toether then u can unplug usb cord and should continue to stay playing on Bluetooth. Just make sure gear is in park first before any steps above.

  21. New iPhone 6s iOS 9.2 Bluetooth doesn’t work at all with 2015 Lexus RX 350. Apple support said they are aware and working on the problem. Also said other cars were affected.

    • I have a 2009 Lexus RX 350 and have the same annoying problem too since i upgraded my phone to IOS 9.02. I did what they call the ‘nuke-it-fix’ and still doesn’t work. I had the same problem with IOS 9.01 before but resetting the network setting from my iphone fixed it previously.

  22. My 6s plus was just updates to 9.2 and now my GMC Acadia 14 is having major Bluetooth issues. Every time I turn on my car and my Bluetooth connects it’s starts playing Bluetooth audio out of nowhere. Does anyone know how to fix this??

  24. Updated my iphone 6 to ios 9.2. Now my 2012 Dodge Journey Uconnect refuses to see the device… NO bluetooth phone or music player.

  25. Kia optima 2014 paired with an iphone 6s, ios 9.1 All was great until 9.1. I lost the ability to transmit music via bluetooth audio streaming. The bluetooth for phone works fine, but no music. It won’t even recognize that the phone is available as a media device.

  26. IT WORKS ! Fixed !
    iPhone 6 -IOS 9.02 and 2013 Honda CR-V. Bluetooth connection continuously disconnects and reconnects when used for calls or streaming music.

    1. Delete iPhone device profile from car phone.
    2. Delete Bluetooth link setting from iPhone for car phone.
    3. Turn Bluetooth setting to “off”
    3. Go to iPhone Settings> General> Reset > select “Reset all network settings.”
    4. Put Wi-Fi password back into iPhone.
    5. Do a two finger “hard reset” on iPhone.
    6. Boot iPhone back up.
    7. Turn Bluetooth back on.
    8. R- pair iPhone to car
    9. Test by make a call and allowing to just set “live” for 5-10 and check for connectivity drops.

    Thank you!

  27. Purchased a brand new updated model fiat 500 and my phone will not work. Signal is poor, Bluetooth keeps disconnecting and music is very temperamental. Other iPhones work perfect in my car. Had the car back to manufacture but it’s an ios9 fault as other iPhones are connecting perfect and the signal is clear. I also can’t connected to wifi in my home. Restored factory setting but still no luck.

    • 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.

  28. i have a 2015 camry xle and a a iphone4- and 6 which connects fine to my bluetooth in the car but loses its contacts while driving . the dealer has changed the radio 3 times and the software box but the problem continues , Is it a car problem or iphone problem ? has any one else experienced this issue?

  29. Got brand new iPhone 6S. iPhone connects to cue on my 2015 (late) Escalade but Cadillac Cue will not sync with iPhone 6S messages. And apple car play not available on Escalade until 2016. No upgrade to older models!!!

  30. New 2016 Audi A7 with iPhone 6 and ios 9.1. Will drop the Bluetooth connection mid call and sometimes reconnect. The phone is plugged into the USB port on the car. The other day it dropped the Bluetooth connection and started playing music on the phone all by itself. Really strange.

  31. Updated to 9.01 and my ability to automatically connect audio streaming disappeared . You have to repair it for a single driving experience. BMW computer says the phone disconnects the audio but leaves the phone call ability in place.

    2911 3 series BMW

  33. I can confirm that I lost bluetooth connectivity to my 2008 Mazda CX9 upon upgrading my iPhone 6 to IOS 9. I just updated to IOS 9.1 and it still does not pair. I deleted all blue tooth connections on my car and phone and it still will not recognize when pairing. Thank you for documenting these problems. Handsfree is the law in California and we depend on these devices to work properly.

  35. Brand new I phone 5s. 2011 Subaru Outback. Worked fine with iPhone 5s. Got iPhone 6s yesterday. Phone will not pair with blue tooth. I can get the system to connect but the iPhone will not hold the connection when I turn off the car. This is unacceptable. I agree with Chrystal. Plus it’s frustrating and time consuming to deal with it. Still not solved.

  36. Brand new iPhone 6s. And 2015 Chevy impala. No sound with notifications when Bluetooth is on in car. For only having phone 5 days this is not acceptable

  37. I have an iPhone 6S Plus with IOS 9.0.2 and an 2013 Audi Q7. Lately the bluetooth connections gets lost mid call and then sometimes comes back mid call. Sometimes it loses bluetooth connectivity and does not come back at all. I will try the “nuke it” fix above and see how it goes!

  38. IOS 9.0.2 caused the bluetooth connection from my iPhone 5s and 2005 Jaguar XJ8L to drop and nothing I thought to try could reconnect it. I stumbled upon this website and instructions for resetting the iPhone and then pairing it again with my car. Voila! They are connected and working again.

    • Please read our guidelines, we don’t defame others or call them names. As car buyers we have the choice to do what we want. The whole point of this article is that electric cars require a change in driving, living, parking and usage habits, that are not the same as what a BMW owners experienced with past BMWs.

  40. Have Pioneer DEH-X8500BH. iOS 8.4.1 worked flawlessly with siri, phone, music and pandora. After IOS 9.0.1 and 9.0.2 Siri no longer works. Radio makes attempt and phone goes to Siri but radio goes right back to original connection (Bluetooth or USB) and resumes music. Can make phone calls with phone button on radio, music will play and radio can skip prev/next, list music and suck down contacts. But hands free no longer works (through Siri so of course). I have sent feedback to both Pioneer Electronics and filed an Apple Bug report through their feedback which I encourage anyone else who’s also having issues to do as well.

  41. 2012 Acura RDX (no nav)
    and iPhone 6 with 9.02 — can’t use steering wheel controls (change songs) streaming music (Spotify/Pandora).

  42. The loss of Siri beep is just not in cars. It’s an iOS 9 feature enhancement (per Apple) on all iPhones (but not iPads). This is documented on Apple’s website and support forums: “…Just press and start speaking to Siri. No need to wait for the ‘beep’ before you begin to speak.” This is suppose to be a time saver enhancement. Ask Siri “what happen to the beeps?” and she’ll even explain it.

  43. Updated my iPhone 6 to latest ios9, have a 2015Honda Fit. All of my Siri navigation problems have been resolved. I just ask Siri via steering wheel control to take me somewhere or home. Maps come up and voice navigation begins. I’m finally quite content!

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