Are you facing iPhone 12 Pro Bluetooth issues after iOS 14 Update? There can be many reasons why the iOS 14 update is causing iPhone 12 Pro Bluetooth problems, though the OS itself does not bring any changes to how Bluetooth works. Nonetheless, here are some general tips, tricks, and solutions you can follow to fix all Bluetooth woes on your iPhone 12 Pro running iOS 14 – iOS 14.5.
See also: How to Fix iPhone 12 Bluetooth Issues
Some common Bluetooth related issues that many iPhone 12 Pro users are reporting after updating their device to iOS 14 include:
- Bluetooth unavailable or unable to connect to the Bluetooth accessory or car audio
- Crackling sound
- Not seeing the Bluetooth accessory
- Skipping, stuttering of music tracks while connected to car Bluetooth or AirPods
The first step you’d want to take is to ensure that the problem is with your iPhone 12 Pro and not with the Bluetooth accessory you’re trying to connect to. So try connecting to the accessory with your Mac, PC, or any other device, and see if things work fine or not.
How to Fix iPhone 12 Pro Bluetooth Issues in iOS 14 – iOS 14.5
If you find out that the problem lies with your iPhone 12 Pro running iOS 14, here are a few solutions you can try:
1. Install the Latest iOS Update
If you are running iOS 14, you should wait for another point release of the OS from Apple to see if that fixes iPhone 12 Pro Bluetooth not Working issue or not. It is quite common for the first build of a major OS to have some issues, and companies generally tend to release a point update soon after to fix any widely reported issues.
There were iPhone 12 Pro battery drain issues with the initial releases of iOS 14, including iOS 14.1 and iOS 14.2. The latter especially lead to heavy idle battery drain for several iPhone 12 Pro users. However, Apple has greatly fixed these idle iPhone 12 Pro battery drain issues with the iOS 14.3 and iOS 14.4 update.
2. Turn off Bluetooth and Force Reboot
The first solution you should try when you experience Apple iPhone 12 Pro bluetooth issues is to turn off your Bluetooth and hard reset your iPhone:
Turn off Bluetooth by launching the Settings app, navigating to Bluetooth, and turning off the Bluetooth toggle.
Quickly press and release the Volume Up button. Then quickly press and release the Volume Down button. Finally, press and hold the Side button (Sleep/Wake button) until you see the Apple logo.
After the iPhone 12 Pro has restarted, enable Bluetooth again from Control Center or by launching the Settings app, navigating to Bluetooth, and tapping on the toggle to turn on Bluetooth.
Try connecting to the device now. If you are still experiencing iPhone 12 pro Bluetooth problems, try the next solution.
3. Forget Device
If the previous tip didn’t fix your iPhone 12 Pro bluetooth issues, you can try forgetting the device you paired with from Settings, and then try reconnecting:
- Launch the Settings app and go to Bluetooth.
- Tap on the “i” icon against the device name you’re having problems connecting.
- Tap on the “Forget This Device” button and confirm your action.
- Now pair your iPhone with the device again, and see if the issue has been solved.
The above solution should help fix issues such as skipping, stopping, or stuttering while playing music tracks in your car over Bluetooth.
4. Reset Network Settings
If none of the two tips resolved your iPhone 12 Pro Bluetooth Issues, you could also try resetting your network settings. A side effect of doing this is that all your Wi-Fi settings will also be cleared, so you might have to rejoin Wi-Fi networks and configure VPN all over again.
Here’s how to reset network settings:
- Launch the Settings app and navigate to General > Reset
- Tap Reset Network Settings
- You’ll be required to enter your passcode if you have one.
- Confirm your action in the popup
Your iPhone will reboot. Once it starts up, try pairing to the device again. If you are still experiencing Bluetooth issues on your iPhone 12 Pro, move to the next step.
5. Restore and Setup as new iPhone
This is not ideal, but if none of these tips fix your iPhone 12 Pro Bluetooth pairing issues, the last resort is to restore your iPhone via iTunes or Finder in macOS Catalina/Big Sur and set it up as a new device. This way, you start afresh and get rid of possibly problematic customizations and settings on your device.
6. Visit an Apple Store
Even after performing all these steps, you’re still having iPhone 12 Pro Bluetooth problem, then you might want to visit your nearest Apple Store to know of any possible hardware-related issues. If you were facing any Bluetooth-related issues in iOS 13 on your iPhone and the same issues persist on iOS 14, it is likely a hardware issue.
Have you faced Bluetooth issues after updating your iPhone 12 Pro to iOS 14 – iOS 14.5? Let us know in the comments below.
sam says
Here is a 1200$ phone. whups you can’t use it for car audio.
mcb says
I just bought an iPhone 12 and it connects fine to my airpods… but NOTHING else. Not my car. Not my portable speaker or wireless headphones. I have tried all of the things here – thanks for putting this out there, but none of them worked. Ugh.
Linda says
iPhone 12 mini connecting to no devices through Bluetooth, rather peeved after the money spent on phone
Steph says
I’m having same issue. I just got iPhone 12 max pro won’t connect to anything
W. Durwood says
I had problems playing songs via bluetooth with new iphone12. This worked for me: The music file was corrupted. I removed it, the re downloaded it, and it worked. So now, when I play a song and it drops connection, I will remove album file, then re download it. BTW, no one at Apple store knew what to do, so I suggested they call Apple home office tech support. He said they weren’t able to to do this. It was only a matter of pure luck that we hit on this solution. Otherwise I was out of luck. C’mon Apple, support you techs!!!
Yas says
iPhone 12 not connecting to my speakers either! Really annoying! I’ve tried everything.
Steph says
Just bought iPhone 12 max Pro and no Bluetooth devices will connect. Very upset. What a joke
Matt says
Same here. Wish I knew this ahead of time!! Ugh 😑
Tile Guy says
Can’t find anything Bluetooth that this iPhone 12 Pro Max will see. Where’s the real fix? Nothing has worked?
JB Schuldt says
I bought Iphone12 pro and I am very disappointed.. lots of money and lots of small issues. And I absolutely hated that is no way i can use bluetooth connection with any device. Absurd!!!!!!
Raylene hill says
This is why I was reluctant to give up my I phone 6S. I could at least still plug in my earbuds. Bluetooth has only connected to one of my six Bluetooth devices since I got it. Now not even that will connect. Hope this gets fixed soon. I’m seriously thinking of going Android for the first time. This is beyond unacceptable!!!
Jessica T says
Absolutely ridiculous! My iphone 12 will connect to wireless earbuds and watch but NOT my car speaker. How am I supposed to make a call while driving? Should’ve kept my iphone XR, worked liked a gem.
Nicholas D Egan says
My issue is I NEVER had an issue with my Skullcandy Bluetooth hooking up instantly too my Android phones. Will automatically connect upon power up. As a iPhone virgin im hoping it’s an easy fix.
Evelyn says
I have done all the steps on my iPhone 12 Pro Max and connects fine for 4 hours and then cuts off! 😒 so annoying I am not sure what else I can do other than downgrade. In my car it cuts of every 10-20 min. Frustrating!!!
Skye says
i have an iPhone 12 mini and it connects to my bluetooth speakers BUT NOT my wireless sony headphones even after i tried all of these steps 🙁 im not willing to spend $100+ on airpods
Paul Redmond says
After recently upgrading to iphone 13 mini, it isnt finding most of my bluetooth devices (It has connected to the car and the fitbit but the dozen or so other devices dont show up) Next to the words ‘other devices’ there is a timer symbol just going in circles but it finds nothing. Can anyone help please?
Angie Forder says
I have an iphone 12 pro max. I am running IOS 15.1.1. I only recently began having issues connecting to my amazon halo. I have no issues with my apple watch. When attempting a connection to my new e-bike, did I realize I really have serious bluetooth issues. My husband’s 13 and our Iphone 8 connect to the e-bike via bluetooth seamlessly.I have tried all of the suggestions, but a complete wipe of my phone, which is next. I have owned my phone for over a year. Ah, technology.
julia wilson says
My iPhone 12 won’t connect to ANY bluetooth device, done all of the steps asked including upgrade of ios so i’ve now got to head over to a apple shop!!!!
William says
Bought an Iphone 12 jan.2021. worked fine until about 2 months ago. It now drops calls in car after 5 min.or so. I have tried deleting it from my 2019 Toyota Tacoma Bluetooth and reinstalling but no luck. I have tried other fixes mentioned here also with no luck. I am about ready to go back to my Android Phone if this does not resolve itself.
Chris Cavanaugh says
I have an Infinity Q60, my iPhone 12 connected fine until a few weeks ago, then stopped allowing the Bluetooth connection. Tried everything, the phone sees the car, but when trying to pair it just says “unable to pair”. So frustrated.
Chris Cavanaugh says
My Iphone 12 worked well until a month ago. Now it does not pair. Tried all the steps above short of resetting the phone. The phone sees the car, an Infinity Q60, but when trying to pair it gives me a “unable to pair” message. Very frustrated, Any suggestions would be appreciated. Hate having to drive with earbuds.