Distorted Audio On Phone Calls Over Bluetooth (IPHONE SE)

[daniel1948]

I'll look into those, I have a draw full of earbuds and headphones. I see them on Amazon going for $36 but use to cost $160 when they first came.

My hearing works much better than my vision.

Thanks for replying.

I can't imagine buying a new set if you already have several, unless none of your old ones are Bluetooth. From audiophiles I gather that the audio quality will be better with wires. I like the convenience of no wires.

My hearing used to be much better than my vision also. Then I started developing cataracts and my vision deteriorated further until I was at the limit of what contact lenses could correct. Then I got cataract surgery and now my vision is better than I can ever remember it being. Nearly 20-20, and they even eliminated most of my astigmatism! Meanwhile, as I get older, my hearing has begun to deteriorate just a little.

 

[billsrev]

A new cheap set of earbuds with spectacular music quality. I'm all "ears", please share what earbuds you bought and thanks.

[doublepost=1462305317][/doublepost]

A new cheap set of earbuds with spectacular music quality. I'm all "ears", please share what earbuds you bought and thanks.

I'm a heavy user of Jabra Rox wireless earbuds with BlueTooth 4.0, which was fine until I upgraded from iPhone 5S to the SE on the day it was released.

Initial BlueTooth pairing is fine, but there’s a problem with connection when turned from off to on, and from standby to on. The connection is unstable, so it’s necessary to pause for say 30 seconds, then play. The instability can reoccur at any time - possible due to wifi/electrical? interference.

After a couple of weeks struggling with instability with BlueTooth I returned the SE to Apple and they agreed to replace it. But the problem remains.

 

[LiveM]

Download the beta and if that doesn't fix it, send feedback.

 

[valinda]

I switch phones between the SE and Note 5. I have a brand new Tacoma, and sometimes the music from
my iPhone is all distorted as is phone calls. My note 5 works flawlessly with the truck, but my music is on
the iPhone. That's my only complaint about this phone.

 

[MRU]

I switch phones between the SE and Note 5. I have a brand new Tacoma, and sometimes the music from
my iPhone is all distorted as is phone calls. My note 5 works flawlessly with the truck, but my music is on
the iPhone. That's my only complaint about this phone.

The next update will fix it. I'm running public beta and it fixed all my BT audio issues.

 

[daniel1948]

The next update will fix it. I'm running public beta and it fixed all my BT audio issues.

Thanks for that info. That's very encouraging! Are there any educated guesses on when that will be released for the general public?

 

[MRU]

Thanks for that info. That's very encouraging! Are there any educated guesses on when that will be released for the general public?

They have ramped up releases so I would guess we will be seeing it within the next week or two at latest.

 

[daniel1948]

They have ramped up releases so I would guess we will be seeing it within the next week or two at latest.

Cool. Thanks!

 

[Jblumke]

"kpeex" posted this in the SE ORDER THREAD but I'm having the exact same issue with my SE and I wanted to make a new thread about this problem.

I actually had to return my SE back to Verizon because my Bluetooth calls reception quality was terrible. Playing music or YouTube videos through the Bluetooth was excellent but when it came to phone calls, the sound was constantly cutting in and out and sounded "scratchy" and distorted.

Never had this issue with my previous 6S or my work-issued Android phone. Tried my SE in a different vehicle and got the same results. I've unpaired and repaired and I even restored my SE and set up up as a new device but nothing has worked.

I'm hoping that my SE was a "lemon" and this is not a known issue for this model. When I receive the new replacement, I'm going to hold off updating to 9.3.1 and see if it might be a software related issue.

Are any of you guys experiencing Bluetooth call reception issues with your SE?

Yes - I have an SE as well and have been experiencing very distorted sound with my 2007 Camry Bluetooth phone connection with some (not all) callers. I recently tried an experiment and I changed to speaker phone and the connection was crystal clear. It seems that callers with loud volume are the worst.

 

[daniel1948]

Yes - I have an SE as well and have been experiencing very distorted sound with my 2007 Camry Bluetooth phone connection with some (not all) callers. I recently tried an experiment and I changed to speaker phone and the connection was crystal clear. It seems that callers with loud volume are the worst.

See MRU's post #105 above. It sounds as though iOS 9.3.2 fixes the issue. I'm holding my breath. (Well, not literally.)

 

[Raksa]

"kpeex" posted this in the SE ORDER THREAD but I'm having the exact same issue with my SE and I wanted to make a new thread about this problem.

I actually had to return my SE back to Verizon because my Bluetooth calls reception quality was terrible. Playing music or YouTube videos through the Bluetooth was excellent but when it came to phone calls, the sound was constantly cutting in and out and sounded "scratchy" and distorted.

Never had this issue with my previous 6S or my work-issued Android phone. Tried my SE in a different vehicle and got the same results. I've unpaired and repaired and I even restored my SE and set up up as a new device but nothing has worked.

I'm hoping that my SE was a "lemon" and this is not a known issue for this model. When I receive the new replacement, I'm going to hold off updating to 9.3.1 and see if it might be a software related issue.

Are any of you guys experiencing Bluetooth call reception issues with your SE?

I am have exactly the same problem. Iphone SE sounds terrible in my cars bluetooth set. Worked fine with iphone 5s.

 

[HickDead]

I am have exactly the same problem. Iphone SE sounds terrible in my cars bluetooth set. Worked fine with iphone 5s.

Next firmware release will fix this issue. Confirmed by multiple MR members. If you can't wait then install the latest Beta version (which includes the fix) and you're good to go.

 

[Jblumke]

See MRU's post #105 above. It sounds as though iOS 9.3.2 fixes the issue. I'm holding my breath. (Well, not literally.)

[doublepost=1463287510][/doublepost]OK - thanks. Although I will not be holding my breath, I will be anxiously awaiting the fix in 9.3.2...

 

[asleep]

Apple today released iOS 9.3.2 to the public...

Fixes an issue where some Bluetooth accessories could experience audio quality issues when paired to the iPhone SE

Looks like they addressed this.

 

[MrGuder]

I never had this issue on my SE but I'm wondering who will be the first one to say I downloaded the updated and my Bluetooth audio is still broke on my SE. Ready set go.....

 

[daniel1948]

I didn't realize the update was available yet, because my phone did not show the little numeral "1" with the Settings icon. When I saw Asleep's post above, I opened Settings and clicked on updates, and sure enough, it showed I could update.

I updated to 9.3.2. and as promised, my old Bluetooth earpiece that was distorted before, now works fine. Whoopee! Thanks Apple. And thanks, Asleep for posting.

 

[mark34]

Another confirmation. Just used bluetooth in my car. Perfect! So glad it is fixed.

 

[Ladybug]

I returned my SE due to bluetooth issues but I am so happy Apple addressed the bluetooth problem for everyone else. Enjoy!

Side Note..I ended up with a 6s even though I really wanted the SE. Its a great phone but now I'll have to hang onto it for a few years before I can even consider a smaller phone again.

 

[LessonsHaveBeenLearnt]

It probably makes sense that hands free to hands free picks up background noise but the 6SE is a nightmare for in car even after the fix.
Even when I dial landline and direct mobile/cell calls from the car I can hear my caller perfectly but they can make out perhaps one in 3-4 words.
I thought the in-car issues had been fixed but obviously not, so with this in mind can anyone offer me a fix for the above issues?

I use the Parrot MK9200i as my in-car solution (was as clear as a bell in car on the IPhone 4)

Many thanks in advance

 

[Martyimac]

The next update will fix it. I'm running public beta and it fixed all my BT audio issues.

Just stumbled across this thread. I wish I could say you were correct but I am now on 9.3.5 and there is no joy on the bluetooth audio. Still messed up.

 

[jlabute]

I returned my SE due to bluetooth issues but I am so happy Apple addressed the bluetooth problem for everyone else. Enjoy!

Side Note..I ended up with a 6s even though I really wanted the SE. Its a great phone but now I'll have to hang onto it for a few years before I can even consider a smaller phone again.

Do you find that the 6s have Bluetooth issues??
[doublepost=1472230177][/doublepost]I've never had an issue with Bluetooth until the iPhone SE. (my first apple phone). Even now with all the updates, I still get complaints about call quality when I previously never had issues so, maybe the issue is not completely resolved? Talking, and receiving.
Bluetooth modules are not made by apple are they? This radio tech is borrowed from other companies that do BT, and Cell, and WiFi. The same tech works in other phones I would guess.

 

[Ladybug]

Do you find that the 6s have Bluetooth issues??
[doublepost=1472230177][/doublepost]I've never had an issue with Bluetooth until the iPhone SE. (my first apple phone). Even now with all the updates, I still get complaints about call quality when I previously never had issues so, maybe the issue is not completely resolved? Talking, and receiving.
Bluetooth modules are not made by apple are they? This radio tech is borrowed from other companies that do BT, and Cell, and WiFi. The same tech works in other phones I would guess.

I have not had any Bluetooth issues with my 6s even using the same car (Infinity G37). I also use an LG Bluetooth headset and have no issues with that either. I thought Apple fixed this issue months ago but sounds like some may still have issues. I'm really sorry to hear that because other than that I was in love with my SE and hoped to get one again later on.

 

[BruceButtcheeks]

I have not had any Bluetooth issues with my 6s even using the same car (Infinity G37). I also use an LG Bluetooth headset and have no issues with that either. I thought Apple fixed this issue months ago but sounds like some may still have issues. I'm really sorry to hear that because other than that I was in love with my SE and hoped to get one again later on.

I had no issue using Bluetooth in my vehicle (2012 Chevy Equinox) until recently, not sure if the 9.3.5 update screwed something up. I have no issues with voice calls over my LG Tones. Weird.

 

[BruceButtcheeks]

I had no issue using Bluetooth in my vehicle (2012 Chevy Equinox) until recently, not sure if the 9.3.5 update screwed something up. I have no issues with voice calls over my LG Tones. Weird.

After restarting my SE the Bluetooth issue has seem to work itself out, go figure.

 

[Channan]

I haven't had issues with Bluetooth since the first update came out for the iPhone SE. No complaints on call quality over Bluetooth from anyone I've talked to.