Bluetooth connectivity issues with all devices after iOS 26.1 update

This is a known iOS 26 / 26.1 system bug, especially when all Bluetooth devices and wireless CarPlay are affected. It’s usually not a hardware issue.

Try these fixes in order:

1.    Force restart your iPhone

Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Power until the Apple logo appears.

2.    Restore All Settings (most effective)

Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings.

This won’t erase your data.

3.    Check system permissions

Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → System Services.

Make sure Bluetooth Networking is ON.

4.    Remove leftover VPN profiles

Settings → General → VPN & Device Management.

Deleting the app alone isn’t enough.

How to factory reset your iPhone

If the issue continues, the Bluetooth system files are likely corrupted. A standard iOS system repair (no data loss) or waiting for iOS 26.2 usually fixes it. This is a software problem, not your devices.

"I update my iPhone 14 this evening and now none of my Bluetooth earbuds are working right. Each one pauses after about 4 minutes! I have gone in and tried each set, forgetting the device and pairing them. To no avail!"

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Troubleshoot the iPhone's Bluetooth:

Go Here: Connect a Bluetooth Device with your Mac

Still Having Issues?...

• Go Here: If you can't Connect a Bluetooth Accessory to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

• Restart your Device:

Restarting your iPhone, iPad, or Mac can clear out temporary software issues that can affect Bluetooth paring and/or audio playback. So, simply power off your device and then power it back on.

• Contact the Manufacturer:

Contacting the manufacturer of the EarPods would help as well. You'd visit their home page, and would the would find their Contact Us link (usually forum on the direct bottom of the page, or on a Contact Us tab. See if there is firmware to use, and if it compatible with he operating system, and ask if they have yet to make it so.

“Bluetooth connectivity issues with all devices after iOS 26.1 update“

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To the OP and All those Affected…

Report this to Apple:

Do your Part: Provide Apple with feedback on this, letting them know about this issue.  Apple may not get back to you directly, but the more feedback they receive on this, the more they will know what is occurring, and what bug fixes to include in updates to come. Apple will know nothing of this, if you don't report it to them.

1. Go Here: Feedback - iPhone - Apple
2. Select: "Bug Report" for the "Feedback Type"
3. Comment: that this all began after installing an update. Include the URL of this thread.
4. Proceed from there as necessary

I’m using an iPhone 15 Pro on iOS 26.1. Bluetooth media (A2DP) works perfectly. But Bluetooth calls (HFP) disconnect and reconnect every second. This happens with multiple devices, including my car. The issue started before using any headphones. It’s clearly an HFP call routing bug. This all started after iOS 26. It's almost impossible to talk trough headphones....but mostly when I listen to music and call comes in. Same happened in the car also.

Good morning and thank you for replying with your concerns, Garethreynolds. 😉

I am so sorry for your inconvenience regarding the Bluetooth connectivity on your iPhone.

Thank you for mentioning the steps you have taken, such as deleting the VPN connection.

Have you restarted your iPhone?

Learn how to ⇢ Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference.

Try ⇢ Apple Support for assistance. ⇣

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

“my wife and I just got iphone 17’s last week. We just updated them to 26.1 and now bluetooth wont connect to our Tesla Model 3. Also i’m unable to airdrop to my Macbook pro on Mac OS Ventura.”

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Then report this to Apple.

Performing a “Forget this Device” method might work just fine for you. Simply add it back as a Bluetooth device.

Same issue on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. I've been dealing with it since updating to iOS 26, and it's only gotten worse with 26.1. The Genius Bar insists it's 3rd-party software related (with no supporting evidence) and tells me that my issue connecting with my Tesla is Tesla's problem. Um...no.

I've reformatted the phone and reinstalled from older backups and I've done a clean reinstall that took me HOURS to replace every one of my apps and the related data. I've forgotten all Bluetooth devices (multiple times) and reconnected each one; I've turned off Bluetooth and turned it back on; I've restarted my iPhone (multiple times a day at this point), which sometimes gets the connections working for a short time.

Yesterday my iPhone threw up all over my Tesla connection while I was driving. Tesla gave me the "key not detected warning" meaning I wouldn't be able to drive again once I completed my current trip unless I had a key. Thank goodness I've gotten to the point where I no longer trust my iPhone and have started carrying a key card. I can't even use my Apple Watch as a backup key because its access keeps getting hosed every time I reformat my phone and reinstall the operating system or restore. I'm exhausted from trying.

The fact that Apple is ignoring this issue is completely unacceptable. I have another Genius Bar appointment tomorrow, but I'm not hoping for much in the way of resolution.

The only other idea I have is to provide ⇢ Product Feedback.

I have been having the same issue with the Rockford fosgate speakers on my Harley . My iPhone 17 pro Max on iOS 26.1 will connect fine but the music will skip or will have no volume . Never did this on iOS 18 . Also tried with an android and it worked perfectly . Defiantly an iOS issue .

I’m having the same problem but worse now since 26.1. Can’t connect Bluetooth to my car which has worked seamlessly for many years before update. Also on B&w earphones. It’s a real pain to faff about getting it to work. APPLE PLEASE FIX THIS URGENTLY. IT IS YOUR SOFTWARE CAUSING THE PROBLEM.

I update my iPhone 14 this evening and now none of my Bluetooth earbuds are working right. Each one pauses after about 4 minutes! I have gone in and tried each set, forgetting the device and pairing them. To no avail!

Apple Watch 8, WatchOS 26.1 - bluetooth doesn't connect to my phone (iOS 26.1), full reset didn't help. During new pairing setup: auto mode - nothing, cloud animation spins but after scanning nothing happens, manual mode: I can see device code, but 6-digit confirmation code is not available on my watch or phone. Is there a way to fix this somehow?

My iPhone 13 (bought new in Mar 2022) had zero Bluetooth connectivity issues until I installed iOS 26. Now my devices only connect occasionally and will often drop connections after a few minutes.

This is not a 3rd party hardware issue - this is an Apple issue and if they don't get it fixed, I will have no choice but to jump ship.

I updated my M1 Macbook AIR from Sequoia 15.5 to Tahoe 26.1 and I'm having issues with my bluetooth earbuds.

I basically have no audio if my microphone isn't working, This is a HUGE bug!

I can't go in a meeting without an active microphone, I can't even listen to music!

I tried different things, but the most obvious is when I go to the Sound Settings (while music is playing), in the Input section:

If I select my earbuds, I hear the audio. If I select my macbook microphone, the music goes silent. And then just leaving the Input tab, no more audio works...

I don't expect help here, but if other people have the same issue as me, it may help to have a quicker fix.