Woes between iPhone and car Bluetooth speaker

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Level 1

35 points

Woes between iPhone and car Bluetooth speaker

While sitting on my living room couch, I make phone calls via my iPhone 12. Pretty common behavior. I have set up the iPhone to auto use the speakerphone as I can't really hear much otherwise. But, if I hit the speaker icon on the phone, I am given an opportunity to switch to either my MacBook Pro, iPad or my car bluetooth speaker.

Often times though, even if I intend to stay on the speakerphone, my iPhone 12 has a mind of its own, and decide to auto switch to my car bluetooth speaker, therefore disrupting my conversation with the other person on the other end.

I understand that if I walk to my vehicle, that it will automatically switch to its Bluetooth speaker, but I'm peacefully sitting in front of the TV and not moving at all.

Would a CarPlay stereo behave the same way?

Any idea why this is happening?

AppleCare+ told me to turn off the Bluetooth speaker when not using it. Easier said than done. At 65 and having my own business to run, I forget things all the time, as I'm super busy with other things.

iPhone 12, iOS 26

Posted on Dec 16, 2025 12:47 PM

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Answer 1

Alancito

Level 7

29,976 points

Dec 16, 2025 1:03 PM in response to SSL-ADT

SSL-ADT wrote: "...Any idea why this is happening?..."

As your iPhone 12 could be >5 years old, it's worth checking for a weak, aging battery (which can cause various connectivity issues.) So...

Does your iPhone 12 still have its original battery?

And what's the Maximum Capacity % here?...

Settings > Battery > Battery Health & Charging

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Answer 2

Alancito

Level 7

29,976 points

Dec 16, 2025 1:14 PM in response to SSL-ADT

SSL-ADT wrote: "The phone is only 3 years old. Younger than my cat. The battery capacity is at 81%."

81% is not healthy and could be the reason for the issue. Apple suggests having the battery replaced at around 80% – so consider having the weak, aging battery replaced:

iPhone Battery Service

About genuine iPhone batteries

Repair Provider Verification

(Articles found by searching Apple's Knowledge Base.)

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Answer 3

SSL-ADT Author

Level 1

35 points

Dec 16, 2025 2:21 PM in response to Alancito

It doesn't say "genuine" in battery settings, but I suppose this is the original battery from the manufacturer. I bought the phone from Koodo in January 2023. I tried checking the serial number, but the Apple website only reports that it is out of warranty, with no other information.

I did call a repair provider to that effect, but they wanted to keep the phone for 24 hours. Going back and forth, for a total of 2 hours of driving and being without a phone. Ridiculous! How long does it take to replace a battery??? An Apple Store would involve 4 hours of driving. Shipping it out would take even longer.

I recently sent my MacBook Pro to Toronto, but got it back from Kentucky. In total, I was 28 days without a computer that I use 24/7 for my business. Apple Store offered to sell me a new one in the meantime, but only offered a 15-day money back guarantee. Not impressed!

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Answer 4

SSL-ADT Author

Level 1

35 points

Dec 16, 2025 5:05 PM in response to SSL-ADT

Follow-up: I talked to AppleCare not long ago, and was told that the Bluetooth in my vehicle should only work when the engine is running. But, because my Bluetooth speaker has its own battery, it stays on even after I turn off the engine.

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Answer 5

SSL-ADT Author

Level 1

35 points

Dec 16, 2025 1:06 PM in response to Alancito

The phone is only 3 years old. Younger than my cat.

The battery capacity is at 81%.

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