iPhone 16 Pro randomly connects to Echo Dot devices via Bluetooth

I am experiencing an ongoing issue with my iPhone 16 Pro related to Bluetooth connectivity while using my AirPods. As I walk through my neighborhood, the audio often becomes garbled, slows down, or briefly stops for several seconds.

Today, I observed in my Bluetooth settings that my phone is automatically connecting to random Echo Dot devices in the area. These devices appear in the Connected list, but unlike normal paired devices, they do not display the information (“i”) icon. Once I move out of range, the connection drops.

For context:

I do not own an Amazon Echo Dot.

I do not have any Amazon-related apps installed on my phone.

The issue has been persistent since I began using my iPhone 16 Pro.

This unwanted auto-connection seems to be interfering with my AirPods’ performance. Could you please investigate and provide guidance on how to prevent my device from connecting to nearby Echo Dot devices?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: BLUETOOTH RANDOMLY CONNECTS TO ECHO DOT-BTN

iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Aug 16, 2025 8:00 AM

37 replies

BoostJet3 Author

Level 1

47 points

Sep 28, 2025 6:13 AM in response to RedOtter

Great feedback, especially regarding the settings for your Alexa application and Echo devices. I will continue to post as I receive information from Apple.

Sep 29, 2025 4:54 PM in response to BoostJet3

I had this issue and turned out to be my renpho scale.

turned off background app refresh and Bluetooth and I have not had the issue since

BoostJet3 Author

Level 1

47 points

Sep 29, 2025 5:14 PM in response to captdeemo

Interesting. What is renpho scale and how does it relate to the Alexa Sidewalk App?

Nov 4, 2025 9:52 AM in response to RedOtter

i did same thing with disconnecting Bluetooth on Alexa app and i still get random connections while driving cutting out my music and it always seems to be a echo device.

kmc0929

Level 1

25 points

Dec 17, 2025 12:46 PM in response to BoostJet3

Any response from Apple on this? My situation is identical. In fact if you google the issue half of the posts are my old ones, including screen shots of the echo devices partially connected to my Bluetooth.

Same thing happens, my AirPods start to become distorted at the same time the echo dot is "connected". It seems like a bluetooth bandwidth issue... Also when I am on a phone call, the distortion is different, the call goes into super slow motion for about 5-10 seconds.

I have tried trouble shooting this issue as well - I never owned an Echo or Alexa device, but in order to troubleshoot this issue I actually bought one, set it up and did the same walks around my neighborhood WITH and WITHOUT sidewalk mode connected. This issue has followed me in both a iPhone 14 and 16, several network settings resets, even turned bluetooth access off for all apps... At this point using bluetooth devices while moving is basically useless.

BoostJet3 Author

Level 1

47 points

Dec 17, 2025 1:06 PM in response to kmc0929

Apple has not responded to my inquiries for an update on this issue. The engineers seem to be ignoring the issue for some reason. If anything new is provided, I will be sure to send a notification via this platform.

BoostJet3 Author

Level 1

47 points

Dec 17, 2025 1:04 PM in response to BoostJet3

There are no new updates from Apple. I have requested an update a couple of times, but no response.

iPhone 16 Pro randomly connects to Echo Dot devices via Bluetooth