Bluetooth connectivity issues with all devices after iOS 26.1 update

So after 26.01 I started losing Bluetooth connectivity with all of my Bluetooth devices, including wireless CarPlay. Updated to iOS 26.1 and still the same problems persist. I have tried multiple resets of my network. I have completed all of the deletion of my Bluetooth devices and tried reinstalling. Somebody suggested that potentially it’s caused by a VPN third-party app I also deleted my VPN app and nothing. If anybody has any solid solutions, I would love to hear them as it’s super frustrating?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Bluetooth issues IOS 26.1

iPhone 13, iOS 26

Posted on Nov 4, 2025 12:00 AM

Top-ranking reply

aoque2

Level 1

32 points

Posted on Dec 15, 2025 1:33 AM

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.

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24 replies

Dec 9, 2025 2:50 PM in response to Garethreynolds

I have a similar issue. I upgraded from an iPhone 10 to iPhone 16 which came with ios 26 installed. My iphone 10 with ios 18.6 worked flawlessly on usb connecting to my 2020 Rx 350 and my Apple airpods on bluetooth. New phone will cycle No Device message on the RX350 for several minutes and then eventually connect to carplay. I’ve tried a certified cable, forgetting the car and re installing, but it does the same thing each time. Same thing with my airpods on bluetooth. I have to forget the device, restart my phone and then add them back to use them. This is totally unacceptable and I landed on this forum looking for help. Apple needs to fix this.

Buho24

Level 1

8 points

Dec 10, 2025 6:26 AM in response to Garethreynolds

Ayer me entregaron mi BYD nuevo con carplay inalambrico, la sorpresa que me lleve al ver que mi esposa con su android conectaba sin problema, pero mi iphone 16 pro no, tuve que usar un iphone 12 mini que si conecto sin problema alguno, que decepcion.

Nov 4, 2025 12:34 AM in response to Smilin-Brian

Hi thanks for replying. I’ve only restarted my phone around 35 times since iOS 26.01 was released. Until Apple fixes the bug I’m out of options I fear. Super frustrating

Mpsgw

Level 1

18 points

Nov 9, 2025 3:48 AM in response to Garethreynolds

Bluetooth is losing connection on my Apple Watch 7 after I downloaded iso 26.1

Nov 20, 2025 4:51 PM in response to Garethreynolds

Same issues and watch started going to spinning icon 50 times a day for no reason.

Nov 24, 2025 8:22 AM in response to Garethreynolds

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.

lynneed

Level 1

20 points

Nov 29, 2025 6:20 PM in response to Garethreynolds

Same. Between my phone not working and my time trying to resolve the issue, it's killing my productivity.

DCAFLOCK

Level 1

8 points

Dec 8, 2025 2:58 PM in response to Garethreynolds

I just updated to iOS 26.1 and now I can either have sound on my iPhone or Bluetooth but not both!! This is definitely an apple problem as everything has been fine for years until this upgrade!!

Dec 13, 2025 3:14 AM in response to Garethreynolds

Iphone7

Bluetooth connectivity issues with all devices after iOS 26.1 update