My iPhone 8 Won't Connect To Car Bluetooth! Here's The Fix.

David Lynch

SEPTEMBER 13, 2017

Your iPhone 8 won't pair to your car via Bluetooth and you don't know why. All you want to do is listen to your favorite music while you drive! In this article, I'll explain what to do when your iPhone 8 won't connect to car Bluetooth so you can fix this problem for good.

What Is Required To Connect My iPhone To My Car?

In order to connect your iPhone to your car via Bluetooth, your vehicle needs to have built-in Bluetooth functionality like Ford SYNC or Chevy MyLink. Make sure to also turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone 8!

After you've turned on Bluetooth, you should see something related to your car under More Devices in Settings -> Bluetooth. For example, if you have a Ford vehicle, you may see SYNC as a Bluetooth device.

connect iPhone 8 to car bluetooth

If your iPhone 8 won't connect to car Bluetooth this way, follow the steps below to fix the problem for good!

How To Fix An iPhone 8 That Won't Connect To Car Bluetooth

7 Steps Total
1.

Restart Your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone can sometimes fix minor software glitches and errors.

How Do I Restart My iPhone?

  1. Press and hold the power button (iPhones without Face ID) or the side button and either volume button (iPhones with Face ID) on your iPhone until the slide to power off slider appears on the display.
  2. Swipe the red power icon from left to right to turn off your iPhone.
  3. Wait about 30 seconds, then press and hold the power button (iPhones without Face ID) or the side button (iPhones with Face ID) again until the Apple logo appears in the center of the display.

Turn Off Your iPhone In The Settings App (Option 1)

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Shut Down.
  4. Swipe the red power icon from left to right.
  5. Plug your iPhone into a power source using a Lightning cable to turn it on again.

Turn Off Your iPhone Using AssistiveTouch

  1. Watch our YouTube video or follow the steps below!
  2. Open the Settings app.
  3. Tap General.
  4. Tap Accessibility.
  5. Tap AssistiveTouch.
  6. Turn on the switch next to AssistiveTouch.
  7. Tap the AssistiveTouch button when it appears on the display.
  8. Tap Device.
  9. Tap More.
  10. Tap Restart.
  11. Tap Restart again when the confirmation alert appears.
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2.

Turn Bluetooth Off And Back On Again

Turning Bluetooth off and back on again is sometimes enough to fix minor connectivity issues between your iPhone and Bluetooth devices.

How Do I Turn Bluetooth Off And Back On Again?

There are three ways to turn Bluetooth off and back on:

In The Settings App

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Bluetooth.
  3. Tap the green switch next to Bluetooth to turn it off. You'll know Bluetooth is off when the switch is gray.
  4. Tap the switch again to turn Bluetooth back on. You'll the Bluetooth is on when the switch turns green.

In Control Center

  1. Open Control Center by swiping up from below the bottom of the screen (iPhones without Face ID) or down from the upper right-hand corner of the screen (iPhones with Face ID).
  2. Tapap the Bluetooth icon, which looks like a "B" made of triangles. You'll know Bluetooth is off when the icon is black with a gray background.
  3. To turn Bluetooth back on, tap the Bluetooth icon once again. You'll know Bluetooth is on when the icon is white with a blue background.

Using Siri

  1. Open Siri by pressing and holding the Home button (iPhones without Face ID) or the side button (iPhones with Face ID) until Siri appears, or by saying, "Hey Siri."
  2. To turn off Bluetooth, say, "Turn off Bluetooth."
  3. To turn Bluetooth back on, say, "Turn on Bluetooth."
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3.

Forget The Bluetooth Device

When your iPhone forgets a Bluetooth device, it will be as if the two devices were never connected. Next time you pair the Bluetooth with your iPhone, it will be like pairing the devices for the first time, giving the connection a fresh start.

How Do I Forget The Bluetooth Device?

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap Bluetooth.
  3. Tap on the blue "i" next to the Bluetooth device you want to forget.
  4. Tap Forget This Device.
  5. Tap Forget Device.
  6. You'll know the device has been forgotten when it doesn't appear under Devices in Bluetooth.
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4.

Update iOS On Your iPhone

If your iPhone is running an outdated version of iOS, you may run into problems that could be fixed simply by updating to the most recent version of iOS.

How Do I Update iOS On My iPhone?

There are two ways to update iOS on your iPhone: in the Settings app and by using iTunes.

Update iOS In The Settings App

  1. Open up the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Software Update.
  4. If an update is available, tap Install Now or Download and Install.

Update iOS Using iTunes (PCs and Macs running macOS 10.14 or older)

  1. Connect your iPhone to a computer using a Lightning cable.
  2. Open iTunes.
  3. Click the Phone button in the upper left-hand corner of iTunes (see image 3).
  4. Click Check For Update.
  5. If an update is available, click Download and Install.

Update iOS Using Finder (Macs running macOS 10.15 or newer)

  1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a charging cable.
  2. Open Finder.
  3. Click on your iPhone under Locations.
  4. Click the General tab.
  5. Click Check for Update.
  6. Click Download and Install if an iOS update is available.
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5.

Reset Network Settings

When your iPhone connects to a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth device for the first time, it saves information about how to connect to that network or device. If something changes with that process, it may cause connectivity issues.

Deep software problems, especially with network settings, can be difficult to track down. Rather than trying to track an issue down, we're going to reset all network settings and give your iPhone a fresh start.

How Do I Reset Network Settings?

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll down and tap Transfer Or Reset iPhone.
  4. Tap Reset.
  5. Tap Reset Network Settings.
  6. Enter your passcode if prompted.
  7. Your iPhone will shut down, reset, and turn itself on again when the reset is complete.
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6.

Repair Your iPhone With Apple

Apple repairs iPhones at the Genius Bar in Apple Stores and through their online mail-in repair service. Apple repairs are high-quality, but out-of-warranty repairs can be much more expensive than third-party solutions. If you're looking to save some money you're not covered by Apple's warranty, you may want to check out our other recommendations.

How Do I Repair My iPhone With Apple?

How To Repair Your iPhone With Apple's Mail-In Service

  1. Visit Apple's support website to begin the online mail-in repair process.
  2. Alternatively, call 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753) to set up a repair.

How To Repair Your iPhone At The Genius Bar Inside Your Local Apple Store

  1. Visit Apple's website to make a Genius Bar appointment before you go into the store. Apple Stores are extremely busy, and if you don't have an appointment, you may have to wait for hours or end up being turned away. (Editor's note: I'm a former Apple tech and we're not exaggerating — please, do yourself a favor and make an appointment first!)
  2. When you arrive, go to the Genius Bar to check in for your appointment.
  3. Genius Bar appointments always include free diagnosis. If you're under warranty, many repairs can be done on the spot, but it all depends upon which parts are in stock. If you're not under warranty, the Genius will give you a quote for the cost of a repair.
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7.

Repair Your iPhone With Puls

Puls is a "we come to you" iPhone repair service that will meet you at your home, office, or Starbucks to repair your iPhone in as little as 30 minutes. Every Puls repair is backed by a lifetime warranty and their prices tend to be a lot less than Apple's.

Puls repairs broken iPhone screens, batteries, speakers, cameras, charging ports, and more. The only drawback at this point is that Puls isn't available everywhere (they're mostly in major US cities).

How Do I Repair My iPhone With Puls?

  1. Visit Puls.com.
  2. Select iPhone.
  3. Select the model of your iPhone.
  4. Enter your ZIP Code.
  5. Select the color of your iPhone.
  6. Select the repair you need completed and fill out any additional information you want the technician to know.
  7. Schedule a repair time and date.
  8. Enter your address and personal information.
  9. Click the button that says "Submit Repair Request".
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Bluetooth In The Car!

You've successfully connected your iPhone to your car via Bluetooth and you can start rocking out to your favorite songs. Make sure to share this article on social media with your friends and family so they can fix the problem if their iPhone 8 won't connect to car Bluetooth. Thanks for reading!

AUTHOR

David Lynch

David Lynch is an expert on cell phones, cell phone plans, and other tech. After using a flip phone into his early 20s, he learned the ropes about iPhones and Androids from a former Apple employee. Today, his articles and videos are read and viewed by millions, and he has been cited by major publications including Reader's Digest, Wired, CMSWire, Consumers Advocate, and more.

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Von Tomlinson
Von Tomlinson
5 years ago

I have an Iphone 8 and cannot connect to my Peugeot – Iphone 7 plus was fine no problems. I have checked the garage, no updates on the car – but bluetooth is bluetooth aint it. Apple cannot resolve this for me after several calls, i have done ALL of the steps above and the ios 12 update none have corrected the problem. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE that Apple need to address, instead of changing software for the sake of it looking pretty emphasis should be on this CONNECTION FAILURE issue.

Kathy Barger
Kathy Barger
5 years ago

I just got an 8. It will not connect to make 2017 Sahara!!! So VERY frutrating. I have turned off the iPhone, and all the other tips. My phone won’t even show devices. It jus keeps spinning.

Dan See
Dan See
5 years ago

Just got my 8 can’t get it to connect to my f250 or half the other things I had my 6 paired to … frustrating…what’s up with this if I would of known I wouldn’t of gotten the 8 :-(…..please fix this problem Apple!!

Deborah King
Deborah King
5 years ago

My iPhone 8 will not pair with my 2011 Hyundai Tucson!

Tyson Park
Tyson Park
5 years ago

Brand new iPhone 8 with the latest firmware cannot connect to a 2016 Ford Fusion using Ford Sync Bluetooth. Old iPhone 6 no problem. Also the new iPhone 8 cannot connect to two Bluetooth headsets that worked fine with the 6. Spent a half hour on a chat with Apple Support which had me try a lot of things. Their final recommendation is to get it replaced at the Apple Store.

Nancy Stirling
Nancy Stirling
6 years ago

I can connect my iPhone 8+ to the car multimedia BT but not the hands free phone. It can’t find my car for hands free. Frustrating!!!

Rose Barrett
Rose Barrett
6 years ago

Same problem….iPhone 6 worked great…iPhone 8 cannot connect to a 2014 Honda CRV.!!!!

Sharon Conneally
Sharon Conneally
6 years ago

had no problem with my i phone 6 but cannot get my i phone 8 to connect with my mini, any advise please

Stephanie Brushfield
Stephanie Brushfield
6 years ago

Hi Sharon – I’m having same problem with Iphone8 and Mini – have you found a solution ?

Sharon Conneally
Sharon Conneally
6 years ago

hi Stephanie, yes i finally did it, took about 8 tries, i had to start from scratch on the mini, like it was the 1st time i had connected a phone to it, also delete any old phone from the mini, hope this helps, took me about an hour of constant trying

Jessica Cannistraro Lazuka
Jessica Cannistraro Lazuka
6 years ago

Used to have a 6 plus with no issues. Just got an 8 plus and it won’t stay connected to my car. Why would it work in an older model and not the new one? I shouldn’t have to do all these steps when it should just WORK

Emma Howard
Emma Howard
6 years ago

Yep! I have also tried all of the above and had no issues with my 6 but now I have an 8 the phone won’t find anything �� so annoying

Ady John
Ady John
6 years ago

No problem with my iphone 6 worked perfectly in the same vehicle. Upgraded yesterday to iphone 8 and it will not connect to my car audio system, keeps saying out of range, i am sat next to it. Phone will be going back to 02 shop straight away. This is a erious problem with this product.

Karen Hammer May
Karen Hammer May
6 years ago

Finally got mineiphone 8 to work with my Toyota Highlander.. the main step was forget this device. it reconnected without any problems. overall very frustrating.

Martha Rairden Lannan
Martha Rairden Lannan
6 years ago

It’s time Apple! Fix it.

Derek Osborne
Derek Osborne
6 years ago

I agree with prior comments. My old 4s worked perfectly across many cars, but my new 8 needs to be manually connected every time often takeing several attempts, and when it does connect all it will do is play music – no track etc info displayed in car, can’t skip tracks etc, all of which worked flawlessly with 4s. Great phone in many ways but this needs fixed – come on Apple!!!

Brian Kloos
Brian Kloos
6 years ago

I agree Dale. Had my Ram in today.

Dale Sowell
Dale Sowell
6 years ago

Poor answer. There is a known problem with iPhone 8 BT and up with many vehicles. Case in point is a 2017 Jeep Wrangler unlimited. BT will not work properly on it and the Uconnect 430 radio. Connects and then reconnects continuously. Tried a 6 and a 7 with the latest IOS 11.1.1 and they all worked fine. IPhone 8 at IOS 11.1.1 won’t Apple should have done a better job with BT compatibility on the new iPhones. Maybe if a few of these help groups pushed this at Apple it would help get it fixed for real.

Sandra Dee
Sandra Dee
6 years ago
Reply to  Dale Sowell

I’ve had exactly the same thing happen to me! My iphone 6 works perfectly – I’ve still got it. I can connect/disconnect/reconnect it with no problems at all. But my iphone 8 just will NOT connect even though I have just tried ALL of the above!!