How to Fix iOS 11 Bluetooth Issues on iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X

Bluetooth connectivity issues are among the most common and persistent problems in iOS 11. Based on reports, Bluetooth problems are also more likely for users of Apple’s new iPhone 8, 8 Plus and X devices.

Common symptoms include trouble connecting to Bluetooth devices, as well as issues with an iPhone staying connected — in many cases, users report that their iPhones keep disconnecting from car audio systems, for example. Here’s how to fix it.

Diagnose the Issue

1. Before you follow any of the following steps, you should take some time to ensure that it is indeed your iPhone that’s causing the problems.

2. Try connecting your Bluetooth accessory to another device — whether it be a Mac, PC or another iOS handset or tablet. If the problem disappears, the culprit is likely your new iPhone 8 or X running a version of iOS 11.

Install the Latest Version of iOS

1. First of all, you should be running the latest version of iOS 11. As of the writing of this article, that would be iOS 11.2. To figure out what version you have and install the latest software, do the following.

   Open Settings.

2. Tap on General.

3. Tap on Software Update.

4. At this point, you’ll either see a notification saying you’re iPhone is up to date, or you’ll see a pending software update download.

5. Tap Download and Install if the latter is the case.

Hard Reset

1. If your Bluetooth problems persist even after installing the latest iOS version, try the following steps.

   Go to Settings.

2. Navigate to Bluetooth.

3. Toggle the Bluetooth toggle off. (Note: you can’t just turn off Bluetooth from the Control Center, as that toggle only temporarily disables the feature in iOS 11.)

4. From here, hard reset your iPhone. Depending on your iPhone model, the method may of changed.

   √ How to Hard Reset iPhone X

   √ How to Hard Reset iPhone 8

5. Go back to Settings > Bluetooth, then re-enable connectivity.

6. Try testing your Bluetooth connection.

Forget Bluetooth Device

1. If the above method didn’t work, another quick fix involves forgetting and re-pairing your Bluetooth device. Open Settings.

2. Go to Bluetooth.

3. Tap the “i” icon next to the device that you’re having trouble with.

4. Tap on Forget This Device and tap Confirm.

5. Now, pair your iPhone or iPad with the Bluetooth device in question again.

   If that doesn’t work, try the following.

Reset Network Settings

1. Open Settings.

2. Go to General.

3. Scroll down and tap on Reset.

4. Tap on Reset Network Settings (Note: DO NOT tap on Reset All Settings. This will wipe all of your device’s settings.)

5. Enter your passcode, and tap Confirm.

6. Your iPhone or iPad will now reboot. At this point, you’ll want to re-pair your iOS device with the Bluetooth accessory.

7. It’s also worth noting that the Reset Network Settings option will clear your Wi-Fi settings as well, which means you’ll have to rejoin Wi-Fi networks and input their passwords again.

Drastic Measures

1. If you’ve gotten to this point and your iOS device is still giving you Bluetooth problems, it might be time to perform a full reset of your iPhone and set it up as a new device.

   This, of course, is a last resort — and is certainly not recommended unless you feel like you have no other options. It might be a good idea to head to your nearest Apple Store with a Genius Bar to see if the problem is a hardware issue before resetting your device.