Troubleshooting a Bluetooth Issue Between an Automotive Device and a Mobile Phone

Your automotive device uses Bluetooth technology to connect with your mobile phone. An issue with the Bluetooth connection between the two can cause any of the following issues:

• Automotive device and phone will not find one another
• Automotive device and phone encounter problems during the pairing process
• Pairing process is successful, but devices do not maintain a Bluetooth connection
• You are unable to hear the person you are speaking with, or vice versa
• Hands-free audio quality is below expectations
• Automotive device is not importing or displaying your phone's contacts

Try the Following Troubleshooting if your Device and Phone are Experiencing Bluetooth-Related Issues

• Update Software

  • The software of your automotive device can be updated via Garmin Express
  • It is recommended for the mobile phone to have the latest software as well. Consult your phone's owner's manual for guidance on how to update.

• Delete Pairing History

  • Clearing the pairing history on the automotive device and the phone will establish a new Bluetooth session between the devices
  • For step-by-step instructions on clearing the pairing history, see related content.
  • Steps for clearing pairing history on the phone can vary by make/model. If you are unsure how to clear the history, you may need to consult your phone's manual or manufacturer.
    • To clear pairing history on an iPhone
      1. Open the Settings on the phone
      2. Touch Bluetooth
      3. Touch the info button (i icon) next to the paired automotive device
      4. Touch “Forget this device”
    • To clear pairing history on an Android phone
      1. Open the Settings on the phone
      2. Touch Bluetooth
      3. Touch the gear icon next to your listed automotive device
         • On some Android phones, select the listed automotive device instead
      4. Touch Forget/Unpair

• Alternate where the Pairing is Initiated

  • Depending on the phone, it may prefer to be the active or passive party in the pairing process for proper functionality
  • If you had initiated pairing from the automotive device originally, try initiating pairing from the phone instead, or vice versa
  • Consult the owner's manual of your automotive device or phone for steps on how to initiate pairing