Troubleshooting a Bluetooth Issue Between a Garmin 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

• The pairing process is successful, but devices do not maintain a Bluetooth connection

If your device and phone are experiencing Bluetooth-related issues, try the following troubleshooting:

• Update software

  • The software of your automotive device can be updated by following steps in  Updating Automotive Maps and Software with Garmin Express or via Wi-Fi updates on your device.  

    • See your device's owner's manual for instructions on updating via Wi-Fi.

  • 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

    • To clear the pairing history on your automotive device

    1. 1. Open the device’s Settings or the gear icon

       2. Touch Bluetooth

          • Bluetooth is in the Wireless Networks setting on some devices

       3. Touch the gear to the right of the phone's name 

       4. Touch Forget 

       5. Touch Okay

  • 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