Weird bluetooth issue, anyone? 8.1 final - Nexus 6P Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Ever since I upgraded to 8.1 OPM1 last month, my car no longer plays it's default generic ringtone when a call comes in. I have basically done everything I can to fix this but nothing is working. Anyone else having this issue? The only thing that remotely works now that didn't before is if my phone volume is ON, it will play my phone's actual ringtone through the speakers on the car but that defeats the purpose. I have my phone on vibrate nearly 100% of the time and when I get in the car, I don't want to have to turn on the volume to hear the phone ring. I have completely reflashed the image multiple times, reset my settings in my car, pair/delete/re-pair multiple times, turned off media streaming on phone, but nothing is working. The only thing I haven't tried is completely factory resetting my car's MMI system. There have been no updates to my car either. I contacted google support/nexus forums but they didn't think it was a bug in 8.1 even though the issue started with 8.1 and was find on 8.0 and below. I still think this is an OS bug. For reference, I have a 2014 Audi S4 with the MMI 3G+. I am thinking about pairing my phone with my wife's car to see if it works with hers. I have not gotten the January OTA yet but will probably manually flash it if I don't get it tonight or tomorrow. Any ideas?

@jrg67 Enable developer options and I believe theres option in there to fix your issue.

My Bluetooth crashes on my phone now when I connect to my stereo ever since the 8.1 update. No problems on other Bluetooth devices like speakers and headphones. My Clarion CX505 has the latest updates. The January security update didn't help the problem for me.

Exodusche said:
@jrg67 Enable developer options and I believe theres option in there to fix your issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exo, I had Dev options enabled already and from what I can see in your screenshot, my settings are the same except for disable absolute volume which I have on (my jbl speaker doesn't like to play nice sometimes and when I connect, it's max volume for no reason). So do you have any specific settings in there that you have played with? The only thing I can think of would be the streaming codec. As stated in my original post, I do not recall my phone ever playing the phones ringtone over the car speakers no matter what. Even if I had the volume on, my car would always play the generic tone which I prefer. Now, it'll play my phones ringtone over the speakers only when the volume is on and the phone's volume setting effects the volume that's coming out of the car speakers too. It's super annoying and I honestly just want it back to the way it was. Now, I'll get a call while driving and my entire system goes silent and the only indication of a call I get is a faint vibrate buzz sound from my phone sitting in the cup holder and my MMI screen which I have to take my eyes off the road to verify wtf just happened.

Very strange and sorry I guess I didn't read through enough of your post. The only issue I have is when I first get into the car must turn the Bluetooth on my phone off and then on again after first connect in order to play music. Hope you can figure that out sounds super annoying.

Well for anyone who may have this issue, I finally figured out a work around. Go in to Dev options and turn off "Enable in-band ringing". I then turned BT off/on, tested and now working as it used to. Never noticed that option in there before today but honestly haven't spent much time on it. Cheers.

MT63 said:
My Bluetooth crashes on my phone now when I connect to my stereo ever since the 8.1 update. No problems on other Bluetooth devices like speakers and headphones. My Clarion CX505 has the latest updates. The January security update didn't help the problem for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you ever find a fix for this? I have the same issue.

microbius said:
Did you ever find a fix for this? I have the same issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I got a Pixel 2 XL that has 8.1 with the Feb patch and it does the same thing. I may try reapplying the Bluetooth update to the radio and see if that helps.

Related

How is your Bluetooth

I have a new car and a new phone so it's hard to be sure.
I used the GNex for about 3 days with the new car and didn't see problems. Connected every time and sound was consistent
With the MotoX I am getting auto connected about 1/2 the time and a lot of stuttering on the bluetooth audio.
Same for others ?
Another question: When I connect bluetooth the volume always resets to about 80%. Can I change this setting anywhere ?
So it's not the car as I just had the same problems with my BT headphones. It also started playing through the speakers at one point even though the BT connection was still showing.
I use the Bluetooth calling feature with my truck. I haven't had any problems so far, but it's only been a few days. I will report back if I do have problems. I am running 4.4 with all OTAs.
My moto x after kitkat update bluetooth disconnects in middle and reconnects again in 5 seconds. Super annoying
sravanz said:
My moto x after kitkat update bluetooth disconnects in middle and reconnects again in 5 seconds. Super annoying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My HTC One did that with aosp kitkat. I haven't seen that on the X yet.
Moto X using Tapatalk
I've had pretty much the same experience with mine since the 4.4 update. I don't even bother listening to music over bluetooth now because it's so annoying with the constant stuttering. I'm hoping they fix it with the next update, whenever that comes. If not, I'll probably have to look into upgrading to a newer head unit. My GNex always worked great with this stereo's bluetooth.
I listened to Spotify Inmine yesterday, no problems. It even sent the song information to my car's display which it didn't do on my last phone.
I've been tethering my Nexus 7 using Bluetooth and had a lot of trouble getting it to connect the first time. But today was my first real use of it and the Internet connection on the Nexus 7 dropped part way through the trip. It was only being used to get traffic info for CoPilot, so I didn't notice right away when the connection was lost. A little troubleshooting got me nowhere, but then while driving the connection came back on its own.
Something happens with me
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
No issues with bluetooth here. Pandora is streaming fine and Torque is talking to my OBD2 adapter as well (even both at the same time).
homemadehitshow said:
I have a new car and a new phone so it's hard to be sure.
I used the GNex for about 3 days with the new car and didn't see problems. Connected every time and sound was consistent
With the MotoX I am getting auto connected about 1/2 the time and a lot of stuttering on the bluetooth audio.
Same for others ?
Another question: When I connect bluetooth the volume always resets to about 80%. Can I change this setting anywhere ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use bluetooth daily and haven't experienced a disconnect or even a stutter with Google Play Music on 4.4. I chose the setting to resume music when driving is detected and now I don't even take out my phone when I get in my car. Music usually starts playing within 100' of driving. There is a mod to remove the audio warning; I haven't tried it yet, but I don't really have a problem with it either.
P!X3L said:
There is a mod to remove the audio warning; I haven't tried it yet, but I don't really have a problem with it either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung has the same thing on it's firmware, and while it was a PITA to find and fix, it can be done (fairly easily).
I've had some Bluetooth issues that I described here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2562186
At least one other person mentioned their connection dropping repeatedly. My issue started with it only connecting to my hands free in my car, but but my separate A2DP audio receiver. If I tapped on the device in Bluetooth settings, it connected fine. I found an app called Bluetooth Auto Connect that has nice configuration options to do what I needed (connect to A2DP once General Motors connects), but it also plays nice with Tasker.
I did notice last night that my General Motors connection was starting and stopping repeatedly my entire drive home from work (~45 minutes). I noticed it at first when I would turn the screen on to thumb up a song on Pandora, and the "you're connected to a trusted device" message would flash. At first I thought it was just reminding me of that each time the screen came on (or manually unlocking when the screen turned on), but then noticed my radio was saying "Bluetooth Connected" every few minutes as well. I rarely actually talk on the phone, so it's not a huge deal, but as described in my post linked above, on Monday I got a call when I (thought I) was connected to my General Motors, but it wasn't. I answered the call and was talking on the handset when it connected to Bluetooth and then I was hands free.
I did also notice yesterday when I was listening to Pandora with wired headphones at my desk at work that it got started sputtering pretty bad after I got a text message and Active Display was "breathing". Not sure if the two are related, but it happened. I did get a few texts while driving home and didn't notice any skipping over Bluetooth then.
Interesting theory on the active display... I've often wondered if that was partially responsible for the stuttering issue I'm having, but I was under the impression that it is automatically disabled when the phone is in your pocket, or face down. I guess I have some more experimenting to do while I wait for the next update.
At least for me it would not be face down in the car so I'll keep an eye on that.
Can someone point me to where I can take care of the volume issue ?
OK figured it out and learned about Xpose. Very cool.
I'll see if this is what was actually my problem. My problem was that bluetooth audio level is always reset to 80% (or so) each time I use it.
Bluetooth in my car is awesome.
ATT kitkat with Toyota Venza
Before the update music streaming took 20 seconds to load, but now it works instantly.
Bluetooth has had half second "pauses" at random times... sometimes seems too coincide with the screen on or off, other times when the phone is doing nothing. Also before kit Kat Google music would show track number (but nothing else) now I've lost that too. Unrooted
Sent from my KFTHWI using Tapatalk 2
I experienced the pauses today when I overrode the volume warning. They kept occurring even after the volume was turned back down below 80%. I rebooted and started up some music without going over the volume suggestion and the skips were gone. If you're having trouble with the music or Bluetooth connection "skipping" try it out. Definitely tied to that volume warning somehow.
Interesting theory, I'll have to test it out. I have noticed that mine seems to do it at the same locations while I'm driving, and am starting to wonder if it is related to the handoff between towers.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

After disconnecting Bluetooth, Audio won't play off speaker

So I'm miffed! My brand new baby is giving me a Bluetooth nightmare. After I use it with Plantronics BackBeat Go 2 headset and disconnect the Bluetooth (even if I switch off Bluetooth), phone audio won't come thru the regular speaker. However, if I switch on the speakerphone, then audio works.
A restart fixes the problem. But it is super annoying. Anyone else experience the issue? Do you guys have an idea of how to fix this?
Until this, I've been super happy with my white 128GB baby!
You aren't crazy, I've had some similar problems. if you notice, when this issue is active and you try to turn your volume up, it'll show BT volume being changed instead of regular. For me, I can usually toggle BT on and off again to get it back to normal.
RED ZMAN said:
You aren't crazy, I've had some similar problems. if you notice, when this issue is active and you try to turn your volume up, it'll show BT volume being changed instead of regular. For me, I can usually toggle BT on and off again to get it back to normal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This also works for me. Still annoying though.
I don't know the tech verbiage perhaps a developer is best equipped however:
1. Connecting Bluetooth seems to cause the system to act stupid. I had found a video through MyVidSter which took me to Pornhub while on the toilet I figured I'd let it download as I proceeded to brush my teeth and take a shower (fresh, beautiful, and clean)
2. Next I connect my Bluetooth headsets and go to playback my video and it stalls gives error can't play.
3. Turn off device restart
4. WHAM, it finally can play the same video it couldn't just a moment ago.
5.I then disconnected and noticed my sound wasn't there when I went to YouTube to listen to a Formation.
6. I tried PowerAmp and the strangest thing the file played the song at like 256x very sped up! I could see the scrub bar moving along very fast!! No sound or video would play on YouTube or my photo gallery
7. I finally go to setting power on Bluetooth toggle for a few seconds then turned it off and finally videos sound and music without would play again.
8. My daddy Alabama.. Momma Louisiana... You mix that Creole with that negro make a Texas baaaammaaa
???? cause I slay
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
Having the same issue with LG HBS-810 Headset. If I turn off the headphones before I turn off Bluetooth on my phone, it's OK. If I turn off Bluetooth on my phone first, then no sound. Also, If I turn on the headphones first, then Bluetooth on my phone, they will not connect until I turn off and back on my headphones.
I seem to have the same issue on my Nexus 7 (2013) with Android 6.0.1, so I think it's a 6.0.1 bug.

Another Bluetooth issue thread.

Poor Audio over Bluetooth, Poor overall BT reception.
I thought it was my device and sent it back to google, they sent me a replacement and it has the same issue, if im streaming music to any device (Headphones, Speaker, Car Stereo) and cover the top of my phone its like im almost going out of range and the audio goes choppy or off, remove my hand and the audio returns to normal. Google said they have never heard of this issue before and are convinced a third device will solve the issue, i doubt it unless they have a revision 2 model.
Its not just audio, i have a watch that gets notification on the go, same thing, if the top gets covered my watch often says disconnected, take the phone out and within 20 seconds it reconnects.
Clearly there is an issue with BT on this phone, no software update (inc. N preview) addresses it, google seems unaware or uninterested in the problem, i would have addressed it a long time ago but i have been holding out for a fix before i realised how easy it is to replicate the problem.
I also have issue with it. I pair my headphones Phillips Tapster and all I hear is non-stop choppy sound(every few seconds a spike). In the beginning I thought my headphones were giving problems, but it is not the case, becase I have a few other Androids and all work fine. So it is the 6P.
Unfortunately I couldn't find a solution which I can share. I only can share what won't work in my experience:
- Factory reset(wipe);
- Return to stock if custom ROM is used;
- Changing ROMs;
- Killing all other apps except the one which uses the device currently;
- Switching off other communication services like wi-fi;
DJorgio said:
Poor Audio over Bluetooth, Poor overall BT reception.
I thought it was my device and sent it back to google, they sent me a replacement and it has the same issue, if im streaming music to any device (Headphones, Speaker, Car Stereo) and cover the top of my phone its like im almost going out of range and the audio goes choppy or off, remove my hand and the audio returns to normal. Google said they have never heard of this issue before and are convinced a third device will solve the issue, i doubt it unless they have a revision 2 model.
Its not just audio, i have a watch that gets notification on the go, same thing, if the top gets covered my watch often says disconnected, take the phone out and within 20 seconds it reconnects.
Clearly there is an issue with BT on this phone, no software update (inc. N preview) addresses it, google seems unaware or uninterested in the problem, i would have addressed it a long time ago but i have been holding out for a fix before i realised how easy it is to replicate the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can confirm this.
I get this as well. I can't put the phone in my pocket if I use Bluetooth headphones. I've tried different headphones, both factory M and N preview.
Mines not that bad. It used to stutter every minute or so but I turned off Bluetooth/WiFi scanning and fixed that problem. But now it just decided to start getting all staticy when the screen is turned on. Either by me text or phone calls. Haven't figured out why it's only happening at that time
r1nstang said:
Mines not that bad. It used to stutter every minute or so but I turned off Bluetooth/WiFi scanning and fixed that problem. But now it just decided to start getting all staticy when the screen is turned on. Either by me text or phone calls. Haven't figured out why it's only happening at that time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What happens when you cover the top of your phone with your hands, does the audio start cutting out?
DJorgio said:
What happens when you cover the top of your phone with your hands, does the audio start cutting out?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nothing happens at all. no change in sounds, no stuttering in play.
I did another FDR the other day. got everything installed again turned off wifi/bluetooth scanning and wifi itself (since im not at home) and works perfect. no skipping or stuttering at all. even the 5 seconds of stutter is gone when the screen turns on. hopefully it stays this way
running Ressurection remix m 5.6.9-20160614
I have the same problem on my car sound system (mazda 2 2016). I found a solution. I turn on the N6P bluetooth before turning on the car system (in my car it turns on when I turn on the car at the same time). When I have the N6P's bluetooth on before turning on the car I have a good conection at 100% of the times. When I forget to turn on the N6P's bluetooth before turning on the car I have a bad conection at 50% of the times.
I hope this could work on your sound systems.
DJorgio said:
Poor Audio over Bluetooth, Poor overall BT reception.
I thought it was my device and sent it back to google, they sent me a replacement and it has the same issue, if im streaming music to any device (Headphones, Speaker, Car Stereo) and cover the top of my phone its like im almost going out of range and the audio goes choppy or off, remove my hand and the audio returns to normal. Google said they have never heard of this issue before and are convinced a third device will solve the issue, i doubt it unless they have a revision 2 model.
Its not just audio, i have a watch that gets notification on the go, same thing, if the top gets covered my watch often says disconnected, take the phone out and within 20 seconds it reconnects.
Clearly there is an issue with BT on this phone, no software update (inc. N preview) addresses it, google seems unaware or uninterested in the problem, i would have addressed it a long time ago but i have been holding out for a fix before i realised how easy it is to replicate the problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried 3 replacement phones and each time I speak with Google they inform me that they are not aware of any BT issue. Bull****! I can't wait to get rid of this phone. I have the same issues you have related to BT.
r1nstang said:
nothing happens at all. no change in sounds, no stuttering in play.
I did another FDR the other day. got everything installed again turned off wifi/bluetooth scanning and wifi itself (since im not at home) and works perfect. no skipping or stuttering at all. even the 5 seconds of stutter is gone when the screen turns on. hopefully it stays this way
running Ressurection remix m 5.6.9-20160614
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, i tried fresh install of mentioned ROM and disabled scanning and the issue remains but glad to hear yours is ok now.
caalca said:
I have the same problem on my car sound system (mazda 2 2016). I found a solution. I turn on the N6P bluetooth before turning on the car system (in my car it turns on when I turn on the car at the same time). When I have the N6P's bluetooth on before turning on the car I have a good conection at 100% of the times. When I forget to turn on the N6P's bluetooth before turning on the car I have a bad conection at 50% of the times.
I hope this could work on your sound systems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but i rarely turn off BT, its always available but i did go and try combinations of having it off or on pre connection and no difference, still my phone acts like the BT signal is too weak if i move around.
V4cc4r0 said:
I have tried 3 replacement phones and each time I speak with Google they inform me that they are not aware of any BT issue. Bull****! I can't wait to get rid of this phone. I have the same issues you have related to BT.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for confirming, im not holding any hope on the 3rd replacement either, I have had a lot of nexus devices over the years and this BT issue is unique and driving me nuts and really making me think twice about the new upcoming replacement in Q4, especially if its made by Huawei. Ive also noticed the chassis has started to buckle near the volume buttons.
well for some unknown reason the stutter when screen comes on came back. worked fine on bluetooth all weekend. then this morning i go to use my LG 850 BT headphones...and bam...stuttering. maybe LG pissed off Hauwei and they decided to cause issues with all LG items hahahaha
r1nstang said:
well for some unknown reason the stutter when screen comes on came back. worked fine on bluetooth all weekend. then this morning i go to use my LG 850 BT headphones...and bam...stuttering. maybe LG pissed off Hauwei and they decided to cause issues with all LG items hahahaha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apparently all CM based ROMs has the stutter issue when screen is turned on when streaming, something to do with the AudioFX, im back on AOSP ROM, no issue with screen on but still have issue when covering the top of my phone or putting in my pocket. sux.
DJorgio said:
Apparently all CM based ROMs has the stutter issue when screen is turned on when streaming, something to do with the AudioFX, im back on AOSP ROM, no issue with screen on but still have issue when covering the top of my phone or putting in my pocket. sux.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for that. i hadnt heard it was a CM issue. gonna install PA6.0 within the next couple days

S8 Bluetooth audio distortion

UPDATE NOT fully solved.
Audio still really distorted and staticy in car (Honda Civic 2016, link to thread). For the JBL FLip3 speaker, here's my fix: In the S8 paired devices list, click the settings icon next to JBL Flip 3. Turn "Call audio" off. Test out music - it should sound clear now. Turn "Call audio" back on, the music still sounds clear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi guys,
I am using an Australian Galaxy S8 SM-G950F, and a JBL Flip 3 portable bluetooth speaker.
I have noticed that when using the S8 with my speaker, the sound is distorted as if the treble frequencies are too high.
I can confirm portable speaker works fine with great sound using my previous phone (Galaxy S5). i paired both phones to the portable speaker and compared them together to see which caused the problem. I tested the exact same song, same quality, same app (Google Play Music) on the S8 and then the S5 and noticed the S8 sounded really bad and the S5 sounded great.
On my galaxy S8 I have not done any EQ or sound effects, I am really not sure why it is like this. I do use volume sync so my S8 volume controls the portable speaker volume.
Anyone else experiencing this? I also have the S8 inbuilt speaker fading/cutting out so I am definitely taking my phone back to get replaced. I just hope my replacement phone will not have the same bluetooth audio issue.
Same issue here. Specially when move away few meters from the speaker.
I guess it should be a software issue, due to Bluetooth 5 backward compatibility.
Australian here too. Havent noticed any bluetooth sound quality issues since coming from the s7 edge. I use BT in my car at least twice a day almost every single day so I think I'd notice.
I've got the same speaker at home though that I've yet to pair with this phone so I'll give it a go and compare the s7, s8 and maybe my laptop and see if I notice anything.
I work late so I'll have to check in a few hours when I finish. I'll keep you posted.
Edit: also don't forget that you can adjust and fine tune your equalizer to your liking in settings. Search for "Sound quality and effects". Might want to see if that helps at all.
xeathpk said:
Australian here too. Havent noticed any bluetooth sound quality issues since coming from the s7 edge. I use BT in my car at least twice a day almost every single day so I think I'd notice.
I've got the same speaker at home though that I've yet to pair with this phone so I'll give it a go and compare the s7, s8 and maybe my laptop and see if I notice anything.
I work late so I'll have to check in a few hours when I finish. I'll keep you posted.
Edit: also don't forget that you can adjust and fine tune your equalizer to your liking in settings. Search for "Sound quality and effects". Might want to see if that helps at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers mate I look forward to your test!
I haven't adjusted EQ, I'm trying to avoid that - my S5 with flat EQ sounds great on the portable speaker so I'd like the S8 to do the same
Just in the meantime, have you tried to unpair and restart the pairing process? (Just for the sake of absolute clarity, I'm not talking about turning Bluetooth off and then back on again.) Go to your Bluetooth connection menu, click the setting gear icon next the JBL flip 3 and select Unpair and then try again. Worth a shot perhaps?
xeathpk said:
Just in the meantime, have you tried to unpair and restart the pairing process? (Just for the sake of absolute clarity, I'm not talking about turning Bluetooth off and then back on again.) Go to your Bluetooth connection menu, click the setting gear icon next the JBL flip 3 and select Unpair and then try again. Worth a shot perhaps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just unpaired and re paired now, no improvement
Also turned off media volume sync (so the phone volume and JBL volume are separate), also no improvement
Alright I've had a good play around with the speaker for a bit now and I've tried swapping between my S7, Laptop and this S8+. I played the same song through Spotify on each.
Between s7 and s8 the difference is negligible if not non existent. The s8 and laptop are indistinguishable from each other, as in they're 100% identical to my ears. I was able to instantly swap devices with Spotify as well so I was able to do a lot of fast A-B testing on different parts of the track and there was no distinguishable difference.
The s8 BT sounds fine to my ears. No complaints.
That leads me to consider that;
1. Your phone may in fact be faulty
2. It could be the speaker itself causing issues, or
3. The s5 is actually the one that objectively "worse" or otherwise different. Perhaps you grew accustomed to the sound of the s5 and anything else would sound slightly off by comparison.
Also remember that the JBL flip 3, while nice, isn't a particularly high-end speaker. Its not exactly the best system to get a solid reference from. You might want to try some other BT peripherals such as a home theater system or headset or w/e other BT stuff you have on hand.
zammi said:
Same issue here. Specially when move away few meters from the speaker.
I guess it should be a software issue, due to Bluetooth 5 backward compatibility.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem with my Bose QC30
Problem is solved when I reboot the phone, but appears again a few hours later. Very annoying
Wearable perhaps?
RKN_ said:
Just unpaired and re paired now, no improvement
Also turned off media volume sync (so the phone volume and JBL volume are separate), also no improvement
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using a gear or another wearable or smartwatch at the same time you are testing with your s8? If it is..that's your problem rigth there!!
Its a known issue..so we are out of luck!
jmartesc said:
Are you using a gear or another wearable or smartwatch at the same time you are testing with your s8? If it is..that's your problem rigth there!!
Its a known issue..so we are out of luck!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually I do have a wearable paired! Completely forgot. Will delete all and try.
Yea, a wearable will cause treble distortion. Quite annoying actually.
Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
Wow that's interesting. Never knew that was even a thing. Were you able to fix the sound after unpairing your other peripheral?
Hi guys, no improvement I'm afraid
First I unpaired my fitness band (Xiaomi mi band 2)
No improvement
Then I uninstalled xiaomi mi fit app (it was watching my notifications)
No improvement
Then I unpaired all my Bluetooth devices (1 car and 1 laptop) so only JBL Flip 3 remains
Still no improvement. I am still hearing this distorted shrill treble sound which I don't hear from S5.
I will try the sound experience of my car via Bluetooth too.
hey guys I think I got a fix
I turned off "Call Audio" in paired device settings for the JBL then tested music
The shrill sound is gone, the music sounds the same as my S5!
I then turned Call Audio back on and music is still sounding good.
I made a phonecall, sounded normal, ended the phonecall and music still sounds good. Hope this lasts!
I am just going to investigate the JBL App because I remember I once switched the button settings there to get Google assistant working. I wonder if that's what caused the problem back then?
EDIT: I also paired my fitness band back and music is still good
RKN_ said:
I am just going to investigate the JBL App because I remember I once switched the button settings there to get Google assistant working. I wonder if that's what caused the problem back then?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Changed the JBL button function to voice assistant, music still good
Changed the button function back to play pause, music still good
RKN_ said:
hey guys I think I got a fix
I turned off "Call Audio" in paired device settings for the JBL then tested music
The shrill sound is gone, the music sounds the same as my S5!
I then turned Call Audio back on and music is still sounding good.
I made a phonecall, sounded normal, ended the phonecall and music still sounds good. Hope this lasts!
I am just going to investigate the JBL App because I remember I once switched the button settings there to get Google assistant working. I wonder if that's what caused the problem back then?
EDIT: I also paired my fitness band back and music is still good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much. The muffly sound was driving me crazy. This is the only thing that worked for me.
Hi everyone, I'm having the exact same issue and unfortunately, none of the solutions here worked for me (tried disabling and re-enabling "call audio", tried unpairing my wearable, even tried unpairing everything else except for my car audio). I also just updated to Android Oreo hoping for a fix, but it didn't solve it...
guaycuru said:
Hi everyone, I'm having the exact same issue and unfortunately, none of the solutions here worked for me (tried disabling and re-enabling "call audio", tried unpairing my wearable, even tried unpairing everything else except for my car audio). I also just updated to Android Oreo hoping for a fix, but it didn't solve it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just updated to Oreo the other day and that's actually when I started having the problems. I've had this S8 Plus almost a year now, and everything sounded great until the update a few days ago.
The best way I can explain it is the audio, to me, sounds over saturated.
I mainly stream Spotify via bluetooth in my car - JVC head unit, JL in-doors, 1000w Kenwood amp and 2 Alpine SWS D12s. This setup used to sound pretty damn sweet, but post-update, it sounds like garbage and I can't figure it out.
This has been an issue with many newer phones and is related to the newer bluetooth protocols in the 2017+ flagship phones, it seems. I haven't been able to figure out a solution, yet, and I've been trying for over a year. I think that most car stereos and bluetooth speakers are still on the older bluetooth protocols, and that seems to be the underlying disconnect in all of this. If one uses the latest high end bluetooth headphones with support for aptx hd and such the sound is on a whole different level unlike it is paired with my sync based Ford entertainment system or similar.
This is a weird issue that I've also experienced. To me it seems like Samsung prioritises Apt-X bandwidth over the older bluetooth audio codecs, such as SBC - which is what a lot Bluetooth devices still use. In theory SBC is capable of 'sufficiently' good sound quality, but in my experience my S8 just sounds like garbage whenever there's any other than one device connected. I did a Bluetooth HCI log and confirmed that whenever the SBC procotol was being used, my phone would just set the quality to medium despite everything I tried.
What's odd now that is post-Oreo my sound has improved and a new HCI log shows that the majority of the time I'm getting the higher quality mode. Not sure if it's coincidental that I also reset my phone completely after Oreo, or whether Samsung has fixed something... who knows.
My advice is that if you're after good quality audio, either stay away from Bluetooth or buy Apt-X or even LDAC enabled equipment. It works flawlessly with the S8. Great in principle, but not exactly an option if you have an in-built stereo!

Does everyone have awful Bluetooth connection or is it just mine?

So I purchased some new JBL headphones black Friday. They work perfectly with everything but my Essential phone. Basically the audio cuts in and out less the 12" away. I listen to a lot of music and this is complete BS! Bluetooth in my car is sometimes sketchy and also on my Bose SoundLink Mini.
Do all of you have connection issues? Is it a firmware issue? I'm still on stock 7.1.1 with latest security patch.
P.S. All this happens on my wife's white one as wellwith same everything.
I have the same issue with multiple bluetooth audio devices on mine. Someone suggested turning off Bluetooth scanning in the location portion of the system settings but that did not fix it for me.
I'm on the Oreo beta.
The one thing turning off scanning DID fix for me in terms of Bluetooth issues was the constant disconnects I was seeing to my smart watch. That's stable now.
No issues with BT on my PH-1 with the numerous BT headphones i've used it with.
Currently using a Bose Soundlink OE and no complaints whatsoever.
Tried all Roms, stock and Oreo and BT audio is fine on my end.
After messing with the Bluetooth settings, I removed all devices and rebooted the phone as well. I paired the JBL and sure enough they work fine with no audio dropping. So I'm wondering if something is going on when I first initially pair the devices. I'm not a radio engineer, so I'm only guessing. It seems like it's not getting full handshake with the devices I first pair with. Only after I forget the device, reboot, the pair again will it have a good grip on the device.
jakkzen said:
After messing with the Bluetooth settings, I removed all devices and rebooted the phone as well. I paired the JBL and sure enough they work fine with no audio dropping. So I'm wondering if something is going on when I first initially pair the devices. I'm not a radio engineer, so I'm only guessing. It seems like it's not getting full handshake with the devices I first pair with. Only after I forget the device, reboot, the pair again will it have a good grip on the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a red OnePlus 5T and white Essential at the same time and on looks alone used the essential. I've had two black models previous to this. I went to the gym after syncing my BT headphones and the result was music that but out every .5 seconds. Needless to say, I wanted to kill myself. I tried deleting all devices, resyncing, restarting, nada. I immediately went to the OnePlus with no issues. The essential is such a good value proposition especially with regards to build quality but I'm running out of reasons to keep trying it, price aside.
dc82 said:
I got a red OnePlus 5T and white Essential at the same time and on looks alone used the essential. I've had two black models previous to this. I went to the gym after syncing my BT headphones and the result was music that but out every .5 seconds. Needless to say, I wanted to kill myself. I tried deleting all devices, resyncing, restarting, nada. I immediately went to the OnePlus with no issues. The essential is such a good value proposition especially with regards to build quality but I'm running out of reasons to keep trying it, price aside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I totally get that. I haven't had the Bluetooth issues any more. Unfortunately now it will randomly freeze up. So, I am actually thinking of selling mine and getting a OnePlus 5t.
Just want to add that i have my essential phone since Dec. Never had any Bluetooth issues.
I've also got the same problem, can't connect to my PC, my pebble does connect but I have to "forget device", rescan and repair it everytime I connect. It's very temperamental with my Bluetooth headset too
with the beta versions of the os under developer options you now see options for different bluetooth codecs including aptx. I believe it is still a grey area if essential has acquired the rights to include the aptx codec but if you are rooted you can sideload the aptx directly. See here for more info on aptx https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2531440
Hope it helps you out.
Personally ive experienced no bluetooth issues using stenheiser hd-1 in ear headphones, bluetooth stereos and car adapters.
I'm having the same issue with my Essential phone and all bluetooth audio playback devices. If the phone is more than a foot away, it gets choppy. I don't have a workaround yet but will try some of the suggestions here.
bbohica said:
I'm having the same issue with my Essential phone and all bluetooth audio playback devices. If the phone is more than a foot away, it gets choppy. I don't have a workaround yet but will try some of the suggestions here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Bluetooth connectivity is not that great. I don't quite have the exact problem you describe, but range is pretty poor. For example, my Gear S3 Classic is about 6-7 meters away from me right now and I cannot connect to it via Bluetooth. I have to be closer. My Samsung S8+ (after some post-launch patches of course) could maintain the connection to about 10 meters away. My S7 easily did 15 meter radius. This is all comparison in the same physical space.
my BT stutters about once every 45 seconds or so, also in my 2011 Mazda 3, the names of the songs do not display up on the screen where they had with every other phone i have had paired.
BTW if you are thinking of buying a 2009-13 Mazda3 there is a 5 second BT audio delay while watching Youtube/ videos ... and it gets really annoying
ToddEDM said:
my BT stutters about once every 45 seconds or so, also in my 2011 Mazda 3, the names of the songs do not display up on the screen where they had with every other phone i have had paired.
BTW if you are thinking of buying a 2009-13 Mazda3 there is a 5 second BT audio delay while watching Youtube/ videos ... and it gets really annoying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Latency like that is perceptible on almost all phones and receivers... Your car is not special in that way...
Wanna see some really bad latency... Try playing a game on an emulator while using a Chromecast to your TV...
Here is a perfect example of how bad it is. I did a little test with my bluetooth speaker(it's nothing special, just an average bluetooth speaker, a few years old so not the latest bluetooth tech.)
I set the phone on the kitchen counter, connected and playing music on my speaker which is right next to it. I pick up the speaker and hold it to my chest, while I'm leaning against the counter, then turn around so my body is between the phone and speaker, it quits working. I spin back around, it works... As a comparison, i dug the old S6 out of a drawer, and it can play on the speaker with me holding the speaker the same way, spin around, and walk to the other end of my kitchen which is about 16ft and it keeps playing the whole time.
Same issue with bluetooth headphones, which led me to this awful issue. I'm a cyclist, and with the phone in my back pocket of my jersey, the headphones won't work.
Frustrated, today I unlocked and flashed back to the oldest stock software I could find... still doesn't work.
Same issue here. Is there a fix for this?
The only device I get a solid connection with is my Jabra Elite 65t headset (which happens to be BT 5.0 like the phone is). My Samsung gear and both of my cars have horrible connections. I believe there is a memory leak in the bluetooth stack because It'll get worse and worse, then I can clear it up temporarily by turning off bluetooth for about 30 seconds to 1 minute then turning it on again... then it'll tend to last until I reconnect again later.
bbohica said:
Here is a perfect example of how bad it is. I did a little test with my bluetooth speaker(it's nothing special, just an average bluetooth speaker, a few years old so not the latest bluetooth tech.)
I set the phone on the kitchen counter, connected and playing music on my speaker which is right next to it. I pick up the speaker and hold it to my chest, while I'm leaning against the counter, then turn around so my body is between the phone and speaker, it quits working. I spin back around, it works... As a comparison, i dug the old S6 out of a drawer, and it can play on the speaker with me holding the speaker the same way, spin around, and walk to the other end of my kitchen which is about 16ft and it keeps playing the whole time.
Same issue with bluetooth headphones, which led me to this awful issue. I'm a cyclist, and with the phone in my back pocket of my jersey, the headphones won't work.
Frustrated, today I unlocked and flashed back to the oldest stock software I could find... still doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are on 8.1 you can go into developer area and there are settings for BT connection type. You may be able.to get better results by changing from the default which is best effort to one that prioritizes connection quality. There are other settings as well. I haven't played with the settings because I'm not seeing issues.
Fixed mine
Disabled hd audio:aac in bluetooth device settings(for each headphones or device with that issue) and drop outs stopped i had them every 40sec for .5.
I have 4 different Bluetooth devices that all work perfect and all have 10+ meter range. I'm on the AICP rom and no problems at all.

Categories

Resources