IPhone 5S Bluetooth call quality

Problem: Degraded iPhone sound quality over Bluetooth when making voice call, FaceTime video/audio calls and Siri requests.
I have been waiting for Apple to release a software update to fix this issue for some time. It appears to be a known issue however I have yet to see a response from Apple regarding the issue. Oddly, streaming music from my iPhone via Bluetooth delivers crystal clear sound. I suspect the iPhone uses a different Bluetooth profile for call streaming. Would someone be able to confirm this?
It is worth noting that I am having this issue with every one of my Bluetooth devices. I have a Bluetooth-enabled Sony HiFi, Sony Bluetooth earphones and a Pioneer car stereo system with Parrot Bluetooth.
Does anybody else have this issue? Would someone else with an iPhone 5S + Bluetooth devices be able to try and see if they share the exact same problem (that is degraded sound quality when making FaceTime video/audio calls and Siri requests over Blueooth)
Thanks.

Dabbaranks wrote:
I have the distortion/crackling/popping with non-music, non-voice sounds (game sounds) on my Sony SBH80. Is it a Mac thing?
If your question is about your computer, you might be better off posting in the relevant Mac forum. This is the iPhone forum.
Best of luck.

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Iphone 5s - Bad call quality

Hi, I recently noticed a problem on my iphone 5s, everytime when I received a call, I barely heard the caller, the voice seemed to be coming from a well, not clear at all. What should I do?

Hello Elbeyrouni,
If I understand correctly, the call volume used to be fine but now it's hard to hear the other person.
Here are some steps to try for that.
iPhone: Receiver and call audio quality issues
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts5196
Increase the volume during the call.
Make sure nothing is blocking the receiver. If you're using a protective case or display film, remove it and try again.
Make sure nothing is plugged into the headphone jack or the dock connector.
Check the receiver opening to see if it is clogged with debris. If necessary, clean it with a clean, small, dry, soft-bristled brush.
Try another location with better signal. If the audio issue happens only when on a call, it could be due to the location.
If the iPhone is paired with a Bluetooth headset or a car kit, try turning off Bluetooth on your device. Learn more about troubleshooting Bluetooth connections.
Restart the iPhone.
Make sure your device is up to date.
If the issue is not resolved, contact Apple Support.
Thank you for visiting Apple Support Communities.
Nubz

IPhone 5 voice call quality fade in and out. Noise Cancellation interference?

I've been having this huge problem with the iPhone5. The evidence i've collected seems to indicate this is a problem with all iPhone5's.
On calls in certain places both indoors and outdoors, the callers voices over the iPhone5 fade in and out. Their voices occasionally completely fade completely away, and only come back momentarily. The low volume for 50% of the time forces me to raise the volume, but raising the volume does not help because when the voice does come back, the volume is too loud for my ears.
I went back to the Apple store and they are not able to help me. They suggested a clean restore, which I did. They offered to replace the phone, which I did, but it is the same problem.
- iPhone 5 vs. iPhone 4S, the fading does not occur. I make the call to the same voice mail system I have, and the sounds from the other side are consistently the same volume for the 4S, but fades in and out for the 5.
- I connected up a 8mm jack between my iPhone 5 and my mac in an attempt to record this problem. In that instance, the sounds from the voice mail DO NOT fade in and out. I did find out that the dynamic range on the iPhone 5 is MUCH greater than that of the iPhone 4S, for some strange reason.
- When I hold the phone up to my ear, the fading in and out does occur, but it is less noticeable. But it's still there.
- When I leave my work area the problem goes away. However, because the iPhone 4S on the same AT&T service does not have this problem, this leads me to believe it's NOT a lack of transmission power from the AT&T cell tower. Rather, it is a reception issue at the iPhone5 side.
- I turned off LTE, data and then made the calls. Same issue.
I use this phone to make 60 minute calls for conference calls frequently. I cannot use it. Please advise. I am seriously considering returning this phone. Except i've sold my old iPhone 4 already. I'm in a bad place. Please help.
Here's another post of a fellow with the same exact problem.
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1456404
Apple, please look into this. I believe this is a problem with the noise cancellation software.

I've got an update on this problem with fading volume. I've isolated it to the set volume on the phone for voice calls when using headphones. When the headphone volume is set between 1 and 6 (out of 16 squares) the callers volume will consistently fade in and out. The fading which is normal to zero volume at 2-5 Hz is serious enough that normal conversation is impossible. When the volume is raised above 6/16 then the callers voice stabilize and I can hear all their words again. Unfortunately, at 6/16 volume their voices are too loud for the headphones.
Furthermore, when headphones are plugged in, and I initial a call after the iphone5 was idle for several minutes, the first dial tone has preceded by a very loud pop an the tone, as though there was too much pressure (charge) that was dissipated all at once.
Other details:
- I used 3 different earphones, iPhone 4 headphones, altec earphones, an the new iPhone 5 earbuds. Same.
- I turned on and off lte, data, Bluetooth, wifi. Problem persists unaffected.
- when switching to iPhones earpiece and mic, the fading is gone.
- I have 3 out of 5 bars where I teste this, in the city outside and on hwy 5 in central California. Same symptoms in all places I've tested.
- I have exchanged my phone at the apple store. Same issue with both iPhones an I suspect all ipjone5s.
- the ipjone4s does NOT have this problem when the volume is set lower. I can tell that the iPhone 5 must have a new audio filter to make the sounds have larger dynamic range. I liked the 4s better, because it is easier on the ears!

IPhone 5s poor call quality - static

I received my 5s a couple weeks ago and the phone had A LOT of static on the line during phone calls. I went to the local AT&T store and was told that it might be the sim card that was shipped in the phone, so they replaced it. That did not fix the problem. So, I ordered a second 5s and have had it a few days and am noticing the same level of static on phone calls. It's loud enough to be bothersome. Surely I haven't received the only two phones that have this problem?! I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for this problem, or if they've experienced this issue and if so, how it was resolved.
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Hey guys
I got the same problem! But sadly no solution yet... ( i really hope this is a software problem....)
https://discussions.apple.com/message/23744858#23744858
During a voice call all my friends are complaining that they can't understand me.
After googeling i found out, that there were similar problems with the old iphone 5 (http://www.iphone5callquality.com/) but there are not that many people with this problem with the iphone 5s or 5c (I got a iphone 5c).
What to do...

Iphone 6 call quality issue....

Hi, yesterday i saw software update in my iphone 6 and i thought it will solve the call quality issue , but unfortunately it was not for that.
Dear iphone support , the call quality in iphone 6 is really bad, I was using iphone 4S and that had great voice quality. iphone 6 voice during call is not clear , it has noise .
When I told my friends about the problem , they told me that I might have bought the refurbish phone. But I bought it from Dubai in 750 USD and I do not think it would be the case.

Since my iPhone 6 has great Call Quality,
My tip would be to take it to an Apple shop. All apple Products have world wide warranty.
If it is really they should be able to fix it.
Hope this helps,

Continuity Bluetooth Calling & SMS on Macbook Pro (via iPhone 5) Not Working

Devices:
Macbook Pro Mid-2010 running OSX 10.10.2
Iphone 5 running iOS 8.1.3
*NOTE: I understand that due to the version of the Bluetooth protocol in my machine, not all continuity features are available (Handoff, Air Drop, MBP Instant Hotspot)
However SMS to IMessage and the ability to make and receive calls from my Mac should be OK according to Apple's system requirements one-sheeter:
System requirements for Continuity on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac - Apple Support
================================================================================ =====================
Here's my problem.
I finally took the plunge last night and updated my iPhone 5 from 7.1 to 8.1.3 to access the iCloud Drive and additional continuity features integrated into Yosemite.
When I tried to pair my iPhone 5 with my MBP over Bluetooth, all seemed to go well for the first 5 seconds.
- Both devices were in discovery mode.
- Mac saw the phone and displayed a security code
- iPhone displayed the same security code and asked if I would like to pair with MBP
- Pairing took place. Each devices Bluetooth profile / device showed up in my MBP Bluetooth's Preferences and in my iPhone's Bluetooth.
- 5 seconds later, there's no connection between devices.
My iPhone displays:
"Connection Unsuccessful: Make sure [Macbook Pro] is turned on and in range." (The phone is 5 inches away)
Then sometimes I get this message:
"Connection Unsuccessful: [Macbook Pro] is not supported.
No rhyme or reason between the two either.
Here's the baffling part: When I activate my Phone's HotSpot function, the Bluetooth works and connects with my MBP allowing it to use my cell phone network's data for internet connectivity.
I don't understand what is going on or how to correct this? Can anyone succinctly explain how to correct this problems in layman terms?
If the devices can communicate long enough to exchange security codes and verify their identities, then use Hotspot, there is clearly a data exchange happening. Where is the break down taking place when it comes time to stay connected to so I can continue to use the limited continuity features.
I've seen this question posted before by people having problems with different model years of MBP including the most recents models, so I know it's not mutually exclusive to my model year, but cannot seem to find clarity on an answer.

Handoff Continuity Troubleshooting
iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac using Continuity - Connect

IPhone 5s, call quality, periodic echo

I upgraded from the iPhone 4 to the 5s 4 months ago. Ever since I upgraded, I have periodic issues with call quality. In the middle of a call I will all the sidden start to hear myself talk and the person on the other end cant hear me at all and I cant hear them. This happens to be in the Atlanta, GA area in the same places on interstate 75.

jab1820,
Thank you so much for reaching back out to us. Could you please provide us with your mailing zip code? With your iPhone 5s can you please reset your network settings. You can do this by going into Settings, General, Reset, Reset Network Settings. Then re-try the call quality after that reset has been completed. Please keep us posted.
KevinR_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

IPhone 6, Prius, Bluetooth Calling -- Not Working

I got the iPhone 6 (AT&T). I was able to pair the phone with my Prius (2013 - Plugin Hybrid), and I am able to play audio via Bluetooth, but Bluetooth calling doesn't seem to work.
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If I try to make a call from the car voice interface, I get "No Network Signal"
I had iOS 8 on my iPhone 5S, and had no problem.
I've tried deleting the pairing and re-pairing. I've also tried resetting all the settings and network settings.
Thoughts? Or is this just a bug or unintended feature?
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I have a similar problem. I had an iPhone 5 (running IOS 8.1) and had absolutely NO problems with it's bluetooth - would pair with anything easily. I recently bought the iPhone 6, and had no problems with it, until it came time to pair it to all my bluetooth devices. It paired OK to my headset (Plantronics Legend), but at random times, for no reason it disconnects from it. It paired OK with the UConnect in my Dodge truck, but it absolutely WILL NOT pair with the J&M bluetooth module on my motorcycle. Had NO problems what ever with the iPhone 5 running IOS 8 with bluetooth pairing to anything - worked flawlessly. What the heck did they do to the bluetooth in the iPhone 6 to make it so crappy? From all the posts in this and other forums, I see I'm not alone with this problem - FIX IT SOON APPLE!

IPhone 6 Call Quality Issues

iPhone 6 64gb 8.0
As of yet, I've not been able to make or receive a call without the other person sounding like they're three rooms away. I've turned up the volume on the side and within settings. I've turned the phone off and back on again.
I backed up this phone from my last iPhone (5) so that I have all my personalization and files, etc. on it now. I also took the SIM card from my old phone and put it in my new phone.
Everything else seems to work fairly well. It's just the call quality. I can hear what they're saying, They can hear me, but it seems like the volume is as low as it goes. But I know it's not.
HELP!

since I received my iPhone 6 Plus on Friday I've noticed that all of my phone calls have very bad audio quality. i thought it was just when I was talking to someone in a car. But it doesn't matter where they are.
WHat hat does it sound like:
its like a crappy digitized vrry tinny sound. It's as if the ither person is talking on a radio.

IPhone 5 bad call voice quality

Got the new iPhone 5 and have bad phone call quality. The recipient of the call seems to be able to hear me ok, but their voice either isn't there or drops out or sounds grainy like when you have bad cell reception. Many times, the calls have just not connected. I know that that my cell reception and the recipients cell reception were excellent. This has occured when calling other cell phones, land lines, and toll free numbers. Anyone else having this issue? Have an appointment at Apple tomorrow morning to see what they think.

PROBLEM IDENTIFIED (..maybe)
Update: Have not gone to the AT&T store yet, but was trying out some tests and think LTE is causing the problem. I am in an LTE capable area (Outside Washington DC). When I disabled LTE in the cellular settings, the phone calls sound clear. When I enabled the LTE in the settings, the majority of the time, I was having the bad voice call quality. Not sure if this would happen on Verizon network too, but could you try it out and see if you have the same results? If anyone else trys this test out, let me know your results.
As an aside, My brother who lives in a non-LTE capable area has had no issues with call quality. Could be coincidence, but hope I have pinpointed the problem.

Iphone 5c incoming calls on bluetooth car speakers not by default

OK i have a vw jetta 2012, used to have incoming calls answered on bluetooth by default.
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We had the problem with our new iPhone 5 using i.o.s.6.0.1. So we updated to 6.0.2 and the problem continues. Sure worked great with the iPhone 4s though.
Makes me think we shouldn't have moved to the iPhone 5.

IPhone 5 call quality

I just bought my iPhone 5. I was disappointed when I received a call and discovered the phone call quality on my end is bad. The other person's voice sounded very tiny and soft although I have already turned up the volume to maximum. Is it that way with all iPhone 5? The receiver could hear me clearly. I tried speaker and the person voice sounded much much clearer.
Please recommend suggestion to fix this or I have a defected phone?
Thank you!

Actually, after examining my phone properly, i think that this problem might have been caused by the plastic cover that I have yet to remove as it looks like it is blocking the earpiece. ><
My apologies.

IPhone Poor Call Quality Without Headphones

I have an iPhone 4s. When I am working in my home office, the carrier signal level is good - typically three or four bars out of 5. However, the call quality is sometimes very poor - I can hear the other caller very clearly but they cannot hear me clearly and often say that it sounds like I am talking through a long tube or that my voice has some kind of metallic quality. However, when I plug my earphones in, it all works just fine. The call quality is generally fine in other locations.
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I did they have know referred me to Apple!!!

After updating to iOS 8.3 on my iPhone 6, Blu Logic bluetooth calls with a charging phone in my car do not go through the car's speakers. Siri's message now adds, "....calling _______on speaker."

Blu Logic bluetooth calls using "Hey, Sir" do not go through my car's speakers since updating to iOS 8.3. They are routed through the iPhone 6 speaker after Siri says, "....calling ________ on speaker." The "on speaker" term was never used before. The Blu Logic bluetooth unit is an aftermarket device installed in a 2005 Buick LaCrosse. It worked perfectly until the iOS 8.3 update.

OldGnome:
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The bluetooth streaming seems to pause regularly - called Nissan - they don't have any info on it.

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