I have a Galaxy S3 I9300 for a couple of weeks now and I love it, other than the fact that I keep having a strange issue with the Bluetooth connection with my carkit. I've been searching forums for similar issues and I found a variety of carkit related problems, but none of the ones I found describe the same problem as what I'm having:
- Initially the Bluetooth connection works fine and I can play music or make a call through the carkit just fine
- When I switch off the car's systems and don't use any apps on the phone in the meanwhile, and then start the car's systems again, it establishes the Bluetooth connection just fine again
- When I switch off the car's systems and I use other apps for a while and then start the car again, it won't work. Bluetooth does appear to connect, but after that it just doesn't play ball. When I try to play a song at this point, the phone shows the song is playing, but neither the phone nor the car audio produces any sound
So anyway, every morning before leaving to work and every evening before going home, I reboot my phone first. Then I step into the car and it establishes the Bluetooth connection just fine. But if I don't reboot the phone first, it just won't work. Now I guess I could setup a tasker profile to automatically reboot the phone, but I'd rather just get the problem fixed.
I run a Galaxy S3 I9300 with stock Android 4.1.1, rooted. I have already tried to run the "Bluetooth Fix Repair" app and afterwards had to pair the phone with the carkit again, but that made no difference.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
*bump*
Some additional info:
This issue has now also happened a few times while driving. While music (through Spotify) was playing over the bluetooth carkit, it would sometimes just stop working when I opened a different app (like for example opening an SMS). Spotify was still running (and the song was still ongoing) and also the bluetooth connection still showed as being connected, but it just wouldn't produce any sound anymore.
Anyway, it seems clear to me that this is a bluetooth issue, but I have no idea how I can troubleshoot this beyond what I've already done.
I would be happy to pay whoever can fix this problem..
With an issue like you are describing it may be helpful to list the headunit model too. I do not own an S3 but I have a multimedia headunit (Pioneer AVH P4400BH) and have found that toggling my Bluetooth on and off will help the headunit to see the Bluetooth on my Android device. This may not resolve your issue though.
Another thing to consider, your headunit may have an update-able firmware. That said if your headunit does have an update-able firmware I would check out the procedure, ensure there is a way to roll back to your current firmware and try that. If your headunit was purchased at an electronics or and audio retailer you may wish to speak with them. Your issue may not be with your phone but with your headunit, but this should help as far as troubleshooting since your issue involves multiple devices.
ItzCrooK2UxD said:
With an issue like you are describing it may be helpful to list the headunit model too.
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My car is a Renault Megane RS, the carkit was built in. I believe it's called Renault Carminat TomTom.
ItzCrooK2UxD said:
I do not own an S3 but I have a multimedia headunit (Pioneer AVH P4400BH) and have found that toggling my Bluetooth on and off will help the headunit to see the Bluetooth on my Android device. This may not resolve your issue though.
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I've covered everything like that in about 100 different ways, none of which made any difference.
ItzCrooK2UxD said:
Another thing to consider, your headunit may have an update-able firmware. That said if your headunit does have an update-able firmware I would check out the procedure, ensure there is a way to roll back to your current firmware and try that. If your headunit was purchased at an electronics or and audio retailer you may wish to speak with them. Your issue may not be with your phone but with your headunit, but this should help as far as troubleshooting since your issue involves multiple devices.
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Good point. It does have an SD card slot, but as far as I know that's only to update the maps of the navigation system. I'll see if I can figure that out.
Thanks for the tips!
By the way - I do think that it's unlikely that the carkit itself is the troublemaker. Especially because opening an SMS on my phone can trigger the whole thing to stop working (it doesn't happen every time, but it did happen several times). Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Apoc_ said:
By the way - I do think that it's unlikely that the carkit itself is the troublemaker. Especially because opening an SMS on my phone can trigger the whole thing to stop working (it doesn't happen every time, but it did happen several times). Please correct me if I'm wrong.
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It is in fact very possible that it is your phone, but wanted to throw it out there that bluetooth headunits can be troublesome on their own. Now I am not familiar with your headunit, but does it save bluetooth IDs? Like on my headunit and many other aftermarket headunits, it will save 3 bluetooth devices. If it does, have you tried clearing other devices and moving your S3 to the top? Odd as it sounds this has made a difference for me. Also do you have other bluetooth devices in the car, such as the 3GS you mentioned?
Also a logcat of this happening would be beneficial. If you do not know how to pull a logcat there is an app on the market called catlog or alogcat. Both are free and are invaluable in troubleshooting a ROM issue. In short it tells a developer what is going on as far as events being triggered or failures within the ROM.
ItzCrooK2UxD said:
Now I am not familiar with your headunit, but does it save bluetooth IDs? Like on my headunit and many other aftermarket headunits, it will save 3 bluetooth devices. If it does, have you tried clearing other devices and moving your S3 to the top? Odd as it sounds this has made a difference for me.
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Yeah I had read that too in some other thread (I went through just about every bluetooth related thread I could find, before I posted this topic). Mine saves up to 5. It didn't have anything in there except for my previous phone, which I had cleared. I also tried re-pairing the S3 several times, that didn't make any difference either.
Now, I just read somewhere that some people are having disconnection issues on the same carkit. In their case, in the end the problem turned out to be that their carkit will import all of their contacts from their phone (so you can call people even while your phone is in your pocket), and this would cause trouble when there are contacts without a phone number associated with it (just like my thousands of Exchange contacts). The people in question are talking about random disconnects though, whereas in my case it happens after doing some stuff on my phone. So it's probably unrelated, but I'll give that a try anyway just to rule it out. I just need to figure out a way to stop the carkit from importing contacts, because removing thousands of email contacts is obviously not an option.
I'll keep this topic updated with any progress. If anyone has any other ideas, please keep em coming. Thanks for the help so far!
ItzCrooK2UxD said:
Also a logcat of this happening would be beneficial. If you do not know how to pull a logcat there is an app on the market called catlog or alogcat. Both are free and are invaluable in troubleshooting a ROM issue. In short it tells a developer what is going on as far as events being triggered or failures within the ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't think of that, great tip, thank you! I do run the stock ROM by the way.
I've installed alogcat just now. Does it just keep running automatically in the background?
Apoc_ said:
Didn't think of that, great tip, thank you! I do run the stock ROM by the way.
I've installed alogcat just now. Does it just keep running automatically in the background?
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It reads a file that is being constantly updated (which happens to be the logcat file). Typically I will clear it right before doing what it took to cause the failure, like in your case in your car with the bluetooth on.
I've got Audi with BT and S3 with custom rom and I've got similar problems with BT. It connects automatically but if I switch off BT in phone and switch it on again - it doesn't connect any more. I had this since I bought a phone and it was on all ROMs I used.
YoghurtPL said:
I've got Audi with BT and S3 with custom rom and I've got similar problems with BT. It connects automatically but if I switch off BT in phone and switch it on again - it doesn't connect any more. I had this since I bought a phone and it was on all ROMs I used.
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Yep - I have that too. The weird thing is that in that situation the phone does seem to think it is connected, while it really isn't. Just to be clear: this is not the only way to cause this issue (because it also happens when trying to reconnect the Bluetooth while on the phone it hasn't been disabled in the meanwhile).
So far I haven't been able to pull anything related from the logcat.
Also, while reading up on common bluetooth issues, I came across some posts of people who were saying that some phone/carkit combinations are having trouble with 2-way communication (because I can stream music from the phone to the carkit, but I can also change a song using the carkit or initiate a phonecall from the carkit). I'm going to try to only use communication initiated from the phone, and see whether that makes any difference. In the meanwhile: does anyone happen to know anything about 2-way communication issues with bluetooth, and how to overcome such issues?
Update:
- Updated carkit to latest firmware. No change, still same problem
- Have not been able to capture anything unusual in the logs
- I have a Bose Soundlink now, which is a wireless speaker. Whenever my S3 is connected to the Soundlink (with bluetooth), wifi doesn't work. Upon turning off bluetooth, wifi instantly works fine again. So this definitely confirms this is a problem with bluetooth on the phone, not on the carkit.
- Wanted to upgrade to Android 4.1.2 but Samsung won't let me, as it says the device is modified (rooted). Triangle away isn't helping. Damn you, Samsung. This is *the* reason I moved away from Apple, as I don't like companies who don't let you use your stuff any way you like. And now Samsung is moving down the same route. Idiots. Anyway, I guess the only option left, is to start using a custom ROM.
Does anyone happen to have experience in terms of solving bluetooth problems by using a custom ROM? I'm thinking of using Cyanogenmod 10.1
In the meanwhile I have upgraded to Android 4.1.2: still the same problem.
I have also discussed this matter with quite a few other Samsung smartphone owners, and all of them appear to be having the same issue. Most of them just don't seem to be bothered to spend time on looking for a fix.
Also, I have figured out that this problem is specific to media streaming. I'm able to use my phone on the carkit for calls at any time, without having to reboot first. Only when I try to listen to music, the problem occurs.
Anyway, I have ruled out that this problem is specific to me or my devices - this appears to be a global issue. So I'm completely puzzled as to why there's not a lot more fuss going on about this.
If anyone has any more suggestions for a resolution of this problem, please share.
S3 bluetooth connection problem
Had the same problem with my S3 and renault megane III handsfree bluetooth system.(Arkamsys software version 2.2.0.19 auditorium)
I downgraded to 4.0.4 baseband I9300CELH1 (stock) and problem seems fixed
hope this helps.
Hi Bennes,
Thank you for your response.
I'm still dealing with this problem myself. All upgrades so far haven't made a difference. So far, I've been able to figure out that if I first initiate a phonecall, after hanging up, the audio streaming works (while before the phonecall it usually wouldn't). This works about 8 out of 10 times (the other 2 times it doesn't make a bluetooth connection at all). So what I've done, is to use Tasker and to automatically make it call my own phone number whenever bluetooth gets connected to the carkit, and hanging up after 3 seconds. But this is obviously far from ideal.
Do you know whether it is possible to change the baseband version without changing the firmware version? I wouldn't like to downgrade to an older firmware version, as I like the new features in the newer versions. I do also prefer to stick with the stock firmware, but that's not a requirement.
Carkit bluetooth issue
Apoc_ said:
Hi Bennes,
Thank you for your response.
I'm still dealing with this problem myself. All upgrades so far haven't made a difference. So far, I've been able to figure out that if I first initiate a phonecall, after hanging up, the audio streaming works (while before the phonecall it usually wouldn't). This works about 8 out of 10 times (the other 2 times it doesn't make a bluetooth connection at all). So what I've done, is to use Tasker and to automatically make it call my own phone number whenever bluetooth gets connected to the carkit, and hanging up after 3 seconds. But this is obviously far from ideal.
Do you know whether it is possible to change the baseband version without changing the firmware version? I wouldn't like to downgrade to an older firmware version, as I like the new features in the newer versions. I do also prefer to stick with the stock firmware, but that's not a requirement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mmm, don`t know about baseband only. Try google.
I have read that after downgrade to 4.0.4 and then upgrade again to latest stock version, bluetooth connection keeps working.
I cannot confirm this as i am still on 4.0.4, but will get an update of the arkamsys radio to the latest renault firmware version next week and then start experimenting again. i will report back once i have new results
Bennes18 said:
mmm, don`t know about baseband only. Try google.
I have read that after downgrade to 4.0.4 and then upgrade again to latest stock version, bluetooth connection keeps working.
I cannot confirm this as i am still on 4.0.4, but will get an update of the arkamsys radio to the latest renault firmware version next week and then start experimenting again. i will report back once i have new results
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Click to collapse
BB only, try this :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2106424
Confirmed the update thing, i have updated the S3 to version 4.1.2 BB I9300CEELL1 and have no bluetooth issue whatsoever, car audio still on 2.2.0.19 byt the way
Pretty strange ... , but glad its working !
I have the same issue with a Ford Focus =/
also, while using CM or Omega, the music title never changes.
Hi guys
I have a really annoying issue with my galaxy s2. It seems to be stuck on emergency calls only and will not let me send texts, call people, etc. I have tried everything- restore stock firmware, factory reset, repair apps and nothing has worked. My IMEI number is not null and it matches the one on my phones box. I dont know what else to try so any help would be very much appreciated
Carrier-side I reckon. Call them to ensure there's nothing at their end responsible. Given what you're already tried, and given your IMEI hasn't gone away, seems a bit curious you'd lose connectivity all of a sudden like that (unless it's a hardware issue).
MistahBungle said:
Carrier-side I reckon. Call them to ensure there's nothing at their end responsible. Given what you're already tried, and given your IMEI hasn't gone away, seems a bit curious you'd lose connectivity all of a sudden like that (unless it's a hardware issue).
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I checked and there is no carrier issue and it works fine in other phones
In case and if you're using stock firmware:
1. Boot into Recovery Mode
2. Perform a full factory reset by wiping /data partition.
3. Reboot and see if it fixes the problem
However, try and use a custom firmware in case your OS is causing the problem. When it comes to me, the hardware doesn't have to be necessarily damaged or affected in such a case since the phone app is on emergency calls, so it's fully accessible. I recommend checking the app settings again (maybe tapped on something accidently), but nevertheless, I prefer trying a custom Rom to verify that it's a software issue, or simply flash your stock firmware through ODIN to fix any issue if persisted.
Dear community,
I'd like to adress an issue which occured on my i9300 after the udate to jelly bean over a year ago. It was the last official firmware update for the device and I was using the stock rom then. Soon, I noticed a huge distortion of my dialogue partner's voice and even the dial tone during hands-free in my car. Talking hands free is not possible because of that if the issue occurs. Random switching on and off the mobile seems to fix it sometimes, but not reproducibly. Meanwhile I am using kit kat via SlimRom (Slim-i9300 4.4.4. build. 9.0-OFFICIAL-8312) with Boeffla kernel (boeffla-kernel-2.8-Omnirom-i9300.recovery), and the problem still persists. Switching from bluetooth to phonespearks and back during a call sometimes fixes the issue, but sometimes it even worses it. Basically, sometimes distortion is there, sometimes not. On the web I found a few reports of the problem without solutions. Recently, I tried several modems / radios for my device because I had heared that might fix the problem, but to no avail. I further tried to alter the audio seetings in engineerig / service mode like suggested in this thread, but encountered a "locked" Audio-submenu - I simply cannot open it, while all the other options worked. This seems to happen and people say to change your modem, like in this S2-Thread. However, all the modems which I tested neither enabled me to enter the audio-menu, nor fixed the main issue - the distortion. Lastly, I dug up this thread mentioning to unblock the keystring-file in order to access the audio menu, but I have no idea what exactly I should do. Apart from this, I have no clue whether fiddling around in the service/audio-menu can fix the distortion-issue anyway. I should add that the device's speakers work flawlessly during non-hands-free calls. Furthermore, transmitting music via bluetooth to my car never causes distortion. Also, other devices, among which a S4 with lollipop, do not cause distortion.
So, long-story short: Can anyone help with the distorted audio-issue during hands-free? I now rely on hands free communication and will have to switch to a reliable device if I can't get it to work on my i9300. Thank you very much. Obviously, downgrading to a pre-jelly bean-Android might also fix the issue, but to be honest I don't want to give up all the benefits of kit kat in terms of usability.
Best regards!
Hello!
I recently switched to the m4 from my trusty LG OG, an it is perfect except for one thing... it doesn't ring.
I have tried all Sony-solutions, including PC software repair, etc... but no joy. My wife also has an M4 and has the same problem.
It is worked-around by using a 3rd party lockscreen (I use Hi-Locker), which is awesome.. but not ideal due to security problems, most notably Android Pay.
My question?
Can I replace the lockscreen at the ROM level? Can I replace the basic function with maybe a lockscreen from the Z5?
Unless someone knows how to fix this
I have never compiled my own rom, but I have a reasonable level of tech-savvy. I can flash ROMS and do work in Linux.
I have rooted and unlocked my bootloader, and I am using Stock Sony ROM
I have the latest firmware
Kernel 3.10.49
build 26.1.A.2.99
I have NOT tried using an old firmware- or an alternate ROM. I probably will, but my wife doesn't love the idea for her. Thus, I would like to work out a precision fix.
My thoughts?
Idea 1. find where the stock lockscreen/security module lives.. and try and replace with something from a different phone.
Possible?
Thank you for reading.. I know some other people have these problems, as I read them in threads here.. but I didn't find much in the way of fixing.
just for reference- THIS is the problem.
just for reference- THIS is the problem.
Mustang243 said:
My phone doesn't ring when it 's locked. If phone is unlocked ringtone rings and vibrates. When it's locked no sound or vibrate. Whatsapp messages vibrate but they have no notification sound. I have checked all the settings, volume is up. Last resort is factory reset but i'm not there yet. I don't wanna lose all my settings.
E: Okay I used Sony PC Companion and used the Fix phone/tablet -thing and it downloaded the firmware and installed it so I think it reset my phone. Still my phone doesn't ring if its locked. If I press the power button when someone is calling to me, I can see the lockscreen notification on the screen but it doesn't ring or vibrate. FFS. Any ideas guys?
E2: I guess I find a solutions. Or a temporary solution. I noticed that if I disabled the screen lock, my phone would ring and vibrate normally. So I decided to try and download "Next" lockscreen app. Guess what. When I use it, my phone works perfectly. I don't know why it stopped ringing because there wasn't any new updates from Sony but it's clearly problem in Sony's software.
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Mustang243 said:
I still have the "silent phone" issue with this update. I have to use third party lock screen app. If I use Sony's lock pattern or pin code and use my gf's phone to call my phone: screen doesn't wake, no ringtone can be heard and no vibration. When I press power-button I can see that someone's trying to call me. Anyone else experiencing this problem? I hope you understand what I tried to say, the issue is kinda hard to explain.
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Yeah this is a huge problem and we're not the only ones suffering from it. Now I use CM Locker because Next drained my battery. I also noticed that my phone works fine if I boot on safe-mode. Still haven't figured it out which app causes the problem. Gotta wait for the 6.0 update and hope that fixes things.
Same issue with out-of-the box...
Well, have M4 'out of the box' - meaning - no custom software installed, no customized ROM, no custom lock-screen... and well - to make the ring work back I have to restart phone every few days (as soon as realize that it's not working) - oh Sony, what should I say ....
Hello. The sound on the phone disappeared in general, in all applications, when connecting headsets. Full 0. I didn’t do anything, I sat down on the phone, charged it, turned it on after charging and that’s it. It happened once after the foundation of the firmware and android 13, the reset helped. I thought it would work this time, but no. After the reset, the sound did not appear ...
After a long trial of different methods. I saw that after restarting the phone, if you immediately start the player. Then the music appears for 3-4 seconds and disappears and then again there is no sound until the reboot. I think this is due to the loading of some configs that are annoying, so the sound disappears. Question? So what's now...
Did you changed region?
Need more details...
Which app
USB C adapter or bt audio
Any conflicting apps running in background?
Root / stock
Chinese or global model
Firmware global Europe. It turned out to solve the problem by wipe date. And yes, there was no sound anywhere, neither in calls, nor in multimedia, nor in the headset.
You ignoring what ppl asked you. Why did you write here ? Obliviously for this kind of problem and after changing Android version a full wipe is needed/ recommended. Also that loss of sound could be a problem if you switch region improperly.
criszz said:
You ignoring what ppl asked you. Why did you write here ? Obliviously for this kind of problem and after changing Android version a full wipe is needed/ recommended. Also that loss of sound could be a problem if you switch region improperly.
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Well, you're funny. I wrote what happened. By the time I was asked a question about the specifics, a day had passed. I did not sit and update the site to find out who wrote what. I searched all over the internet for solutions. And I found it before they answered here. And yes, I didn’t change my region, the update came over the air!