HandsFreeLink and iOS 11 Problem
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From: Boston, MA
HandsFreeLink and iOS 11 Problem
After three years of near flawless operation with a succession of iPhones, now my call history in the car shows only numbers and no names. Also, my addressbook sometimes disappears, even with the phone still connected. There is a thread in the TLX forum about this, but it's not clear if it's the car or the phone. Anyone else?
Pro
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From: Toronto, ON
I had problems a few weeks ago trying to connect my new iPhone 8+ to the car. I had similar issues and had to keep re-doing the same steps several times of deleting the phone from the car, forgetting the handsfreelink on my phone, turning off the car, turning off the phone, restarting the car/phone, reconnecting the phone etc... and then it finally worked. No rhyme or reason to it - just luck when it stuck....
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2016
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From: Chicago
HandFree Link -- Apple iOS 11
I too was having the same issue with my phonebook not being imported (only partially imported), but as of the latest update iOS 11.1 which I downloaded today, these issue seem to have been rectified. I inquired with my dealer a few days ago, and they informed me that it is an Apple issue.
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia, Besieged
This is a known issue, I am afraid.
iOS 11 broke Bluetooth for a lot of Honda and Acura cars, but we are not alone. The complaints are mounting.
I have corresponded with two employees working on iOS 11.2, and they say that they believe that they will have it solved.
Of course, they blame the automobile manufacturers for not following Apple's guidelines. When Apple tells you how to do something, you should do it because you never know when it will become an issue that you haven't.
But accepting that, Apple believes that they can and should fix it...and they're trying.
I left the beta testing after iOS 11, and I really don't have time to get back into it. But beta testers on 11.2 say that they are having better Bluetooth connectivity with 11.2.
iOS 11 broke Bluetooth for a lot of Honda and Acura cars, but we are not alone. The complaints are mounting.
I have corresponded with two employees working on iOS 11.2, and they say that they believe that they will have it solved.
Of course, they blame the automobile manufacturers for not following Apple's guidelines. When Apple tells you how to do something, you should do it because you never know when it will become an issue that you haven't.
But accepting that, Apple believes that they can and should fix it...and they're trying.
I left the beta testing after iOS 11, and I really don't have time to get back into it. But beta testers on 11.2 say that they are having better Bluetooth connectivity with 11.2.
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia, Besieged
After three years of near flawless operation with a succession of iPhones, now my call history in the car shows only numbers and no names. Also, my addressbook sometimes disappears, even with the phone still connected. There is a thread in the TLX forum about this, but it's not clear if it's the car or the phone. Anyone else?
Some people can't get a decent voice call at all, with complaints of static or extremely low volume at one end or the other.
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia, Besieged
Stop it!!
Just...stop it!!!
Dammit.
Don't gloat when we're in misery over here.
I've already sent back an 8 Plus that would not connect 100%.
iPhone X should be here by the weekend, and I'll see if it is working better.
In the mean time, the connectivity issue has caused me to buy an LG V30, my first Android experiment in some years.
Just...stop it!!!
Dammit.
Don't gloat when we're in misery over here.
I've already sent back an 8 Plus that would not connect 100%.
iPhone X should be here by the weekend, and I'll see if it is working better.
In the mean time, the connectivity issue has caused me to buy an LG V30, my first Android experiment in some years.
Trending Topics
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia, Besieged
I'm asking because there seem to be differences between the two, with people in the know preferring the Qualcomm chip but not necessarily being able to get it.
Apple turned off some features of the Qualcomm chip (Band 71, Gigabit LTE) to try to avoid the impression that there is a "better" version of the iPhone. But the Qualcomm chip is still better even with things turned off.
The Intel chip will only do LTE-A, not Gigabit LTE, so they didn't want the Qualcomm chip to be doing data speeds a lot faster than the Intel phones.
My LG V30 gets data speeds much faster than the 8 Plus was testing, so I know there's something to it. The 8 Plus was a SIM Free unit (Qualcomm), but it was hobbled by Apple.
Because there is no SIM Free version of the iPhone X, your modem is dictated by what provider you use.
AT&T, T-Mobile: Intel
Verizon, Sprint: Qualcomm
This is because the CDMA carriers require an ability to capture the ancient 1xRTT signals to get the coverage claims that they make, and Intel won't do that.
Apple turned off some features of the Qualcomm chip (Band 71, Gigabit LTE) to try to avoid the impression that there is a "better" version of the iPhone. But the Qualcomm chip is still better even with things turned off.
The Intel chip will only do LTE-A, not Gigabit LTE, so they didn't want the Qualcomm chip to be doing data speeds a lot faster than the Intel phones.
My LG V30 gets data speeds much faster than the 8 Plus was testing, so I know there's something to it. The 8 Plus was a SIM Free unit (Qualcomm), but it was hobbled by Apple.
Because there is no SIM Free version of the iPhone X, your modem is dictated by what provider you use.
AT&T, T-Mobile: Intel
Verizon, Sprint: Qualcomm
This is because the CDMA carriers require an ability to capture the ancient 1xRTT signals to get the coverage claims that they make, and Intel won't do that.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 748
From: NY
Its quite alright George, I really like hearing your thoughts on these matters.
I know you're on AT&T, but you can always use the Verizon Wireless iPhone on your line to see if it will make a difference.
I know you're on AT&T, but you can always use the Verizon Wireless iPhone on your line to see if it will make a difference.
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,596
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From: Virginia, Besieged
2016 Acura TLX Tech & Advanced packages, using an iPhone 8 + on iOS 11.2 beta 2 and so far no issues and the phone stays connected to the car.
All previous versions of iOS 11 wouldn't stay connected. So far 11.2 beta 2 seems to be solid since installing it last Tuesday.
All previous versions of iOS 11 wouldn't stay connected. So far 11.2 beta 2 seems to be solid since installing it last Tuesday.
I think they'll have it fixed with 11.2.
Unfortunately, they're only on beta-2, which could mean some months left to testing.
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2017
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IOS 11 and HandsFreeLink
Spoke to a tech at HandsFreeLink and they are aware of the problem. It affects hundreds of thousands of vehicles. Without getting more information than I wanted, the tech told me it is a problem that Apple must solve. He said they are working on it. The good news is that is affects a lot of people so there should be more motivation to get it working. If not, I'll be getting a Samsung Galaxy 8 instead of an iPhone X.
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia, Besieged
Apple seems to be aware that it is a big problem and that it is up to them to loosen up the requirements and fix it, because this is important enough that people will experiment with various high quality Android devices rather than give up automotive Bluetooth.
In my case, setting up as new solved the problem for the most part. You might want to think about that if you have the time to do it.
And as more and more beta testers report their experiences with 11.2 iOS, it's becoming clearer that there is a Bluetooth fix in that version.
In my case, setting up as new solved the problem for the most part. You might want to think about that if you have the time to do it.
And as more and more beta testers report their experiences with 11.2 iOS, it's becoming clearer that there is a Bluetooth fix in that version.
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,596
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From: Virginia, Besieged
Yesterday was the first time that I realized that my iPod connection does not work with the iPhone X.
It'll slow charge, but will not transmit data at the same time.
:-(
2014 KC2
iPhone X
iOS 11.1.2
It'll slow charge, but will not transmit data at the same time.
:-(
2014 KC2
iPhone X
iOS 11.1.2
Thread Starter
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From: Boston, MA
iOS 11.2?
iOS 11.2 is out. I'm traveling so can't (or won't) update yet, but has anyone who has lost Handsfreelink functionality with Honda/Acura cars since iOS 11 tried the update to see if it in fact fixes the problem?
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia, Besieged
However, after I make one phone call, the Contacts get screwed up and the previous calls go to numbers again.
Speaking of phone calls, since the Contacts are gone, you have to use SIRI to make a call instead of the vehicle's voice commands.
This means the call goes to Private Mode and you have to transfer it to Bluetooth. But it won't work fast enough, and your caller might already be going, "Hello! Hello!" by the time it works.
When I heard about the upcoming 12:15 AM feature, I snagged Beta 6 before they released 11.2. So I was able to make a bug report.
But I've filed a bug report before and they still haven't fixed it.
The people at 9-5 and Macrumours who said 11.2 was doing better must have seen what I saw, that the Contacts uploaded initially.
It's amazing how well the LG V30 works with the car, compared to how the iPhone X works.
:-(
Thread Starter
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From: Boston, MA
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia, Besieged
Contacts/Phone Book loads for me and the previous calls will show names.
However, after I make one phone call, the Contacts get screwed up and the previous calls go to numbers again.
Speaking of phone calls, since the Contacts are gone, you have to use SIRI to make a call instead of the vehicle's voice commands.
This means the call goes to Private Mode and you have to transfer it to Bluetooth. But it won't work fast enough, and your caller might already be going, "Hello! Hello!" by the time it works.
When I heard about the upcoming 12:15 AM feature, I snagged Beta 6 before they released 11.2. So I was able to make a bug report.
But I've filed a bug report before and they still haven't fixed it.
The people at 9-5 and Macrumours who said 11.2 was doing better must have seen what I saw, that the Contacts uploaded initially.
It's amazing how well the LG V30 works with the car, compared to how the iPhone X works.
:-(
However, after I make one phone call, the Contacts get screwed up and the previous calls go to numbers again.
Speaking of phone calls, since the Contacts are gone, you have to use SIRI to make a call instead of the vehicle's voice commands.
This means the call goes to Private Mode and you have to transfer it to Bluetooth. But it won't work fast enough, and your caller might already be going, "Hello! Hello!" by the time it works.
When I heard about the upcoming 12:15 AM feature, I snagged Beta 6 before they released 11.2. So I was able to make a bug report.
But I've filed a bug report before and they still haven't fixed it.
The people at 9-5 and Macrumours who said 11.2 was doing better must have seen what I saw, that the Contacts uploaded initially.
It's amazing how well the LG V30 works with the car, compared to how the iPhone X works.
:-(
This is the feedback report that I sent to Apple regarding Beta 6, which is the same as the GM rolled out in public.
Generally speaking, people are complaining that Bluetooth functionality that worked 100% before iOS 11 is not working correctly any longer with all versions of iOS 11.
*Contacts are not uploaded to the car's Phonebook, or they are scrambled.
*As a result of that, the car's audio controls will not work for hands free phone calls. You might be able to use SIRI to make phone call but in that case the call will be routed to Private Mode and you will have to switch it back to the HFL speakers...sometimes taking so long that your voice call believes that there has been a problem.
*Because the Contacts are not uploaded, your Recent Calls will show numbers instead of names.
*An incoming call will not be identified correctly on the big screen and you will have to look at your iPhone to identify the caller.
*The iPod connector no longer works correctly for Pandora or iPod Music, although it will still trickle charge.
*If you try to use Pandora over Bluetooth, it might or might not work on the first try, and you might not have your last chosen station picked out even if it does load correctly.
After getting it to work, your station will reload frequently. You'll notice this on the screen but the playback will probably not be affected because of the caching.
Again: All of this worked fine on iOS 10.3.3, and the LG V30 Android on Nougat continues to work 100%.
*Contacts are not uploaded to the car's Phonebook, or they are scrambled.
*As a result of that, the car's audio controls will not work for hands free phone calls. You might be able to use SIRI to make phone call but in that case the call will be routed to Private Mode and you will have to switch it back to the HFL speakers...sometimes taking so long that your voice call believes that there has been a problem.
*Because the Contacts are not uploaded, your Recent Calls will show numbers instead of names.
*An incoming call will not be identified correctly on the big screen and you will have to look at your iPhone to identify the caller.
*The iPod connector no longer works correctly for Pandora or iPod Music, although it will still trickle charge.
*If you try to use Pandora over Bluetooth, it might or might not work on the first try, and you might not have your last chosen station picked out even if it does load correctly.
After getting it to work, your station will reload frequently. You'll notice this on the screen but the playback will probably not be affected because of the caching.
Again: All of this worked fine on iOS 10.3.3, and the LG V30 Android on Nougat continues to work 100%.
Thread Starter
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From: Boston, MA
A Possible Workaround/Fix?
On a lark, I tried deleting all my contact pictures, because I read about this as a possible solution, and because I have very few pictures in my address book so it was easy. It appears that this has fixed the problem with my iPhone and iOS 11 - my address book is now imported, and my recent call list shows the names instead of the phone numbers!
Anyone else with an iPhone and iOS 11 who has this problem and few enough contact pictures want to try this? It's obviously not a real fix, but it may show where in the Handsfreelink code the problem lies. And it sure is nice to have my address book back. We'll have to see if it lasts through several restarts.
BTW, I also deleted the car from the phone and the phone from the car and restarted both, though that may not have been necessary.
Anyone else with an iPhone and iOS 11 who has this problem and few enough contact pictures want to try this? It's obviously not a real fix, but it may show where in the Handsfreelink code the problem lies. And it sure is nice to have my address book back. We'll have to see if it lasts through several restarts.
BTW, I also deleted the car from the phone and the phone from the car and restarted both, though that may not have been necessary.
Last edited by fsmith; Dec 27, 2017 at 05:05 PM.
Grandpa
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From: Virginia, Besieged
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From: Boston, MA
Here's a clue about this: I missed one contact picture when I was deleting them from my phone, and the phonebook then seemed to partially load in the car, with a few of my recent calls showing names instead of numbers, but not all of them. Then I caught and deleted that last contact picture, and everything worked on the next try.
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,596
Likes: 2,609
From: Virginia, Besieged
Here's a clue about this: I missed one contact picture when I was deleting them from my phone, and the phonebook then seemed to partially load in the car, with a few of my recent calls showing names instead of numbers, but not all of them. Then I caught and deleted that last contact picture, and everything worked on the next try.
The reason I asked you if it was still working was that once I realized that I had a contact picture associated with my own .vcf, the iPhone paired contacts correctly after I deleted that.
But subsequent startups lost the contacts again.
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,596
Likes: 2,609
From: Virginia, Besieged
Crap.
All my Apple corporate contacts have an apple as a picture. I never realized.
It's a little black/white .bmp kind of thing that's almost invisible.
It'll take a long time to get rid of those.
All my Apple corporate contacts have an apple as a picture. I never realized.
It's a little black/white .bmp kind of thing that's almost invisible.
It'll take a long time to get rid of those.
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,596
Likes: 2,609
From: Virginia, Besieged
Crap.
There's a bunch more little tiny pictures. No idea how they got in there.
Searching Settings, there doesn't seem to be a way to say you don't want these pictures.
I swear.... I don't know how these got in here, and I don't recall ever saying it was okay.
I think it's a Google plot!!
There's a bunch more little tiny pictures. No idea how they got in there.
Searching Settings, there doesn't seem to be a way to say you don't want these pictures.
I swear.... I don't know how these got in here, and I don't recall ever saying it was okay.
I think it's a Google plot!!
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia, Besieged
What I did find and had evidently lost track of is that I am replicating a half a dozen iMAP contact lists plus a proprietary list, all of which had either those little tiny ID .bmp or some kind of Twitter or Facebook picture that I did not know was there, and which was not showing up when I pulled up Contacts on the iPhone.
Literally thousands of contacts. I had no idea.
I've configured an iPhone only to show the iCloud personal contact list, and I've removed all the images from that, and we'll see how that goes.
Goodness sakes. What an ordeal. Glad nobody needed me for a little while.
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia, Besieged
0_o
I wonder how many people have pictures they didn't know that they had.
Thanks very much for making me look at this again.
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From: Boston, MA
My pleasure. I told my local Service Manager, who apparently has a lot of unhappy iPhone-using customers, but I haven't heard back from him yet. I'm on day 3 and still okay, but I would feel more confident if a few more people tried this and had it work for them. Happy New Year to all, from Boston at an even 0 degrees this AM.
Grandpa
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Virginia, Besieged
I wondered why the LG V30 worked perfectly when compared to the iPhone X.
I examined the Contacts of the LG V30 and there is not a single picture anywhere.
Pictures on individual Contacts does not seem to be something Nougat turns on by default, whereas the iPhone iOS 11+ will accept whatever image the person has assigned to his profile from which the contact was taken.
I examined the Contacts of the LG V30 and there is not a single picture anywhere.
Pictures on individual Contacts does not seem to be something Nougat turns on by default, whereas the iPhone iOS 11+ will accept whatever image the person has assigned to his profile from which the contact was taken.
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From: Boston, MA
Fixed?
I put back my AddressBook contact pictures that I had removed from my iPhone a year ago to fix the disappearing Bluetooth addressbook names problem in the car. It appears that Apple may have found a fix for this since iOS 11. I am using an iPhone X and iOS 12.1.1. One warning is that I have very few pictures in my AddressBook, but I did have the problem then, and removing the pictures did solve it. And putting them back now has not brought back the problem. My full list of contacts, with names, still appears on the car PhoneBook and Recent Calls lists. Maybe I'm just lucky, or maybe Apple fixed the problem. Acura certainly didn't.
Happy New Year to everyone.
Happy New Year to everyone.