iPhone connection reliability

[FAB Cruiser]

Does anyone have tips on connecting an iPhone via USB?

If I remember to plug in the iPhone before starting the car, it’s usually fine and picks up my Apps.

However, if I connect it once the car is running the Sync system doesn’t detect it. The Mobile Apps setting then seems to be turned off, but even after turning it on, it doesn’t detect the phone.

Basically, I find it to be unreliable and sometimes spend minutes faffing about to get it to connect before starting a journey!

Cheers
David

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[christianUK]

Oh it’s a nightmare. From my own experience, I’ve found that the connection is very sensitive to fluff in the iPhone lightning port. I have no idea why this should be the case, but connections that work fine with other devices drop out with this. So I’d suggest toothpick and a Hoover every few months when it happens.

With mine I have to start the car first and then plug in or it doesn’t recognise it! Bluetooth is always fine though.

 

[FAB Cruiser]

I’ll check out the fluff tip. That may be why it drops out.
It’s very strange that you have to connect your phone after the car starts, but with me it’s the exact opposite. I’ve been planning to do a Sync upgrade to see if that makes a difference,

Cheers
David

 

[Benno2000]

Does anyone have tips on connecting an iPhone via USB?

If I remember to plug in the iPhone before starting the car, it’s usually fine and picks up my Apps.

However, if I connect it once the car is running the Sync system doesn’t detect it. The Mobile Apps setting then seems to be turned off, but even after turning it on, it doesn’t detect the phone.

Basically, I find it to be unreliable and sometimes spend minutes faffing about to get it to connect before starting a journey!

Cheers
David

Hi - Do you have Show on Connection Enabled under Apple CarPlay options ?

Benno

 

[Gregs24]

Assuming you are using Sync3 and not Apple car play when connected if you are using the App Link function

Are you connected via Bluetooth as well as cable ?

 

[FAB Cruiser]

Assuming you are using Sync3 and not Apple car play when connected if you are using the App Link function

Are you connected via Bluetooth as well as cable ?

The phone is using Apple Car Play, the car is running sync 3. Bluetooth may be turned on as well. Maybe that’s the issue.

 

[Benno2000]

The phone is using Apple Car Play, the car is running sync 3. Bluetooth may be turned on as well. Maybe that’s the issue.

Hi,

I’m running CarPlay too and the phone connected via Bluetooth too.

Did you look at the setting on my other post?

Benno

 

[FAB Cruiser]

Hi,

I’m running CarPlay too and the phone connected via Bluetooth too.

Did you look at the setting on my other post?

Benno

I don’t see that setting on my iPhone - Or is it in the car?

 

[Benno2000]

I don’t see that setting on my iPhone - Or is it in the car?

Hi,

It’s on the main Sync3 screen in car.

Benno

 

[FAB Cruiser]

Hi,

It’s on the main Sync3 screen in car.

Benno

Yes that setting is turned on. Just updated the iPhone to 13.2.3 and it’s connecting successfully each time I try. It may be a coincidence, so I’ll keep trying for a few days to be sure I’ve got it cracked!
Cheers
David

 

[motodad]

Cable. iPhone XS Max. I can use a cable for a month, then suddenly the cable will no longer work with my iphone but will work with my kid's iphone. Once my iphone decides to not work with a cable, it will hold firm for a week then suddenly work with that cable again. I keep a couple of cables in the car just in case. I will take said cable in the house, connect to powered USB and the phone still won't like the cable. Weirdest thing I experience with my car because the bad cable always starts in the Mustang, not with a wall wart or computer.....

DISCLAIMER: I do not recall having issue with Apple branded lightning cable. Only Amazon specials, I like to buy in different lengths....

 

[Alfa Male]

Maybe a stupid question but you have unlocked the iPhone when these connection issues are occurring ?

Quite often if I haven’t used / unlocked the screen on my iPhone and I plug it in it will not connect. As soon as I unlock my phone it connects straight away !

 

[FAB Cruiser]

Maybe a stupid question but you have unlocked the iPhone when these connection issues are occurring ?

Quite often if I haven’t used / unlocked the screen on my iPhone and I plug it in it will not connect. As soon as I unlock my phone it connects straight away !

Yes, always unlocked and often with a route already set on Google Maps.

 

[Nevyn]

I have found that it appears not to connect initially but if I wait a little it finds it.
I have had waze playing directions out twice, slightly out of sync (no pun intended), when the apple play suddenly kicked in

 

[FAB Cruiser]

I have found that it appears not to connect initially but if I wait a little it finds it.
I have had waze playing directions out twice, slightly out of sync (no pun intended), when the apple play suddenly kicked in

The only fool proof way I’ve discovered is to have a Sync compatible App already running on the phone then plugged into the USB before firing up the car. Anything else seems to be hit and miss.

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