Symptoms
- Music or calls stutter, skip, or cut in and out
- Problem worse when phone is far from the dash
- Other Bluetooth devices in the car cause more interference
- Wired connection doesn't have the same issue
Likely causes
- CommonPhone too far from the car's Bluetooth antennaPlacing the phone in a back pocket, bag, or far seat can weaken the signal enough to cause dropouts.
- CommonInterference from other wireless devicesOther phones, hotspots, or wireless chargers nearby can share the same frequency band and cause glitches.
- PossibleLow phone battery affecting radio performanceSome phones reduce Bluetooth performance in low-power or battery-saving modes.
- PossibleOutdated Bluetooth software on phone or carOlder software versions can have known streaming stability bugs.
What to do
- Keep the phone in a cup holder or mount near the dash rather than in a pocket or bag.
- Turn off battery-saving mode on the phone, since it can throttle Bluetooth performance.
- Disconnect other Bluetooth devices in the car (like a smartwatch or second phone) that might be competing for the connection.
- Update both the phone's operating system and the car's infotainment software if updates are available.
- Try switching to a wired connection (USB or aux) temporarily to confirm the issue is Bluetooth-specific.
- If choppiness only happens near a specific route or location, it may be external interference rather than a device problem.
When to call a pro
If the issue continues after updates and moving the phone closer, a dealer can check for a known Bluetooth firmware fix.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.