Symptoms
- Caller's voice cuts in and out through car speakers
- Your voice sounds broken up to the other caller
- Music over Bluetooth is fine but calls are choppy
- Issue happens more with phone in a certain spot in the car
Likely causes
- CommonWeak or interfered Bluetooth signalPhone placement far from the car's Bluetooth antenna, or interference from other devices, can weaken the connection.
- CommonOutdated or corrupted Bluetooth pairingA stale pairing profile can cause intermittent dropouts, especially after a software update.
- PossibleToo many devices connected to the car systemSome cars struggle when multiple Bluetooth devices compete for the connection.
- PossibleOutdated car infotainment softwareManufacturer updates often address Bluetooth call stability.
- Less commonPhone case interfering with the antennaCertain thick or metallic cases can weaken Bluetooth signal strength.
What to do
- Move the phone closer to the car's Bluetooth receiver, usually near the dashboard or center console.
- Forget the pairing on both the phone and car system, then re-pair from scratch.
- Disconnect any other Bluetooth devices connected to the car, like a second phone or tablet.
- Check for a software update for the car's infotainment system, often through a dealer or manufacturer app.
- Remove a thick or metallic phone case and test the call again.
- Restart both the phone and the car's infotainment system.
- Test a call over regular cellular audio (not Bluetooth) to confirm the choppiness is Bluetooth-specific.
- If the issue persists after re-pairing and updates, have a dealer check the car's Bluetooth module.
When to call a pro
If choppy audio continues after re-pairing, updating software, and testing without other devices connected, a dealer can inspect the car's Bluetooth hardware.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.