Hello Geordiesteve1,
It sounds like you're experiencing some issues with your iPhone not working with your Bluetooth accessory even though it shows it's connected. We'd like to give you some steps to help out with this.
First make sure your iPhone is completely updated: Update to the latest version of iOS. Also, check to see if there is anything in your environment that could be causing Bluetooth interference: Resolve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth issues caused by wireless interference. After that, try out these steps: If you can't connect a Bluetooth accessory to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
If you continue to experience the same thing, respond back letting us know the answers to the following questions:
- Which Bluetooth accessory is this happening with?
- Does this happen with all Bluetooth accessories, or does it only occur with a specific accessory?
- Does the accessory work as expected if you tap on its name in Settings > Bluetooth, or is restarting your iPhone still required?
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
Take care.