After iOS 18.5 update my Beats headphones and 3M WorkTunes won't connect to my iPhone

Have Pro Max Iohone 13. Got Beats headphones as a present 5/2025 and was using 3M work tunes (company provided) also. Both worked great, then just did iPhone 18.5 update and Bluetooth won’t recognize them now. Yes, they’re charged, turned on off -phone too. Forget devices, search, etc…the phone no longer recognizes the Worktunes nor the brand new Beats. Help please! Thanks!



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on May 20, 2025 07:49 AM

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8 replies

May 21, 2025 02:41 PM in response to Tipeetoo

The fact that both of your headphones stopped connecting right after the update points to something on the iPhone's end, not the headphones.


I suggest giving the following a try:


Reset iPhone's Bluetooth Stack

  1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will reset Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings, so be ready to reconnect everything manually.
  2. Reboot the phone after the reset, then try pairing the headphones again.


Check Bluetooth Permissions (Post-iOS Update Quirks)

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth, and make sure any apps that might interact with Bluetooth are still allowed.
  2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, toggle it off, wait 10 seconds, then toggle it on.


Force Pairing Mode

  • For your Beats: Hold the power button for 10+ seconds until the LED blinks white (not red or red/white — white is key for pairing).
  • For your 3M WorkTunes: Hold the power/Bluetooth button until you hear "pairing mode" — sometimes holding longer than usual helps post-update.


FWIW, I have a 3rd gen. iPhone SE, running 18.5. I don't have any Beats headphones, but I do have Apple AirPods and a pair of 3M WorkTunes headphones ... and all of them are still paired and working with my phone.

May 20, 2025 09:23 AM in response to Tipeetoo

Tipeetoo wrote:

Have Pro Max Iohone 13. Got Beats headphones as a present 5/2025 and was using 3M work tunes (company provided) also. Both worked great, then just did iPhone 18.5 update and Bluetooth won’t recognize them now. Yes, they’re charged, turned on off -phone too. Forget devices, search, etc…the phone no longer recognizes the Worktunes nor the brand new Beats. If this really is an iOS 18.5 bug that doesn't get fixed quickly, I'm starting to think about upgrading. Has anyone already tried 14 Pro Max? I saw some good offers on used estore - maybe it's worth considering. Help please! Thanks!

Try resetting the network settings on your iPhone (Settings > Basic > Reset > Reset network settings). Sometimes this helps to restore Bluetooth functionality after updates. or wait for the next patch)

May 21, 2025 03:06 PM in response to Tesserax

Tesserax wrote:

FYI. 3M WorkTunes are Bluetooth headphones. They are commonly used in the workplace where the environment is exceptionally noisy as they are sort of a noise protection and headphone built into one device.

Thanks. But if they aren't connecting anymore, the Author or if provided by an employer, need to contact 3M WorkTunes for help with their product.

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After iOS 18.5 update my Beats headphones and 3M WorkTunes won't connect to my iPhone

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