CarPlay switching audio modes

Question

Level 1

9 points

CarPlay switching audio modes

My iPhone will randomly switch between Audio mode and Voice mode.

This means that when driving, at a random point, the audio quality will switch from 'Audio' mode where all speakers and the EQ is balanced for sound, and 'Voice', where the EQ balances for better voice quality.

This switching is expected when receiving a phone call, but not at random times. I can't prompt this to happen, repeat it or predict it.

Are there any suggestions for stopping this from happening.

It occurs in two different cars, over two different phones (1 recovered from the other), at random times, via a USB connection.

So far I have tried unpairing the phone, on both bluetooth and via usb, pairing just one at a time, deleting the CarPlay settings on my phone and deleting my phone on the cars and redoing connecting all of them.

I've rebooted the phone and the car media player too.

The issue seems to follow the phone settings and model. (MQ6G2B/A)

iPhone 8, iOS 15

Posted on Oct 28, 2022 6:29 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 30, 2022 4:52 PM in response to SimonJones-

Hi there SimonJones-,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. We understand you have an issue with audio switching while your iPhone is connected to your CarPlay. You've already done some great troubleshooting, which helps. Let's walk through a few others to see if we can narrow down what's going on. First, make sure you have the latest iOS 15 installed, iOS 15.7.1.

Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Next, you might need to check for any firmware updates from the vehicle manufacturer. Often an firmware update will help resolve connection issues with Bluetooth devices.

Reply back with how it goes.

Take care.

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Answer 2

SimonJones- Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 31, 2022 12:24 AM in response to Soosie_J215

Thanks for those points.

I can confirm that the iPhone is at the latest software version, and so is the audio equipment in the vehicle.

To provide some additional clarity.

This issues occurs whilst the phone is connected via a USB connection, on two different vehicles.

I have a suspicion that this is somehow related to either time connected via USB but I can’t understand this mechanism clearly. For example, the issues normally happens for this first 10-20 minutes of driving, and then the rate at which it swaps over reduces to near zero. Also remember that this has happened on two iPhones of the same model.

Therefore, I believe that this is either a Hardware issue related to this phone model, or some settings issue that had persisted over various IOS updates.

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Answer 3

mingoslkd

Community Specialist

Oct 31, 2022 9:06 AM in response to SimonJones-

Hi SimonJones-,

Have you talked to the car dealership or stereo manufacturer, if not the stock stereo, yet? They may be familiar with this and have some insight on what can be done, or offer some technical assistance about the issue.

If no solution found, then we'd suggest contacting Apple Support, so they can also take a closer look at this.

Apple Support

Cheers!

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Answer 4

KaeBFly

Level 6

8,545 points

Oct 31, 2022 9:51 AM in response to SimonJones-

Go to message boards/support forums for the car(s) you’re having the issue in (if they use the OEM head unit) or the aftermarket head unit brand to see if others are experiencing the issue. They may have tips. Also, try the usual…use different usb cables to rule out an issue with the cable. (If possible) Have someone with the same device that doesn’t usually use your car try their phone out to see if the same thing happens. Contact the manufacturer of your head unit or the service dept of your vehicle maker to make sure there isn’t a firmware update available. Sometimes even though your head unit says it has the latest update that’s not always the case. An update may exist that has not been released for OTA. In this case the service dept would have to do it. Following support forums for your vehicle will uncover stuff like this and how to get the update done (or what to ask for if the service dept says they aren’t aware of an update but others have confirmed they received it or found the bulletin referencing it).

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CarPlay switching audio modes

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