Bluetooth issues on iPhone 17 Pro Max running iOS 26

Give the following a try:

1 -Force restart iPhone - Apple Support

2 - How to reset your AirPods and AirPods Pro - Apple Support 

I have the same problem. Bluetooth isn't working on my new iPhone 17 pro. BT is enabled and I tried the forced restart and the reinitialize BT and wifi methods.

I upgraded from an iphone 14 pro. Before I transferred everything from the 14 I upgraded the OS on both phones to 26.0.1. I got my new 17 working with wifi and esim but it will not pair with any bluetooth devices. I then setup my old 14 for my wife and got it working. I took the 14 and tried to BT pair it and it now it won't pair. The 14 paired fine before I updated the OS. Next I was able to successfully airdrop between the 2 phones. Evidently airdrop uses BT to discover nearby phones so that indicates that the BT electronics on both phones is working. That means the problem is most likely IOS 26.0.1.

Yeah, I’ve realized that whenever Apple rolls out a new iOS version, the first few months are usually super glitchy. It’s honestly not worth installing it right away. I usually wait for 2–3 months after the release — Apple has a bit of a reputation for pushing out buggy early builds before things finally stabilize.

Did the restart work for anyone? It’s a nuisance to do this if it doesn’t result in a fix

Commenting to say that I am experiencing the same dang thing! It is so frustrating. I thought the stereo in my car needed an update but turns out that was wrong. I'm experiencing the same with my airpods too. Hoping a future update will fix this because it is ANNOYING.

Me too! iPhone 17, iOS 26.0.1 - thought it was my AirPods so unpaired, but right in front of me the Bluetooth switch just turns on and off on its own. It’s the most frustrating thing to hear your AirPods connect and disconnect for no reason! AirPods 2nd gen (absolutely no problem on my 12 pro max).

I’ve force reset (vol up, vol down, held power button for 10 + seconds till apple logo appears) and forever reset my AirPods.

any ideas? Software or hardware (the iPhone 17, not the AirPods).

I just brought a 17 max pro home yesterday- I can’t get it to pair with my car Bluetooth or with a Bose flex speaker. It just spins. It also seems like internet searches are taking longer. This is all very annoying. I’m on 26.0.1

I literally just bought a new amplifier because I thought mine was going.. tried my boyfriends phone and it works perfectly on his iPhone.. so it’s my phone.. just wasted money on an amp… how do I fix the Bluetooth issue on my phone ughh

Same problem her but not just bluetooth: I just switched to an Iphone Air from a Iphone 15 pro max. I notice a very low telcommunition signal and I easily loose the connection, further I have problems connecting to my bluetooth headphones (Jabra Elite 7) and finally also using Wifi in my house the signal strength has decreased significantly, where I am e.g. struggling using the phone as chrocast provider.

I have the exact same provider and equipment as with my previous Iphone 15 and also my family having Iphone 16 has no problems.

i also am having this issue with airpods and car. I have taken the patch thinking it would fix it....no luck there.

Having same and similar issues ... iphone 17 pro max and airpods pro 3 ... constantly disconnecting, constantly sounding garbled on the phone. Even after the supposed bluetooth fix. What gives?

Bluetooth issue is still present on latest update even though 26.0.1 says it’s fixes included for the same. When Apple actually going to address it? Is it OS issue or HW issue for iPhone 17 pro?

The issue isn’t only on apple air pods and apple products. I have the same issue with my beat studios + and it’s becoming so annoying I might switch to android.

I have the same problem. Bluetooth won't even detect my Omron blood pressure monitor anymore.

I also have problem that bluetooth disconnects shortly and it happens mostly in my car.