Identical problem here, sure would be nice to see some suggestions. 2019 XLE here with iPhone XR. All software/firmware up-to-date. Tried resetting and removing all devices, then re-pairing as suggested by another user. No help. I had a call Friday 7/31/20 that actually lasted about 5-mins before the first disconnect. Upon re-dialing the party, I couldn't get a call to go longer than 30-secs. After 3-attempts, I gave up and put my AirPods in to finish talking. Very frustrating.

 

‘17 Platinum and experiencing something similar. Spotify craps our but Google maps stays connected. Spotify will play through the phone, but not radio. Same happens with USB connection.
Have an appointment with dealer on 8/13/2020.

 

UPDATE: Fuel pump recall fixed 8/5/2020 by dealer. While in-shop, they updated the Entune firmware to resolve my complaint. Just tested it on the way home last night, same issue. Bluetooth call stayed connected about 60-secs, then abruptly dropped out. It doesn't just loose connection either, it flat out terminates the call. I don't know what happened, other than iOS 13.x. I've owned the HL since Feb. 2019 and never, ever, had an issue with bluetooth. Now, it's utterly worthless. I'm using my AirPods to take calls in the vehicle to remain hands-free.

 

Seems like an Apple issue. I have an S20+5G with no problems. May I suggest you guys reconnect via your iphones to the car bluetooth?

 

I'm using android and exact same problem.

 

UPDATE 8/18/2020: Dealer asked me to bring vehicle because Health Check info didn't upload to Toyota. During visit, we disconnected paired Bluetooth device and re-paired it. This was supposed to be done after the Entune firmware update (and wasn't), so it was a missed step. Also, working on iOS 13.6.1. Issue appears to be resolved. Time will tell.

 

I had my fuel pump recall handled in October. The BT issue with my iPhone still persists. My Pixel has no such issue. They didn't mention a firmware update, did bring up the BT issue one service prior and they gave me some crap about how the system wasn't made to handle all the memory the new iphones have, yet my pixel has the same amount of memory. I'm due for service again soon will beat them up for a firmware update, also 4 new tires as the tread depth has gone below Lincolns head, it's a 2018 Highlander SE, not sure if the different suspension has anything to do with it or if it's just crap tires. I did try all the disconnect, delete contacts, etc but still BT is hit or miss, calls longer than 2 mins just fall off but show connected and the radio, spotify etc won't come on bc it acts like it's still connected.

I expect better than this from toyota. I travel a lot for work pre Covid and never had issues with any Chevy, GMC, Honda, Ford, Nissan, Dodge or even Kia.

 

@EspressoGun, thanks for keeping this thread alive.
So far my issues have been resolved. Although prior dealership stated all firmware on the head unit was up to date, I double checked and indeed the firmware was never updated.
Not by my phone updates, or manual updates.
New dealership updated the head unit.

Also, I no longer run Google Maps through my head unit but rather through the phone.

Crossing streams might be the issue since now I only stream music and not Goog Maps + music. Perhaps having too many open lines of communication is overloading the head unit?
Which raises the question of what is Android doing differently compared to (cr)Apple?

 

Hello Steve612, have you been able to fix the problem? I am going through the same situation here and I am so frustrated with it! Please share solution if you found one!

 

Update: Now on iPhone 12 and no BT issues. Switched off the XR to the 12 and everything connected up normally. The combo of Entune firmware update plus the steps to delete and reconnect all devices continues to be the solution. Agree with @EspressoGun about OEM tires. Not sure if yours is AWD with the Bridgestone Ecopia's (mine is), but they were TERRIBLE! Literally, ripped them off at 13K (no longer cared) and replaced with a set of Michelin Defenders. Toyota needs to do better with OEM tire selection than Bridgestone...really.

 

Same annoying disconnect problem here with iPhone 8 and iOS 14.4. Tried deleting phone and pairing again but it did not help. Running firmware v0101A0, is this the latest?

 

You’re not on the latest firmware. Should be 0101A1. I just checked and that’s what the dealer installed 8/5/2020. I’m now iPhone 12 with iOS 14.4 with no issues.

 

thanks for keeping us up to date rkunz2. i find bluetooth to be so incredibly finicky. what with download this and that and firmware this and that plus disconnects, it gets very tiring

 

Thanks rkunz2!

 

My dealer yesterday updated my Entune Audio to 0101A4 and said it was the latest. Too soon to say how well it works.

 

Just purchased a 2018 Highlander...wifes iPhone XR is having this same issue. We are taking the vehicle in today to get the Head unit upgraded as per this conversation. I am thinking she might need to upgrade to the newest version iPhone as well. Anyone else using a new iPhone 12

any updates?

 

Shortly after my last post, the dealer upgraded mine to:
Audio: 0101A5
...but it has not fixed the problem.

Has anyone else noticed if the issue happens at the same locations while driving? I can replicate this when I drive through an area where I know that the mobile phone is transferring from one tower to another - because it’s an area where audio often drops momentarily, but the phone stays connected on the call.

 

I have created a survey to gather uniform data on this issue at SurveyMonkey. It does not ask for any personal information other than your TN Forum Username (so that if further info is needed, we can contact you). Please fill it out ASAP. I am gathering this to present to lawyers who are already looking into the Bluetooth echo problem:

Entune Bluetooth Disconnect Problem

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

www.surveymonkey.com

 

I would love to take part in the survey, but the "System>General>" does not exist on my 2017 Highlander XLE. The car was just serviced on 7-30-21, with all devices removed and reconnected to no avail. Where can I find what is the latest firmware loaded?

 

My apologies, MASSR -

From the APPS button, select "Setup" (gear icon)
Select "General" (another gear icon)
Scroll down a couple times until you see "Software Update" and select that
Select "Update" - which will take you to the screen you need - it will NOT start the update process.

Thanks for taking the time to fill out the survey!

 

WOW. Thought I was crazy until I started searching. So here’s the deal- my bride had NO ISSUES with an iPhone8. Just got the new i13 and the phone drops after about 5 seconds. I drive a 17 Tacoma and had this issue with a i7plus. Upgraded to an i13 and still have same issue. I will take the advice presented here and report with the results. Thanks to all

 

I have the exact same issue with my Pixel 6 Android phone and my 2017 Tacoma Limited

WOW. Thought I was crazy until I started searching. So here’s the deal- my bride had NO ISSUES with an iPhone8. Just got the new i13 and the phone drops after about 5 seconds. I drive a 17 Tacoma and had this issue with a i7plus. Upgraded to an i13 and still have same issue. I will take the advice presented here and report with the results. Thanks to all

I have the same issue with a 2017 Tacoma Limited and a Pixel 6 Android phone

I am wondering if the reset worked. I just purchased an iphone 13 and am having the same issues with my 2018 hylander. My call does not disconnect, but the phone disconnects from bluetooth and changes to a different speaker setting. My problems began with the new iphone 13. I did not have these issues with my iphone 8.

Reset did not work for me

 

You may find it is a corrupt contact on the phone. I had been having issues with it disconnecting and having to shut both off and restart. Adding a new phone now fails but as long as I don’t sync the contacts it seems to work.

 

Well reading through these it seems that it is just a pain to get this fixed. I was able to download and update my software on my radio at Download. However that didn't fix my issue. I am running on android, so it isn't just an iPhone issue. Just bought the vehicle and have no idea how to rectify this. I am so frustrated. 2017 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited Platinum. Galaxy S21.

 

After reading this forum, and after the software update I was able to remove and pair my device again and so far so good. Fingers crosses.

 

Made a 90 minute round trip today. Used my Pixel paired to my Highlander's infotainment stuff. I talked on the phone the entire drive there, and the entire drive back. No drop at all.

 

Anyone found a fix or workaround for this problem? I took the Highlander to my dealer for a firmware upgrade but was told my Entune System is already at the most current version. Tech was well aware of the problem but had no solution.

 

@Bsue -
Thank you to everyone who filled out my surveymonkey. Unfortunately, the lawyers have stopped responding to me. Rather disappointing!

Meantime, I MAY have inadvertently stumbled on a workaround. I was having trouble with 4GLTE reception with my mobile carrier, and they instructed me to perform a "Network Settings Reset" on my phone.

The downside was that I had to re-pair every Bluetooth device I use with my phone, AND re-program every WiFi device that I connect with.

The upside is that for several months, I haven't been able to replicate the dreaded Bluetooth disconnect. Before this, it was completely predictable at around 7.5 minutes.

Your mileage, as they say, may vary with this workaround. And it is by no means a permanent solution, so the makers of Entune should not rest until they come up with a solution to this danger-causing problem.

Just search for "Network Settings Reset on <<your phone model / OS version here>>" and I'm sure you'll find directions specific to your handset.

After you perform a Network Settings Reset, you will need to tell your Entune System to forget your device, and re-program it into the system.

Best wishes for your success!