Galaxy S3 4.3 Update - Bluetooth issues - "Unfortunately, Bluetooth Share has stopped"

UPDATE: 20 June 2014

Just got the Verizon Wireless Kit Kat Update (4.4.2) for my Galaxy S3.

I unpaired the devices (disconnected from both phone and car) and then re-paired the devices.

I let them pair and when the phone asked to allow access to contacts, I clicked Yes.

When the phone asked to allow access to messages, I clicked Yes ... and then crossed my fingers.

IT WORKS!!!! Received messages displayed and sending messages works too!!!!!

Just letting everyone know.

All comments

Just wanted to add an update.

I completed a "HARD RESET" of the phone. That was not fun but not entirely painful either. I got my settings and apps back within a couple of hours and like the fact that I was able to "clean up" my phone by picking and choosing my apps again.

BUT, with the HARD RESET, the problem above still exists. Has anyone else seen issue where "Unfortunately, Bluetooth Share has stopped" occurs and breaks bluetooth.

I have confirmed this is ONLY when my bluetooth car stereo tries to sync text messages. It worked when the phone was Android 4.1.2. But does NOT work now that it is 4.3. I have to disable this feature in order for bluetooth to remain stable.

e-ec-ecu, thank you for all the details. The more the better. I would like to ask you this actually. Are you able to connect any other phones with your Subaru Forester? I know you stated that you have already tried a hard reset, so I'm not going to have you try that again. But let's try this, got into Settings>Application Manager>Slide the screen to the left to get to "ALL"> look for "Bluetooth Share" tap on that> once opened try "force close" and "Clear Data". After you try that, power of the device leave off for a good 5-10 seconds, power the device back on an re-try the connection. Keep us posted. Hope it connects and stays connected.

KevinR_VZW

Please follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Thanks for the reply.

First, I have not tried to connect any other phones to my Subaru Forester, but I actually don't have any problems connecting my Verizon Galaxy S3. The problem arises when the Stereo tries to interact with the phone's messaging profile. Message Access Profile (MAP) allows for text messages (SMS) to be used through bluetooth.

Second, I performed the hard reset this weekend, but decided to give your possible solution a try just a few minutes ago. Nothing changed. The phone connects perfectly fine. The phone asks for permission for my stereo to connect to my Call Logs and Address Book (PAB Profile). I grant that permission and everything works fine. Then, the phone asks for permission for my stereo to connect to my messages (MAP Profile). I grant that permission .... and within 1 minute I get the dreaded "Unfortunately, Bluetooth Share has stopped" message and it disconnects and reconnects all Bluetooth. The cycle continues.

But, If I do NOT grant access to messages when it asks for permission to connect to my messages (I hit CANCEL on the phone when it prompts for permission), bluetooth remains stable and usable .... without the extremely convenient feature of SMS texting interaction. I can continue to make and receive calls via bluetooth AND use the bluetooth audio to play music from my phone.

MAJOR POINT TO REMEMBER: EVERYTHING worked prior to the 4.3 (Jelly Bean) update. Bluetooth Phone, Bluetooth Audio and Messaging all worked. Same car, same stereo, same phone ... but now I have NEW phone software.

The feature, when it worked in 4.1.2, allowed me to interact with my text messages via the stereo. The car stereo would announce when a new message had arrive and it would even audibly "read" the message to me.

Thanks for helping me with this as I truly love(d) the phone and the interaction with the car, but now feel like I am getting the runaround from Samsung, Verizon and Subaru. I do NOT think Subaru has anything to do with this since it worked prior to the 18th of December when the 4.3 update was pushed.

Samsung says the Bluetooth Share app is a part of Verizon's support package and can only be supported by Verizon. Verizon says the car stereo needs to be upgraded, which makes no sense at all since it worked three weeks ago with the same car and stereo.

Thanks again.

Ann154

The protocols might have been updated on the phone, but are now outdated on the vehicle. Since they no longer match, they are having difficulty communicating.

Have you tried removing the bluetooth profile from the phone and vehicle and attempt to re-pair them?

Yes, I agree. Software on the phone was updated (likely, Bluetooth Share) and it has now become incompatible with my stereo. That is what I am trying to solve.

I hesitate to use the word "outdated", as software development and improvements should incorporate "backwards compatibility" as much as possible. Simply upgrading a piece of software should not make all previous versions/protocols obsolete.

Also, I have removed and re-paired the bluetooth connection nearly 20 times trying to solve this one. I have removed devices from each component (car and phone). Wiped Cache, Cleared Data for "Bluetooth Share", "Hard Reset" ... you name it, I have tried it.

In all reality, I simply want a bug report sent to Samsung/Verizon so that someone will acknowledge that there is a problem. Whether they fix it with a patch or not, is up to them and the number of people affected (obviously, not too many).

e-ec-ecu We appreciate you for notifying us about the bluetooth/texting issue with your car stereo. At this point, you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps possible. We are not sure that this is an issue with your phone, but I recommend contacting Samsung to further discuss the issue. Contacting the device manufacturer directly would be a great way to find out what going on with the feature. Please keep us posted. 888-987-4357.

sheritah_vzw

Follow us on Twitter

@VZWSupport

Thanks for the reply.

I will contact Samsung again. The first time I contacted them, they informed me that the app causing the problem "Bluetooth Share" will have to be supported by Verizon.

I will contact them again and hopefully have better luck.

Thanks for the additional details e-ec-ecu. I know its upsetting to enjoy a service and then to have issues with it. Having new software can be great for a phone because it helps correct minor issues on the phone and adds some additional options. At times some features that use to work with your phone may not work when software is added to the device. We are here to help with steps for connection and trouble-shooting to correct issues with your internet, calls, data, and accessories. I'm sorry we are unable to correct the issue with your bluetooth on the car but you will have to contact your car manufacture. Have you had the phone replaced? This would be the last step if you're under warranty.

KinquanaH_VZW

My device is over a year old so I am no longer under manufacturer's warranty. I do have the Total Equipment Protection through the Asurion’s Wireless Phone Protection. I doubt I will be able to get it replaced with this plan ... and I don't really want to pay the deductible for a single feature.

As for contacting my car's manufacturer ... I HAVE. They have stated that the stereo is capable of MAP (Message Access Profile) ... AND the fact that it worked prior to the Android upgrade to 4.3 proves the software problem is with the phone.

I will contact Samsung one last time. Otherwise, my contract is up in July and I can either upgrade phones and hope it works ... or look at other options.

Thanks for your time.

This is a rather sad topic and list of responses from Verizon Wireless, I feel.

We have two Galaxy S III phones, both of which worked perfectly with our 2014 Subaru Forester head unit for calls and streaming audio via Bluetooth, as well as with a Motorola Bluetooth headset.

Since the OTA update to Android OS 4.3, we constantly disconnect from the Forester head unit during calls and/or audio streaming, and the hands-free headset rarely makes a connection with the phone.

Either a bug or lack of backwards compatibility with Bluetooth specifications used by our devices has cropped up as a condition within 4.3 - this is a poor show, IMHO: the entire reason for purchasing a Bluetooth head unit was because we anticipated using it for calls and audio streaming! We tested extensively before purchasing the car and there were no problems with these phones prior to the 4.3 update. Further, I can no longer use my phone in the car, because the Bluetooth headset is hit-or-miss at best when it comes to working with my phone for calls.

Verizon Support: is the only answer to contact Samsung directly and give them the above observations, hoping that they will eventually realize a software fix is required?

sbird

Verizon: a simple search of the internet will confirm that there are multiple posts concerning lack of Bluetooth functionality after the Jan. 2014 S3 update. Telling your customers that it is their fault, or their cars fault, or Samsung's fault (my understanding is that the update was Verizon's, not Samsung's) when everything was working perfectly in Dec. 2013 is a massive customer service FAIL.

Verizon Support: you say this above: "Having new software can be great for a phone because it helps correct minor issues on the phone and adds some additional options. At times some features that use to work with your phone may not work when software is added to the device." NO, software upgrades should categorically not break previously working functionality, especially something as fundamental as Bluetooth.

ooofest- We understand more than anything that bluetooth capability in the car is important. Samsung is aware of the issue and rather than complete unnecessary troubleshooting steps, we ask that customers remain patient. Samsung has been notified by several customers but of course it would not hurt for you to contact them directly if you'd like. We currently do not have an ETA for the fix to the software issues. In the meantime, you can still use the bluetooth services on the device itself to avoid using talking or texting while driving. We also have bluetooth accessories that you use in your car. http://vz.to/17ycvC . We appreciate your feedback.

sheritah_vzw

Follow us on Twitter

VZWSupport

Thanks for the explanation that this specific Bluetooth problem is being worked, though I don't feel obliged to purchase more Verizon products (i.e., my current headset was purchased from a Verizon store) in order to replace items which should still be working with the phone - as they did well before the 4.3 OS update. I don't even have confidence that a new product would work any better with the phone in its current, seemingly broken, state.

unknown

And yet....

I have the same phone and the updated software, but have no problems with the bluetooth in 2011 VW GTI.

And no, the software update is Samsung, not Verizon. (Would anyone blame iOS 7 on anyone but Apple?)

This is a combination problem, not just one. If Verizon, Samsung and Subaru get together it will get fixed.

I kind of see Verizon in the middle trying to make nice because the software on your Samsung phone and Subaru car are no longer "speaking".

Unless Samsung is claiming to possibly update an incorrect implementation of Bluetooth which other device manufacturers have been tactically taking advantage of, I don't see your point.

Observation: the bugs in Galaxy S III data exchange with Subaru - and numerous other manufacturer - Bluetooth devices have only occurred since the Samsung OS update to their version of 4.3 Android.

I've seen mentions at various forums about Bluetooth issues since the 4.3 update for non-OEM head units and at least three car brands (different years) thus far. The catalyst was the Samsung 4.3 update to Galaxy-* phones, so it seems unlikely to be a simultaneous shortcoming on the part of multiple head unit manufacturers.

lazyace

I'm having the same Bluetooth problems since the software update. I also have a problem with the camera flash now going off when there is an incoming call and sometimes just goes off randomly. Can anyone fix this problem? I have also had significant problems with my WiFi connection being dropped which was just fine prior to the update. Who can I contact to fix these issues??? This update SUCKS!

Some people have reported that the following setting was checked ON after the update, so perhaps you might see if that's the case for you:

Settings -> Accessibility -> Flash Notification

Wilmette

I have exactly the same problem with my 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Other phone problems include occasional strobe flashes and incorrect time-keeping on one of our phones; but not the other.

ilovedogs42055

I just bought a 2014 Subaru Cross Trek. I have a Samsung Note II. I am having the same problems. Bluetooth works great in my 2013 Toyota Tacoma, but not the Subaru. I look forward to seeing if these issues are resolved by someone.

ilovedogs42055

Come on,Verizon. This is a serious issue for a lot of us. Quit blaming Samsung/Subaru and everyone else but you. Fix the problem! Most of us cannot give up our cars, but we can sure switch phones and/or providers.

lazyace

EUREKA! I have gotten many of the above problems with my Galaxy S3 software update fixed!!! I went to Verizon today. The tech called Verizon and he was put in direct contact with Samsung Tech Support and I got ALL of my problems fixed. After taking out the battery and SIM card for 2 minutes, he called Samsung at 888-987-4357 and explained the problems below which they had obviously heard before. Samsung said that the software update had to be "fully pushed through" to my phone number. They did something on their end and in 2 minutes all of the problems below were resolved. These are the issues I was having:

1. WiFi working intermittently. I kept getting the message "internet connection is unstable" in areas where I was attached to WiFi that was clearly working.

2. Bluetooth in my car(2010 Lincoln Navigator) was not working after I downloaded the software update.

3. Camera flash was going off whenever I got a phone call or text.

Hope this works for you!

Thanks for your post lazyace. I saw it while on a lunch break and thought I should give that a shot.

I went to my Verizon store and told them everything and all of my experiences. I also referenced your post about another Verizon store being able to fix the problems by "fully pushing through the update" to the phone .....

Well, the tech support guy looked at me like I had three heads! He started to tell me about a "hard reset" and I IMMEDIATELY interrupted him and said that I have been there and done that.

He said that Verizon stores don't manually push updates out to phones ... true or not, you can obviously tell I got no where with him.

I asked about any updates coming and he said there was an update for the watch (GEAR) that was already available for the S4 that would be pushed through to the S3 in a month or so to let the S3 work with Gear! EXCUSE ME??? The 4.3 update provided the Samsung Gear support for Galaxy S3!!!

Obviously, I let him know (kindly) that I am tired of talking to tech support people that appear to know less than I do. I wasn't being arrogant because the ONLY reason I know about these issues is because I am experiencing them and reading a LOT about them. Then, when I talk to an actual Verizon Tech Support Employee, he refers me to a "new" update coming out that will provide support for the Samsung Gear for the S3, I realized I wasn't going to accomplish anything there today and left ... tail between legs.

lazyace

Sorry to hear that. Just for clarification, it was Samsung Tech support that the Verizon guy talked to about Pushing through the update. It was all done from him calling the number I referenced…888-987-4357. Was lucky because I had a guy at Verizon that had been dealing with the some of the same problems with his phone.

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f77/verizon-samsung-galaxy-s3-4-3-update-bluetooth-issues-hk-stereo-264298/#post2788489

It almost sounds as if they were implying your original 4.3 OTA never fully installed - either before or after the automatic reboot. In going to

Settings -> About phone -> Software update

it shows a dialog which states that my update was "successful." Still, I tried removing the SIM and battery, waiting and rebooting again. I didn't detect anything different in symptoms for the phone.

The only thing similar to what you described that I had with Verizon and Samsung is that a OTA update which would have resolved a then-WiFi issue with a prior OTA update never got pushed out to my phone. So, they changed a profile option in their database and my phone soon accepted the latest OTA download.

HOWEVER, I will offer that since performing the following steps with our phones and 2014 Forester, both phones were able to do phone calls and play media via Bluetooth - plus, I was able to do the same steps with my Bluetooth headset and today it worked fine for a few calls without disconnecting:

Thanks for replying. It is kind of funny because you referenced a link to the Subaru Forester forum and MY post (check user names of this thread and the one on that forum.)

I appreciate your comments. Once I saw that posted on the Subaru page, I tried it. Of course, you have to remember that I NEVER had any issues with Bluetooth connecting and staying connected. I have a problem allowing the stereo to read TEXT MESSAGES. If I accept the access request to allow the stereo access to the phone's text messages, the bluetooth connection will continuously drop.

Are you able to receive TEXT MESSAGES through your stereo from your phone? All of the other features of bluetooth work fine for me ... just not texting.

Thanks for posting.

Sorry, we don't have the HK head unit in our Forester - it's something I can't test.

Good luck with your debugging.

kiljoy

Gs4 owner same problem!!! 2013 subaru wrx sti bought it in July of 13 messaging worked great and then stopped with same issues after the 4.3 update...

Rusnson99

I have the same audio issues wth my 2013 Tundra. All was fine prior to update. Now Bluetooth audio show pair in my truck and even song title shows up on radio but no sound. Also finding that for some reason ringer volume is very low with volume all the way up. Rebooting phone usually corrects volume issue but Bluetooth continues not to work. It worked perfect prior to update. Can u remove update.

betsyyoung

Glad I'm not the only one, but still frustrated there's no fix and there's a blame game going on. I have a new 2013 Subaru Outback since May, worked perfectly and beautifully as well.....blue tooth, texts over the stereo/nav screen, etc. But, after the upgrade...no texts over the stereo and same issue with blue tooth disconnecting and reconnecting. SO frustrating!! Dropped numerous calls. Phone is also slow to respond when I swipe to open the screen, keyboard moved my ! from the A key to D key, lost contact pictures, and the myriad of other bugs others have been experiencing. Longtime Verizon customer but not feeling the love or loyalty to back their product and services we're paying for.

Wilmette

I found a temporary fix for the VERIZON SAMSUNG GALAXY S3 & S4 cellphone incompatibility with 2013 SUBARU OUTBACK and FORESTER automobiles having HARMON-KARDON radios. This fix is necessary to correct a bug in the most recent version 4.3 of ANDROID software pushed to the cellphones in December 2013 and January 2014. 1. Check the SD Card in the HARMON-KARDON radio to determine whether it is eligible for an upgrade. Have the upgrade installed if eligible. 2. If the cellphone’s BLUETOOTH has not been paired with the automobile’s radio, then pair it. 3. For each time you use the automobile, perform the following sequence: a. Turn OFF the automobile’s ignition and radio. b. Turn OFF the cellphone’s WiFi and BLUETOOTH links. c. Turn ON the ignition. d. Then turn ON the cellphone’s BLUETOOTH link; but, leave the WiFi link OFF. The cellphone and the HARMON-KARDON radio will now pair and fully communicate with each other without interruption as long at the engine is running. Once you turn the ignition off, you have to repeat the above sequence or the phone will resume intermittent operation. Note: This is a temporary fix and SAMSUNG needs to correct a bug in its latest upgrade. Meanwhile, you can use your cellphone in your SUBARU. Finally, the SUBARU upgrade to the radio’s GPS system adds some worthwhile improvements.

This is really interesting as I have not tried this method yet.

Can you confirm if the texting features work when you do this? Please let me know.

Thanks, and I will give it a try at lunch. My SD card is up-to-date and not eligible for an upgrade yet.

betsyyoung

Thanks for the reply, interesting you mention the upgrade. We just got that notice in the mail from Subaru and went Monday to see if we needed the upgrade and we do. They called last night and the part is in, I need to make an appointment to have it installed. Will keep you posted! Thanks again.

Wilmette

I did not try to text; but, it downloaded prior text messages and everything else works.

If you have a 2013 model, then I strongly suggest getting your SD card updated because the navigation system works much better.

https://community.verizonwireless.com/message/1047862#1047862

Thanks for letting me know. Heck, even getting it to simply download prior texts is better than I could have in the past. I will give it a shot at lunch and see how it goes.

At first, I thought it was gong to be a major pain to do this but it appears you only need to turn OFF Bluetooth and Wi-Fi before starting the car ... then turning on Bluetooth only. I THINK I can handle that. But truly, this needs to be fixed from Samsung/Verizon.

My car is a 2014 Forester and been told my stereo is up to date.

paregorios

A possibly related problem. I have a Samsung Galaxy Nexus running Android 4.2.2 (all available updates applied). My wife has the same phone and version. Both pair and work fine with our 2011 Buick Enclave and with other bluetooth devices. We were considering buying a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek but could not get either phone to pair with the Crosstrek. As soon as you click to pair on the phone, the car system errors off saying "cannot pair". This is before the passcode prompt appears on the phone. Subaru dealer personnel tried their phones (another Samsung phone and a Motorola phone) and got the same results, and were very surprised. Multiple premium crosstreks with the base audio system and the navigation audio system were tried and all exhibited the same failures. The dealer is pursuing the question up the chain at Subaru. I will report back here if I get any news.

sparksals

I have the EXACT same problem as you. I have a brand new 2014 Subaru Forester, in fact, so new I have only had it for two weeks. I also have a Samsung Galaxy Note III phone.

The phone pairing worked fine up until last night when suddenly, it asked about the car multimedia like you mentioned and suddenly I was able to view my text messages. It actually took awhile b/c I have so many messages it was trying to download. Each time, I got the error on the phone, but didn't notice anything was wrong until my phone rang through the phone and not through the car. That is when I noticed the error message... the exact error message you get.

I didn't do anything to change phone settings. I"m wondering if it would be easier to do a reset on the Subaru system and start from scratch on that?

Since we both have Subaru Forester's and the exact problem, I wonder if there is a glitch in the Subaru side. I checked my phone and I got the last Samsung update on December 13. My pairing worked fine since I got the car and it only changed when it suddenly started showing my text messages just last night. Having said that, since this was the first time I got the messaging function, it may have been a problem from the beginning. I just don't know for sure and I don't know why the messaging just suddenly happened. I noticed it when the car was warming up (I'm in MN) and that messages were on the screen. I was like huhhh?? How did that happen? I just started the car. That was it.

I really feel for you b/c you have gotten the run around. It seems like NO ONE is willing to accept responsibility.

I am going to unpair my phone and reset the nav system and start over. I'd rather do that than hard reset my phone, especially since it won't fix the problem.

RedFrog47

Add another case: new 2014 Forester Bluetooth worked perfectly before the OS update, now broken and unusable. Constantly drops and reestablishes the connection. Workaround solution above (phone shutdown, restart services) has worked once.

aka-neo

Duplicate post - please see:

Message was edited by: Admin Moderator

rainman154620

Count me in for issues using a Galaxy S3 WITH newest software and a 2014 Subaru Forester XT w/ Navigation.

Same issues as everyone above is stating. Oh, how I wish I would have NEVER updated the software. Things were working perfectly BEFORE the update.

Issue is the 4.3 update, not our radios or phones.

PLEASE FIX.

PS - Battery life is horrible now. Wasn't before the update.

betsyyoung

Okay kids, I got the Subaru Navigation upgrade over the weekend. Didn't solve anything. This is getting so frustrating! Subaru asked me what Samsung says when asked about it and I said they turn it back on Subaru, so nobody seems to be accepting responsibility. I Googled Samsung upgrade and the reports say many customers are experiencing our same issues and they are expecting another upgrade, the 4.4 in March. If you don't want to/can't wait for that, they say to hard reset the phone Re: Galaxy S3 4.3 Update - Bluetooth issues - "Unfortunately, Bluetooth Share has stopped" or downgrade. I'm assuming that means downgrade back to the JellyBean 4.2 upgrade...I would LOVE to do that, but not sure how and I'm once bitten, twice shy now. I continue to drop calls in the car and still don't have texts coming through the stereo/nav screen. Grrrrrr! I, fortunately, have not experienced the massive battery drain...yay! I have a 2013 Outback and I'm now wondering if it's a Samsung/Subaru issue, my husband has a Jeep and we have the same phone....no issues for him. Well, some of his pictures in the Gallery are half blacked out now. Good times....excellent upgrade Samsung, what was the point? I don't see ANY feature that was worth it. Let's hope the one in March puts us back to where we were. Thanks for all your posts, as frustrating as this is, glad it's not just my phone! :smileyhappy:

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I've seen similar reports from Toyota and Ford owners, so it's not just affecting Subaru cars, apparently.

But, yes: this all happened when the 4.3 upgrade from Samsung and Verizon was applied. My phone is slower, more buggy for Bluetooth connections overall, suddenly flaky WiFi connections, etc. - it's not just our cars.

BTW, you can't downgrade the operating system - Samsung also enabled a security feature that will essentially brick your phone if you try to downgrade from 4.3 on our models. I have been running stock all this time and wanted to break away from this 4.3-related misery, but it's no longer possible.

aka-neo

Add Kia to the list. It's a Bluetooth issue in general. Not vehicle specific.

BuffyBuff

Well, add a 2013 Honda Civic to the list -- after the recent update my SIII won't notify me of or read me my incoming text messages. There are a couple of other things too, but this is the big annoyance.

It's not the end of the world and it is something somewhat foolish to complain about but it is frustrating that an update is supposed to be that, an update, not make your products work worse.

mgsinga

I had the same issue with a new Tundra. Had it for one week prior to the update from Samsung. Then text messages would no longer sync with the vehicle. Did a lot of searching on the internet and learned after the fact, the update stinks. Did everything mentioned in the posts above, including hard reset but no luck. After several weeks all of a sudden with no further action on my part, it started working again. Will definitely do some research before updating the phone again.

derekmuller

I want to echo this post but point out some differences and emphasize that this is almost assuredly a Samsung/Android 4.3 problem.

I have a 2012 Ford Focus and a Galaxy S3, and Bluetooth has worked wonderfully with Sync. Since 4.3, there have been multiple problems.

First, the phone no longer connects to the car automatically. In fact, it won't do it manually, either. It requires fidgeting with the Bluetooth settings while the car is running. It's by far the bigger problem that it won't happen automatically.

Second, when playing audio over the Bluetooth, sometimes (I haven't figured out exactly what triggers it, but it seems if the audio has been stopped or disrupted briefly by turning off the engine or something in the recent past) the audio will speed up to around 3x for about 3 seconds, then stop altogether for about 3 seconds, and repeat several times, until it finally gets back to normals. This is if I'm listening to a podcast, have navigation instructions going, whatever it is. It's only via Bluetooth.

Googling around, I see this problem has been reported with multiple cars, and with not just cars but Bluetooth compatibility with keyboards, too.

Adding to this thread because it floated to the top of my Google searches.

ButchDye

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note II. Verizon the support you are trying to provide is admirable.

However, after the 4.3 update I have had Bluetooth connecting issues, wireless dropping out

and losing connection, home screen flashing off and on and changing displays. You are

offering solutions to problems that didn't exist until after the 4.3 update - THE PROBLEM LIES

WITH THE 4.3 UPDATE. FIX THAT! Or at least admit that the 4.3 update is a bad update.

CoachGrump

I would also like to add to this. I just bought my 2014 Subaru Outback ( 6 Jan 2014). And I just got my Galaxy S4 (10 Feb 2014). When I got the phone it didn't have the 4.3 software. After the update I have been having nothing but Bluetooth issues. To the point where I'm about to take the phone back and fight to get back into an iPhone. I find it quite annoying driving down the road to see the screen on my head unit drop the phone. Then to pick up the phone and see the message "Unfortunately, Bluetooth share has stopped".

I have done a lot of the above mentioned to no avail. I have even linked my wife's iPhone and there are no issues at all. So It has to be the software update for Android.

Please fix ASAP. Thanks

foobarbazqux

Can confirm I have this exact same issue with my Galaxy S4 running Android 4.3 (I545VRUEMK2) with a 2013 Subaru BRZ

The workaround posted in the original thread works for me: you must "Cancel" when the phone prompts you to allow the CAR MULTIMEDIA to access the text messages.

This is the only thing that worked for me. I tried soft resets, hard resets, unpairing the car/phone a number of different ways and I can't even remember what else.

While we have an apparent workaround for the time being, this is a terrible bug that needs to be remedied. How did this pass QA? Doesn't Samsung employ regression testing?

sparksals

I have to do that exact thing. I really don't need to see my messages driving, but it is a bit of a pain.

One thing I have noticed also is that when bluetooth is on and I'm in the car, I cannot get ANY audio from my phone. If I am a passenger and watching youtube vids, I cannot get any sound whatsoever. I have to turn off Bluetooth.

LouinNH

Hi. I have been having this same issue and was able to finally resolve it. Unpair your phone with the car bluetooth, Go to the car and push the talk button on the steering wheel and when it says listening, turn the radio knob until you get to a menu option that says Setup. Select Setup and scroll until you find Initialize. Select Initialize and this will "reset" your bluetooth. Next, pair the phone using the same process (through the steering wheel). It may take one or two attempts to get this right, but it seems to be the fix. This morning, I warmed up my car (2012 Outback) and the bluetooth connected while I was in my house! Ah, first world problems... :-) In my opinion, this is clearly a Subaru issue and not Samsung or Verizon Wireless.

I hope this works for you.

Per prior suggestions, I've completely removed the Bluetooth pairing for both the Forester and Galaxy S III, then re-paired both carefully. Connecting will occur between the head unit and phone, but that is often unstable and slower to connect compared to before the phone's OS update from Samsung and Verizon. Connection between my phone and Bluetooth headset shows the same issues.

Further, this reset of the Bluetooth connections gets incredible wonky and unstable when sharing the phone book - so, we've had to avoid that entirely.

LouinNH

Oofest, I had the same issue with my phone (randomly dropping bluetooth connection during calls) and it was infuriating. Try Bluetooth Keepalive from the Google Play store. It definitely fixed this problem. I love the S3, but I will admit it is annoying that I have had to download apps to fix some of these connectivity issues. VZW can frustrate me with their prices and fees, but I do think your problem is more related to Samsung than VZW.

My suggestion above was to help with the issue the phone not auto connecting to Bluetooth once the car starts. As I mentioned, re-initializing and pairing the phone via the steering wheel talk button was the fix. It has been working perfectly since I did this.

Good luck!

smimargie

Dear e-ec-ecu and Verizon Wireless Customer Support,

I too have had the same issue, not with a car stereo, but with my HP Envy computer. Before the upgrade to 4.3 Jellybean, I had no issues connecting and using my bluetooth functionality on my Samsung GS3. However, since the update, it is worthless. I have other bluetooth devices that have no problem connecting to my computer, so I do not believe it is my computer's issue. I do believe it is a Verizon/Jellybean issue. I am also tired of the runaround that Verizon has offered on these issues. It is rather simple... your product worked, you upgraded it, now it does not work and you will not stand behind it. Very sad. I too have tried soft resets, hard resets, went personally to a Samsung rep who also told me it was a Verizon issue, etc. Unless a timely fix is found,I can promise that I and the other 5 members of my family will NOT be renewing with Verizon.

kidatply

Yeah mine did that too, I finally figured out I needed to switch to Bluetooth on my radio and there was the sound, otherwise I forced to disconnect my Bluetooth pairing to get it to play in the phone.

chipcz

This worked perfect. The best piece of advice I got anywhere.

My situation was that I had a 2014 Acura MDX that was exchanged for a different 2014 Acura MDX. I had all kinds of quirky problems for days. Did the reset as you stated and now all is good.

Thanks

CForester

Thank you for your efforts to get to the bottom of this. I have a 2014 Outback with the Harmon Kardon and a Samsung Galaxy S3. When I first got the car and paired the two everything worked fine. A few weeks ago I started to get the 'bluetooth stopped working' message and the car and phone would disconnect. Today it kept disconnecting during calls. I checked and the software updated on 5/9/14 from ML1 to NC1. Since the update was the only change (same car, same phone), I surmise that the problem is the software update. I figure I'm in the same boat as everyone else in this thread.

So, my plan, since I'm not getting rid of the 2014 Subaru, is to see if Verizon and Samsung can fixe the problem. If not, when my contract is up, I'll start looking for a different phone and perhaps a different carrier.

UPDATE: 20 June 2014

Just got the Verizon Wireless Kit Kat Update (4.4.2) for my Galaxy S3.

I unpaired the devices (disconnected from both phone and car) and then re-paired the devices.

I let them pair and when the phone asked to allow access to contacts, I clicked Yes.

When the phone asked to allow access to messages, I clicked Yes ... and then crossed my fingers.

IT WORKS!!!! Received messages displayed and sending messages works too!!!!!

Just letting everyone know.

dwb1966

Well, I was hopeful but Kit Kat didn't fix my SMS issues with UConnect in my 2012 SRT8 Charger. I really wish they would do something about this. My Droid Razr HD worked with it fine before the update so I switched to my S3 without the update and still didn't work, now with this update still no luck....sigh