Bluetooth car audio not automatically connecting after UI 8 update

[Twodoor]

This is in response to user: Guitarman2048 in another Samsung forum found at this website:
https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/galaxy-s24-series/bluetooth-connection-issues-after-one-ui-8-0-u...

I too am having problems connecting to the BlueTooth Audio from the S24 to my Mazada 3. The phone bluetooth connects, but the audio does not automatically connect as it used to in UI 7. Every time I start the car I have to start the audio playing on the cellphone (if the audio is not playing the bluetooth will never connect for audio. This used to work in UI 7 whether the audio was playing or not), then on the S24, go to bluetooth, go to the device (Mazda), select details and wait to see if it will connect to the audio. If it takes too long and the Mazada stops scanning, I have to turn off the car and try again. It seems like all my other bluetooth devices are working, but none connecting automatically. Something in UI 8 broke this function.

I have tried deleting the devices, re-pairing, resetting the networks, clearing cache, starting in safe mode, and I can't remember every thing else I've tried, but no go.

SAMSUNG, PLEASE FIX THIS!!! Better yet, give us a way to roll back the UI to a previous version that worked.

Once this is fixed, and everything is working, you can bet I'll be turning off automatic updates. Just like I have my computers setup to absolutely NO auto updates.

One last thing. I refuse to factory reset my phone over something like this, so please do not recommend that option. Fix the problem and send out a patch or a new UI.

After almost two days of troubleshooting this is what I found for my situation.
October 08, 2025

Hi,

I found that by going to Bluetooth, viewing the Bluetooth devices, and going to detail view for the car connection, the phone connection is turned on, but the audio is turned off. When I turn it on, it immediately turns off again. I turn it back on, and it immediately turns off. I have to do that 3 or 4 times before it stays on. However, by the time I win the on/off battle, the Bluetooth scan that the car is doing times out and I have to turn off the key and restart the car to get the Bluetooth scan to work again. The only way I can get it to work, somewhat consistently, is to have the audio playing on the phone, then start the engine, set the car radio control to Auxiliary, and while the car is scanning for a Bluetooth connection I have to quickly go the Bluetooth settings, details for the device and then turn the audio on, it turns itself on, I turn it back on, it turns itself off, I turn it back on and usually the third time I turn it back on, the audio connects. I have to do this every time I start the car. It no longer connects automatically. I have a 2010 Mazda 3, so that's long before Android was built into the cars. Bluetooth is an auxiliary function of the car's audio system. It's just simple Bluetooth that use to work great, and now it doesn't. Shame on you Samsung!!!

UI 8 broke this functionality and I or we have not heard a peep from you about a fix. Everything worked fine when using UI 7.

[Mujibar]

As this is a user-to-user support forum, developers are not likely to see your post. To submit feedback directly to Samsung, follow the steps listed here:

https://us.community.samsung.com/t5/Tips-Tricks/How-to-Send-Feedback/ba-p/3001692?src=ShareByUserCM

[LumberJackUSA]

I have a temporary solution that may not work for everyone (depending on the equipment you are trying to connect to). I have been using my s24 Ultra the entire day now doing errands linking over and over again after tweeting the phone and looks like its working. Here's a short video to prove it. https://youtube.com/shorts/nY5THPvlvKM?si=Phg2hdAMfdem8IKo

I got you guys/gals. I have been racking my brain here too. Cuz I love my current car sound system and don't need to change it just because of this glitch after updating to UI 8. By the way, Like the video so I know how severe and widespread this issue is.


I take no responsibility for the following instructions. Though the end result for me, I was able to get my head unit in my car to connect automatically to my phone and allowed me once again to stream my music apps and talk on the phone through my cars sound system like I did before the UI 8 update.

I am using a Samsung S24 Ultra, what you may have may be different but the instructions should be pretty similar if using a Android Operating system. Also, this may not work for everyone.

Goto SETTINGS

Scroll all the way to the bottom, and Tap on ‘About Phone’

Scroll down and Tap ‘Software Information’

Scroll down to ‘Build number’ and Tap it 7 or more times till it ask for YOUR PASSORD

Once you have enter your password, it will say ‘Developers Option is Unlocked’

Now at the top of your phone, Tap the arrow on the left of Software Information to go back to About Phone, then Tap the left arrow next to About Phone

You should now be back at Settings, scroll all the way to the bottom and you will see ‘Developers options’


[okay, so again, I take no responsibility. Once you are in Develops option, if you decide to tap on other stuff that I have not given any instruction for and you change those parameters and your phone takes a dump. IT’S NOT MY FAULT.]


Tap ‘Developers options’

Carefully scroll down to the 57th line, it should say ‘Bluetooth AVRCP Version’ yours should say below that AVRCP 1.5(Default)

Tap on ‘Bluetooth AVRCP Version’

Now change it from 1.5 to 1.3 then back out of all of this and RESTART your phone.


If everything is done right. Your head unit should be able to link with your phone automatically on startup of your vehicle.


[you can search online about Bluetooth AVRCP Version, and you can read up about the different versions]

[Twodoor]

Thanks for the feedback. Interesting solution; however, it did not resolve the issue on my S24. I tried AVRCP 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.6 and they all do the same thing. To play audio through my 2010 Mazda 3 audio system I have to open details for the bluetooth connection to the car. Phone and Audio switches are ON. I have to turn off the Audio switch and then turn it back on. Then it connects. Something definitely broke this going from UI 7 to UI 8. 

[LumberJackUSA]

Yeah. I didn't think this was a definite fix for all. As I said somewhere before that we all use our phones differently. I can only work with what is in front of me. But I do agree that the UI 8 is holding something out thats causing this issue for those of us that only have Bluetooth connection in our vehicles. Because none of my non-vehicle accessories have any issues linking to my phone.

[Twodoor]

Apparently Samsung does not monitor these community boards. To send a message to Samsung, if you do not have the Samsung Members App installed on your phone, go to the play store, download and install the Samsung Member App. From the app, there is a support tab at the bottom of the screen. Tap support and follow the prompts. You may have to create a Samsung account. When you send your message to Samsung the app should also automatically send a copy of the phones log files. This was the only why I got any feedback from them. Of course, they threw it back on me, so I did everything they asked me do and when it didn't work I sent them another message. I have not heard back from that message yet.

[Members_Jo2FVt3]

I would love to hear if they ever helped you fix this issue!? I am experiencing the same thing after being forced to update my phone. 

[alek7]

I'm having the exact same issue. Tried Samsung support and the rep told me to upgrade to newer car as the solution. Told them phone and BT worked fine before UI 8 update. No solution and kept saying my car is at fault.

[jhutch01]

Not your car, I have a Mazda 6 and it is having the same issue.  So annoying.  Only started to happen after UI 8 was installed. 

[Metoo5]

Same issue after update 20/11/2025