UI 8 update severed communication between my phone and my car stereo

[slashandthrash]

As of this morning after the update installed UI 8, my phone would only connect to my car stereo (stock stereo, 2010 mazda3) for calls, and if I toggled Audio it was incredibly unstable and would toggle it off at random after a few seconds. I unpaired my phone from my Mazda on the phone, and unpaired my phone from my Mazda on the stereo. Attempting to pair the phone to the car is no longer an option, as the Bluetooth scan will no longer even detect the Mazda at all. This is, to say the least, a TITANIC issue, and this is a professional problem and a safety hazard for me. Something MUST be done to fix this

[CrymsonDawn]

I reported this in every iteration of the beta for the S25+ and the issue has persisted into the stable release.

UI 8 has a bug where Bluetooth connection to non-Android Auto vehicle stereo systems is not functioning properly.
Auto connection never works and, on the occasions where it is able to connect after manual toggling, both audio and phone connections are prone to constant disconnecting.

This is an issue on my 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander GT but seems to be an issue on most non-Android Auto Bluetooth car stereos and is not limited to just Samsung devices, with Android 16 at large having this issue.

Despite months of reports and complaints from Android users of many manufacturers, this issue has persisted.

[CrymsonDawn]

This issue has been occurring since the beta and I've reported it over and over again.

It seems like there's a bug within Android 16 itself that is causing this and as far as I know Google and Samsung have both refused to address it.

On my Mitsubishi Outlander, I've managed to get at working pretty consistently by manually toggling the audio switch in the Bluetooth connection menu while music is already playing on my phone.
It doesn't work if music isn't already playing and usually takes three to four tries but the connection is stable for the ride until the car turns off, and then I have to do it all over again.
Automatic connection is completely gone.

[slashandthrash]

That's incredibly disheartening. I appreciate the severe quality of life downgrade. I am likely going to have to jump ship from Android, because this isn't something I'm willing to live with. Absolutely outrageous.

[CrymsonDawn]

My hope is that enough people keep on reporting this until they are forced to address it and figure out a solution with Google.

I know they've had hundreds of reports already, tens from me alone. Hopefully it'll be something that is fixed soon

[slashandthrash]

Is there an official way to make a report? I'm already in a text thread with support via members

[CrymsonDawn]

Yes, if you go to the support tab at the bottom of this app, there's a Send Feedback option. That's what you're supposed to use and it sends diagnostic data to Samsung. Try to include screenshots if possible. Sadly, I've noticed a decline in service in the past two years, they used to be really responsive and constructive. For the first time, I've had them lose my trade in and not respond adequately to major issues

[Dan2023]

I apologize, but your car is more than ten years old and may need a software update to function properly. You might want to consider switching to using the Android Auto app, if you can.

[Ailuvan]

It's not a car problem, it's a Oneui 8/Android 16 problem. Since the update, I'm having the same issues, but I'll raise you my watch, which isn't 10 years old, and hasn't managed to keep itself connected to my phone for more than 5 minutes at a time since I put it back on today.

[Dan2023]

Thanks for the additional information.

Sounds like a Bluetooth issue.

Try 'reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings' in Settings.