Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X Experience In-Car Bluetooth Problems After Android 7.1.1 Nougat Update

Jan 16, 2017 11:22 AM EST

Being an early adopter has its fair share of advantages if all goes well, but when something goes awry, then there is a very real possibility that you would end up pulling your hair all over the place. Each Android update, or any other operating system update for that matter, comes with that attached risk. For Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X owners who have given the Android 7.1.1 Nougat update a whirl on their respective handsets, you might have noticed that Bluetooth connectivity issues have already crept up along the way -- especially when you would like to listen to your favorite tunes while you’re on the road. Do not fret, as you have company with a number of users already sharing their grievances concerning the situation online.

This particular issue apparently reared its ugly head with Android 7.1.1 Nougat developer preview. Do take note that this particular connectivity problem does not arise whenever one hooks up to wireless speakers over Bluetooth. However, it does run into connectivity headaches if you try to have it work with your vehicle’s Bluetooth setup. In fact, affected users have tried to troubleshoot the situation on their own before but failed miserably, where among some of the steps taken are to update the vehicle’s Bluetooth software -- to no avail.

No doubt the Android 7.1.1 Nougat update did bring with it a number of features and functions that made life all the more productive while you are on the go. However, connection issues with in-car Bluetooth have been attributed to selected Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X handsets that had already made the jump. These connection issues are not new, being traced all the way back to the beta program for Android 7.1.1 Nougat developer preview that was introduced in October last year.

According to the affected users who have upgraded to Android 7.1.1 Nougat, their respective Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X handsets were no longer able to connect to the in-car Bluetooth system. In the rare event that there actually was a Bluetooth connection, snags were faced in the form of users being unable to place or even handle calls in a hands-free manner. So far, at least one user also attempted to update the vehicle’s Bluetooth software, but found that nothing changed at all.

The in-car Bluetooth connectivity problem is not just limited to one particular form. The irritation arrives in various levels, where selected cases see the affected smartphone hook up for just a few seconds before experiencing a dropped connection. Other cases see the device connect seamlessly, but once the phone call ends, it will disconnect all by itself, requiring it to be reconnected manually via the Bluetooth kit. Others even reported that the Bluetooth connection would drop in the middle of a conversation.

While it might be all doom and gloom, at the very least, you can still play your favorite tunes through the wireless speakers via Bluetooth. How long would Google take to introduce a patch in order to solve the issue? After all, it has been going on for some months now, and sooner would definitely be more welcome than later.