Bluetooth calling issue

[rabbiw]

Hi hoping someone can help me.
I am using a Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, calling works fine on phone handset or speaker, and audio works fine on bluetooth devices.
I can listen to WhatsApp, Signal voice messages etc. with no problem
However as soon as I try to make a call on bluetooth, whether cell, WhatsaApp or Signal etc. the audio doesn't work properly, I just get loud distortion. Similarly when I get an incoming call ringing when Bluetooth is connected, ring tone doesn't come out, just loud distortion or silence.
Have tried different car bluetooth and headsets, same problem on all.
Again - bluetooth connection works fine for audio and phone on its own works fine for calling, problem only occurs with actual calling.
Was working fine until week or 2 ago.
Latest Android OS updates installed.
Any help appreciated, looked online not finding this problem

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! I moved this from the Introductions forum to the S21 forum, since you're asking a specific question.

First things first -- if you go to Settings>Bluetooth and tap the gear icon next to the Bluetooth device, is Phone Audio turned on?

If it is, and the problem persists, try going to Settings>Apps, select the option to show all system apps, select Bluetooth, and clear its app storage/cache.

 

[rabbiw]

Welcome to Android Central! I moved this from the Introductions forum to the S21 forum, since you're asking a specific question.

First things first -- if you go to Settings>Bluetooth and tap the gear icon next to the Bluetooth device, is Phone Audio turned on?

If it is, and the problem persists, try going to Settings>Apps, select the option to show all system apps, select Bluetooth, and clear its app storage/cache.

Thanks - yes Phone Audio is on for all the devices
I tried clearing the cache but when I go into the settings the options to clear storage/cache are greyed out... any suggestions?

 

[B. Diddy]

Try wiping the cache partition, which won't affect your personal data: https://www.hardreset.info/devices/samsung/samsung-galaxy-s21/recovery-mode/

 

[rabbiw]

Thanks tried wiping cache partition, problem persists

 

[rabbiw]

Seems to have corrected itself there's nothing I can identify that I have done that would have made a difference!

 

[Roadijeff]

It seems like things cleared up after you wiped the cache partition.

 

[rabbiw]

It didn't immediately after wiping, only a few hours later...

 

[B. Diddy]

Seems to have corrected itself there's nothing I can identify that I have done that would have made a difference!

Ok, let us know if the problem comes back!

 

[rabbiw]

And it's back! Suddenly started again
Same issue - bluetooth audio works fine on any device; phone calling and whatsapp/signal calling work fine on handset; as soon as you try to call over a bluetooth device there is no audio at all. It doesnt' even ring on the bluetooth device. Tried repairing, restarting, cache partition wipe, nothing helps. Tried several different bluetooth devices - headset, speaker, android auto in car - same problem. Tried zoom - same issue -works fine on phone, with bluetooth audio no sound at all, either mic or ear.
Last time I was getting distorted sound, now nothing at all.
Help! I rely on handsfree calling for my daily work, really struggling without it!

 

[rabbiw]

Also - Bluetooth app still not allowing cache/data clear - the optionsn are greyed out when you go into the settings

And it's back! Suddenly started again
Same issue - bluetooth audio works fine on any device; phone calling and whatsapp/signal calling work fine on handset; as soon as you try to call over a bluetooth device there is no audio at all. It doesnt' even ring on the bluetooth device. Tried repairing, restarting, cache partition wipe, nothing helps. Tried several different bluetooth devices - headset, speaker, android auto in car - same problem. Tried zoom - same issue -works fine on phone, with bluetooth audio no sound at all, either mic or ear.
Last time I was getting distorted sound, now nothing at all.
Help! I rely on handsfree calling for my daily work, really struggling without it!

 

[B. Diddy]

Does this persist in Safe Mode? https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00062983

 

[rabbiw]

Same issue in Safe mode... no difference

 

[mustang7757]

In Bluetooth settings under advanced what's in Bluetooth control history?

Might also try resetting network under settings>general management>reset>reset network this resets all Bluetooth devices

 

[B. Diddy]

If those steps don't help, then the next step is probably a factory reset. If the problem persists after a factory reset, then I would suspect a hardware problem -- is the phone still under warranty?

 

[rabbiw]

Thanks all, before I try a hard reset going to take it into a shop - yes it is under warranty

 

[mustang7757]

Thanks all, before I try a hard reset going to take it into a shop - yes it is under warranty

Ok keep us posted

 

[tsg]

Just interested to find out how this was resolved, as I'm having a very similar issue.
Thanks!