Bluetooth connectivity problems iPhone X to Clarion head unit

JohnOBJohnOB
Posted:
in iPhone
I have an iPhone X and a Clarion NX502A car audio head unit.
My old iPhone 6 was connected via Bluetooth for many years with no problem. When I connected it, it was as per the head units instructions. I simply typed in a 4 digit code (0000 by default) into the iPhone.
Now when I try to pair the iPhone X:-
The head unit wants me to enter 4 digit code into iPhone (0000 by default) – which I'm not able to as the iPhone won't allow me to do it by not bringing up the number pad display.
Then, the iPhone says a 6 digit number should be showing on the head unit screen – which it isn't.
So both devices want to pair in a different way.
I deleted my old iPhone 6 from being paired and tried to pair it again.
It now shows the same problem as the iPhone X
When I paired it the first time I was able to enter a 4 digit code (000 by default) and it worked fine.
The conclusion has to be that Apple through IOS updates has changed the way iPhones pair.
It is like originally the head unit was Master and the iPhone a slave now they both want to be a Master.
So I reset the head unit to factory default and tried to pair the old iPhone 6. Now it has the same problem as the iPhone X
Maybe it has something to do with the IOS being updated on both phones since I originally paired the iPhone 6 years ago?
Would love a solution if it's out there..........
Thanks
John

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 5
    JohnOBJohnOB Posts: 4member
    This is the message I get on my iPhone X when trying to pair with the NX502A head unit. The code does not appear on the head unit screen and when you touch "pair" it comes back "pairing unsuccessful"
     
    edited November 2021
  • Reply 2 of 5
    MarvinMarvin Posts: 15,322moderator
    There's a software update with Bluetooth here:

    https://www.clarion.com/au/en/support/software/NX502A/MPU/index.html

    If that still has the same issue, you could try contacting Clarion support.

    Another option is to get one of those Bluetooth 3.5mm adaptors if the car has inputs for it:

    https://www.amazon.com/UGREEN-Bluetooth-Receiver-Audio-Cable/dp/B081GGB53R

    Worst case, car stereos often have aux audio inputs or kits and they can plug audio devices in.
  • Reply 3 of 5
    JohnOBJohnOB Posts: 4member
    Thank you Marvin for your suggestion. The current update, which is the most current, on Clarions' Australia website is:

    https://www.clarion.com/au/en/user-support/software/NX502A/MPU_Aus/index.html

    I printed out and followed the instructions to update the BT , MPU, and MCU but the unit would not launch it.

    I rang Clarion and the best I could get is that the unit is over 10 years old and no longer supported.

    I then reset the head unit using both the small button on the top left corner and via the settings / setup menu and tried again. No change.

    Maybe the head unit BT is just broken???????


  • Reply 4 of 5
    MarvinMarvin Posts: 15,322moderator
    JohnOB said:
    Thank you Marvin for your suggestion. The current update, which is the most current, on Clarions' Australia website is:

    https://www.clarion.com/au/en/user-support/software/NX502A/MPU_Aus/index.html

    I printed out and followed the instructions to update the BT , MPU, and MCU but the unit would not launch it.

    I rang Clarion and the best I could get is that the unit is over 10 years old and no longer supported.

    I then reset the head unit using both the small button on the top left corner and via the settings / setup menu and tried again. No change.

    Maybe the head unit BT is just broken???????
    The update should work for that model even though it's older but it might need the SD card formatted differently. Usually it's best to format as FAT32 or ExFAT disk format:

    https://www.seagate.com/support/kb/how-to-format-your-drive-exfat-on-macos-big-sur-and-later/

    Then unzip the software and copy all the unzipped files to the card. You probably have to copy the files to the root level of the drive i.e all the .bin files at the top level of the drive.

    It says the arrow next to Bluetooth should be red with the update inserted. If it's grey, it says to restart the unit with SD card in.

    Maybe it's worth buying a new head unit, it should be possible to get a cheap install that is better than a 10 year old unit or a car audio store can try to repair the one you have:

    https://automotivesuperstore.com.au/car-audio-installation
    http://www.mikesandscaraudio.com.au/car-audio.html
  • Reply 5 of 5
    JohnOBJohnOB Posts: 4member
    Marvin, thanks for your help. I've formatted the micro SD to FAT32 but the UPDATE button remains greyed out so I think there might be a problem with the head unit itself. I've emailed TDJ Aust. (Clarion distributor) to see if the units operating system can be un-updated back to original as this didn't happen when I did a reset.
    Failing that - new head unit
    Now..........................................
    Which one???
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