Google Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X owners who have updated their smartphones to Android 7.1.1 Nougat are reportedly facing complications with Bluetooth connectivity in their cars.
The Android 7.1.1 Nougat updates were initially rolled out in early December 2016 for the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 9, Nexus 9 LTE, as well as the Nexus Player.
At the time, Nexus 6 also received a December security release, but that was based on Android 7.0 Nougat OS. However, the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X got the update after a prolonged delay of almost two weeks.
In 2016, when owners started getting the new software, they reported that updates weighed 26 MB for the Nexus 6P, while the Nexus 5X update was a bit higher at 65 MB.
In-Car Bluetooth Complications
Many users who have Nexus 6P or Nexus 5X have complained that the smartphone, after staying connected with the car's Bluetooth systems for five to 10 seconds, is getting disconnected. Interestingly, this problem was not occurring for any particular car model.
The problem, however, is not new, as it started when Google released its first 7.1.1 Nougat developer preview. Users have been complaining about the Bluetooth connectivity dropping — post the update — since late October 2016, in different open forums such as the Google Product Forums, Android Issue Tracker website, and more.
"I had 7.0 and my Bluetooth was working fine in my 2011 Corvette. I updated to 7.1.1 (beta program) and my Bluetooth no longer works. I can delete the pairing, re-pair the system but Bluetooth just doesn't work when attempting to place calls etc. When I start the car it even says 'Bluetooth' so it knows it's connected but when I try to actually use it, nothing happens and it thinks that no phone is connected. Anyone else having this issue?" wrote one of the affected users in the Nexus Help Forum.
Even after the release of the January security update, the problem is yet to be resolved. Monthly security updates help to improve the security on Android devices by releasing vulnerability patches that would counter any possible threats.
The January security bulletin that was published at the same time as the factory image shared details of all the existent security vulnerabilities affecting Android devices. However, users were left disappointed that this update did not fix the lingering Bluetooth connectivity bug.
It is expected that Google may come up with a solution pretty soon to sort out the pending Bluetooth connectivity issue. That said, till now no news regarding the roll out of the Android 7.1.2 is available.
