Bluetooth connectivity improved?

[RaulP]

I’ve been having issues with maps not Loading (both Apple Maps and Google Maps), and if they do load unable to use directions saying cannot connect (or something similar) and occasionally Apple Music not connecting with the same cannot connect message. I may have found the issue. I’m on Verizon and I activated their VPN which seems to cause problems with the Toyota wifi connection. I disabled the VPN and it seems to be working now. So, if you have an active VPN on your phone, this may be a fix.

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[4R-Sport]

I’ve been having issues with maps not Loading (both Apple Maps and Google Maps), and if they do load unable to use directions saying cannot connect (or something similar) and occasionally Apple Music not connecting with the same cannot connect message. I may have found the issue. I’m on Verizon and I activated their VPN which seems to cause problems with the Toyota wifi connection. I disabled the VPN and it seems to be working now. So, if you have an active VPN on your phone, this may be a fix.

I haven't had any major issues, but your post reminded me that I initially had issues with the App / Connected Services when using a VPN App on my phone. I can see where that could cause issues.

 

[lavrgs]

My reliable connections ended last week. I’m back to turning off Bluetooth on the phone and restarting the console…

 

[internet888]

There’s a couple different problems I have had with my 2026 4Runner Platinum
1) CarPlay disconnects but the Bluetooth between phone and screen is still connected. The screen goes back to the white Toyota menu. I have to select my phone and flip the Apple CarPlay switch on the screen.

2) The entire infotainment screen goes black and restarts. CarPlay and Bluetooth disconnects. I have to wait until the screen turns on again and then reconnect everything.

Sometimes it happens within the first 5 mins of driving. Sometimes it happens multiple times in one driving session. None of the other screens restarts (Dash and AC screens)

This is very annoying and I’m glad I found this thread. Hopefully it’s under warranty and the head unit can be replaced or updated.

 

[josiahg52]

Do any of you have more than phone paired to your vehicles?

 

[RaulP]

Do any of you have more than phone paired to your vehicles?

Just two iPhones paired.

 

[internet888]

Just one iPhone paired

 

[Rat]

Do any of you have more than phone paired to your vehicles?

So, we are early in our ownership (2 weeks). I had initially added my phone to my Profile and later setup a profile for my wife and added her phone to her profile.

Now, anytime she rides with me, her iPhone takes over the car play and it is extremely annoying!

My phone only works with car play if we turn off car play on her phone.

 

[josiahg52]

I only have one Android (S23+ unlocked Android 14, One UI 6.1) connected for Android Auto use and have had zero issues at all.

- Switch to better Wi-Fi networks is OFF
- turn on/off Wi-Fi automatically is OFF
- Wi-Fi power saving is OFF
- Phone power saving is OFF
-Android Auto and Google Play services are EXCLUDED from sleeping - - background battery and data usage for those apps are ENABLED
- start Android Auto when locked ENABLED
-Wi-Fi scanning OFF
- Bluetooth scanning OFF

I'd verify those apps have the proper permissions as well, basically all that they ask for to establish a baseline at least.

I additionally use a VPN and have the Android Auto app split tunneled through the VPN with no issues. By the time I'm ready to drive off, it's connected and operational/usable. I don't do anything with the phone or infotainment system.

I was just wondering if having more than one phone causes issues. It shouldn't, i don't think, and I'm not excusing the limitation, if there is one. I used the same phone connected only as a Bluetooth media device and phone for about two weeks with no issue as I was researching Android Auto and the privacy settings.

I also should mention that I had a Note10+ for two years that I loved until last year when I could no longer dismiss the poor antenna performance. I researched what was available, didn't want or need the newest phone out there and settled on the S23 family as it scores very well in reception testing. I don't know how the Note10+ would have fared in the Android Auto and 4Runner environment, but my experience otherwise over the last year or so has proven that I chose the right upgrade.

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