2021 4runner bluetooth background noise

I'm new to this forum, but not new to 4runners. My 2021 4runner is the5th one I've owned. I've never had any issues with the bluetooth system using the phone handsfree before. But with this one there is what people describe as road noise, like I'm driving with the windows down. In the vehicle, I do not hear the noise. I have searched for a fix for this, but have not heard found none. Hope y'all can help. Thanks, Susan

 

So when you're playing music/talking on the phone via Bluetooth there is just a constant road noise sound? This sound goes away if you play the radio?

 

I don’t hear the road noise inside the vehicle when playing music or making a hands free call. The people I call says there is too much background noise to hear or understand me talking. I can hear them fine. I’m on my 5th 4Runner & have never had this problem before.

 

Ooooh so the people you're talking to say they can hear a ton of road/background noise from their end?

 

Yes, that is correct.

 

Hmm... one thing I did notice is that cell phone companies and service providers have been implementing different technologies to enhance the user experience. I know Sprint/T-Mobile use a technology to suppress all noises except voice. It's actually pretty cool to hear the difference.

Do you own a new phone or phone service provider since getting this new 4Runner? It sounds like it could be the phone side rather than the 4Runner. A good way to test it would try connecting and calling from someone else's phone and see what it sounds like.

If that doesn't change it I'd say it's a 4Runner issue and it's time for a trip to the dealership.

Sorry I don't have a magic bullet solution but that's my best guesses.

 

I also have been dealing with this exact issue. I took to dealership, they said the head unit was bad. Ordered and replaced head unit. Callers said they didn't hear background noise anymore, however, the touch screen never worked right. It was like some days it worked, some days it wouldn't. So back to the dealership. Ordered and replaced head unit again. New head unit touch screen works and now the callers hear the same horrible background noise that I had with the original head unit. So 3 head units later, all faulty. I don't know if it's worth trying again.

 

Has the Bluetooth Noise Issue been resolved for you Stau1973 or Shelmey? I've purchased a new 2023 4Runner Premium 4 days ago and WOW the static noise is bad! I hear the call recipient fine but they say the static on my end is very bad!

 

Are you connected to the car through Apple Carplay or Android Auto, via a USB cable?

I don't have this issue in my 2020 Pro. I use an iPhone 12 Pro, updated ios, and use it through Apple Carplay. This uses the microphone and speakers in the car and is fantastic when I'm working on the road.

 

Android Auto via USB cable.

 

Let's work through this with the process of elimination.

Do you have someone with an iPhone, on the cell same service provider as you, that you can try with Apple Carplay? This will let us know if it's an Android-specific issue.

 

Steelevo - no I don't know anyone with an Iphone! I just found a utube video that might work, something about turning down the gain. https://youtu.be/cGNUTOZAymc
I'll give this a go and report back.

 

I have additional clues to report that might shed some light. I use Android Galaxy S-20 and that is the phone that was paired with the bluetooth. I was able to find someone with an Iphone on the same provider paired their phone and the reception was great on the 3rd person phone. I Paired the the 3rd persons phone which was an Android S-22 and the reception was great. So now I'm thinking it's a problem/setting in my phone. I will investigate the settings I have and report back. If anyone has any ideas please feel free to post.

 

Thank you for going to the lengths of testing a different iPhone and Android phone. Have you checked to see if the noise cancellation feature is set to off on your phone?

 

I have Samsung Galaxy s20 phone. I have not been able to find a setting regarding "Noise Canceling" I read up a bit and it appears Samsung did not add that setting to this phone.

The quick easy resolution is to get a new phone as previously mentioned Samsung s22 worked just fine. I'm on the fence because I paid a lot for my phone. I also still want to explore some of these other possible "fixes"

 

It's about 2 weeks since I bought the new 4Runner. I haven't changed any settings on my phone or tried any of the Utube fixes. I have re-booted my phone a few times. I have also used Microsoft Teams through my blue tooth. I've only made about 5 calls within this period and all receivers of my calls apple and adroid users tell me the static noise is not there and I sound clear however, they do report that I sound like I'm in a "barrel" better than the static interference where they couldn't here me at all. My last call I had the heat on low blowing on my heat and it did not affect the call. I have no idea why it would be so bad the first few times of using bluetooth and progressively get better without changing anything???? I'll continue to monitor my experience...