Bluetooth disconnecting and cracking phone call sound 2025 GMC Sierra 1500

[GMCustomerService]

On 3/2/2025 at 9:56 PM, RobinChris said:

Nice " caring " reply, ... Too bad you don't respond to the email and just leave us hanging for a solution ...

We apologize we missed your email, though we do want to help. Please be sure to include "GMC Trucks Forum" and your username in your subject line. We are keeping a close eye out!

[Nddtkle]

Has anyone had any luck getting this solved?  I took my 25 Sierra to the dealer twice and they tell me gm tech support says it's my Android phone. Even though it happens with different models of phones AND none of the phones have issues on other gm vehicles. Very frustrating. 

[56 Skywagon]

I haven't found a proper fix.  I have a Pixel 8 phone and a Garmin watch.  If I disconnect the Garmin watch by turning it off it seems to stop the random disconnects. 

 

My symptoms are that if I'm not on a phone call the Bluetooth is steady, as in the icon on the infotainment system never disappears.  As soon as I begin a call it will start getting scratchy and then disconnect for a few seconds and the infotainment icon disappears until it reconnects.  It's almost like it can't handle the data transmission rate or interference while on a call if data is being exchanged between the watch and phone.  Doesn't happen on other vehicles for me.

[Nddtkle]

Thanks for the reply. It seems my situation is nearly identical to yours.  Only difference I see is that I have a pixel 9 pro.  So I reset your theory last night and disconnected my Garmin and made a call. No issues with the call.  So I guess my temporary solution is to turn off my Garmin Bluetooth.  This makes my truck more useful and less frustrating. If I find an alternative, I will be sure to post here.  Also, I am amazed/impressed at your trouble shooting to narrow it down this much.

Thanks again. 

[Almighty]

I have this same problem in my new 2025 Silverado 1500 RST.  The build date of the truck was December 16th with IOK radio version Y172.  On December 19th a bulletin went out to update to Y176 version of the software that includes fixes for bluetooth crackling during phone calls.  I just had the dealer update my software to Y176, and unfortunately I still have issues, although not quite as bad.  It's still unstable and is going to hinder my ability to drive during a work meeting on Zoom (since it uses phone call connection).  The audio still drops out but it's a much faster reconnection time (1-2 seconds) on Y176 as compared to Y172 that was like 7 seconds during a drop out.

 

Users on other forums reported that being updated to Y175 fixed their audio issues, so I wonder if Y176 re-introduced previous issues or the dealer didn't do the right procedure after updating the software on mine (in case any resets needed to happen).

 

edit: I have a Garmin watch.  I'll try to disconnect that next time I'm in the truck and see if it's better.

Edited April 15, 2025 by Almighty
Garmin watch

[Charles G]

I just purchased a 2025 GMC Sierra Elevation and I'm having crackling issues during phone calls and also having issues with the phonecalls only coming through the front driver's side dash speaker.  I took it in and they replaced the amp saying that's the problem I got down the road and made a call same issues, I took it back and showed the service advisor in person, they said they would get back to me.  Anyone have a fix?  

[sebastien manning]

On 3/26/2025 at 5:16 PM, 56 Skywagon said:

I haven't found a proper fix.  I have a Pixel 8 phone and a Garmin watch.  If I disconnect the Garmin watch by turning it off it seems to stop the random disconnects. 

 

My symptoms are that if I'm not on a phone call the Bluetooth is steady, as in the icon on the infotainment system never disappears.  As soon as I begin a call it will start getting scratchy and then disconnect for a few seconds and the infotainment icon disappears until it reconnects.  It's almost like it can't handle the data transmission rate or interference while on a call if data is being exchanged between the watch and phone.  Doesn't happen on other vehicles for me.

I have a pixel8 pro and a Garmin approach as well. Do you shutdown the watch whenyou drive?

[56 Skywagon]

6 minutes ago, sebastien manning said:

I have a pixel8 pro and a Garmin approach as well. Do you shutdown the watch whenyou drive?

Only if I'm making or on an important call.  Silly I know.  Hopefully down the road some software updates will quash the problem.

[Greg Knox]

On 4/15/2025 at 8:49 AM, Almighty said:

I have this same problem in my new 2025 Silverado 1500 RST.  The build date of the truck was December 16th with IOK radio version Y172.  On December 19th a bulletin went out to update to Y176 version of the software that includes fixes for bluetooth crackling during phone calls.  I just had the dealer update my software to Y176, and unfortunately I still have issues, although not quite as bad.  It's still unstable and is going to hinder my ability to drive during a work meeting on Zoom (since it uses phone call connection).  The audio still drops out but it's a much faster reconnection time (1-2 seconds) on Y176 as compared to Y172 that was like 7 seconds during a drop out.

 

Users on other forums reported that being updated to Y175 fixed their audio issues, so I wonder if Y176 re-introduced previous issues or the dealer didn't do the right procedure after updating the software on mine (in case any resets needed to happen).

 

edit: I have a Garmin watch.  I'll try to disconnect that next time I'm in the truck and see if it's better.

Same crackling/blueetooth issues in my 2025 Sierra 1500.  I'll try disconneting my watch as well next time i drive.

[Grendal-fly]

I have a pixel 9 Pro and Garmin epix pro, 2 week old 2025 AT4. Disable the Garmin last night as per this thread. Driving to the store today 2 calls zero issues. On the way back call dropped, so maybe intermintet fix.  I have noticed that it seems to take android auto a long time to sync up with the phone regardless of the watch.

My 2024 Colorado has no issue at all. Ugg

 

[Greg Knox]

I tried disconnecting my watch today and had a 20 min conversation without an issue. I'm going to keep disconnecting for calls and see if it's consistently better. 

[Mike Duhaime]

I've had all the latest updates...and still have dropped calls. It happens with or without cord, any iphone. Getting dangerous as you have to grab you're phone to continue the conversation. Might get me a ticket or cause collision!!

[RMichigander]

2025 GMC 1500 Denali doing the same thing and it's got 2500 miles on it.  My Galaxy S21 phone is connected and through Android Auto but calls come to my phone.  I just deleted my phone and will try re-adding it, but based upon this forum I'm guessing that won't work either.  Oh, and the crackling sound......ear piercing/damaging like nails across a chalkboard.

[Grendal-fly]

On 5/12/2025 at 12:32 PM, Grendal-fly said:

I have a pixel 9 Pro and Garmin epix pro, 2 week old 2025 AT4. Disable the Garmin last night as per this thread. Driving to the store today 2 calls zero issues. On the way back call dropped, so maybe intermintet fix.  I have noticed that it seems to take android auto a long time to sync up with the phone regardless of the watch.

My 2024 Colorado has no issue at all. Ugg

 

So had a scheduled work call today and left my Garmin watch at home vs just disconnecting. Contacts loaded quickly and I had a 10 minute call with no issue. Will continue to test. 

[Grendal-fly]

Got and OTA update yesterday the one to add the blower  on after windows down feature. Since then zero issues. 20 Min call. Garmin watch on, No audio drop out when Android auto is connecting ext. Hopefully this isnt a fluke and the issue is corrected.