Fold 3 - Bluetooth issues since upgrade to UI 5.0 Android 13

[DannyBuoy]

Ever since upgrade all media sound has been coming through broken and stutterey when played through car speaker and ear buds. Even when streaming media to a Smart TV. 

Media sound also shows as "in a call" on my car instead of media.  

If I reboot device it works ok for a little while then reverts back. 

I also have a Galaxy Watch4 Classic and I have noticed if I turn the watch into flight mode disconnecting it from the phone everything works ok.

[Ejoy]

I had an issue with the wi-Fi of the fold 3 which doesn't turn on even after factory resetting. In the end, it was a hardware issue which was still in warranty back then, so everything was replaced except the motherboard and camera as the wi-fi module is related to the foldable screen.

With that said, I think it's a module issue in the motherboard since even after all the endeavor of resetting stuff (even the vpn and work apps for the phone), it still doesn't work properly especially when unfolded. It works from time to time when folded but gets cut out after a while. I'm afraid this to be true, but most likely it is the case and my extended warranty just expired last month.

As for a workaround, try accessing the developer-options and tinker with the Bluetooth audio codec while your phone is connected from the Bluetooth audio device. Change it from SSC or SBC to AAC (as long as your device supports it), and it will work either folded or unfolded. The sad thing is though, is that you'll have to tinker it everytime when you reconnect (which is really annoying), but it will still be reusable.

I got the same issue a few days ago too, so I'm still looking into other stuffs before going to the service center.

PHONE:
Product name: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
Model name: SM-F926B/DS
One UI version: 5.0
Android Version 13
Software Current version: F926BXXS2DWA3 / F926BOXM2DVL6 / F926BXXU2DVL9

Bluetooth Audio

Galaxy Buds Pro 2 (all latest update and good stuff)

[MartianX]

Thanks. Yes changing to AAC works but resets back when disconnected.  So does this means it's a software issue?  Hope Samsung can fix this issue soon

[Ejoy]

I still really can't tell if it's a software issue. I received the latest update recently and it still doesn't work. Still can't answer calls via Bluetooth and I still need to set it back every time I need to connect and listen to music.

Will try to do another hardware factory reset on the network settings and see how it goes before taking it to the service center to determine the real issue with it

[Fold User]

Hi.. i am having the same issue with my Fold 3. Bluetooth doesnt work at all when unfolded and when folded the voice stop coming after few seconds. Whenever you find a solution please do let me know. I shall be visiting the service Centre soon and will let you know if they are able to sort this out

[SamFold]

I have issues with the Z Fold 3 Bluetooth turning off when I open the phone to the main screen.   The Bluetooth turns on when I'm using the Cover screen (closed/folded).   The Bluetooth will also turn on if I open the phone halfway (not fully open).  

I'm not positive on this but I suspect that Flex Mode Panel might be the problem.   Flex Mode Panel is a feature that appears when the phone is folded upright.   The app you are using appears on the top half of the screen and the lower half of the screen will feature various controls.   I'm thinking that the Z Fold's software is sort of like a hybrid OS, where it functions like a phone when it's closed and switches to a tablet when open.   You may notice this when certain apps need to restart when you want to switch from the Cover screen to the Main screen.

What I found that barely gets the Bluetooth working on the Main screen is this. 

1.  Make sure Bluetooth turned on on the Cover screen.  Swipe down on the Cover screen to open Notifications.

2. Press the Cogwheel icon to open Settings

3.  Select Advanced Features

4. Select Labs

5. Select Flex Mode Panel

6.  Press the icon with the 3 dots in the upper right corner.

7.   Select "About Flex mode panel"

8.  Press the icon with the letter "i" in small case (upper right corner)

9.  Select "Force Stop" on the bottom

10.   Fully open the phone to the Main screen 

Now look at the Notifications bar on the top of the screen to see if Bluetooth stays on.   If Bluetooth turns off, repeat the process.  It might take a couple of tries to get Bluetooth to stay on.  

[Malyrik]

Thanks this worked for me but it's temporary...the issue needs to be fix. I hope samsung is paying attention...