Some users have reported an issue in which iPhones are no longer recognized by Volvo iPod/iPhone integrated audio systems after the update to iOS 4.2. Users experiencing this problem may receive an error message indicating “USB not recognized.”
This issue affects several Volvo models, including the C30, V50, XC90 and others. Users have reported a similar issue with some Alpine head units.
In the meantime, there are several potential fixes for this issue, including:
Hard reset. Some users have been able to restore connectivity and eliminate issues by resetting their devices. Hold down the sleep/wake and home buttons simultaneously for roughly 15-20 seconds, until the screen powers off then an Apple logo appears, which signifies a reboot. Some problems may require (oddly) that this procedure is performed twice. Failing this, try the rest of the 4 Rs, listed in our iPhone troubleshooting guide.
Reset head unit or system. If you are connecting your iOS device you a head unit, try removing the face plate and pressing the small reset button with a paper clip. Alpine, for instance, offers these instructions:
“To reset the Alpine head unit there is a small indented button usually located on or behind the face of the head unit. This can typically be pressed with a pen or paper clip. Press and hold this button until the head unit powers down.”
Try such a reset in conjunction with the aforementioned iOS device reset.
Connect iOS device while it is off. Some users have reported success with connecting their iOS devices while off, then starting their cars, then powering on the iOS device.
December 5, 2010 at 12:25 PM
Hi I have a v70 and a 3Gs iPhone, just upgraded to OS 4.2.1 and now the Iphone will not connect to the my car, comes up with USB unreadable. Also on the bluetooth I can no longer call voicemail, it connect on the phone but does not come thru the car speakers, normal calls function OK – Help!
December 5, 2010 at 3:06 PM
For Alpine owners. This worked for me while all the stuff in the above article failed.
1. Reset both devices as mentioned in this article.
2. Remove Alpine unit from iPhones BT memory & turn iPhone BT off.
3. With auto running, turn Alpine’s BT off in System settings.
4. Stop auto’s engine.
5. Restart auto’s engine and turn Alpine BT on again in Alpine’s System settings.
6. Stop auto’s engine.
7. Restart auto’s engine.
8. Begin searching for iPhone with Alpine unit.
9. Turn BT on in iPhone & begin searching for Alpine unit.
This works for me when the two devices cannot connect.
Me: Alpine iXA-W407 iPhone 3Gs
I wish Apple made auto stereos!
December 11, 2010 at 2:01 PM
Same problem here. My XC60 (2010) will not sync after upgrade.
First took the Volvo in for service, the diagnostics they ran said no errors, but no mention if they used an iPhone 3-4 with older software. My husbands iPhone G3 works just fine. So then i took my phone G4 to the Apple “Genious” and they never mentioned there was a problem nor bothered to look at the Apple discussion page. They just gave me a new phone saying… try it now. Well… I tried it and it still doesn’t work.
I’m really bummed that I’ve lost all my functionality and have to rely on the Aux. Not good when driving since it forces you to take your hands off the wheel to make any type of adjustments.
Sad, very sad.
Apple discussion pages are loaded with pissed customers. And news flash… this is happening with BMW and Mercedes too.
December 13, 2010 at 6:18 AM
the same problem with my Volvo XC60 2010.
Also very Sad. I have had now to plug my old sony mp3 device.
December 14, 2010 at 7:18 AM
Same problem with my 2010 V70 & 3GS. Had the same issue earlier when the iPhone software went from 4.0 to 4.1 also. Have searched the web for a fix for since loading the revised version of the o/s. Spoke to Apple ‘help-line’ on the phone today and they started giving me the fix info from this web-page! They recommended I logged the issue on their feedback web facility. Fat lot of help. I am using a ‘headphone to aux’ lead for now and hope the next update mends the issue.
December 21, 2010 at 10:04 AM
Same issue here!! i phone won’t sync with vovlo usb in car
after 0s 4.2 update! Please get this resolved soon. Thank you,
Dave
December 21, 2010 at 10:08 AM
Is apple aware there is a problem? And will this next
update address this issue? Please let us know if someone with
knowledge of the situation will keep us informed of any new
updates. Dave
December 30, 2010 at 4:48 PM
Exact same problem for me on my Volvo V50 T5. Rebooting and
resetting my iPhone 3G did not work. Any other ideas out
there?
January 7, 2011 at 1:30 AM
Solution is : downgrade to iOS 4.1… please google again
“iphone volvo” etc… guys, you will see explanations on some other
forum.
January 20, 2011 at 6:13 AM
Same problem on Volvo XC60 and Iphone 3G when upgrading in IOS 4.2.1.
January 28, 2011 at 3:14 PM
same problem here! upgrade my phone to ios4.2.1 and to my surprise, I can’t connect my iphone to my scion!! what the hell is Apple trying to do? Very tempted to go Android instead!!!
February 7, 2011 at 12:55 PM
I too have the same issue, I bought my XC 60 in October, no problem with USB connection, upgraded to 4.2 and lost music. Went into local apple store whose only suggestion was to cotact car maufacturer since you cannot downgrade from 4.2. Clearly not a helpful store. Apple require an upgrade to resolve this problem otherwise will revert to another supplier.
February 10, 2011 at 6:03 AM
i’ve got a c30 did the apple update now ive got nothing! damm you apple!!!
March 3, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Bought my Volvo v70 in Oct. 2010. Now I lost my music after updating my iphone to 4.2.1. It surprice me that Apple can do such a thing to their customer.
March 20, 2011 at 11:16 AM
Have been into Apple with my 3G not connecting via USB to play any music in my V70. Apparently this issue has been resolved in the new software 4.3. However software version 4.3 cannot be installed onto a 3G phone! Basically the issue will never be resolved. Unlucky to anyone with a 3G phone and a Volvo, your phone will only ever do some of what it’s supposed to.
August 3, 2012 at 1:48 AM
this IS a joke, is it? How can apple ignore the customers? If they cannot fix it, I will take a samsung or whatever will please me! So apple: DO something. My XC60 and iPhone 4 are not a good marriage. Whren I start the enginge it will do good by USB port and after 5 Minutes stoppps the sound… then switch to bluetooth with a complete loss of the menue! THAT’s NO solution…
August 6, 2012 at 2:51 AM
maybe somebody can help: How can I make shure, that my iPhone doesn’t switch automatically back into the “myVolvoCar” mode? I change it manual but after a minute or even less it will change back? Any clues?????
August 9, 2012 at 12:44 AM
anybody HOME?