Forum Discussion
Phone call sounds garbled and robotic
Every so often, maybe about once or twice a week, I will encounter this problem where I will make or receive a phone call and the call will sound garbled in general, but voices will sound robotic...
I haven't encountered it for a about a week; it had been a few days since it last happened when I posted the original question. As for the questions posted above, I haven't been able to figure out a pattern. The few times it had happened I was driving and my phone was connected to my car via bluetooth. I was in different locations, only separated by a few miles, and with high coverage. In two instances it occurred while connecting to a mobile phone not on the T-mobile network and another time it occurred while connecting to a land-line.
I've been unable to reproduce the problem consistently, and since it has only happened while in my car, I usually just stop trying to make the call until I can restart the phone. I can try airplane mode next time it occurs. Come to think of it, may it be possible that something in my car is messing with my signal? I've noticed the GPS has issues finding my location and updating while doing direction, but I just figured it was the device itself.
I have been having this exact issue and it has been driving me insane!
It began approximately 10/11/2021. Has continued through 10/30/2021.
Locations include but not limited to,
Warrenton, Clatsop County, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Astoria, Oregon
Beaverton, Oregon
Tigard, Oregon
Hillsboro, Oregon
Timeline of events:
Received phone back from Apple after repair of camera 10/11/2021.
Symptoms began around this date after making and receiving some phone calls after receiving the phone back from the Apple repair center.
Apple Store Washington Square Genius #1 (Bianca) unable to determine what hardware or software issue might be involved on 10/25/2021. Internal diagnostics found no hardware or software issues with the device. Apple Genius requested I perform a Network Reset. Unable to open an AppleCare claim because no device issues were discoverable to send the device in to the repair center in Elk Grove, California.
Contacted AppleCare by chat with support 10/29/2021. Apple offered Express Replacement Service with a device value of $1,149.00 and a hold placed on my account until device received and inspected by repair center. I decided to decline the Express Replacement Service and commuting to go through the Apple Store and attempt to involve T-Mobile Customer Care.
Contacted Apple Support by phone 10/29/2021. Apple representative was able to hear the distortion on the line. Directed me to schedule an appointment with the Apple Store. Appointment available soonest at 5:50 p.m.
Told by Apple Store Washington Square Genius #2 on 10/29/2021 that I need to talk to my carrier. Carrier (T-Mobile) so far unable to offer any assistance.
T-Mobile retail store operated by Exclusive Wireless 10/30/2021 manager Brandon able to reproduce symptoms, replaced SIM Card. Was unable to get carrier services to authenticate and/or connect with the device with a replacement SIM.
He updated the device to the latest software (from iOS 15.0 to iOS 15.2). No improvement to call quality.
Opened a third case by phone with Apple at direction and supervision of the T-Mobile retail branch 10/29/2021 under the device's Limited Warranty. Directed to schedule an appointment and bring in under the failure of the device under the warranty.
Apple believes that this is a network related issue through and through.
Symptoms:
1) Making and receiving calls
a) Distorted audio (when both sending and receiving audio on calls)
b) Robot voice receiving audio
c) Voice Changer sound receiving audio
d) clicking/tapping sounds receiving (other end also heard the tapping and connection quality issues
e) repeating syllables receiving audio, whether live or automated
Frequency of Symptoms:
Daily, almost every incoming call or call outgoing
Occasionally this does not occur, and there are no symptoms and no sign of any issues whatsoever. Usually this is when demonstrating the issue at the Apple Store. Occasionally call audio quality is fine and eventually turns to shit after a few minutes of being connected.
Audio from other sources (Spotify, etcetera) unaffected.
Facetime working without issues (FaceTime audio and video): Yes
T-Mo!
Please resolve. I have two devices on contract purchased new from T-Mobile this year. Credit Class B.
Would appreciate a full resolution.
I have documented this with recordings available of my calls.
Gracias
