Sirius XM Subscription Limiting Channels when Phone is Connected via Bluetooth?!?

[YzPlayr]

2024 Maverick Lariat Tremor + SiriusXM Platinum package + Samsung Galaxy S23

Had very recently upgraded from the included SXM trial to the Platinum package (I think it used to be called All Access) to match what we've had in our Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid - getting us all channels. However, on a quick trip out of town yesterday, I noticed that my available channels were less than half (eyeballing it) than they should be. Long story short - called SXM and they had sent a refresh signal and had me disconnect my phone from the truck (turned off Bluetooth on the phone) for 10 minutes.

BOOM - the channels were back . . . but, then I reconnected my phone and the channels disappeared, again. Contacted SXM via chat when I got home and was told I would need to call their actual tech support, rather than just the agents who follow a script. Called them this morning and was told there's no problem with SXM services, but rather it's a function of the Ford head unit that is restricting our full-channel package from being available when the phone is connected.

Now, the phone does not even have SXM app installed on it and is really only used for handsfree phone calls and navigation. So, is this really something designed into Ford's radio? Is there a setting that can be changed to fix such a ridiculous thing? Have owned 2 Hyundai, 4 Subaru and 1 Toyota with integrated SXM and this has never been an issue.

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[Toddman45]

Weird, never had a issue with SiriusXM App. I have a subscription in my Explorer that includes streaming. I plug my phone in to the maverick & stream SiriusXM, all my channels play and are available.

Currently streaming SiriusXM over my in ceiling garage speakers now via my Sonos Amp.

 

[ABTremor]

If I understand you correctly, you have an XM reciever in the truck. Do you also have the XM App on your phone?
If so when you connect the phone via Bluetooth could it be opening the APP automatically creating a conflict of sorts?

I'm pretty sure the APP has a different channel line up than the in vehicle receivers, at least it does in my case. Very different selections available in my wife's lexus with the on board reciever than we have with the APP in the Maverick and around the house.

I guess you could check by connecting as you normally do and checking the phone to see if the XM APP is running.

If it is doing that there should be a setting on phone or the vehicle head unit to tell it not to launch the APP.

 

[YzPlayr]

If I understand you correctly, you have an XM reciever in the truck. Do you also have the XM App on your phone?
If so when you connect the phone via Bluetooth could it be opening the APP automatically creating a conflict of sorts?

I'm pretty sure the APP has a different channel line up than the in vehicle receivers, at least it does in my case. Very different selections available in my wife's lexus with the on board reciever than we have with the APP in the Maverick and around the house.

I guess you could check by connecting as you normally do and checking the phone to see if the XM APP is running.

If it is doing that there should be a setting on phone or the vehicle head unit to tell it not to launch the APP.

I have the integrated SXM that comes with the truck. I do not have the SXM app on my phone.

 

[Toddman45]

I have the integrated SXM that comes with the truck. I do not have the SXM app on my phone.

From your original post I thought you were using your phone over Bluetooth to stream Sirius XM I don't believe you originally specified you were using a Sirius tuner in your truck.

There are some channels that are only available on the app via streaming that you can't get on the actual tuners and vehicles, but I find it hard to believe your vehicle is restricting any channels that are included in a paid for package from SiriusXM.

I've had SiriusXM in quite a few vehicles starting back in '06 when Ford only carried Sirius channels while Chevy's only had XM due to contracts before they merged. Never once was there a issue getting channels I paid for in packages but a simple radio refresh should fix any of those issues easily.

I struggle to see how having your phone connected Bluetooth for calls and text messages would affect the integrated SiriusXM tuner from getting the stations in your subscription package.

 

[ABTremor]

Check page 399 of the owners manual.

The channels your looking for may be either 1) location restricted by Sirius, or the reciever can't figure out your location - you should be able to get an answer on this from Sirius tech support, or 2) there could a setting in the head unit blocking the content.

Other than that I'm out of ideas

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