# Sena Utility — user reviews > 50 indexed App Store user reviews of Sena Utility by Sena Technologies, Inc., rated 1.79/5 from 420 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sena-utility/id888785838/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sena-utility/id888785838.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 43 · 4★ 19 · 3★ 28 · 2★ 44 · 1★ 276 ## What do users think of Sena Utility? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - ✅ Hardware quality is excellent - 🔊 Audio quality and volume are impressive - 📱 Bluetooth connectivity works well (when app functions) - 🎵 Music streaming works seamlessly - ☎️ Phone call functionality is solid - 📖 Help bubbles and quick guides available - ⚡ Easy setup for some users **Cons** - 🐛 App crashes frequently and unexpectedly - ❌ App fails to connect to headset despite Bluetooth pairing - 🔄 Constant disconnect/reconnect loops - ⚙️ Firmware update functionality missing from app - 🖥️ Requires computer and USB for firmware updates - 🎨 Outdated and unintuitive user interface - 📚 Poor documentation and user guides - 🚫 Grayed out/unusable settings and features - ⏱️ Slow customer support response - 🔗 Intercom pairing is overly complicated - 🎧 Incompatible with some headset models - 📲 iOS version compatibility issues - 🔊 Audio distortion at high volumes - 🎙️ Microphone picks up excessive wind noise - ❓ Confusing button sequences and controls **Commonly reported bugs** - App requires firmware update message persists even after updating - Connection failure message in Smart Intercom Pairing - App crashes when opening certain features - Bluetooth connection drops mid-use - Settings remain grayed out and inaccessible - App not compatible with SMH10R model despite similar variants - Windows 10 compatibility requires workaround process - Device not recognized via USB connection - App store update notification loops - Static and garbled audio during group calls - Phone calls drop or become broken up - Left/right speaker volume imbalance - App force closes during settings changes - Firmware version mismatch between app and device **Most requested features** - Firmware update capability within the mobile app - Volume balance adjustment for stereo channels - Equalizer for audio customization - Simplified one-click intercom pairing - Siri shortcut integration - Better noise cancellation for microphone - Modern, sleek UI redesign - Lower latency for group communication - Simultaneous music and intercom functionality - FM radio availability on all models - Bluetooth-only firmware updates without computer - Mute microphone option ## Newest reviews (18 of 50) ### 3/5 — Here is how to get the firmware to update on Windows 10 PC! *2022-12-15, version 3.9* I was getting very pi$$ed off trying to update the firmware and getting the software to work to do so on my windows 10 PC for my new 10R. After downloading the vintage software program from their site it kept giving me an error and I tried to uninstall and reinstall numerous times. I finally found that they added a specific process which they break down on the sena website under “troubleshooting” to get it to work finally. You need to search there for “Fix for windows 10”. After doing that process , the software app finally opened and I was able to connect my 10R and update the firmware. I don’t understand why you can’t just update the firmware via Bluetooth through the iphone app. This needs to be addressed. This is borderline torture. ### 3/5 — Sena Firmware Updates *2022-06-25, version 3.9* The app works for me using the PI Headsets that are not overly complicated as you can only connect to one other PI device. Easily pairs the headsets together. Doesn’t offer anything else truly useful. It kept promoting me to do a firmware upgrade but you can’t use the app for that which doesn’t make any sense at all. Isn’t that what apps are about. Apparently not with Sena. You need to use an actual computer and download their device manager to that computer then plug in the PI devices to do said upgrades. It’s a convoluted process. Seems so yesterday. It’s clear that they haven’t spent a lot of time working on the app. 5 stars when they get that type of feature within the app. ### 3/5 — Feature to short cut to Siri? *2022-06-06, version 3.9* I do not use the intercom facility in the helmet. It would be very nice if I could set up a shortcut to get to Siri quickly. Having to hold down the button for three seconds is tiresome. Please consider this for a future release. ### 2/5 — Really want to like this app but…. *2021-11-27, version 3.8* I really wanted to like this but it is o poorly designed. The UI must have been designed by a wanna-be high school developer. Please, make the changes that are needed to make this a great app. I’m about ready to return my helmet so I don’t have to deal with this app. Why can’t I update my firmware from the app? Do I really need to download it to my computer? ### 1/5 — No connection to Bluetooth *2021-03-21, version 3.3* This 10s worked great at one time now it won’t connect to the Bluetooth. I’ve reset, reinstalled, shut everything off and on, tried 100’s of times, emailed the help desk and they can’t seem to fix it. All the help desk says it what the instructions say and I’ve followed them step by step and it doesn’t work so I email again and they send me the same stuff. As much as it costs you think they could do better. 🤬 ### 1/5 — Can’t connect to bluetooth *2021-01-04, version 3.3* I have two boom evo s20’s and neither will connect to Bluetooth using my IPhone 10? What am I doing wrong? Or is this an issue with Sena head sets. I have reset my iPhone 11 Pro Max to factory settings and still there is a Bluetooth connectivity issue with the app, I also tried to install the the app using my wife’s iPhone 6 and still have a Bluetooth connectivity issue preventing me from pairing either of my two Boom EVO 20’s to my phone #very dissatisfied having paid well in excess of $500. Plus! Please review and advise in a much needed fix. ### 1/5 — Great headset, worlds worst app *2020-10-14, version 3.1* When you look at the review of this app, people aren’t wrong. The app is not intuitive, has a UI from the 1980’s and doesn’t bring any value other than configuration which is easier on a laptop pc or Mac. Sena certainly ruin the whole product experience with this app, it’s a good job the headset is good. Their competitor, Cardo, has the same type of product but their app feels a lot fresher and brings a few more functions such as audio control. ### 3/5 — Sena 10c *2020-08-05, version 3.0* I like seeing the different profiles of the different headsets of other riders I’ve connected to. Still trying to get the hang of toggling between my music on the iPhone and the intercom. The FM reception of the 10c is not too good and gets worse if I connect it to the bikes electrical system. So now I have a separate battery pack in my pocket that I connect to so I can run the camera video tagging all day. Otherwise the camera only last about an hour and a bit before the dreaded “battery low”. Receiving Phone calls are super. Dialing out is a trick. The 10c is a Swiss Army knife: it does everything, some better than others some worse but at least it does everything. Get the 32 gig card. ### 1/5 — Utterly useless *2020-07-19, version 3.0* This helmet system has so much promise, but whomever is in charge of it clearly doesn’t actually use it. You get into these tail chasing modes from hell, where the app won’t connect to the helmet. Ever. I programmed in three languages, so it’s not like I’m an idiot who can’t use an app. You can’t control sound, they should have an equalizer built in, and effectively, I can’t think of a single useful function for this thing. Not one. Tons of promise, terrible execution. ### 1/5 — Not compatible with SMH10R *2020-06-23, version 3.0* Like others, I am unable to connect my Sena headset to the App, to adjust settings. Firmware updated. Reconnected Bluetooth device to phone. Reinstalled Sena Utility App... After contacting customer support, I’ve been informed the app is NOT COMPATIBLE with the SMH10R (though it is with the 10r). What a buzzkill...writing this review so that others aren’t left scratching their heads the way that I was. Rest assured, settings can still be accessed through the headset itself... but good luck navigating that in a pinch! Love the headset, wish the app could support all models. ### 1/5 — This is just awful *2020-06-18, version 3.0* I downloaded this app to use with my Sena 20s this app is just awful, it connects and disconnects constantly , I’m mean in a never ending loop. You cannot use the tools or the settings in it , most items are grayed out and unusable , you cannot update, it’s surprising being this unit is not cheap. If you like headaches and glitches then this is for you.... I deleted it after 2 days, I’m sorry, but this is probably one of the worst apps I have ever attempted to use I could only give one star, but it really needs -⭐️ a negative 1 ### 2/5 — Intercom pairing fail *2020-02-05, version 2.9* Why can I not just click on the headsets in my pairing list to pair? Why do I have to press and hold a series of buttons to pair? Your instructions are either garbage or our headsets are broken because we cannot get them to pair for group intercoms. So expensive and so disappointing. I feel like you advertise an awesome idea knowing that you can’t actually fulfill these ideas with this technology. ### 1/5 — Disappointed Owner. *2020-02-02, version 2.9* I have updated to the most current firm ware version. Yet it still tells me to update to current version. My Sena works great but if I need to make some changes on the trail I am SOL! The mobile app is useless. The o my way to update is to come t to my computer. It all worked so well in the past. SENA seems like they are not capable of keeping up with the mobile technology. I’m guessing other companies are. ### 1/5 — Well, when the app works it’s useful *2020-01-03, version 2.8* The app works well, has an error message stating that the 10C-Pro needs the latest firmware version. Great, I’ll get the latest firmware version via Sena’s device manager to update my device. Oh, it needs a USB 2.0, not a 3.0. Fair enough I just connect it there, to the 2.0 port on my PC. ’Device not recognized’ Okay, I try again, sometimes this happens I guess. ’Device not recognized’ Okay, maybe it’s a bad driver. I’ll check and reinstall if necessary. ’Device not recognized’ Alright, maybe it’s my PC. I’ll try the Chromebook. Sena doesn’t have a device manager for Chromebook, only MAC and PC. Alright, I’ll get in touch with tech support. Oh yeah, I almost forgot SENA tech support only exists in fairy tails. ### 4/5 — Sena app *2019-12-19, version 2.8* It’s important to update your device with the latest firmware. I was not able to connect to the Sena app until I updated my R1. Once updated, everything works as it should. When you figure out the button presses on the R1 its a breeze to change FM presets and to control music from your phone. ### 1/5 — *****B E W A R E***** *2019-12-17, version 2.8* Anyone that works for Sena can write a posits review about and APP that doesn’t work. Their updates online don’t work either. Don’t waste your time with tech support. They won’t and can’t fix your problem. Look at what everyone has written below, have you seen a fix? Some of the issues have been for over two years. Plain and simple SENA’s app DOES NOT WORK!!! Look at other headsets if you want to use and app, otherwise stick to ONLY using the hardware.***** ### 1/5 — Not user friendly at all *2019-10-25, version 2.8* The app doesn’t come with any user guide included, so you have to download even more stuff, and then if it thinks your headset firmware is out of date it won’t connect to your headset. Why doesn’t the app have the ability to update your headset? These were expensive headsets, but the user experience is like what you would expect from cheap junk. ### 2/5 — Cannot connect app since IOS13 *2019-10-24, version 2.8* Got two 10S. Both connect to iPhone just fine. Under IOS12 used app to change functionality. Under IOS13 device will connect but app no longer works, says I need a firmware update. App on Windows 10 using USB can be used to change functionality. Tech support knows of problems but no solution yet. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — As other said, app is trash *2023-03-11, version 3.9* Every single person that has reviewed the app said the same thing, years later, no fix from Sena. They respond to update app and firmware, we’ll ive done that numerous times, this app simply doesn’t work. I have not seen ONE review that said app works good. The only good reviews on here are for the headset themselves, and apparently the people are reviewing the headsets, not the app. App is 100% useless. ### 1/5 — App Crashes in Smart Intercom Pairing after firmware update *2022-09-10, version 3.9* When I open Smart Intercom Pairing on the App I get a “Connection Failure. Your App needs to restart.” message every single time if the device is connected. I have tried everything to remedy the situation, uninstalling/ reinstalling the app, restarting my phone, forgetting the pi on my Bluetooth settings, etc. this started occurring when I updated the pi to firmware version 1.0.1. I couldn’t find a 1.0 firmware version online to restore to. ### 1/5 — Horrid app, functionality and & upgrade process *2022-09-10, version 3.9* I’m a loyal user of Sena motorcycle intercoms so was very happy to see they put out bicycle helmets and bought two so I can listen to music while I ride while still being able to chat with others. Unlike the motorcycle device you CANNOT listen to music and chat at same time. You have to press the intercom button which is hit and miss on connecting. If you are trying to warn others of some danger you won’t have time for this process and ultimately we end up not using intercom at all which means the major selling point of these helmets doesn’t work. Additionally the firmware can’t be upgraded without a computer- which I don’t carry on bike trips so I have been getting upgrade warnings for weeks. The FM radio function is not available in my M1 helmet. Lastly this app doesn’t connect with the M1 helmet so there’s yet another annoyance. ### 1/5 — the WORST. APP. (and devices) EVER *2022-07-24, version 3.9* this product should be pulled from the market. Pi$$ poor user interface, impossibly complicated and difficult pairing and unnecessary features no one wants to asked for. It’s nice to have numerous features you might not need or want if the whole product works as you would expect. trying to pair my device with another SENA product but I must’ve pushed the wrong sequence of buttons and suddenly my sena is playing fm radio! and it was more than a minute trying to stop it. WTAF?! after more than 15 mins trying to connect with my buddy’s sena and never got it to work, I gave up. couldn’t even get it to pair with my phone. SENA FAIL FAIL FAIL ### 1/5 — Doesn’t upgrade firmware *2021-09-25, version 3.7* The website for this company says that they released version 1.1 on September 23 for my device. It will not show up on the desktop software or in this application. I contacted the company for help. They wrote me back as if I was an idiot and told me to download the software and try to update it. What did you think I was doing? That’s exactly what I told you was not working. No volume boost some music is pathetically low volume. I regret buying their products. This application stinks. ### 1/5 — SENA App is trash *2021-09-03, version 3.6* This SENA app does not work. My sena works to Bluetooth to my phone without issues however when I attempt to use the app the "If your headset cannot be connected with this app, please update your headset to the latest firmware version." I did everything from the sena website, to include downloading the updates and updating the SENA SR10 and nothing. I reset it and nothing. I attempted it again, nothing. Turned it on and off to power cycle numerous times. The app does not work and it's time for SENA to admit the have a garbage app but a good product. Hire someone to fix your broken app already, SENA. ### 1/5 — Cardo is better than Sena *2021-06-23, version 3.5* Sena has to be the laziest company involved with motorcycle riding. They offer the same hardware for 6 years, offer updates that make things worse for 6 years straight. I’ll give you a tip…. Never update your Sena and most programs will work 3/4 of the time. I tried emailing Sena for in regards to customer service. I never got a response.. Their Mac updates do not work either. I sent over the trouble shoot codes multiple times for them to ignore my emails. When I went to cycle gear they states that it was common for Sena to not update on macs, that none of them recommend updating the hardware. I will never buy or use another Sena product again. Instead of making the basics work they up their price every new model because of some “feature” no one wants or is asking for. Do yourself a favor and buy a Cardo instead. ### 1/5 — What a horrible app *2021-05-27, version 3.5* I’m amazed that a product as well known and as decent of quality does not have an app that’s works. I have the 50R installed in my motorcycle helmet, I bought the unit because the reviews of the actual unit are good, which it is: sounds great. BUT, the app is absolute garbage! I’ve installed, uninstalled, updated my iOS system and it still doesn’t function properly. I’ve done two tickets with Sena for help and no response. I was lucky enough to get someone to help me link it to my phone so I can use it but I’m unable to access any of the other useful info like what The buttons do, how to answer the phone , the ability to get updates. I could go in and on but I’m done. Be warned ### 1/5 — Not intuitive and ancient *2021-05-10, version 3.4* It’s one thing if Stone Age tech is solid and intuitive, as grandma says “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” but that can’t be said about this app, it’s feature set and the confounding nature of what “feature” does what - I want helmet speakers that play my turn by turn directions so I don’t need to glance at my phone. But wait “HD voice” oooh fancy high definition makes turn by turn not play correctly, wait what? When a companies user guide cannot explain to someone easily how to use its product or software who I would self qualify as technically savvy (and judging by other reviews) not the only mechanically inclined motorcycle enthusiast ready to shell out a few hundred bennies for a Bluetooth headset. And seemingly takes years to hire a new UI designer to appease the eyeballs and fingertips of its customers, you gotta wonder where they put their R&D money? Every year, new bells and whistles but the foundation tech isn’t solid… but I digress. ### 1/5 — Inop *2021-04-06, version 3.3* I just installed and the left ear seems louder than the right, I checked the speakers for even placement. I was hoping to find a volume balance in the app. But the app will not communicate with the headset. I am connected via Bluetooth, and the Sena voice keeps say “remote control connected” then “remote control disconnected”. Any tips for the app on an iPhone? I tried to submit this directly to Sena first, but they seem to be incredibly interested in collecting all of my personal information, not with communicating with the customer. I’m not that interested in giving everything over to a stranger to sell on the web. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Easy install - works great! *2021-12-25, version 3.8* I was apprehensive at first when I saw the star ratings, but the install couldn’t have been easier. Updating the firmware to the latest version was equally easy, and so far everything works as I’d hope. (I have two R2 bicycle helmets) ### 5/5 — Works as advertised *2019-07-02, version 2.8* I don't get all the negative reviews. The app looks and works fine. Its easy to navigate and do what you need to do to get your hardware working and programmed. If it says there is an update available, there is! If it doesn't show in the app store the app store hasn't updated on your phone yet... just open the app store go ti the sena app listing and wait 2-3 minutes.... thats not a sena issue and isn't unique to this app. ### 5/5 — Great setup *2019-03-09, version 2.6* I don’t u detest and the negative feedback. Unless you are a complete moron it’s easy. Leader of group holds two buttons to start pairing then one by one everyone else does the same. Wow so tough guys. Great work Sena and excellent product. ### 5/5 — Works great, simplified setup *2018-10-05, version 2.5.5* I have no idea what the low reviews are all about. The UI is obvious and simple. There's a help bubble that explains each function right there next to each item. I ran through every single setting in five minutes and I was ready to ride. ### 5/5 — DO IT! *2018-07-20, version 2.5.3* If you own a motorcycle and hopefully a helmet, I highly recommend getting a Sena Bluetooth Communication System. I currently have the 20S EVO and it works great. Audio quality and volume are higher than expected. The app has been working great for me so I'm not sure why there are so many bad reviews. I'm guessing the app might have some problems with certain phone's OS. I have an iPhone 7+ running iOS 11.4 and haven't had a single issue. ### 5/5 — Works Great with the 20S! *2018-06-15, version 2.5.3* My wife and I each have a 20S and we absolutely love them AND this app. I was shocked to see all of the negative reviews. We’re going into our 3rd season with them and I can’t think of a single issue that we’ve had with the hardware or the app. ### 5/5 — Works great *2018-05-09, version 2.5.2* Don’t understand the negative reviews this app works great. I have never owned a sena before and this was a great learning tool for me. Every easy to used. Some people I think just can’t run the computer. ### 5/5 — Handy way to program 10C *2018-02-24, version 2.5* It’t not as flashy of an interface but it works great when you need to check your header settings of change them. Also I like the quick guide feature that allows you have manuals stored in the app for fast reference. ### 5/5 — 20S *2017-09-03, version 2.4* I have the 20S. This app works perfectly. I usually don't ever give reviews but after seeing all of the negative reviews I had to. Sena products are absolutely amazing. I drive truck and use a blue parrot Bluetooth and thought it was great. I called a buddy the day I bought my shovel lowrider with straight pipes going 65 miles per hour on the interstate and he said I sounded like I was sitting next to him on the couch. Absolutely no background noise. By the way, no face shield. Direct wind in my face. Still no noise. ### 4/5 — Works as it should *2022-09-03, version 3.9* So far I haven’t noticed any of the issues anyone else mentioned. I and my girlfriend bought the same exact model helmet and have no issues, so maybe it’s a cross compatibility thing with the issues others are having. Bluetooth works, phone works, intercom works, etc. Only reason I gave 4 stars is I get a notification every time I open the app to update to the latest version, and I can’t seem to actually update the helmet firmware. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*