Yes, there is a free app for iPhone and Android called BMW ConnectedDrive.
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In my BMW, can I use Android Auto?
Every BMW vehicle with a Live Cockpit Plus or Professional that runs on Operating System 7 is said to support Android Auto, according to BMW. According to what we’ve observed online, the Android Auto feature is only present in software versions that begin with 07/2020. BMWs with the iDrive 7 system listed below are qualified for the update:
- Professional Live Cockpit for 2019+ 3 Series
- Future 5 Series
- Future 7 Series
- A+ 8 Series 2019
- Professional 2020+ X3 with Live Cockpit
- Professional 2020+ X4 with Live Cockpit
- 2019+ X5
- 2020+ X6
- 2019+ X7
- 2019+ Z4
The BMW 5 Series, BMW 6 Series, BMW X3 and BMW X4 models, however, may only be upgraded by the dealership using a Software Update.
What other options are there?
Using the Android Auto app on your phone and casting it to the iDrive is an alternative approach if your BMW isn’t compatible with an integrated Android Auto upgrade. Some of BMW’s most recent models include Android Screen Mirroring, which may be enabled in compatible vehicles through a quick USB coding process. With BimmerTech’s SmartView HD Flex, owners of other vehicles can begin mirroring Android to the BMW iDrive. The kit enables you to mirror the screen of your Android device on the iDrive display, allowing you to enjoy the driver-friendly Android Auto interface right on the dashboard. It eliminates the issue of disorganized cables and phone brackets clogging up your interior because it is a wireless option. The drawback is that Android Auto won’t let you use the dashboard controls; instead, you’ll have to use your phone’s touchscreen or voice commands to navigate.
Interested in learning more about screen mirroring hardware? Check out our TOP 4 screen mirroring solutions countdown and pick the one that works best for you!
Even better, if you’re feeling particularly daring, you could build a unique program around an embedded Android device. The Android Auto app may be used on a variety of Android-based devices, including single-board computers like the Odroid and older smartphones. All you need to do is figure out how to keep the device charged in your car and output the display to the iDrive screen. Our Multimedia Interface (MMI), which connects aftermarket audio-video equipment to the iDrive system, is the foundation of several BimmerTech kits. Depending on your kit, your MMI might include an extra HDMI input that you can use to link your homemade Android Auto device to the iDrive by turning it on with the stock iDrive controller. BimmerTech is always delighted to assist creative individuals in expanding their retrofit kits with new features.
Once more, the disadvantage of these non-integrated systems is that they do not provide touch interaction with Android Auto, even (as of yet) in more recent vehicles with touchscreens. That requires solely using voice commands, which may come naturally to anyone who is a part of the Google ecosystem but is still likely to provide some challenges.
Is Android Auto a Native iDrive Option for BMW?
Right currently, 47 different automobile brands offer Android Auto functionality. Earlier, BMW didn’t even have any intentions of joining them, but in December 2019, the carmaker announced its plans to integrate Android Auto into its most recent generation of BMW cars. In July 2020, the first vehicles equipped with Android Auto will be on sale. Only 2019 and 2020 BMW vehicles equipped with the most recent iDrive 7.0 will have this feature. Read our blog post about what Android Auto is and how it functions to find out more about the original software.
If you’re solely interested in authentic BMW solutions, Bluetooth, the BMW Connected app, and a select few others are the only ways to link an Android device with a BMW. Because these methods heavily depend on your phone and car model, connectivity problems and bugs are unavoidable.
If you truly want Android Auto in your BMW, you can run the software on your smartphone and mirror it onto the iDrive screen without requiring any aftermarket hardware improvements.
How effective is the BMW ConnectedDrive app?
You may use your Apple or Android smartphone, smartwatch, or even an Amazon Echo to control the BMW ConnectedDrive software. You can use it to plan your schedule, remember appointments, or schedule destinations before getting in your car.
With the help of BMW Connected, your smartphone effectively functions as a digital key to unlock and lock your BMW. Similar to a remote control, you can use it to lock doors, activate the climate control, or flash your headlights.
BMW ConnectedDrive: Is it still functional?
ATHENS — To make place for the speedier 5G cell networks, phone providers will begin to phase out 3G service later this month. Will your automobile lose important safety components? Don’t wait to ask for assistance before you find out.
BMW states that from February 2022, ConnectedDrive services cannot be supported. BMW car owners who qualify for a technological upgrade will receive notice via mail.
General Motors: Vehicles made in 2015 and after may be affected. By 2/22/2022, OnStar over-the-air updates must be deployed in order to maintain service.
Honda: If an over-the-air update is not deployed before 2/22/2022 on certain 2018–2022 models, HondaLink and WiFi hotspot functionality will be lost.
Hyundai/Genesis: Some 2012-2016 models of automobiles will no longer offer Bluelink service. Jan. 2023
Certain 2013–2019 vehicles will stop receiving Infinity InTouch servicing on February 22, 2022.
Jaguar/Land Rover: A spokesman stated that they are switching to the T-Mobile 2G Network to guarantee the continued operation of the most important connected car features linked to safety and convenience. This month, we will immediately inform all pertinent clients of this.
Porsche: Affected automobiles range from 2014 to 2019. A technological upgrade will be available for some models.
Stellantis is adapting Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep 3G vehicles to accept 4G and is providing two subscription packages to maintain service.
Subaru: (Link:) In February 2022, certain 2016–2018 automobiles will no longer receive STARLINK services. Customers who want to upgrade or continue receiving service must go to an authorized dealer.
Tesla: To keep some features in Model S vehicles manufactured before to June 2015, a $200 upgrade may be required.
Toyota: Beginning November 1, 2022, some cars from 2010 to 2019 won’t support Toyota Safety Connect.
Volvo: After January 2022, some vehicles from the model years 2015–2016 won’t be able to access linked services. Volvo does intend to provide customers with a “upgrade path.”
Volkswagen: Service will be discontinued for Car-Net users on February 22, 2022. Fall 2022 should see a technology upgrade at dealerships.
Why is Android Auto unavailable for BMW?
Get a new BMW? At least initially, it might not support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Some new BMW cars are being sold without compatibility for Apple and Google’s automotive services, claims Automotive News Europe (via 9to5Google).
The persistent chip scarcity that has hit the automotive industry particularly hard over the past year or two, according to BMW, is the root of the problem, the company confirmed to the publication. BMW had to move to a different chip since it couldn’t find the one it needed for its car, and that chip doesn’t allow CarPlay or Android Auto.
The good news is that with a software update, the capability will finally be made available. The business stated that the update would arrive “by the end of June at the latest.”
It seems that BMW cars produced during the first quarter of 2022 were impacted. Look for the string “6P1” in the production code to see if your automobile has this problem. According to forum entries, affected devices were delivered to a variety of nations, including the United States and Europe.
BMW was by no means the only automaker to ship cars without specific features in order to deliver them on schedule. Due to a chip shortage, Tesla, for instance, removed a redundant steering component from its vehicles, and Ford and Volvo sent some models without specific safety measures. It’s not even the first time BMW has done it: last year, due to a chip shortage, the company supplied some models without touchscreen capabilities.
If my BMW has Android Auto, how do I know?
Beginning in July 2020, BMW will begin incorporating Android Auto into its vehicles, the carmaker announced on Wednesday. Additionally, Android Auto will be wireless, making BMW one of the few vehicle companies to provide Google’s smartphone-powered in-car infotainment option without requiring users to plug in.
The company’s “Live Cockpit Professional” hardware (a fancy name for “the biggest touchscreens”), which is available on all 2019/2020 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, and 8 Series sedans, as well as the most recent X3, X5, and X7 SUVs, will support Android Auto. Android Auto will also be available on all BMW vehicles equipped with the 7.0 version of the company’s in-car software (iDrive). (It will be offered on the 2020 X6 SUV as well.) Owners must use Pixel, Nexus, or Samsung devices as this is Android Auto’s wireless variant.
One of the last big manufacturers to resist implementing Android Auto is BMW, especially in light of Toyota’s earlier this year revealed plans to include the feature (together with Apple CarPlay) in some of its own 2020 vehicles. Since a few years ago, BMW has made Apple’s CarPlay available, but up until last week, the carmaker actually paid owners more to use it.
When asked why it took so long to accept Android Auto, a BMW representative responded that over the previous few years, “Apple CarPlay was our main emphasis” due to the “majority of our customers utilizing iOS mobile devices.” The BMW customer spokesman does, however, note that “BMW customers have made it clear that they would like to have Android Auto connectivity accessible moving forward, which is what leads us to today’s statement.”
Is Android Auto available for the 2018 BMW X3?
Does the BMW X3 support Apple Car Play or Android Auto? In some BMW X3 variants, including the xDrive30i SportX, xdrive30i Luxury Line, and xdrive20d Luxury Line, Android Auto and Apple Car Play are available.
What distinguishes the BMW Connected app from the My BMW app?
Every each generation of BMW apps has injected more technology into the driving experience, further fusing your personal life with that of your car. This generation was no exception. Except that the most recent premiere was meant to be a wink to the drivers of electric cars.
My BMW remote app enhanced their overview and broadened their operational range while the BMW Connected app started to enable remote access to car statistics, executing upgrades to the on-board software, or controlling specific vehicle operations. It provides direct access to service facilities, significantly improves plug-in hybrid and all-electric model functions (displays electric range, charging status, tracking of charging history, programming of charging in a time slot, etc.), and provides more practical use of maps and navigation.
How did the BMW Connected app fare?
Customers in the United States will be able to download the My BMW App on April 12, 2021, for use on iOS and Android-compatible mobile devices; the My BMW App will completely replace the BMW Connected app by the end of June 2021. Since 1975, BMW of North America, LLC has operated in the United States.
Can I use my phone to start my BMW?
With the BMW Digital Key and BMW Digital Key Plus, go keyless. The key fob for your car can be replaced with an iPhone, Google Pixel, or Samsung Galaxy smartphone that is compatible. To lock and unlock, simply touch it to the driver-side door handle. To start the engine, place your device in the wireless charging tray.