The list of compatible phones is not exhaustive; rather, it only includes the most recent models that BMW has examined and determined to be compatible with our most recent BMW Bluetooth modules. With the BMW Systems, the majority of Apple and Android phones are completely supported. Other well-known Android smartphones made by manufacturers like ASUS, OPPO, and Xiaomi that are not on the list have also been successfully tested by us, and we have discovered they work fairly well with the BMW system.
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Sadly, not all Bluetooth-enabled phones will function (completely or partially) with BMW’s Bluetooth systems. As a result, the phrase “Bluetooth” is vague and insufficient to guarantee compatibility. It’s sad because the phone’s description usually only mentions “Bluetooth.”
An excellent example comes from my own experience: despite being Bluetooth-enabled, my SonyEricsson P900 can accomplish nothing without my car (the SonyEricsson P900 lacks a “handsfree profile” required to work with the BMW implementation of integration of cell phone and car). Successful retrofit of the 6 Series with Bluetoth, but phone incompatibility
There are other functions on your phone that may or may not function properly even if it is “BT compatible” and has the BT “handsfree profile.” For instance, to enable a number of convenient features, the phone should instantly share its phone book with the vehicle: based on the contacts in your phone: Displaying the calling name
There is a limited list of phones that work with BMW Customer Assistance (SE T68i, SE T610, SE T630, Motorola V600). Here is a longer list of compatibilities: A longer list of phones compatible with BMW
Please share your strategies with us so that we may all benefit from your expertise and experience.
Which mobile devices work with the BMW digital key?
The 2023 X1 and a whole new electric SUV called the iX1 are two new vehicles that BMW introduced this week that would utilize its Digital Key Plus technology.
Without a physical key, eligible BMW automobiles can now be locked, unlocked, or started using an iPhone or Apple Watch thanks to Digital Key Plus. However, Digital Key Plus makes use of Ultra Wideband technology to detect when you are near the vehicle, allowing you to keep your iPhone in your pocket. The regular NFC version of the function requires the iPhone or Apple Watch to be held near the driver-side door in order to open the vehicle.
Additionally, Digital Key Plus enhances security by preventing relay attacks, in which a third party jams or intercepts the radio signal between the iPhone and the vehicle, thanks to Ultra Wideband’s precise location awareness.
With the digital keys stored in Apple’s built-in Wallet app, Digital Key Plus requires an iPhone 11 or newer, or an Apple Watch Series 6 or newer. More BMW vehicles are gradually receiving the function, including the 2022 iX and the present 2023 X1 and iX1. A complete list of BMW vehicles that use the standard NFC-based Digital Key function is accessible on Apple’s website for models manufactured in 2021 and later.
The My BMW app can be used to set up Digital Key Plus, and up to five additional users may share digital keys. The functionality continues to function for up to five hours even if your iPhone’s battery goes out thanks to a Power Reserve mode.
How is a BMW connected via Bluetooth?
You must first begin the Bluetooth connection process on your car’s radio in order to connect your Android device to your BMW vehicle. You will then be prompted by the system to finish the device configuration. Go to the Settings section of your Android phone and choose Wireless & Networks.
Why won’t my phone pair with the Bluetooth in my BMW?
The troubleshooting steps that your BMW dealer or Apple Genius might suggest are shown below. Although none of them have been successful for me, it doesn’t harm to try the ones you think might be useful:
- Turn on pairing mode to re-pair the devices after erasing all previously-paired Bluetooth devices (BMW) and the Bluetooth accessories (vehicle) in iOS.
- iOS software update (this often makes the situation worse)
- The iPhone was factory reset (a huge waste of time)
- Reset the network settings on your phone (iOS)
- turn on and off airplane mode
- changing the head unit (BMW)
- Bluetooth should be turned off, then back on.
Is Android compatible with BMW?
Your car allows a wireless connection between your smartphone and your BMW thanks to Android Auto compatibility with BMW. This makes it easier for you to use your BMW’s well-known features and numerous opportunities. Talk to Google on Android Auto to complete tasks using your voice and maintain your attention on the road.
How can I pair my BMW with my Samsung Bluetooth?
BMW currently boasts one of the greatest collections of apps on the market. Most people concentrate on iPhones and iOS devices, but we’re not here for those things.
When an official part wasn’t available, we previously showed you how to make your own iPhone cradle and a few fascinating apps. We are currently examining the rivalry, the Android cellphones.
So, we’ll demonstrate how to connect your Android phone to a BMW iDrive system. You should first go to the settings section of your iDrive menu and choose Connections.
Select Bluetooth under the Connections menu, and then click “Add new device.” You must now ensure that the Bluetooth connection on your phone is active and discoverable. When you are certain that is the case, choose ‘Search for new devices’ from the menu on your phone.
The BMW id for your vehicle should be shown on your iDrive screen. It’s 32519 in the video down below, for instance. You can choose a car or item using that information. You’ll notice a passkey once you locate the identification number for your car. Click “ok” after making sure it matches the one shown on the screen in your car.
I’m done now. Your phone is now linked to the iDrive system in your vehicle. Check out the video below for a more detailed explanation.
How can I tell whether the Bluetooth in my BMW is upgraded?
Did you know that in 2000, the first car with Bluetooth was introduced? (No, it wasn’t a BMW; a Chrysler only.) And even after 18 years, this technology remains one of the most crucial ways to integrate your phone’s capabilities into your preferred vehicle.
Depending on the package or the car configurations you select, BMWs come with two different sorts of features: Bluetooth Basics and Bluetooth Enhanced (EBT).
Please be aware that your model, phone, and even the network operator have a significant impact on the EBT features. While some BMWs with Enhanced Bluetooth may be restricted to fewer functions than are typically attributed to this technology, other vehicles with Basic Bluetooth may have more options than they should. Check the BMW Bluetooth compatibility page to find out exactly what you will receive with the EBT Bluetooth audio update. Keep in mind that this list is constantly subject to change; each BMW Bluetooth software update may include new functions, and updating the operating system on your phone may affect the functionality available to you in your vehicle.
Which mobile devices work with Android Auto?
a smartphone running Android 11.0. a Samsung or Google smartphone running Android 10. Android 9.0 on a Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, or Note 8
Why can’t my iPhone and BMW pair?
For a safer way to use your iPhone while driving, newer car models offer CarPlay. Verify that this feature is supported by your car. If not, you cannot utilize it. Once you’ve established that your automobile is compatible with CarPlay, check to make sure the feature is configured correctly. What you should do next is as follows:
- Put your iPhone X in your car’s USB port if it supports CarPlay over a wired method. Simply seek for the USB port that has a CarPlay or smartphone icon labeled on it.
- Press the Voice Control buttons and hold the on the steering wheel to set up CarPlay if your vehicle supports wireless CarPlay. Ensure that Bluetooth pairing or wireless mode is active in your vehicle.
- Go to Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Cars on your iPhone X, then pick your vehicle.
- In order for your iPhone to recognize your car, it must be operating.
Consult your car’s manual for more detailed instructions on how to utilize CarPlay on your vehicle.
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.
When did BMW introduce Android Auto?
Google introduced Android Auto seven years ago, but it took some time to catch on. Following a significant revamp in 2019, the platform for automotive infotainment systems gained momentum once more. One of the last remaining automakers, BMW, will join the list of automakers who enable Android Auto in 2020.
If my BMW has Android Auto, how do I know?
By wirelessly connecting your smartphone to your BMW, Android AutoTM enables you to use your preferred communication, media, and navigation apps without being distracted while driving. You can conveniently voice-control Android apps with Google Assistant, allowing you to focus entirely on driving.
- BMW Operating System 7 or 8-equipped vehicles.
- vehicles with the Connected Package Professional (6C3/4) extra kit. Exclusively obtainable when used with BMW Live Cockpit Plus (6U2) or BMW Live Cockpit Professional (6U3).
- Android AutoTM can be added to BMW Operating System 7-equipped vehicles with the necessary equipment option via remote software updates.
Android AutoTM is an optional piece of equipment in nations where the Connected Package Professional isn’t offered Smartphone Integration (6CP).
The Android AutoTM service is always accessible in your BMW and has no runtime restrictions.
Note that depending on the nation, Android AutoTM may not be available or have different requirements.
A suitable Android phone with an active data plan and 5 GHz Wi-Fi capability is required to use Android AutoTM.
- any device running Android 11.0
- A smartphone with Android 10.0 from Google or Samsung
- Android 9.0 on a Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, or Note 8