Choose your BMW from the Bluetooth menu on your iPhone. Your iDrive 7 screen will validate the pairing request as the two start to pair. Verify the PIN is the same on your iPhone and iDrive 7 screens, then select Yes. On your iDrive 7 screen, click the Connect to Apple CarPlay option.
In This Article...
Wireless functionality
Apple CarPlay is not a stand-alone system; it requires your iOS smartphone to be connected to your vehicle at all times. Although Apple CarPlay apps are displayed on your BMW screen, the apps are still executed by your iPhone.
Thankfully, you can wirelessly connect your iPhone to BMW CarPlay over WiFi with this Apple CarPlay update for BMW. To couple the two, simply turn on Bluetooth on your iPhone and navigate to Settings > General > CarPlay on your iPhone. Once you’ve done that, each time you turn on your car, Carplay will automatically connect.
Turn on WiFi and Bluetooth on your iPhone, then open the Bluetooth menu.
Why doesn’t my BMW have Apple CarPlay?
Due to the carmaker switching its chip supplier, BMW is temporarily shipping new vehicles without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto require updated software to function on the new CPUs found in many BMWs produced this year. Dealerships are advising BMW customers who purchase a new vehicle without CarPlay to wait for an over-the-air upgrade that will add the feature “by the end of June at the latest.”
It’s unclear how many BMW models are impacted, but a lot of consumers in the UK, France, Italy, and the US have complained online about receiving new cars without CarPlay. Models that are affected have the specification code “6P1” in them.
While some BMW owners may have to temporarily do without CarPlay capability, BMW is moving chip suppliers to enhance its supply chain over the long run, which could help to alleviate component shortages in the second half of the year.
With support for Digital Key, Ultra Wideband Digital Key Plus, and a feature-rich dual-screen wireless CarPlay experience, BMW provides one of the most integrated experiences with Apple’s ecosystem. BMW only began providing CarPlay in 2016 and faced criticism for charging a $80 yearly subscription charge before canceling the subscription in response to the backlash.
Exactly how can I turn CarPlay on in my 2017 BMW?
- Turn on the Bluetooth, Siri, and WiFi on your iPhone.
- On your iDrive 7 interface, press COM, then click Mobile Devices.
- Now that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone, you should be able to choose your BMW.
My BMW X3 won’t start Apple CarPlay; what should I do?
It’s time to sync your iPhone with your BMW X3 when Apple CarPlay has been enabled. Here’s how to configure it:
1. Switch on WiFi and Bluetooth on your iPhone.
2. Open the ‘Communication’ menu on the iDrive screen of your BMW X3.
3. Click on “Mobile Devices.”
4. Select “New Device.”
Choose “Phone calls and audio via Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay” on step 5.
6. On the screen of the BMW X3, choose your phone.
7. When you see the prompt “A Bluetooth Pairing Request,” choose “Pair.”
8. Click “Allow” to accept the popup to sync your contacts and favorites.
9. Your iPhone will then display a “Use CarPlay with BMW?” question. Click “Use CarPlay.”
10. Once more, on the screen of your BMW X3, choose “Confirm note and connect to Apple CarPlay.”
11. Select the name of your phone under “Connected Devices.”
12. Click “Connection Mode,” followed by “Apple CarPlay.”
Press the Apple CarPlay icon when it displays on the X3 home screen to start CarPlay.
By choosing the BMW emblem in Apple CarPlay, you can return to the BMW X3 infotainment system display that came with the vehicle.
How can I get free BMW CarPlay activated?
I’d like to utilize Apple CarPlay in my BMW, but I seem to recall that it used to be somewhat expensive. Is there a way for me to obtain Apple CarPlay on my BMW for nothing?
In less than two minutes, find out if your auto insurance is being overcharged.
Yes! All of Apple CarPlay’s capabilities are available for free on your BMW. BMW will stop charging users a fee to utilize Apple CarPlay as of 2020. The service is easily downloaded and connected to your car without cost.
Check out the Jerry app to learn how to get the greatest auto insurance coverage for the cheapest price if you’re looking for more methods to reduce your car expenses.
Jerry is a private insurance agent who resides in your wallet. Jerry is an app, so don’t worry about purchasing little office furniture. After you download Jerry, all you have to do is respond to a few questions that will take you around 45 seconds to do, and you’ll get car insurance rates for coverage that is identical to your current plan right away. Customers of Jerry save $879 year on average.
How can I make Apple CarPlay work?
CarPlay, a smarter and safer way to use your iPhone in your car, is a feature that is available in some vehicles. When you use CarPlay, the functions of your iPhone that you want to use while driving are shown right on the dashboard of your vehicle.
To begin with, confirm that your country or area and your car both support CarPlay.
Connect your iPhone to the USB port on your car’s audio if it supports CarPlay utilizing the USB port. A smartphone symbol or a CarPlay icon may be used to identify the USB port.
Press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel to set up CarPlay if your vehicle supports wireless CarPlay. Alternatively, check sure your car is in Bluetooth or wireless pairing mode. Next, select your vehicle on your iPhone by going to Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Cars. For more details, consult the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle.
If my BMW has Apple CarPlay, how do I know?
In 2017, BMW released Apple CarPlay as an add-on that was only available with vehicles that had built-in navigation.
Previously an option, CarPlay is now a requirement for all BMW models with navigation systems.
You must determine whether CarPlay has been enabled on a used BMW manufactured before 2020.
It’s crucial to remember that the automobile needs a wifi antenna and head unit that are compatible. If your vehicle has the necessary configuration in place, your nearby BMW dealership will be able to let you know.
Although it’s unlikely that the technology will be put in BMWs manufactured between 2014 and 2016, a small number may do so given that retrofitting is technically doable.
Is Apple CarPlay available on 2018 BMWs?
You can, indeed! You can add Apple Carplay to a number of BMW models, including the 2018 BMW x1 and 2015 BMWs.
Do you want to use the maps, music, messaging, and Siri commands from your iPhone on your iDrive device? For customers to quickly connect their phones to the iDrive unit and use the apps they have loaded on their iPhones, Apple created the software “Apple CarPlay” for automobiles. applications for calls, messaging, music, and maps. Additionally, Apple is continuously expanding the number of apps that its CarPlay software supports. The whole list of apps that are already compatible with Apple CarPlay is available on the Apple website.
Has the 2017 BMW got Apple CarPlay?
BMW CarPlay is a relatively new invention. Since it’s only compatible with 2017 and newer models, many BMW owners are unable to use it in their vehicles.
According to Apple, the full list of BMW vehicles that support Apple CarPlay as of August 2022 is as follows:
- F20 and F21 models of the 2017–2022 BMW 1 Series
- 2017–2022, BMW 2 Series, e.g., F22, F23, F45
- 2017–2022, BMW 3 Series models such the F30, F31, F34, F80, and G20
- BMW 4 Series models F32, F33, F36, F82, and F83 from 2017 to 2022
- BMW 5 Series models from 2017 through 2022, such as the G30, G31, and F90
- BMW 6 Series models F06, F12, F13, and G32 from 2017 to 2022
- 2017-2022 BMW 7 Series, for example, G11 and G12
- 2021-2022 BMW 8 Series models such the G14, G15, and G16
- 2018-2022 BMW X1, for instance, F48
- 2018–2022 BMW X2, such as the F39
- BMW X3 models G01 through 2022
- 2017-2022 BMW X4 models F26 and G02
- 2017-2022 BMW X5 (e.g., F15, G05)
- BMW X6 models like the F16 from 2017 to 2022
- 2021 – 2022 X5 M
- 2021 – 2022 X6 M
- 2018-2021 BMW i3
- 2019-2020 BMW i8
- 2019-2022 BMW Z4 G29
- 2022 i4
- 2022 iX
Apple CarPlay can be added to vehicles without factory support with the appropriate hardware retrofit, even though it is only officially supported by cars made after 2017. Read on for a few potential solutions if you’re interested in installing BMW CarPlay (including the aftermarket alternative) in your older vehicle.
Visit our guide to F30 upgrades to learn more about retrofits for the BMW 3-Series.
Is Apple CarPlay compatible with my BMW?
With firmware beginning with iOS 7.1, Apple CarPlay(r) Preparation is available for all iPhone devices starting with the 5. You must have the optional additional ConnectedDrive Services, which include BMW apps, in order to utilize Apple CarPlay(r) Preparation in a BMW vehicle. Additionally, your BMW must be outfitted with Navi Professional.
Does BMW’s Apple CarPlay come at a cost?
Does CarPlay cost money for BMW owners? No, Apple CarPlay is no longer a fee to BMW owners, as it should be given that it is free from other automakers.
How can Apple CarPlay be added to iDrive?
Do one of the following in a car that supports wireless CarPlay (see your owner’s manual for specific instructions):
Note: If your car supports wireless CarPlay, you may be able to link it by simply connecting your iPhone with a Lightning to USB cable to the car’s USB port. If supported, you are prompted to pair wireless CarPlay for later usage after starting CarPlay via a USB cable. If you accept, iPhone will wirelessly connect to CarPlay automatically the next time you take a trip.
On some electric vehicles, use the Maps app to identify the vehicle for EV routing after connecting to CarPlay. See Maps on iPhone: Set up electric car routing.
When you connect an iPhone to specific car models, CarPlay Home automatically appears.
Select the CarPlay logo on your car’s display if CarPlay Home doesn’t show up.
Why aren’t Apple CarPlay settings available?
One of the best and safest methods to use your iPhone in your car is to install Apple CarPlay. The Apple CarPlay app gives you access to almost all of your phone’s functionality when you’re driving.
However, it seems that one of the frequent problems experienced by Apple CarPlay users is that CarPlay does not appear in Settings. You may activate the app and use its numerous features by going to the CarPlay Settings app on your iPhone.
Let’s say you want to join the club of Apple CarPlay users; in that case, Apple CarPlay must be enabled in your iPhone’s settings. Do not get upset if you can’t find this in your phone’s settings. In the majority of cases, the following process will enable you to rapidly fix the problem:
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions on your iPhone. After that, click Allowed Apps to see if Apple CarPlay is turned on. If not, add CarPlay to the list of Apps That Are Allowed.
I want to connect my iPhone to my BMW, but how?
How Does a BMW and an iPhone Pair? It’s simpler than you may imagine to pair your phone. In the communications menu, click “Manage Mobile Devices” at the bottom. You can then select “Connect new device.” After that, you’ll decide to use Apple CarPlay and proceed with the subsequent instructions.
Does Apple CarPlay require an app to operate?
CarPlay may be used without the usage of a special app. The feature is included with your iPhone as long as you own a suitable device (see below). You only need to connect your phone to a suitable car or stereo to use it.
Once connected, your stereo display will show the CarPlay logo someplace. To open CarPlay and abandon your default automobile interface, you must tap it. You are already familiar with the Apple CarPlay app because of the image below.