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.
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Wirelessly link
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.
Describe CarPlay.
With CarPlay, you can use your iPhone in your car more safely and intelligently while maintaining your attention on the road. You can get turn-by-turn instructions, make calls, send and receive messages, play music, and more when you connect your iPhone to CarPlay.
The CarPlay Dashboard offers a more straightforward picture of the road ahead with iOS 13 and later. The dashboard gives you a central location to manage your Maps, audio settings, and Siri Suggestions, which make it simple to obtain information like your Calendar appointments. You can even operate your HomeKit gadgets, like door openers, via the dashboard.
Verify that both your automobile and your country or area support CarPlay. If you’re unsure if your car supports CarPlay, get in touch with the car’s maker.
How can I tell if my BMW is compatible with Apple CarPlay?
Among the most popular vehicles on the road today, BMWs are prized for their cutting-edge technology.
Apple CarPlay is one of such features. With it, you may use the BMW’s dashboard screen to access the apps on your iPhone.
Several inquiries about this function will be addressed in this article, along with information on its availability across the whole BMW lineup.
BMWs with iDrive 5 or later equipped have Apple CarPlay available. Since 2019, BMW has offered this as a free upgrade on newer vehicles equipped with iDrive 7.
One feature that many potential BMW owners find to be quite appealing is Apple CarPlay.
Continue reading to find out which BMWs support Apple CarPlay and how to add it to a BMW that doesn’t currently have it.
Is Apple CarPlay compatible with my BMW?
Because the NBT Evo head unit with ID5 or ID6 software is required, BMW Apple CarPlay compatibility is constrained. In other words, your BMW need the most recent operating system and on-board computer. Even if your car was made in 2016, 2015, or 2014 and has modern technologies, it might only have ID4 hardware or normal NBT, which is outdated head unit hardware.
If your BMW has a head unit that is suitable, BimmerTech can activate the software to make Apple CarPlay available. If your car does not already have a WiFi antenna, you might need to add one in specific circumstances to enable the establishment of a wireless connection between your iPhone and BMW head unit. If your BMW requires one, you may check here and get it from us. Contrary to BMW, BimmerTech can activate BMW CarPlay even if your nation is not listed in Apple CarPlay’s availability list if the necessary hardware is installed in your car.
Regarding the Apple CarPlay subscription, BMW confirmed in December 2019 that owners of 2019/2020 models with the most recent iDrive 7.0 software would not be required to pay any fees. Of course, that only applies to 2018 models of newer autos. A one-time $300 fee will be applied to older BMW models (like an earlier lifetime subscription). However, 2020 and later BMW models are moving forward rather than backward by finally providing free BMW CarPlay.
There are still two options to upgrade your BMW if the initial BMW Apple CarPlay activation is not supported by your car.
Why can’t I use Apple CarPlay on my BMW 2022?
Due to the carmaker switching its chip supplier, BMW is temporarily shipping new vehicles without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability (via Automotive News Europe).
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.
Why won’t my iPhone and BMW communicate?
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.
My BMW 3 Series won’t connect to my phone. What should I do?
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in both the automobile and the mobile device before proceeding. Choose Communication > Manage mobile devices > Connect new device* on the iDrive. The Bluetooth name for your BMW is then displayed* after you have selected the necessary features for the device. Simply locate and choose the BMW Bluetooth name from the phone’s Bluetooth menu, then adhere to the directions on the phone’s display and the vehicle’s display. You will be required to verify that the distinct code displayed in the car display matches the code on the majority of cellphones. Pressing OK causes the features to work. The phone appears in the device list after being linked with the vehicle. Only pairing a phone while the car is still is permitted for your protection.
Only applies to automobiles equipped with a professional navigation system. Use the iDrive to select “Add new device” for vehicles equipped with business navigation.
How is Apple CarPlay on a BMW reset?
If you are worn out with forgetting devices and reconnecting etc. on your iDrive and iPhone, try the following. Try this; it was a success: What is a BMW Connected Drive reset?
Press and hold the volume button while the car is in standby for roughly 20 to 25 seconds to reset a BMW (ignition on, engine not running). Once you push the volume button a second time, everything should work.
Why can’t my phone and my BMW pair?
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 is my Apple CarPlay connection failing?
Restart both your automobile and your iPhone. Make sure Siri is turned on. Check to see if CarPlay isn’t restricted if it can’t detect your iPhone. Make sure CarPlay is turned on by going to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, tapping Allowed Apps, and then clicking OK.
How can I turn on BMW CarPlay?
- 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.
How can I make CarPlay available on my iPhone?
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.
How can I get CarPlay to connect?
- Connect your phone to the CarPlay USB port, which should bear the CarPlay emblem on its label.
- If your car has wireless Bluetooth(r) connectivity, select it under Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Cars.
- Start your vehicle and let it run
What is the password for BMW CarPlay?
In iDrive, find the “Communication” menu. Select “Connect new Device” after choosing “Manage mobile devices.” Then, choose “Internet hotspot.” 2. A case-sensitive key, or password, will be displayed along with your hotspot name.
Why won’t my phone connect to Apple CarPlay when it’s charging?
You must use Bluetooth or USB to link your device and vehicle. If you are using a wireless connection, you must make sure your phone is not in Airplane Mode. All wireless connections are disabled when in airplane mode. Additionally, in order to use CarPlay, Bluetooth and cellular data must be enabled. To repair it if you are already connected, switch between Bluetooth and cellular data.
If you’re utilizing a wired connection, inspect your USB cord for damage. Connect using a fresh USB cable. Make sure the USB is inserted into the proper port. Additionally, try replugging the USB to access CarPlay while connected to a car.
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.