You can use the iPhone features you choose through your BMW’s control display.
Ensure that your iPhone has Bluetooth, WiFi, and Siri turned on.
It’s simpler than you might think to pair your phone.
In This Article...
Activating Apple CarPlay in my BMW
You can watch this video to discover how to set up and connect Apple CarPlay on your iPhone in a BMW. The BMW X3 utilized in this demonstration has iDrive 7, therefore if you have an older or newer iDrive system, the process may be different. In order to use the advanced phone integration features of CarPlay, an Apple Lightning connector is no longer necessary, setting BMW ahead of the competition in 2916. On the touchscreen of your BMW, the Apple CarPlay interface replicates the appearance and functionality of your phone. The pages in the CarPlay user interface are identical to those on your iPhone’s display. However, there is one restriction: BMW Apps and Apple CarPlay cannot function simultaneously. Additionally, only one device may support both Apple CarPlay and the Wi-Fi hotspot offered by BMW.
BMW Navigation system and iDrive 5 or newer are required for Apple CarPlay. Additionally, an iPhone 5 or later running iOS 9.3 or higher is required. In addition, your iPhone must have Siri, WiFi, and Bluetooth turned on, as well as an active data plan. CarPlay integrates phone, navigation, entertainment, and vehicle control and information capabilities onto the central touchscreen of the BMW iDrive infotainment system.
The following are the general steps for setting up Apple CarPlay in your BMW:
- 1. Your iPhone must have Bluetooth switched ON.
- 2. Press or select COM – Mobile Devices – New Device – Phone calls and audio from the iDrive 7 menu.
- 3. Choose the BMW entry from the Bluetooth menu on your iPhone. Soon the pairing will start, and it can take a few seconds.
- 4. Verify that the PINs displayed on the iPhone and iDrive 7 are identical, then choose YES.
How can I connect my BMW to my 13-inch iPhone?
Ensure that your iPhone has Bluetooth, WiFi, and Siri turned on. Press COM > Mobile Devices > New Device > Phone calls and audio on the iDrive 7 screen’s left side. The system may now be found using your iPhone, and it might show neighboring devices. Choose your BMW from the Bluetooth menu on your iPhone.
What is the BMW-iPhone pairing procedure?
On your iPhone, go to “Settings” > “General” > “Siri” and “Settings” > “WiFi” to accomplish this. You may now use Bluetooth to link your iPhone and automobile together. To do this, go to your iPhone’s settings and choose “Bluetooth.” Then select “Manage mobile devices” from the menu under “Media” on the BMW control display.
Does iPhone work with BMW?
There are several kinds of technology that can transform your phone into a substitute key fob. For example, Tesla and Lincoln use Bluetooth low energy (BLE) as the foundation for their phone-as-key technology. NFC, which enables low-speed communication between two devices at a distance of up to roughly an inch and a half, is used by BMW, Hyundai, and Kia. The iPhone-compatible BMW model also includes a key that resembles a credit card and may be used in place of an iPhone or Apple Watch.
BLE has a larger range than NFC, but BMW claims that their NFC-based technology will continue to function for around 5 hours after a phone’s battery has completely died because there is still some power left over in the battery for features like utilizing the digital key and paying for transit.
For the digital key functionality to function, proximity sensors that are part of BMW’s Comfort Access option, which is offered across the company’s model lineup, are necessary. They can recognize a phone belonging to the owner or someone who has authority to operate the vehicle, and they are compatible with recent iPhones. According to BMW, the digital feature is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 5 or later and the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max and subsequent iPhone models. For Apple Watches and iPhones, BMW requires WatchOS 6.2.8 or later and iOS 13.6 or later.
Once inside, simply dock your iPhone in the digital charging tray of the vehicle to turn it on. You may unlock the doors by touching your phone to the door handle.
While we didn’t test how effectively the Apple Watch interacts with the digital key, you would hold the watch close to the door handle to unlock the car and next to the wireless charging tray inside to start it. People who wear watches on their left wrist may need to perform some acrobatics in order to do this.
Getting inside and starting up CR’s rental BMW M440i xDrive with the iPhone was rather simple after setting up the iPhone for BMW’s digital key, according to Knizek. But to get into the automobile, he had to take his iPhone out of his pocket.
Why can’t my iPhone and BMW pair?
Try these actions if the problem still exists after the update: Make sure Bluetooth Sync Contacts is turned on in Settings > Bluetooth. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, turn Bluetooth off, and then turn it back on. Restarting your iPhone after turning it off
How can I activate pairing mode on my BMW?
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.
Without using CarPlay, how can I connect my iPhone to my car?
Even if your car does not support CarPlay, you can typically connect your iPhone with a USB cable – you just won’t get the sleek CarPlay UI. CarPlay typically relies on USB for connection.
Simply connect an iPhone to the Lightning port on the car’s USB ports. The infotainment system of the automobile will often switch to the USB input automatically. Using the source control in the car, manually switch to USB if it doesn’t. The audio from your iPhone can be played through the car speakers.
How do I connect my 13-inch iPhone to my car?
Turn off Bluetooth by going to Settings > Bluetooth. Turn on Bluetooth once more after waiting for roughly 5 seconds. For more details on how to pair with a Bluetooth device, consult the owner’s manual that came with your automobile. Most vehicles need a phone setup on the dashboard.
Why won’t my iPhone work with my car?
CarPlay, a more intelligent and secure method of using your iPhone in the car, is available on a few models. CarPlay displays the activities you want to perform on your iPhone while driving directly on the in-dash display in your vehicle.
Connect your iPhone to the USB port on your car’s audio if it supports CarPlay utilizing the USB port. There may be a CarPlay icon or a smartphone icon on the USB port’s label.
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 turn on BMW CarPlay?
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, select the option to connect to Apple CarPlay.
How can I connect my phone to my car?
- Verify that your car is paired and ready for discovery.
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Click Connected devices. Tap “Bluetooth” if you see it.
- To pair a new device, tap. Name of your vehicle
Why won’t my 2013 iPhone 13 pair with my car?
Update iOS and all of your apps to the most recent versions in order to resolve the problem where the iPhone 13 disconnects from your car’s Bluetooth during calls. Route Call Audio to your Bluetooth headphone after that. Additionally, unpair your iPhone from all Bluetooth devices and re-pair it with the Bluetooth in your car. Reset all iPhone settings if the problem continues, then get in touch with Apple Support.
Have you ever experienced an iPhone call drop when using Bluetooth in your car? Have you tried other methods of problem-solving? Tell us in the comments section below.
Why won’t my iPhone 11 pair with my car’s Bluetooth?
- Make sure Bluetooth is turned on before trying any other solutions to get your iPhone to connect to Bluetooth.
- Make sure the second device is Bluetooth-connected, and leave out any other devices.
- Additionally, you might try rebooting the iPhone, clearing the network settings, and updating the iPhone’s software.
One of the best smartphone inventions is Bluetooth, a rapid network that enables you to connect your iPhone to any device, including a TV, computer, and car radio.
How can I activate pairing mode on my iPhone 13?
Activate Settings. Tap Bluetooth. Turning on the feature requires pressing the indicator next to “Bluetooth.” To pair a Bluetooth device with your phone, press the necessary device and adhere to the on-screen instructions.
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 enable findability on my iPhone?
Enter your Apple ID if you are prompted to sign in. Tap “Don’t have an Apple ID or forget it?” and then adhere to the instructions if you don’t have one.
Additionally, you can switch on or off any of the following:
Find My network: Find My can find your device even if it’s offline (not connected to Wi-Fi or cellular service).
When the Find My network is activated on a supported iPhone, you can locate your iPhone for up to 24 hours after it has been switched off or for up to 5 hours when it is in power reserve mode.
Send Last Location: When your device’s battery is dangerously low, Apple is instantly notified of its location.
Why is my Bluetooth no longer able to connect to my car?
- If your Bluetooth devices aren’t connecting, they probably aren’t in pairing mode or are out of range.
- Try rebooting your devices or letting your phone or tablet “forget” the connection if you’re experiencing persistent Bluetooth connection issues.
When your computer won’t connect to a printer and you’re in a rush, it can be mildly annoying when your headphones won’t pair with your phone. It can also be really inconvenient.