How To Put Carplay On BMW?

BMW / By

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.

BMW debuted Apple CarPlay when?

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.

Getting ready for Apple CarPlay(r) is a smart and quick way to use your iPhone’s functions in your automobile.

Can a BMW have Apple CarPlay installed?

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 (6AK). Additionally, your BMW must be outfitted with Navi Professional.

When did BMW introduce CarPlay?

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.

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 (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.

How do I add Apple CarPlay for nothing to my BMW?

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.

What is the cost of adding CarPlay to a 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.

BMW CarPlay is it free?

Although the German automaker BMW was an early adopter of Apple CarPlay wirelessly, it charged for the service, ranging from a $300 one-time cost to a yearly $80 price. Now that it’s free, all 2021 BMW models even have the integration of the car keys, which is a significant plus. And for all those older BMWs, upgrading a CarPlay compatible head unit is possible, albeit with some extra work and expense.

Which BMWs are CarPlay wireless?

  • BMW offers the following models: Z4, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and 2 Series Gran Coupe.
  • Buick: Envision and Encore GX.
  • Escalade, XT4, XT5, and CT6 are all Cadillac models.

Can my car have CarPlay installed?

Some models are just too old for head unit replacements and OEM retrofits, despite the fact that expert installers are happy to offer choices that allow you to use Apple CarPlay in an old car. You won’t be missing out on anything, though, if your automobile has Bluetooth connectivity.

Yes, CarPlay enables you to respond to calls and messages while operating a vehicle. You can combine a number of programs, including HomeKit and Apple CarKey. However, Bluetooth can serve your needs if all you’re looking are basic functions like linking music and navigational apps to your speakers.

You might try attaching your cell phone to the speaker head unit if it has a headphone jack. It could be time to switch to newer vehicles, though, for a smarter driving experience.

You may take use of Apple CarPlay without purchasing a more modern or opulent vehicle. Older models can also take advantage of the wireless future of smart car applications with a few tweaks. Let one of our professionals assist you in choosing the best CarPlay option for your vehicle.

How do I turn CarPlay on?

Click “Settings,” followed by “General” and “CarPlay.” From the list of “Available Cars,” pick your car. Hold the CarPlay Home button on your display or the Voice Control button on your steering wheel.

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.

Is Apple CarPlay compatible with older vehicles?

It’s likely that AppleCarplay isn’t available if your vehicle is older. Fortunately, well-known third-party car stereo producers like Pioneer and Kenwood have products that are compatible with Apple CarPlay that you can immediately install in your car.

If my car has Apple CarPlay, how do I know?

Most vehicles made in 2014 or after feature Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. You can check the user manual or conduct a Google search using the year, make, and model of your car to find out if it has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. If your car doesn’t have a wireless dock, you can alternatively use the primary USB connector to connect your phone and view the menu. If your vehicle is equipped with it, an app will appear on the screen and request your permission from your phone. Although these apps are incredibly user-friendly, if you need help, Google (and YouTube!) are always available.

When you connect in your phone, some automobile systems (like Hyundai’s) instantly open Apple CarPlay or Android Auto; however, other systems require you to activate them through the infotainment system (BMW, for example). The technologies are there in your car if CarPlay or Android Auto are listed on the Monroney window sticker, although you might need to look for them.

The Pioneer AVH-3300NEX ($529.97 on Amazon) is a nice system to look into if you’re upgrading your current car but only have one installation slot.

How can I make the CarPlay upgrade?

You don’t need to upgrade your car’s CarPlay. There is no need to update CarPlay firmware because Apple provides updates to CarPlay via software updates for your phone or device. Your car’s infotainment system, which is Apple compatible, is how Apple CarPlay functions.

As a result, CarPlay updates are distributed through your Apple devices rather than your car because Apple does not make your car.

To ensure you get the most recent features, you must to keep your devices updated. Furthermore, these upgrades frequently include patches to remedy software issues that Apple has identified.