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Why am I having connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay that are affecting functionality?

For Apple CarPlay connection, check that your iPhone has the most up-to-date iOS installed and that WiFi, Siri, and Bluetooth are turned on in your iPhone settings menu. 

Reboot your iPhone by holding the side button until the power off slide button appears. Drag the slider and wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.

For best results, establish a fresh connection between the phone and vehicle.

 

BMW Operating System 9:

Update BMW Assist in the vehicle by performing the following steps.

  • Via iDrive: Apps menu
  • "ConnectedDrive store"
  • "Manage"
  • "Update all"
  • Reboot the iDrive in your vehicle by pressing and holding the mute (VOL) button for 70 seconds with the car on but parked.

You can delete your phone by using the following steps in the vehicle:

  • Via iDrive: Apps menu
  • "Mobile devices."
  • Select the device
  • Select "Remove"
  • The device is disconnected and removed from the device list.

Once the phone is deleted in the vehicle, proceed to delete your BMW from your iPhone in the WiFi menu. In order to delete a device from your iPhone, please use these steps:

  • "Settings"
  • "WiFi"
  • Click the blue "i" next to your BMW.
  • "Forget this network"

Ensure your BMW is deleted from your iPhone Bluetooth menu by following the below steps:

  • "Settings"
  • "Bluetooth"
  • Click the blue "i" next to your BMW
  • "Forget this device"

Proceed to connect your telephone back to the vehicle by following these steps:

  • Via iDrive: Apps menu
  • "Mobile devices"
  • "Connect new device"
  • The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed on the Control Display.
  • On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth devices in the vicinity and select the vehicle. A control number is displayed.
  • Compare the control number displayed on the Control Display with the control number on the display of the mobile device, and confirm that the two match.
  • Follow prompts on device and vehicle screen to allow connections.
  • During the pairing of your telephone, your iPhone will ask if you would like to use Apple CarPlay.  You can select "Use Apple CarPlay" to establish a connection to Apple CarPlay.
  • The mobile device is connected to the vehicle and displayed in the device list.


 

BMW Operating System 8 & BMW Operating System 8.5:

Update BMW Assist in the vehicle by performing the following steps:

  • Via iDrive: Apps menu
  • "Vehicle apps"
  • "System settings"
  • "Update Apps and Services"
  • "Search for updates"

You can delete your phone by using the following steps in the vehicle:

  • Via iDrive: "MENU" (For BMW Operating System 8.5, go to Apps menu)
  • "All apps"
  • "Mobile devices"
  • "Delete device"
  • The device is disconnected and removed from the device list.

Once the phone is deleted in the vehicle, proceed to delete your BMW from your iPhone in the Bluetooth menu.  From your iPhone: 

  •  "Settings"
  • "Bluetooth"
  • Click the blue "i" next to your BMW
  • "Forget this device"


Proceed to re-pair your iPhone and vehicle by following these steps:

  • Via iDrive: "MENU"
  • "All apps"
  • "Mobile devices"
  • "Connect new device": Devices detected by the vehicle are shown on the control display.
  • Select the desired device.
  • Compare the control number displayed on the control display with the control number in the display of the device and confirm that they match.
  • Select “Use Apple CarPlay” from the options list.
  • If necessary, select the function for which the mobile device is to be used:
    • Telephone
    • Bluetooth® audio
  • The mobile device is displayed in the device list.

 

BMW Operating System iDrive 7:

Update BMW Assist in the vehicle by performing the following steps:

  • Via the iDrive "Apps".  
  • You will see a grey screen with the choice to either select Installed Apps or the BMW Store. Select neither option.  
  • Press the OPTION button near your iDrive controller.  
  • Select "Update Installed Apps and Services".  
  • After the update is complete, select "Close". 

You can delete your phone by using the following steps in the vehicle:

  • Via iDrive: "COM"
  • "Mobile devices"
  • Select device
  • "Delete device"
  • The device is disconnected and removed from the device list.

 
Once the phone is deleted in the vehicle, proceed to delete your BMW from your iPhone in the Bluetooth menu.  In order to delete a device from you iPhone, please use these steps:

  •  "Settings"
  • "Bluetooth"
  • Click the blue "i" next to your BMW
  • "Forget this device"

Proceed to re-pair your iPhone and vehicle by following these steps:

  • Via iDrive: "COM"
  • "Mobile devices"
  • Move the Controller to the right.
  • "New device"
  • "Phone calls and audio"
  • The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed on the Control Display.
  • On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth devices in the vicinity and select the vehicle. A control number is displayed.
  • Compare the control number displayed on the Control Display with the control number on the display of the mobile device, and confirm that the two match.
  • Select Bluetooth connection if necessary: "Use BMW iDrive for phone calls, Bluetooth® audio, and apps.": The mobile device is connected to the vehicle and displayed in the device list.

On your iPhone:

  • "Settings"
  • "General"
  • "CarPlay"
  • Click your vehicle's ID under "Available Cars."
  • During the pairing of your telephone, your iPhone will ask if you would like to use Apple CarPlay.  You can select "Use Apple CarPlay" to establish a connection to Apple CarPlay.

 

iDrive 6.0:

Update BMW Assist in the vehicle by performing the following steps:

  • Via the iDrive "ConnectedDrive".   
  • Press the OPTION button near your iDrive controller.  
  • Select "Update BMW Assist".  
  • After the update is complete, select "Close"/"Okay". 

You can delete your phone by using the following steps in the vehicle:

  • Via iDrive: "Communication"
  • "Manage Mobile Devices"
  • Click on your iPhone
  • "Delete Device"


Once the phone is deleted in the vehicle, proceed to delete your BMW from your iPhone in the Bluetooth menu.  In order to delete a device from you iPhone, please use these steps:  

  • "Settings"
  • "Bluetooth"
  • Click the blue "i" next to your BMW
  • "Forget this device"

Proceed to re-pair your iPhone and vehicle by following these steps:

  • Via iDrive: "Communication"
  •  "Manage Mobile Devices"
  • "Connect New Device"
  • "Apple CarPlay"
  • Select "Confirm." Your vehicle ID will be displayed.

On your iPhone:

  • "Settings"
  • "General"
  • "CarPlay"
  • Click your vehicle's ID under "Available Cars."
  • During the pairing of your telephone, your iPhone will ask if you would like to use Apple CarPlay.  You can select "Use Apple CarPlay" to establish a connection to Apple CarPlay.


If you are still experiencing issues, reboot the iDrive of your BMW by pressing down on the volume knob for 70 seconds.  Please note that the screen will go blank.
 

For further assistance after attempting the steps above, please contact the service team at your local BMW Center. 

 
 

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Apple CarPlay | BMW FAQ