Get CONTROLS -> Connections Guide for BMW X4 Suv Second Generation (2019-2025)

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vehicle, e.g., due to the selected options or

country versions. This also applies to safety

functions and systems. When using these

functions and systems, the applicable laws

and regulations must be observed.

Vehicle features and options

This chapter describes all standard, country-

specific, and optional equipment offered with

the series. It also describes features and func-

tions that are not necessarily available in the

Connecting mobile devices to the vehicle

Principle

General information

Various connection types are available for us-

ing mobile devices in the vehicle. The connec-

tion type to select depends on the mobile de-

vice and the desired function.

The following overview shows possible func-

tions and the suitable connection types for

them. The range of functions depends on the

mobile device.

Function

Connection type

Icon in the de-

vice list

Making calls via the hands-free sys- Bluetooth.

tem.

Using phone functions via iDrive or

touchscreen.

Other functions, e.g. Contacts or

SMS.

Playing music from the smartphone

or the audio system.

Bluetooth audio.

WLAN in the vehicle:

Wi-Fi.

USB.

Using apps in the vehicle.

Wi-Fi hotspot:

Using the vehicle Internet access.

USB port:

Playing music or videos from a USB

device.

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Function

Connection type

Icon in the de-

vice list

Apple CarPlay:

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Using apps via iDrive and via voice

operation.

Android Auto:

Using apps via iDrive and via voice

operation.

The following connection types require one-

time pairing with the vehicle:

Displaying the vehicle identification

number and software part number

With a search for compatible devices, you may

have to state the vehicle identification number

and the software part number. These numbers

can be displayed in the vehicle.

▷

Bluetooth.

Wi-Fi.

Paired devices are automatically recognized

later on and connected to the vehicle.

1. "COM"

Safety information

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Tilt the Controller to the right.

4. "Settings"

Warning

Operating the integrated information systems

and communication devices while driving can

distract from surrounding traffic. It is possible

to lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk of

accident, injury, and property damage. Only

use the systems or devices when the traffic

situation allows. As warranted, stop and use

the systems and devices while the vehicle is

stationary.

5. "Bluetooth® info"

6. "System information"

Managing mobile devices

General information

▷

After one-time pairing, the devices are

automatically recognized and reconnected

when standby state is switched on.

Compatible devices

▷

After stored content on the SIM card or the

mobile phone such as contacts has been

detected, the data is transmitted to the ve-

hicle and can be used via iDrive.

General information

Information on compatible mobile devices is

available as follows:

▷

For some devices, certain settings are nec-

essary, for instance authorization; see the

operating instructions of the device.

▷

On the BMW homepage.

Via Hotline/Customer Support

At an authorized service center or another

qualified service center or repair shop.

Displaying the device list

All devices paired with or connected to the ve-

hicle are displayed in the device list.

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A maximum of four devices can be connected

to the vehicle via Bluetooth®, and a maximum

of ten devices can be connected to the vehicle

via Wi-Fi.

The device remains paired and can be

connected again.

▷

"Delete device"

The device is disconnected and re-

moved from the device list.

1. "COM"

2. "Mobile devices"

"Connection mode"

An icon to the right of the device name indi-

cates, for which function the device is used.

Select a connection mode, for instance

Apple CarPlay.

When the icon is displayed in white, this func-

tion is actively connected to the vehicle. The

icon is displayed in gray when the function of

the device is inactive.

▷

"Telephone"

Set telephone.

"Bluetooth® audio"

Playback of music files on external de-

vices such as audio devices or mobile

phones via Bluetooth®.

Icon Meaning

Telephone.

▷

"Apps"

Bluetooth audio.

WLAN in the vehicle, Wi-Fi hotspot.

Apps.

With the installed BMW app, apps from

the smartphone can be displayed in the

vehicle.

"Wi-Fi®"

Apple CarPlay.

Android Auto.

Connects the device with the WLAN in

the vehicle.

Priority of the phones

Configuring the device

When multiple mobile phones are connected

to the vehicle, you can specify the priority of

the mobile phones. The mobile phone with the

highest priority is preferred, for instance for

outgoing calls and messages.

Functions can be activated or deactivated for

paired and connected devices.

The range of functions depends on the mobile

device.

Observe the information on the control display.

1. "COM"

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Tilt the Controller to the right.

4. "Settings"

3. Select the desired device.

4. Select the desired setting:

5. "Priorities for telephones"

6. Select the desired device.

7. Select the desired priority by sliding.

▷

"Connect device"

The functions that were assigned to

the device before disconnecting are as-

signed to the device when it is recon-

nected. The functions may be deacti-

vated on a device already connected.

▷

"Disconnect device"

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Frequently Asked Questions

Bluetooth connection

All prerequisites are met and all required steps

were completed in the specified order. Despite

that, the mobile device does not function as

expected.

Functional requirements

▷

Compatible device with Bluetooth interface.

Compatible devices, refer to page 75.

In this case, the following explanations can

help:

▷

The vehicle key or BMW display key is in

the vehicle.

Why could the mobile phone not be paired or

connected?

▷

The device is ready for operation.

Bluetooth is switched on in the vehicle and

on the device.

▷

There are too many Bluetooth devices con-

nected to the mobile phone or vehicle.

▷

The pairing readiness is displayed on the

control display.

In the vehicle, delete Bluetooth connections

with other devices.

Bluetooth default settings such as for visi-

bility may be required on device, refer to

your device operating instructions.

Delete the Bluetooth connection from the

device list on the mobile phone and start a

new device search.

Too many Bluetooth devices are paired

with the same function. Adapt the functions

in the device list on the control display.

Activate Bluetooth

1. "COM"

▷

The mobile phone is in power-save mode

or has only a limited remaining battery life.

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Tilt the Controller to the right.

4. "Settings"

Charge the mobile phone and deactivate

the power-save mode where required.

5. "Bluetooth®"

Why does the mobile phone no longer react?

6. Select setting.

▷

The applications on the mobile phone do

not function anymore.

Connecting the device

1. "COM"

Switch the mobile phone off and on again.

▷

Too high or too low ambient temperature

for mobile phone operation.

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Tilt the Controller to the right.

4. "New device"

Do not subject the mobile phone to ex-

treme ambient temperatures.

5. "Phone calls and audio"

Why can telephone functions not be used via

iDrive?

The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed

on the control display.

▷

Phone functions are not configured for the

mobile phone.

6. 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.

Connect the mobile phone with the tele-

phone function.

Why are no or not all telephone book entries

displayed or why are they incomplete?

7. A Bluetooth connection is established.

The mobile device is connected to the vehicle

and displayed in the device list.

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▷

Transmission of the telephone book entries

is not yet complete.

WLAN connection

It is possible that only the telephone book

entries of the mobile phone or the SIM card

are transmitted.

General information

For certain applications such as apps, the data

exchange between smartphone and vehicle

occurs via WLAN.

▷

It may not be possible to display telephone

book entries with special characters.

It may not be possible to transmit contacts

from social networks.

Functional requirements

▷

Standby state is switched on.

The number of phone book entries to be

transmitted is too high.

▷

Compatible device with activated WLAN in-

terface.

Data volume of the contact too large, for

instance due to stored information such as

memos.

Activate WLAN in the vehicle

1. "COM"

Reduce the data volume of the contact.

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Tilt the Controller to the right.

4. "Settings"

▷

The mobile phone has only been connected

as an audio source.

Configure the mobile phone and connect it

with the telephone function.

5. "Wi-Fi®"

Contact was created in the contact list of

the phone after the last synchronization.

Wi-Fi hotspot

Synchronize contacts again: "Reload

contacts"

Principle

How can the telephone connection quality be

improved?

Compatible devices with WLAN interface can

use the Internet connection of the vehicle via

the Wi-Fi hotspot.

▷

Adjust the strength of the Bluetooth signal

on the mobile phone, depending on the

mobile phone.

General information

Up to ten devices can be connected to the Wi-

Fi hotspot simultaneously.

▷

Insert the mobile phone into the wireless

charging tray.

Adjust the volume of the microphone sepa-

rately in the sound settings.

Functional requirements

If all points listed have been checked and the

required function is still not available: contact

the hotline, an authorized service center or an-

other qualified service center or repair shop.

▷

Compatible device with activated WLAN in-

terface.

Compatible devices, refer to page 75.

WLAN is activated on the vehicle.

Internet use is activated for the vehicle.

▷

Registration and data contract with a serv-

ice provider where required.

▷

Standby state is switched on.

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Connecting a device to the Internet

via the Wi-Fi hotspot

Using the Internet for the first time via the Wi-

Fi hotspot requires registration and possibly a

data volume purchase from a service provider.

Deactivating Internet usage via the

Wi-Fi hotspot

Internet usage may be deactivated if the data

volume is used up, for instance.

1. "COM"

Depending on the national-market version,

data volume can be purchased via the con-

nected mobile communication device or from

the ConnectedDrive Store.

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Tilt the Controller to the right.

4. "Settings"

5. "Wi-Fi hotspot"

1. "COM"

6. Select the desired setting.

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Tilt the Controller to the right.

4. "New device"

Apple CarPlay©

5. "Internet, apps"

Hotspot name and hotspot code are dis-

played on the control display.

Principle

CarPlay allows select functions of a compatible

Apple iPhone to be used via Siri voice control

and iDrive.

6. Activate Internet usage via WLAN if neces-

sary.

"Open settings"

Functional requirements

7. Activate Internet usage.

"Wi-Fi hotspot"

▷

Compatible iPhone: iPhone 5 or later with

iOS 9.3 or later.

8. Tilt the Controller to the left.

Compatible devices, refer to page 75.

Corresponding mobile contract.

9. Search for WLAN networks on the mobile

device. Select network name on the device.

▷

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Siri voice control are

activated on the iPhone.

10. Enter hotspot code on the device and con-

nect.

▷

If necessary, the setting for mobile data

must be activated on the iPhone.

The device is displayed in the device list.

Additionally, a QR code will be displayed on

the control display. Alternatively, this QR code

can be used to pair the mobile device with the

hotspot.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled in the ve-

hicle.

Pairing the iPhone with CarPlay

1. "COM"

All devices connected via the hotspot use this

data volume.

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Tilt the Controller to the right.

4. "New device"

5. "Phone calls and audio"

The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed

on the control display.

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6. On the mobile device, search for nearby

Bluetooth devices and select the vehicle.

Android Auto©

A control number is displayed.

Principle

7. 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.

Android Auto allows select functions of a com-

patible smartphone to be operated via Goo-

gle Assistant voice control and via iDrive.

8. "Use Apple CarPlay"

General information

The range of services offered depends on the

country.

The iPhone is connected to the vehicle and

displayed in the device list.

Operation

For more information, refer to the Integrated

Owner's Manual or the Owner's Manual for

Navigation, Entertainment, Communication.

Functional requirements

▷

Compatible Android smartphone: Samsung

or Google smartphone with Android 10 or

an Android smartphone with Android 11, re-

gardless of the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

▷

Compatible devices, refer to page 75.

Corresponding mobile contract.

All prerequisites are met and all required steps

were completed in the specified order. Despite

that, the mobile device does not function as

expected.

Bluetooth and WLAN are enabled on the

smartphone.

▷

The smartphone must support a Wi-Fi con-

nection with 5 GHz.

In this case, the following explanations can

help:

If necessary, the setting for mobile data

must be activated on the smartphone.

The iPhone has already been paired with

Apple CarPlay. When a new connection is set

up, CarPlay can no longer be selected.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled in the ve-

hicle.

▷

Delete the iPhone concerned from the de-

vice list.

Pairing a smartphone with Android

Auto

1. "COM"

▷

On the iPhone, delete the vehicle con-

cerned from the list of stored connections

under Bluetooth and under WLAN.

▷

Pair the iPhone as a new device.

2. "Mobile devices"

If the steps listed have been carried out and

the required function is still not available: con-

tact the hotline, an authorized service center or

another qualified service center or repair shop.

3. Tilt the Controller to the right.

4. "New device"

5. "Phone calls and audio"

The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed

on the control display.

6. On the mobile device, search for nearby

Bluetooth devices and select the vehicle.

A control number is displayed.

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7. 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.

▷

Mobile phones.

▷

Audio devices such as MP3 players.

USB storage devices.

Common file systems are supported. FAT32

and exFAT are the recommended formats.

8. "Use Android Auto"

9. If necessary, finish the setup on the mobile

device.

A connected USB device will be supplied with

charge current via the USB port if the device

supports this. Follow the maximum charge

current of the USB port.

The smartphone is connected to the vehicle

and displayed in the device list.

The following uses are possible on USB ports

with data transfer:

Operation

For more information, refer to the Integrated

Owner's Manual or the Owner's Manual for

Navigation, Entertainment, Communication.

▷

Playing music files.

Playing videos.

Follow the following when connecting:

Frequently Asked Questions

▷

Do not use force when plugging the con-

nector into the USB port.

All prerequisites are met and all required steps

were completed in the specified order. Despite

that, the mobile device does not function as

expected.

▷

Use a flexible adapter cable.

Protect the USB device against mechanical

damage.

In this case, the following explanations can

help:

▷

Due to the large number of USB devices

available on the market, it cannot be guar-

anteed that every device is operable on the

vehicle.

The smartphone has already been paired with

Android Auto. When a new connection is set

up, Android Auto can no longer be selected.

Do not expose USB devices to extreme en-

vironmental conditions such as very high

temperatures, refer to the operating in-

structions of the device.

▷

Delete the smartphone concerned from the

device list.

▷

On the smartphone, delete the vehicle con-

cerned from the list of stored connections

under Bluetooth and under WLAN.

Due to the many different compression

techniques, proper playback of the media

stored on the USB device cannot be guar-

anteed in all cases.

▷

Pair the smartphone as a new device.

If the steps listed have been carried out and

the required function is still not available: con-

tact the hotline, an authorized service center or

another qualified service center or repair shop.

To ensure proper transmission of the

stored data, do not charge a USB device

via the onboard socket, when it is con-

nected to the USB port.

Depending on how the USB device is be-

ing used, settings may be required on the

USB storage device, refer to the operating

instructions of the device.

USB connection

General information

The following mobile devices can be con-

nected to the USB port:

Not compatible USB devices:

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▷

USB hard drives.

USB hubs.

USB memory card readers with multiple

slots.

▷

HFS-formatted USB devices.

Devices such as fans or bulbs.

Functional requirement

Compatible device with USB port.

Additional information:

Compatible devices, refer to page 75.

Connecting the device

Connect the USB device using a suitable

adapter cable to a USB port.

The USB device is displayed in the device list.

Additional information:

USB port, refer to page 291.

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