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EnglishCONTROLS -> BMW iDrive for your BMW 4 Series 2020-2025
BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
BMW iDrive
of accident, injury, or 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.
Vehicle features and options
This chapter describes model-specific equip-
ment, systems, and functions that are currently
available, or may become available in the fu-
ture, even if they are not present in the vehicle.
Additional information:
Main menu
Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.
General information
The main menu is divided into different areas.
Display and operating
concept
Overview
Principle
BMW iDrive is the vehicle’s display and oper-
ating concept and includes a wide range of
functions.
General information
Depending on vehicle equipment, the functions
can be operated as follows:
1
Widgets
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
Via the control display.
2
3
4
5
Status information
Configuration bar for main display
Temperature setting
Menu bar
Via the Controller.
Via the touchpad.
Via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Via the operating elements on the steering
wheel.
Menu bar
Additional information:
Instrument cluster, refer to page 129.
Apps menu
Access to apps and vehicle functions. A
filter can be selected. If necessary, change the
filter to see the apps you want.
Safety information
Warning
▷
"All apps": All apps and functions are dis-
played.
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
▷
"Infotainment": Only infotainment apps are
displayed.
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BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
▷
▷
"Vehicle": Only vehicle adjustment func-
tions are displayed.
Main display
The main display shows real-time information
and dynamic content such as the navigation
map. This display also contains buttons and
lets you jump to the desired menu.
"Recently used": The most recently used
apps are displayed.
Media menu
Status information
Access to entertainment system functions,
e.g., radio stations or external device pairing.
General information
Communication menu
The status field can be found in the upper area
of the control display. Status information is dis-
played in the form of icons. Depending on the
equipment and national-market version, differ-
ent icons are available.
Access to telephone and message function
as well as pairing and management of mobile
devices, e.g., smartphones.
Navigation menu
Telephone status information
Access to navigation system, destination
entry, and traffic information. Configurable
map views and other functions such as points
of interest.
Icon
Meaning
Active call.
Signal strength.
SIM card missing.
Climate menu
The Climate menu provides access to all
climate control functions.
Entertainment status information
Apple CarPlay© menu
Depending on national-market version with
associated function: Access to Apple CarPlay.
Apple CarPlay enables the secure use of cer-
tain functions of a compatible Apple iPhone via
iDrive.
Icon Meaning
USB audio.
Bluetooth audio.
Smartphone audio.
Connected Music with Spotify.
Time shift.
Android Auto© menu
Depending on national-market version with
associated function: Access to Android Auto.
Android Auto enables the secure use of certain
functions of a compatible Android smartphone
via iDrive.
Wi-Fi.
Apple CarPlay.
Android Auto.
Widgets
Satellite radio is switched on.
Widgets show real-time information and dy-
namic content such as current media or paired
smartphones. The widgets also serve as but-
tons and allow jumping to the relevant menu.
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BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
Status information messages
Icon
Function
Change between capital and
lower-case letters.
Icon Meaning
Number of notifications.
Check Control message.
Enter a blank space.
Switching between languages.
Use voice control.
Suppress private information.
Do not disturb.
Confirm entry.
Message.
Shift the input area to the left
or right.
Additional information:
Owner's Manual for Navigation, Entertain-
ment, and Communication, refer to page 6.
Entry comparison
When entering data from a database such as
contacts, the selection is gradually narrowed
down for each character entered, with charac-
ters being added as necessary.
Other status information
Icon Meaning
Sound output active.
Activating/deactivating the functions
Sound output deactivated.
Activation word active.
BMW ID or driver profile.
Destination guidance active.
Go to quick access.
Some menu items are preceded by an icon.
Selecting the menu item enables or disables
the function.
Icon
Meaning
Function is activated.
Function is deactivated.
Wireless charging active.
Park Distance Control: sound active.
Enabling/disabling audible feedback
For some functions, audio confirmation is
given, e.g., sounds are emitted when operating
the control display.
Park Distance Control: sound deacti-
vated.
1.
Apps menu
Input and display
2. "Vehicle"
Letters and numbers
Letters and numbers can be entered using the
controller, touchpad, control display, or voice
control, depending on vehicle equipment.
3. "System settings"
4. "Sound"
5. Select the desired setting.
Quick access
The quick link provides access to shortcuts,
certain settings, and app recommendations.
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BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
The function will work immediately. This
means for instance that the connection is es-
tablished when a phone number is selected.
Input
Operation
Show
Swipe from top to bottom on the
quick link. control display.
Slide the controller up.
Tap the icon on the status
bar.
Swipe from the bottom up on the
quick link. control display.
Slide the controller down.
Deleting shortcuts
1. Swipe from top to bottom on the control
display.
2. Press and hold the desired shortcut.
3. "Delete shortcut"
Hide
BMW Curved Display
Activating/deactivating pop-ups
For some functions, pop-ups are displayed
automatically on the control display. Some of
these pop-ups can be activated or deactivated.
Principle
The BMW Curved Display is a single-screen
display in the instrument panel that is curved
towards the driver. The BMW Curved Display
comprises the instrument cluster on the driv-
er's side and the control display.
1.
Apps menu
2. "Vehicle"
3. "System settings"
4. "Pop-ups"
General information
Follow instructions for cleaning the BMW
Curved Display in the Care chapter.
5. Select the desired setting.
Shortcuts
Additional information:
Caring for special components, refer to
page 343.
General information
The iDrive functions can be stored on the
shortcuts and called up directly, for instance
radio stations, navigation destinations, phone
numbers and menu entries.
Overview
Storing a function
1. Select the desired function.
2. Press and hold the desired function.
3. "Add to shortcuts"
Shortcuts can only be created with an active
BMW ID or a driver profile.
1
Instrument cluster 129
Control display 50
Executing a function
1. Swipe from top to bottom on the control
display.
2
2. Tap the desired shortcut.
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BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
Switching the control display on/off
automatically
Control display
The control display is turned on automatically
when the vehicle is unlocked or as soon as the
control display is needed for operation.
Principle
The iDrive functions are displayed on the con-
trol display.
In certain situations, the control display is
switched off automatically, for instance if no
operation is performed on the vehicle for sev-
eral minutes.
Safety information
Warning
Switching the control display on/off
manually
1. Swipe from top to bottom on the control
display.
When driving, loose items or devices con-
nected to the vehicle with a cable, i.e., mobile
phones, may be thrown around the vehicle,
e.g., in the event of an accident or when brak-
ing or performing evasive maneuvers. There
is a risk of injury and risk of damage to prop-
erty. Secure loose objects or devices that are
connected to the vehicle via a cable.
2. "Screen off"
Tap the control display to turn it on again.
Setting the brightness
1.
Apps menu
Warning
2. "Vehicle"
Objects in the area in front of a display can
slip and damage the display. There is a risk
of injury or risk of damage to property. Do not
place objects in the area in front of a display.
3. "Displays"
4. "Control display"
5. "Brightness at night"
6. Make the desired setting.
Depending on the light conditions, the bright-
ness control may not be clearly visible.
Overview
System limits
In the case of very high temperatures on the
control display, for instance due to intense so-
lar radiation, the brightness may be reduced
down to complete deactivation. Once the
temperature is reduced, for instance through
shade or air conditioning system, the normal
functions are restored.
Control display.
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BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
Operation
Controller
▷
▷
▷
Rotate the Controller to switch between
menu options, for example.
Principle
The Controller can be used to select menu
items and enter the settings. The buttons can
be used to open the menus directly.
Overview
Press the Controller to select a menu
option, for example.
Controller
Buttons on the Controller
Button Function
Call up the main menu.
Slide the Controller in four directions to
switch between menus, for example.
Call up the Media/Radio menu.
Go to Phone menu.
Call up the navigation map.
Call up the destination input menu
for navigation.
Operating via the Controller
Go to previous menu.
Opening the main menu
Press the button.
Call up the Options menu.
The main menu is displayed.
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BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
The menu consists of various areas, for in-
stance:
Selecting menu items
1. Turn the Controller until the desired menu
item is highlighted.
▷
"General help": Go to the Integrated Own-
er's Manual.
2. Press the Controller.
▷
"Add to shortcuts": define menu item as
shortcut.
Adjusting the main display
The main display can be adjusted in the main
menu.
Entering letters and numbers
Input
1. Turn the Controller: select letters or num-
bers.
1.
Press the button.
2. If necessary, tilt the Controller to select the
main display.
2.
: confirm entry.
Additional information:
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. Select the desired main display.
Setting the system language, refer to
page 57.
Selecting a widget
1. Use the Controller to select widgets.
Deleting an entry
2. If necessary, turn the Controller until the de-
sired widget is selected.
Icon Function
Press Controller: delete a letter or num-
ber.
3. Press the Controller.
Switching between menus
A new display opens after a menu item is se-
lected.
Hold the Controller down: delete all let-
ters or numbers.
Using alphabetical lists
For alphabetical lists with more than 30 en-
tries, the letters for which an entry exists can
be displayed in a text box.
▷
Slide the Controller to the left.
The current menu closes and the previous
menu is displayed.
1. Turn the Controller to the left or right
quickly.
▷
Press the button.
The current menu closes and the previous
menu is displayed.
2. Select the first letter of the desired entry.
The first entry of the selected letter is dis-
played in the list.
Calling up the context menu
Depending on the menu item, a context menu
with additional options can be displayed.
1. Select the desired menu item using the
Controller.
2. Press and hold the Controller.
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BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
Function
Operation
Operation via touchpad
Enter a hyphen. Swipe to the right in the
upper area of the touch-
pad.
General information
Depending on vehicle equipment, some iDrive
functions can be operated with the controller
touchpad.
Enter an under- Swipe to the right in the
score.
lower area of the touch-
pad.
The touchpad is located on the Controller.
Touch the touchpad with your fingers. Do not
use any objects.
Using the map
The map in the navigation system can be
moved via the touchpad.
Selecting functions
1.
Apps menu
Tap the map on the control display and then
continue operation using the touchpad.
2. "Vehicle"
3. "System settings"
4. "Touchpad"
Function
Operation
Move map.
Swipe in the appropriate di-
rection.
5. Select the desired setting.
Display menu. Tap once.
Entering letters and numbers
▷
Enter characters as they are displayed on
the control display.
Using alphabetical lists
Alphabetical lists with more than 30 entries
permit a direct jump to letters for which an en-
try exists.
▷
Always enter associated characters such as
accents or periods so that the letter can be
clearly recognized.
▷
The set language determines what input
is possible. Where necessary, enter special
characters via the Controller.
Enter the first letter on the touchpad.
The first entry of the entered letter is displayed
in the list.
Additional information:
Setting the system language, refer to
page 57.
Operation via control display
Entering special characters
General information
Depending on the equipment version, the con-
trol display is equipped with a touchscreen.
Function
Operation
Delete a charac- Swipe to the left on the
You can tap on menu items and widgets.
Touch the control display with your fingers. Do
not use any objects.
ter.
touchpad.
Enter a blank
space.
Swipe to the right in the
center of the touchpad.
Opening the main menu
Tap on the icon.
The main menu is displayed.
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BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
Deleting an entry
Adjusting the main display
The main display can be adjusted in the main
menu.
Icon Function
Tap icon: delete a letter or a number.
1.
Tap on the icon.
2. Swipe the configuration bar on the right
side of the screen to the left.
Press and hold the icon: delete all let-
ters or numbers.
3. Select the desired main display.
Using the map
The navigation map can be moved on the con-
trol display.
Sorting apps
To resort the app icons, press and hold the de-
sired icon and move it to the desired location.
Function
Operation
Move map.
Swipe in the appropriate
direction.
Switching between menus
A new display opens after a menu item is se-
lected.
Enlarge/shrink
map.
Drag in or out with the fin-
gers.
Select the arrow symbol.
The current menu closes and the previous
menu is displayed.
Display menu.
Tap once.
Using alphabetical lists
For alphabetical lists with more than 30 en-
tries, the letters for which an entry exists can
be displayed in a text box.
Calling up the context menu
Depending on the menu item, a context menu
with additional options can be displayed.
Press and hold the desired menu item.
1. Tap the letter in front of the list.
A letter box is displayed.
The menu consists of various areas, for in-
stance:
2. Tap the first letter of the desired entry.
▷
"General help": Go to the Integrated Own-
er's Manual.
The first entry of the selected letter is dis-
played in the list.
▷
"Add to shortcuts": define menu item as
shortcut.
BMW Intelligent Personal
Assistant
Entering letters and numbers
Input
1. If necessary, tap the
display.
icon or control
Principle
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a
personal assistant that enables natural voice
operation of various vehicle functions. The
Personal Assistant makes it easier to operate
the vehicle by providing proactive suggestions
and automating habits.
2. Enter desired letters and numbers.
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BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
The microphone on the driver's side is ac-
tive.
General information
▷
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is avail-
able depending on national-market version.
▷
Speaking the activation word.
The microphones on the driver's or front
passenger's side are active with the follow-
ing voice control, depending on where the
activation word was spoken.
▷
The system includes special microphones
on the driver side and the front passenger
side.
▷
▷
Say the commands and numbers fluently
as well as with normal volume, emphasis,
and speed.
Then say the command. The activation word
and the command can be spoken without
pause in one sentence.
›...‹ identifies commands that can be spo-
ken.
Microphone button on steering wheel
Functional requirements
1.
Press button briefly.
▷
A language that is supported by the Per-
sonal Assistant must be set via iDrive.
2. Say the command.
Activation word
General information
Setting the system language, refer to
page 57.
▷
Always say commands in the configured
system language.
Saying the activation word will start the Per-
sonal Assistant. The Personal Assistant lis-
tens.
For the full range of functions, you must acti-
vate, configure, or purchase the following func-
tions:
▷
Online speech processing, refer to
page 58.
Preset activation word
›Hello BMW‹: The default activation word can
be activated and deactivated.
▷
For all settings under
Data protection, refer to page 65.
Activation word, refer to page 55.
BMW ID or a driver profile.
1.
Apps menu
▷
▷
▷
2. "Vehicle"
3. "System settings"
4. "Voice control"
5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"
6. "Wake word"
Relevant ConnectedDrive services from the
ConnectedDrive Store.
▷
Suggestions, refer to page 58.
Activating the voice control system
7. ""Hello BMW""
Personal activation word
General information
In addition to the preset activation word, a
personal activation word can be set up with
an active BMW ID or a driver profile. The per-
sonal activation word can also be changed or
deleted.
There are various methods for activating the
voice control feature:
▷
Press the button on the steering
wheel briefly.
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BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
The activation word should consist of multiple
syllables to ensure good recognition.
▷
▷
Slide the Controller to the right or left.
Press the Controller.
›Hello‹: The additional phrase is not necessary
for the activation word and does not need to
be spoken.
Possible commands
General information
1.
Apps menu
Commands can be used to give instructions
or ask questions, with the Personal Assistant
providing assistance.
2. "Vehicle"
3. "System settings"
4. "Voice control"
5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"
6. "Wake word"
For example, you can call contacts, navigate
to an address, apply settings, or ask questions
about a vehicle function. Most vehicle functions
can be operated via voice commands, e.g., the
Automatic Parking Assistant.
7. "Personal wake word"
8. "Set"
Most content on the control display can be
spoken as commands, e.g., menu items or list
entries.
9. "Start recording"
Activation word from third-party providers
Depending on the national-market version,
some third-party providers provide digital voice
assistants such as Siri or Amazon Alexa.
Help for voice control
▷
›Voice commands‹: have possible example
commands suggested.
To use Siri, the smartphone must be con-
nected via Apple CarPlay.
▷
›General information on voice control‹: have
information on the operating principle of the
voice control announced.
Supported voice assistants can be used with a
connected smartphone in the vehicle.
▷
▷
›Help‹: have tips and example commands
for voice control announced.
The activation word from connected third-
party providers can be used in addition to your
preset or personal activation word from BMW.
Additional example commands for the cur-
rent context are displayed in the widget of
the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
1.
Apps menu
2. "Vehicle"
Sample commands
3. "System settings"
4. "Voice control"
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
›Call John Smith‹
›Drive me to JFK airport‹
›Play a classical music station‹
›Is my tire pressure still OK?‹
›Activate the climate control‹
›Increase the ACC distance‹
›Sport mode‹
5. "Additional speech assistants"
6. Select the desired setting.
Canceling voice control
▷
▷
Press the button on the steering
wheel again.
›Cancel‹
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BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
Additional example commands can be dis-
played on the control display.
Settings
Setting the system language
1.
Apps menu
1.
Apps menu
2. "All apps"
2. "Vehicle"
3. "Personal Assistant"
4. "Help"
3. "System settings"
4. "Language"
5. "Example commands"
5. Select the desired setting.
Sample commands for the current context are
displayed in the BMW Intelligent Personal As-
sistant widget.
Setting the response length
You can set the Personal Assistant to use
standard dialog or a short version. In case of
the short version, the announcements by the
Personal Assistant are played back in an ab-
breviated version.
Additional information:
Adjust widgets, refer to page 53.
Menu items
The Personal Assistant can bring up menu
items directly. Say the menu items as they are
displayed on the control display. You do not
have to follow the order of the menu items
when speaking them out loud.
1.
Apps menu
2. "Vehicle"
3. "System settings"
4. "Voice control"
1. Activate the voice control system.
2. ›Media‹
5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"
6. "Response length"
7. Select the desired setting.
3. ›Presets‹
The stored stations are displayed on the
control display.
Speaking during voice output
It is possible to answer during inquiries of the
Personal Assistant. The function can be dis-
abled if requests are often canceled uninten-
tionally, for instance due to background noise
or conversations in the vehicle.
Owner's Manual via voice operation
You can ask simple questions about vehicle
functions and the operation of the vehicle.
The voice activation system and the feed-
back it provides do not replace the printed
or Integrated Owner's Manual. The function
is available depending on the national-market
version. The speech recognition and quality of
the feedback may vary.
1.
Apps menu
2. "Vehicle"
3. "System settings"
4. "Voice control"
Example command: ›How can the passenger
airbag be deactivated?‹
5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"
6. "Speaking during voice output"
The Personal Assistant returns feedback.
When stationary, the section of the integrated
Owner's Manual is displayed on the control
display.
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BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"
6. "Online speech processing"
Suggestions
General information
The Personal Assistant provides helpful, indi-
vidual suggestions.
Configuring the visualization
How the Personal Assistant is visualized can
be set.
Activating/deactivating suggestions
1.
Apps menu
1.
Apps menu
2. "Vehicle"
2. "Vehicle"
3. "System settings"
4. "Voice control"
3. "System settings"
4. "Voice control"
5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"
6. "Visualization"
5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"
6. "Receive suggestions"
Voice control from third-party
providers
Depending on vehicle equipment, third-party
voice control can be enabled by pressing and
holding the microphone button on the steering
wheel.
Adapting suggestions
Suggestions can be adapted, for example, by
category or to output a signal tone.
1.
Apps menu
2. "Vehicle"
3. "System settings"
4. "Voice control"
1.
Apps menu
2. "Vehicle"
5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"
6. Select the desired setting.
3. "System settings"
4. "Voice control"
5. "Long press"
Online speech processing
6. Select the desired setting.
Online speech processing improves the quality
of the speech recognition and search results
for points of interest. To use the functions,
data is transmitted to a service provider via an
encrypted connection and stored locally there.
An active ConnectedDrive contract is required
for online voice processing. ConnectedDrive is
available depending on the national-market
version. Online speech processing is not avail-
able in all languages.
Adjusting the volume
Turn the volume button during the voice guid-
ance until the desired volume is set.
The volume remains constant even if the vol-
ume of other audio sources is changed.
Using the voice activation of the
smartphone
Depending on the device, a smartphone con-
nected to the vehicle can be used via voice
control.
1.
Apps menu
2. "Vehicle"
3. "System settings"
4. "Voice control"
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BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
The device must be connected via Apple Car-
Play or Android Auto.
▷
▷
Major language dialects can cause prob-
lems with the speech recognition feature.
A poor data connection affects the re-
sponse time of the Personal Assistant and
search function.
1. Press and hold the
button on the
steering wheel for approx. 3 seconds.
The voice activation of the smartphone is
activated.
Connecting mobile devices
to the vehicle
If activation is successful, a confirmation
appears on the control display.
Principle
2. Press and hold the
button on the
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.
steering wheel to cancel voice control of the
smartphone.
Automating routines
General information
General information
Detailed information on the functions and con-
nection types can be found in the following
media in the Owner's Manual under the speci-
fied keyword:
The Personal Assistant can automate routines,
for instance the automatic opening of windows
in the same place. Rules are created for this
purpose, which can be activated and deacti-
vated at any time.
▷
▷
Integrated Owner's Manual in the vehicle.
Printed Owner's Manual for navigation,
communication and entertainment.
Activating/deactivating routines
The following information sources can also be
used:
1.
Apps menu
2. "All apps"
▷
▷
Driver’s Guide app.
Driver’s Guide Web.
3. "Automate habits"
4. Select the desired setting.
Safety information
System limits
▷
The Personal Assistant provides informa-
tion about vehicle functions that may not be
installed in the vehicle.
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, or 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.
This also applies to safety functions and
systems.
▷
▷
Certain noises can be detected and may
lead to problems. Keep the doors and win-
dows closed.
Noises from the front passenger or occu-
pants can impair the system. Avoid making
other noise in the vehicle while speaking.
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BMW iDrive
CONTROLS
them. The range of functions depends on the
vehicle equipment and the mobile device.
Overview
The following overview shows possible func-
tions and the suitable connection types for
Function
Connection type
Icon on the con-
trol display
Making calls via the hands-free sys- Bluetooth.
tem.
Keyword: Bluetooth connection.
Using phone functions via iDrive.
Keyword: calling via Bluetooth.
Playing music from a mobile device.
Keyword: audio.
Bluetooth audio.
Keyword: Bluetooth connection.
Calling without a mobile phone.
Personal eSIM.
Keyword: calling with the Personal
eSIM.
Keyword: Personal eSIM.
Data exchange between mobile de-
vice and vehicle.
Wi-Fi.
Keyword: vehicle WLAN.
Use Internet access via the personal Wi-Fi via personal hotspot.
hotspot.
Keyword: personal hotspot.
Using Apple CarPlay via iDrive and
via voice control.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Keyword: Bluetooth connection and
Keyword: Apple CarPlay preparation. vehicle Wi-Fi.
Using Android Auto via iDrive and via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
voice control.
Keyword: Bluetooth connection and
Keyword: Android Auto preparation. vehicle Wi-Fi.
Playing music from a USB device.
Keyword: audio.
USB.
Keyword: USB connection.
Additional information:
USB port, refer to page 258.
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