CONTROLS -> Connections for your BMW X4 2019-2025

Connections  
CONTROLS  
Connections  
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.  
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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Connections  
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Function  
Connection type  
Icon in the de-  
vice list  
Apple CarPlay:  
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.  
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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Connections  
CONTROLS  
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"  
1. "COM"  
2. "Mobile devices"  
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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CONTROLS  
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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Connections  
CONTROLS  
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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CONTROLS  
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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Connections  
CONTROLS  
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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