Does BMW Have Android Auto? A Complete Guide

Have you wondered if your BMW is compatible with Android Auto? As one of the last major luxury car manufacturers to adopt Android Auto support, BMW finally began rolling it out to select models in 2020.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know:

Which BMW models work with Android Auto
Smartphone and app requirements
Steps to connect your Android device
Key features and capabilities
Frequently asked questions
Tips to get the most out of Android Auto

So does BMW have Android Auto? Keep reading or jump ahead to the section you need.

Introduction to BMW and Android Auto

Launched in 2014, Android Auto integrates your Android smartphone with your vehicle’s infotainment system. It brings easy access to navigation, media, communication apps and voice controls—minimizing distractions for safe driving.

While many car manufacturers were early Android Auto partners, luxury brands like BMW resisted adopting third-party systems. But BMW finally saw the benefits, with broad Android Auto rollout beginning in late 2020.

Advantages include:

Intuitive access to apps via the vehicle’s central screen
Google Maps navigation displayed in the instrument cluster
Voice commands for hands-free help via Google Assistant
Wireless connection, no need for cables

With Android Auto in BMW models equipped with the latest technology, you get integrated smartphone connectivity matched by few other infotainment systems.

BMW Model Compatibility for Android Auto

The first question many BMW owners have: Is my BMW compatible with Android Auto?

Here are the requirements:

BMW Operating System 7 or 8
Equipped with Live Cockpit Plus or Professional
For 5/6 Series, X3 and X4 models: dealership software update needed

Confirmed compatible BMW models include:

BMW 3 Series (2019+)
BMW 5 Series (2020+)
BMW 7 Series (2020+)
BMW 8 Series (2019+)
BMW X3 (2020+)
BMW X4 (2020+)
BMW X5 (2019+)
BMW X6 (2020+)
BMW X7 (2019+)
BMW Z4 (2019+)

So if you’re driving one of the above models from those model years or newer—you should have Android Auto capability once updated to the latest BMW software.

Some new 2023 BMW models like the 5 Series facelift and X1 will launch with Android Auto already built-in too.

And what about other connectivity options? Many recent BMWs also support Apple CarPlay alongside Android Auto as well.

Smartphone and App Compatibility

You may have a compatible BMW model, but you also need the right smartphone and app to enable Android Auto connectivity.

Here are the core Android Auto requirements in BMW vehicles:

Android 11 or 10 smartphone
5GHz WiFi connectivity support
Active high-speed data plan
Latest Android Auto app from Google Play Store
Google or Samsung phones can run Android 10

So essentially, you’ll need a modern late-model Android phone with WiFi hotspot capability. Data connectivity comes from your smartphone plan.

Android Auto is wireless in BMW vehicles, meaning no need for wires or cords to enable phone integration. Just connect to your car via Bluetooth for seamless integration.

Can I Use Google Assistant?

Many BMW owners also wonder if they can use the popular Google Assistant voice assistant to control Android Auto in their vehicle hands-free.

As of late 2020, Google Assistant was supported in the following countries on BMW vehicles equipped with Android Auto:

Australia
Canada
Denmark
France
Germany
India
Norway
South Korea
Sweden
United Kingdom
United States

So if you own a compatible BMW in one of those markets, you should have access to helpful Google Assistant voice commands, similar to using Google on your Android phone.

Connecting Your Android Device to a BMW

Once you have a compatible BMW model and Android smartphone, next you’re probably wondering:

How do I connect my phone to Android Auto?

The setup process is quick and wireless in BMW vehicles:

Ensure your phone’s Bluetooth is turned on and set to visible
Select Android Auto from the BMW iDrive 7 app menu
Follow the prompts on your vehicle display and Android device to complete pairing

You’ll need to allow the Android Auto app permissions to connect initially.

After the first pairing, your phone should automatically connect each time you drive your BMW.

Overall, it’s a seamless modern wireless experience with just a few steps to start using your Android apps through your BMW’s infotainment system screen.

What Can You Do with Android Auto in a BMW?

So Android Auto is connected—but how does it enhance your in-vehicle experience? What are the key features and capabilities?

In a nutshell, here’s what you gain by using Android Auto in your compatible BMW luxury vehicle:

Easy Access to Apps

Launch and use your Android apps directly through BMW’s central touch display:

Google Maps – Streamlined touch-friendly interface for navigation
Media apps like Spotify, Pandora and more for music
Messaging apps to send/receive texts via voice
Calendar and reminders for appointments
News and podcasts
Favorite Android apps from your phone

By integrating these apps natively into your BMW’s infotainment system, you get an intuitive smartphone-like experience right from the driver’s seat.

Voice Command Capabilities

Android Auto also enables helpful voice control features via Google Assistant (where supported globally):

“Hey Google” voice activation
Ask for directions, points of interest
Play/pause music
Send text messages
Set reminders and more

With Google Assistant integration, Android Auto makes driving simpler and minimizes physical interactions for improved safety.

Heads-Up Display

Here’s a standout BMW benefit with Android Auto—it intelligently adapts to utilize BMW’s head-up display (HUD) technology:

Google Maps directions overlaid in your HUD
Turn-by-turn guidance reflected right in your line of sight
Media metadata when playing music

By reflecting key content directly on your windshield, you can keep your eyes focused ahead for less distraction.

Wireless Connectivity

As referenced above, Android Auto utilizes Bluetooth and WiFi for cable-free connectivity in compatible BMW models.

Just tap into your smartphone’s data plan for smooth access to apps, maps and cloud-based information on the go—no cords needed after initial setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we’ll address some common FAQs that BMW owners may have about Android Auto capability:

I have a 2021 BMW X3. Is it compatible?

Yes, the X3 supports Android Auto from model year 2020 onward. Ensure you have the latest BMW software to enable connectivity.

What if I have an older pre-2020 BMW?

Unless the model is listed above, older BMW vehicles likely don’t have Android Auto capability yet. Check your model year for compatibility guidance.

Do I need to buy an upgrade?

No, Android Auto is a standard feature included once you update to the latest BMW software. No extra charge or package required for most models 2018-onward with supported hardware.

Why can’t I connect my phone?

If struggling to connect, first ensure you have OS 7+ and Live Cockpit activated. Carefully re-try the wireless pairing process. Also check for Android app updates, phone OS version, Bluetooth visibility and that WiFi/data connectivity is enabled.

Does Android Auto use my car’s WiFi?

No, Android Auto connects via your smartphone’s mobile data plan and acts as a WiFi hotspot hub to deliver apps and information wirelessly in your BMW.

Can I get Google Assistant voice?

Check the compatible countries list above to see if Google Assistant is currently supported where you live. List continues expanding over time.

What about future updates?

BMW will continue expanding Android Auto compatibility to additional models and countries over the next few years. Check their official Android Auto site for the latest supported features and BMW vehicle integration plans.

We hope this list of FAQs helps explain core functionality, clears up points of confusion and lets you know if your BMW works with the valuable Android Auto platform.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Android Auto

To wrap up this comprehensive guide, we wanted to share some tips if you already use Android Auto in your BMW or are about to set it up for the first time:

Ensure you have the latest BMW software for best performance
Carefully go through Android Auto’s permissions when pairing
Add a magnetic mount to securely hold your phone visible
Pre-load your favorite Android apps and music offline
Practice key voice commands like “Ok Google” at home
Turn off Bluetooth if you only want to access local apps
Use Android Auto for navigation but keep BMW’s system as a backup
Tap the mic icon to activate helpful Google Assistant
The back button goes back within apps, hold it to switch apps
Try wireless charging if your BMW model supports it

We hope these Android Auto tips let you maximize your experience. Soon you’ll be accessing its key features seamlessly each time you drive your compatible BMW.

Conclusion

As one of the last luxury automakers to embrace Android Auto, BMW now offers excellent integration in recent model years. With wireless connectivity, tailored UI adaptations like heads-up display support and Google Assistant voice where available—Android smartphone owners can enjoy their favorite apps on the go.

Check your BMW model year and connectivity package to confirm if Android Auto is included. Then carefully follow the wireless pairing process to connect your Android device and access simplified controls for maps, media, messaging and more safely while driving.

Does BMW have Android Auto? Absolutely—if you own the right new BMW car from 2020 onward. BMW is committed to Android Auto along with Apple CarPlay support across their lineup, with enhancements continuously added via remote software updates.

So connect your compatible Android phone, say “Hey Google” and take advantage of the smart conveniences included with Android Auto in your next BMW vehicle today.