What Is BMW Android Auto and Why Should You Have It in Your Car?

The 21st century is the safety era in the automotive industry, and most infotainment solutions are made to keep you focused on the road, not on the navigation screen or your phone. Though many car makes tried hard to keep mobile devices away from the cockpit, it soon became clear that demand is only going up, and the manufacturers' native solutions (like the BMW ConnectedDrive app) do not cope with it at all. That’s how Apple CarPlay appeared, and how we got Android Auto. 

What is Android Auto and how does it work?

Android Auto is software that lets you connect the phone to the vehicle’s infotainment system, and use your favorite apps on the car’s display with the in-built controls. Of course, smartphone functionality is limited to minimize distractions, but the most important features and apps are there to stay:

• making use of real-time GPS navigation, ETA and travel alerts with Google Maps or Waze;
• making and answering calls with the use of Google Assistant;
• sending and receiving texts via SMS, WhatsApp, Messenger, etc. (Google Assistant);
• listening to your favorite music from Spotify, Tidal or radio stations from Pandora, TuneIn, etc.
• staying in the loop with news apps like the New York Times, ABC, NPR One, etc.
• checking your calendar, weather, reminders, and so on. 

Cars with Android Auto allow you to connect your phone to the system wirelessly or via USB. After connecting the smartphone, you have access to more than 200 apps that you can operate using a touchscreen, control knob or Google Assistant. Click here for a full list of available apps.

When will BMW have Android Auto?

Until recently, no BMWs were among the Android Auto compatible cars, and the only way to get this software was to go aftermarket. However, in December 2019 the automaker announced that from July 2020, owners of the latest models will be able to use Android Auto in BMW cars. What does it mean?

Only 2019/2020 and later BMW vehicles with the 7th-generation iDrive system (Live Cockpit Professional) will be equipped with the necessary hardware and software for Android Auto integration. BMW also informed that only wireless connection will be available, making the automaker one of the few car manufacturers offering the plug-free connection, but also limiting the number of smartphones it will be possible to use. 

BMW Android Auto will integrate with the vehicle’s digital cockpit, with info display on the digital cluster as well as head-up display. 

What phones are Android Auto compatible?

In terms of the wireless connection, the list of officially Android Auto compatible phones is pretty limited:

This concerns both the original BMW Android Auto as well as the BimmerTech Android Auto MMI Prime. 

When it comes to the USB connection, also offered by BimmerTech's retrofit, your smartphone (be it Samsung, Lenovo, LG or any other brand) just has to run Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. Though it is recommended to start from the 6.0 OS version (Marshmallow) and up, for better performance. 

NOTE: This is an indicative list of phones that may change depending on your phone’s software version.

How do I connect to Android Auto?

The first step to using all your favorite applications on the iDrive screen is downloading the Android Auto app (if you phone runs Android 10.0, the app is built in). For wireless connection, you can perform the initial set up wirelessly and after doing so, Android Auto will automatically connect your phone to the iDrive system every time you get into the car. 

With phones that support only the USB connection, it’s necessary to plug the Android device into a separate USB socket and hold the menu button until the menu pops up. 

How to use Android Auto in BMW vehicles?

There are several ways to find your way around Android Auto for BMW :

1. Google Assistant: it is usually turned on by “OK, Google” or with a press of a button. With the help of simple commands to Google Assistant, Android Auto will play your favorite music, call your friend or set the destination for the Google Maps route.
2. Steering wheel buttons: without taking your eyes off the road, you can: control the volume, turn on Google Assistant or switch between songs (using the factory original software);use the scroll wheel for jumping to different menu sections or the voice button for Google Assistant (using the BMW Android Auto aftermarket version from BimmerTech). Keep in mind that this option is dependent on your BMW model. To make sure you’ll have it available, type in your VIN here.
3. iDrive controller: by tilting, turning and pressing the iDrive wheel you can get around the menu.
4. Touchscreen: available only in 2020 models with the BMW genuine Android Auto software.

The application is very intuitive and convenient, so it’s easy to get the knack of it.

Why Android Auto is not available in all countries? 

There are tons of stories of people buying a car with Android Auto preinstalled, then finding out that it’s not supported in their country. At present, it’s available in around 36 regions. If you don’t have the application in your Google Play Store, it means your region is not on the list of supported countries.

But you shouldn’t give up - there is an Android Auto hack (even two) that can turn things around. What you can do is:

1. download the app’s .apk file from the web and install it on your phone 
2. use VPN to switch your IP-address to a region where AA is supported and download the app from Google Play Store

A little party workaround never killed nobody. 

Android Auto MMI Prime

If your vehicle is not compatible with the original software, it doesn’t mean that your only option is a cumbersome Android Auto head unit swap. BimmerTech offers Android Auto MMI Prime retrofits for most E-series and F-series cars with the following head units: CIC, ENTRY, ENTRYNAV, NBT, NBT EVO ID4 and CHAMP2. The installation process however differs depending on your iDrive system. In NBT-type head units, for example, it’s an easy plug & play that takes 1-2 hours at most. The installation kit includes a detailed manual tailored to your specific BMW model. Additionally, you can always contact tech support with any questions you may have, either about the product or its installation.    

The installation process of Android Auto for CIC head units, on the other hand, looks a bit different. While mounting Android Auto MMI Prime for NBT-type head units is manageable even for inexperienced DIY’ers, the installation of Android Auto for CIC is a bit more tedious. Therefore, if you’d need a helping hand, here’s a list of our installers who will manage this process for you.

Android Auto MMI Prime is compatible with 2018 and older vehicles equipped with NBT Evo ID4 as well as basic iDrive versions. To check compatibility with your car, type in your VIN on the Android Auto MMI Prime product page. 

This upgrade lets you connect your Android device via USB or wirelessly. But what makes it special is the extra features you can take advantage of. They include:

• CarPlay for iPhones
• A separate USB socket that can be used to play video and music files from a USB stick
• Android and iOS screen mirroring
• Audio equalizer

To learn more about this aftermarket upgrade, read our blog about the BimmerTech Android Auto BMW retrofit or watch our video with Android Auto review on YouTube.

If you’re an Android user and want to install Android Auto on a BMW or plan to buy a vehicle with the original software, make sure it meets all your requirements and have all your questions answered with our short FAQ.