Does BMW Support Android System?
3 Answers
BMW supports the Android system. Systems supported by BMW: After conducting market research, BMW found that most BMW brand car owners use iPhone smartphones. Therefore, the initial development of the BMW ConnectedDrive applications was based on the Apple iOS platform. Later, the more widely used Google Android platform was also incorporated. Currently, BMW mobile connectivity supports smartphones or tablets with these two different operating systems. Connection method: Integrate the designated application with the car's central control. Users need to download the BMW Connected app from Google Play, and after pairing their phone with the car, they can control it via the car's central console.
I drive the latest BMW 5 Series, which supports Android and can connect to my phone via Android Auto. The connection is simple—just ensure your phone runs Android 5.0 or later and your BMW has iDrive 6. After pairing via USB or wirelessly, the car screen displays Google Maps, Spotify, and WhatsApp apps, making driving much more convenient without needing to glance at your phone. The navigation voice is clear, and music can be controlled directly, enhancing safety. However, note that older BMW models or base trims may not support it, so check the model year before buying a used car. Occasionally, minor issues like Bluetooth instability may arise, but restarting the device usually fixes them. Overall, the experience is smooth and more hassle-free than traditional navigation.
My X3 supports Android connectivity, and I've tested it several times with my Huawei phone with decent results. Once in the car, I enable Bluetooth, turn on Android Auto, and the iDrive system automatically syncs, displaying my favorite navigation app and playlists on the screen. The voice recognition is also responsive—just saying 'Call Xiao Li' while driving gets the job done, reducing distraction risks. It remembers the connection after the initial setup, which is quite smart. However, battery consumption is slightly faster, so I bring a power bank for long trips. BMW's updates have made the interface more user-friendly, but if the phone's OS is outdated, lag occurs more frequently. Overall, this feature makes daily commutes more convenient and safer.