What is the reason why BMW Bluetooth is connected but cannot play music?

[VanDominic]

Here are the reasons why BMW Bluetooth is connected but there is no music: Volume not turned on: The volume of the audio system is not turned on, simply rotate the volume adjustment button. Integrated unit volume not turned on: The volume of the car navigation integrated unit is not turned on, enter the phone settings and find the media option, then turn up the media volume. Connection failure: The car Bluetooth and the phone are not paired and connected. In the car Bluetooth settings interface, select the automatic connection function, turn on the phone and car Bluetooth, keeping them in an open state. When the phone and Bluetooth are within 10 meters, they will automatically connect. Once the phone and car Bluetooth are successfully connected, the car Bluetooth player can be used. At this time, all sound output from the phone will be played through the car Bluetooth device. Just open the phone to play music, and the music will be played through the car audio system.

[MadelineLee]

I've been driving a BMW for over five years, and the issue with Bluetooth music not playing is indeed annoying. Last time, my phone showed it was connected, but there was no sound in the car. After checking the phone settings, I found that the media audio was turned off; this setting sometimes gets disabled automatically. Another time, it was due to outdated Bluetooth module software, which was resolved after updating the BMW iDrive system. Additionally, BMW can be picky about phone compatibility—new iOS or Android updates often introduce bugs, requiring re-pairing. Volume settings are also crucial; make sure both the car and phone volumes are turned up. The most troublesome scenario is hardware failure, like a broken Bluetooth receiver, which requires a visit to the dealership for inspection. For daily prevention, I regularly restart the system and clear the Bluetooth device list to avoid similar issues.

[McLuna]

Having worked in auto repair for twenty years, I often hear BMW owners complain about Bluetooth connecting but not playing music. The root cause is usually on the phone side: make sure media audio is enabled in Bluetooth settings, and try restarting the phone or the vehicle's iDrive system to see if it resolves the issue. If pairing is incomplete, delete the device and pair it again. For software glitches, use the BMW app to update the system or roll back to a previous version for testing. Hardware issues like module failure are rare, but voltage fluctuations or aging wiring can also cause interference. I advise owners to troubleshoot first before rushing to the repair shop to avoid unnecessary expenses. During routine maintenance, ask the technician to perform a quick check on the Bluetooth module to prevent future problems.

[Darin]

As a tech enthusiast, I often see friends experiencing Bluetooth music silence issues with their BMWs. Most cases stem from smartphone software bugs, like Android audio settings resetting after updates. Check Bluetooth connections to ensure media output is selected—restarting the phone usually fixes it instantly. BMW systems have poor compatibility; new phones paired with older models often require multiple attempts. Dead batteries or frozen apps can also cause this—try force-closing background apps. Also, verify the audio source is switched to Bluetooth mode in the iDrive settings. Don't overlook these simple steps to save time.