Why can BMW connect to Bluetooth but cannot play music?
2 Answers
BMW can connect to Bluetooth but cannot play music because the Bluetooth audio option has not been selected. You need to locate the audio settings on the car screen, where you can choose from three modes including local audio or Bluetooth audio, and then select the Bluetooth audio option. The Bluetooth technology in the car's Bluetooth system is derived from mobile phone Bluetooth technology, sharing the same transmission system. The car Bluetooth is essentially an in-car wireless hands-free system designed and developed based on wireless Bluetooth technology. BMW is a German luxury car brand, with model series including i, X, Z pure digital models, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 series, and the M series which is an improved version based on these series. The headquarters is located in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.
Last time I drove my friend's BMW, I encountered the same issue where the Bluetooth call connected but couldn't play music. Focus on checking two key areas: First, verify in your phone's Bluetooth settings whether media audio permissions are enabled for the BMW—many phones default to call-only functionality. Second, once inside the car, check the iDrive system to ensure the audio source isn't set to radio or CarPlay. For older vehicle systems, remember to visit the dealership for a software update, as outdated systems often conflict with newer phones. If all else fails, perform a reset by disconnecting and reconnecting the Bluetooth—this resolves about 90% of issues. Lastly, iPhone users should check their music app's network permissions, while Android users need to ensure battery optimization isn't restricting background playback.
