Why Can't I Play Music After Connecting Bluetooth in BMW?

[StBentley]

If music cannot be played after connecting Bluetooth in a BMW, it may be because the Bluetooth audio option was not selected. Details about BMW Bluetooth connection are as follows: Select Bluetooth Audio: Find the audio option on the car screen, where you can choose among three modes including local audio or Bluetooth audio, then select Bluetooth audio. Functions of Car Bluetooth: Automatically identifies mobile phones, enabling connection with the phone without cables or phone holders; the driver can control the phone without touching it, even keeping both hands on the steering wheel, using voice commands to answer or make calls. Users can conduct calls through the car's audio system.

[MacSara]

I often help friends troubleshoot BMW Bluetooth issues, and there are many reasons why music might not play. The most common is that while Bluetooth pairing is successful, the audio source isn't selected correctly. BMW's infotainment system defaults to enabling only Bluetooth calls, requiring manual activation for media audio. Navigate to the 'Media Source' or 'Audio Settings' in the infotainment menu and switch to Bluetooth input. Additionally, BMW's Bluetooth module can sometimes malfunction due to software bugs—try restarting the infotainment system or updating the software version. Problems can also arise on the phone side; ensure your phone's Bluetooth permissions allow audio sharing, and apps like QQ Music or Spotify may need authorization in their settings. If the issue persists, it could be a hardware fault, such as an aging Bluetooth receiver or a loose connector, requiring professional inspection and repair. Remember, checking the Bluetooth system during routine maintenance can help prevent such issues.

[DelLogan]

Once, my BMW's Bluetooth connected, but the music just wouldn't play. It took me a while to figure out the reason. The key lies in the infotainment system settings—after connecting via Bluetooth, the central display usually shows several options, and you must select 'Bluetooth Audio' as the playback source, not just default to phone mode. The phone also needs to cooperate by opening the Bluetooth pairing record and ensuring the 'Media Audio' option is checked. Sometimes, outdated phone software can cause issues, such as delayed updates to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto leading to compatibility problems. If none of these are the issue, check for blown fuses or loose wiring, though it's unlikely to be necessary—try restarting both the car and the phone first. In short, don't jump to conclusions; methodically check these small details. The process isn't complicated, just requires a bit of patience.

[VonValerie]

I think the issue with BMW Bluetooth not playing music is mostly due to setup oversights. For example, after the phone connects, the car's system might not automatically switch to media playback, so you need to manually select Bluetooth as the audio source on the steering wheel or screen. Check the phone's Bluetooth pairing record to see if the 'Media Device' status is enabled, and ensure the app permissions on Android or iPhone allow audio output. Another possible issue could be a full system cache—clearing it or updating the car's software might resolve the problem. Occasionally, environmental interference, like strong signal devices nearby, can also affect it, but this is rare. The simplest solution is to disconnect and reconnect or try with another phone to confirm the issue isn't with the phone before considering car-side problems.