How to install Carplay on BMW XM?

Using phones while driving is illegal and you risk getting a ticket and losing points. But there are emergency situations in which we need to use the phone. In these moments, it is necessary to use Carplay and we will discover how to use it on the brand new SUV, the BMW XM?

CARPLAY: WHAT IS IT?

Carplay is an integrated operating system designed by Apple to allow drivers to connect their iPhone to their car to access their apps, music services, navigation tools and messages. This application will allow drivers to focus on the road while maintaining a visual on the large touch screen of their BMW XM.

Carplay is available if you own a BMW XM and this model offers you the possibility to activate the voice assistant "Siri" by pressing a button on the steering wheel. This will allow you to drive while keeping an eye on the road.

WHY USE CARPLAY?

Carplay allows you to access all the applications on your iPhone while driving your BMW XM without taking your eyes off the road. You won't need to stop on the way to make a call, play music or change your route.

Carplay can be used manually, which means you can write directly on the screen, or vocally with Siri from the BMW XM's control system. It is important to specify that you must have an iPhone 5 minimum.

How to connect your iPhone to Carplay in your BMW XM?

The easiest and fastest solution is to use your iPhone charger cable. After starting the car, just plug the cable into the USB port of your BMW XM. This method is only valid if you have a cable (in good condition of course) on you. The vehicle will ask you if you want to use Carplay, you will just have to confirm.

The other solution is to use the Bluetooth connection to use Carplay on your BMW XM and as we will see, it is not complicated to implement.

Let's take a look at the steps to follow:

• Activate Bluetooth on your iPhone and make sure that Bluetooth is visible to other devices;
• Do a search using the screen of your BMW XM;
• Select the name of your phone from the list that appears;
• Enter the security code displayed and validate.

When all these steps are completed, Carplay will automatically appear on the screen of your BMW XM.

HOW TO USE CARPLAY ON YOUR BMW XM?

Once Carplay is launched, you'll be able to use a number of applications while keeping an eye on the road to avoid any accidents. You can listen to your favorite artist's latest album or listen to your favorite author's latest book if you're into literature. You can also use GPS navigation applications such as Waze or Apple Maps.

If you don't feel comfortable using Carplay manually yet, there is a small icon on the steering wheel of your BMW XM. This icon offers you the possibility to use the voice recognition system "Siri". You can, for example, ask Siri to show you the fastest route to your home.

In any case, Carplay on your BMW XM brings all the comfort you need to have a good time.

Of course, all this does not exempt you from paying attention on the road to ensure your safety.

In case you own an older BMW and want to enjoy Apple Carplay directly on your original screen, you need to install one of our Carplay modules.