Are you experiencing issues with Apple CarPlay in your Mercedes Benz? You’re not alone. Many Mercedes-Benz owners have reported problems with Apple CarPlay, particularly after iOS updates. This article will explore common CarPlay issues in Mercedes vehicles and provide you with actionable steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve them.
Based on user reports, a frequent problem is Apple CarPlay suddenly stopping working in Mercedes Benz cars. Users have described scenarios where CarPlay was initially set up by the dealership and functioned correctly for a short period before disconnecting and failing to reconnect. This issue seems to have become more prevalent after updates to Apple’s iOS.
One user, photogjim, pinpointed iOS updates as a potential culprit after experiencing CarPlay issues in their Mercedes GLA 250 with two different iPhones after updating to iOS 11.4.1. They confirmed with a Mercedes dealer that an iPhone with an older iOS version connected to CarPlay without any problems, suggesting a compatibility issue introduced by the iOS update.
While the exact cause might vary, here’s a workaround that has proven helpful for some Mercedes-Benz owners experiencing CarPlay connectivity problems. This solution was shared by a user named johnmartin25 and involves manually adding the CarPlay feature to your Mercedes infotainment system’s home screen.
Workaround: Manually Adding Apple CarPlay to Your Mercedes Menu
If your Apple CarPlay has disappeared from your Mercedes-Benz display, or is not connecting automatically, follow these steps to manually add it back to your menu:
- Go to the Home Screen: From your Mercedes-Benz home screen, press the ‘*’ button, typically located on the top right of the control knob. This will take you to the main menu.
- Navigate to ‘+ Add’ Button: Using the control knob, scroll all the way to the right until you find and click on the ‘+ Add’ button. This option allows you to customize your home screen menu.
- Select ‘Tel’: From the list of available options, scroll down and select ‘Tel’ (for Telephone).
- Choose ‘Apple CarPlay’: Within the ‘Tel’ menu, scroll through the options until you find ‘Apple CarPlay’ and select it.
- Add CarPlay Icon: Clicking on ‘Apple CarPlay’ will add a CarPlay icon to your Mercedes-Benz home screen menu.
Alt text: Adding Apple CarPlay icon to Mercedes-Benz infotainment system menu for easy access.
After adding the CarPlay icon, connect your iPhone to your Mercedes-Benz via a USB cable and ensure Bluetooth is enabled. Then, click on the newly added CarPlay icon in your menu. Some users report that they may need to manually confirm starting Apple CarPlay each time they start their car using this method, but it can restore CarPlay functionality.
Other Troubleshooting Steps for Mercedes Benz Apple CarPlay Issues:
If the manual addition workaround doesn’t fully resolve your Apple CarPlay problem, consider these additional troubleshooting steps:
- Check for System Updates: Mercedes-Benz, like other car manufacturers, releases system updates that can address software glitches and improve compatibility. Check your Mercedes-Benz infotainment system for available updates. Some users, like camfoster1 (referencing a Honda Accord, but the principle applies), found that a system update resolved their CarPlay issues. You can typically find system update options within the car’s settings menu.
- Consult Your Mercedes-Benz Dealer: If you’ve tried the manual workaround and system updates, and CarPlay is still not functioning correctly, contacting your Mercedes-Benz dealership is advisable. As suggested by ChrisJ4203, your dealer’s concierge service can provide dedicated support and guide you through troubleshooting steps specific to your Mercedes-Benz model. They can also check for any known issues or specific software updates related to CarPlay compatibility with your vehicle.
- Ensure Correct USB Port Usage: Some Mercedes-Benz models may have specific USB ports designated for smartphone integration features like Apple CarPlay. Refer to your Mercedes-Benz owner’s manual to identify the correct USB port for CarPlay connectivity. User russellfrompalm desert mentioned the importance of using the USB port indicated with an iPhone symbol in their Mercedes GLC 300.
- Restart Your iPhone: A simple restart of your iPhone can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches that might be interfering with CarPlay.
- Check Apple CarPlay Settings on Your iPhone: Go to Settings > General > CarPlay on your iPhone to ensure CarPlay is enabled and your Mercedes-Benz is listed as a recognized car. You can also try forgetting your car and re-establishing the CarPlay connection.
Conclusion:
Experiencing Apple CarPlay issues in your Mercedes-Benz can be frustrating, especially when you rely on it for navigation, music, and hands-free communication. While iOS updates can sometimes introduce temporary compatibility problems, manual workarounds, system updates, and dealer assistance are often effective solutions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can troubleshoot your Mercedes-Benz Apple CarPlay connection and hopefully get back to enjoying seamless smartphone integration in your vehicle.
Disclaimer: This article is based on user experiences and forum discussions and is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult your Mercedes-Benz owner’s manual and dealership for specific instructions and support related to your vehicle model.
