USB not connecting for iPhone 6+ (and 6)

Sailor279 · 04-28-2017, 08:03 PM

Just picked up a 2014 328xi GT and am unable to get the audio to recognize my USB-connected iPhone 6+. It charges thru USB and has connected for telephone via Bluetooth without an issue. But no music and it doesn't even appear to recognize the USB connection. The USB Connection icon appears grayed out/disabled from that menu setting in idrive.

Have tried multiple cables (apple and other brands) and different phones as well.
I just updated to the latest software via USB. Same damn plug so it appears to be functioning.
Since the car is new to me, I ran the VIN thru BMW site to confirm that it's got the right options to support music and connectivity via USB to my iphone. (see pic).

I've read many posts about sporadic and problematic connections but I can't seem to find a solution.

Would appreciate any ideas the community has! Thx!

Nelson@BimmerTech · 04-28-2017, 09:02 PM

You will need Enhanced Bluetooth/USB Activation https://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw...usb-activation

Sailor279 · 04-30-2017, 12:20 PM

Hmmm... was thinking that USB connectivity should be included in the package I have.

But I will consider enhanced Bluetooth. Thx for the recommendation.

BEM-S4 · 04-30-2017, 01:05 PM

Are you plugging in via glovebox or armrest? Armrest should work for what you're trying to do.

JackAdams · 04-30-2017, 01:54 PM

I assume you're using a Y-cable? I only ask as I was unaware that I needed that cable and took me a couple weeks of plugging it into just the usb before someone mentioned it to me

Sailor279 · 05-01-2017, 01:16 AM

Have been trying an Apple USB lightning charger via armrest - which, according to everything I've read, should work. I will try Y cable w/lightning adapter tomorrow and report.

Sailor279 · 05-02-2017, 01:47 PM

Quick update: I got iphone to stream music (both local and via Pandora and Spotify) so I'm calling that "success"! No cover art (nor did I expect) and I'm still fiddling w/basic controls (advance/back song tracks) thru iDrive but it appears doable.

The fact that you need a Y-Cable is not clear (or at least, this was the only way it worked for me). I would go so far as to say that it's misleading on BMW site since they just state "USB". Since many other posts seem to indicate it works with just Lightning-USB charger cable, maybe this is quirk of my my configuration.

Anyway -- Since the Y-Cable I had was for older ipod/iphone 4 and earlier, I added a Lightning 8 pin to 30 pin adapter and a 3-rd party brand Lightning extension cable so the phone isn't so tightly tethered to armrest.

Thx for the suggestions!

JackAdams · 05-02-2017, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailor279

Quick update: I got iphone to stream music (both local and via Pandora and Spotify) so I'm calling that "success"! No cover art (nor did I expect) and I'm still fiddling w/basic controls (advance/back song tracks) thru iDrive but it appears doable.

The fact that you need a Y-Cable is not clear (or at least, this was the only way it worked for me). I would go so far as to say that it's misleading on BMW site since they just state "USB". Since many other posts seem to indicate it works with just Lightning-USB charger cable, maybe this is quirk of my my configuration.

Anyway -- Since the Y-Cable I had was for older ipod/iphone 4 and earlier, I added a Lightning 8 pin to 30 pin adapter and a 3-rd party brand Lightning extension cable so the phone isn't so tightly tethered to armrest.

Thx for the suggestions!

No problem. It was the only way I could get it to work on my 2013. Glad it worked for you

jp4120 · 06-22-2018, 09:31 PM

in my 2013 had lots of problems trying to get flash drive recognized to back up music collection leftover from original owner.....as i get ready to move to a newer vehicle. finally only worked when i put the flash drive in the glove box USB slot...go figure.

J.D. · 06-26-2018, 12:35 PM

I've been having similar issues, but mine is the opposite. With the apple lightning cable it connects, but after a while of playing music it cuts out and I have to reset it. But with the BMW Y cable it doesn't even recognize that anything is connected. The phone charges but it won't connect to the system. I would just use BT but it's really sluggish. So frustrating. Never had these problems with my cheap Corolla or Sentra. Never thought I would have these types of issues with a BMW.

Juan Javier Perez-Luna · 12-02-2018, 06:19 AM

Hi:
I have a 328i xdrive 2014 I am trying to connect my Iphone 7 plus. Have same issue. The iPhone 7 don't have the jack for audio. Any advice. It charge via USB on the arm rest but don't connect. Bluetooth is connect and is working perfect.

Thanks

04-28-2017, 08:03 PM	#1
Sailor279 New Member 4 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2014 Midnight Blue 328i GT Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Hermosa Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	USB not connecting for iPhone 6+ (and 6) Just picked up a 2014 328xi GT and am unable to get the audio to recognize my USB-connected iPhone 6+. It charges thru USB and has connected for telephone via Bluetooth without an issue. But no music and it doesn't even appear to recognize the USB connection. The USB Connection icon appears grayed out/disabled from that menu setting in idrive. Have tried multiple cables (apple and other brands) and different phones as well. I just updated to the latest software via USB. Same damn plug so it appears to be functioning. Since the car is new to me, I ran the VIN thru BMW site to confirm that it's got the right options to support music and connectivity via USB to my iphone. (see pic). I've read many posts about sporadic and problematic connections but I can't seem to find a solution. Would appreciate any ideas the community has! Thx! Attached Images
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04-28-2017, 09:02 PM	#2
Nelson@BimmerTech Banned 271 Rep 832 Posts Drives: 2014 M6 GC Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	You will need Enhanced Bluetooth/USB Activation https://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw...usb-activation
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04-30-2017, 12:20 PM	#3
Sailor279 New Member 4 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2014 Midnight Blue 328i GT Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Hermosa Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	Hmmm... was thinking that USB connectivity should be included in the package I have. But I will consider enhanced Bluetooth. Thx for the recommendation.
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04-30-2017, 01:05 PM	#4
BEM-S4 Major General 4520 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	Are you plugging in via glovebox or armrest? Armrest should work for what you're trying to do. __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
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04-30-2017, 01:54 PM	#5
JackAdams Private First Class 80 Rep 153 Posts Drives: '13 335xi Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	I assume you're using a Y-cable? I only ask as I was unaware that I needed that cable and took me a couple weeks of plugging it into just the usb before someone mentioned it to me __________________ Ohh, they have the Internet on computers now. - Homer J.
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05-01-2017, 01:16 AM	#6
Sailor279 New Member 4 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2014 Midnight Blue 328i GT Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Hermosa Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	Have been trying an Apple USB lightning charger via armrest - which, according to everything I've read, should work. I will try Y cable w/lightning adapter tomorrow and report.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-02-2017, 01:47 PM	#7
Sailor279 New Member 4 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2014 Midnight Blue 328i GT Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Hermosa Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	Quick update: I got iphone to stream music (both local and via Pandora and Spotify) so I'm calling that "success"! No cover art (nor did I expect) and I'm still fiddling w/basic controls (advance/back song tracks) thru iDrive but it appears doable. The fact that you need a Y-Cable is not clear (or at least, this was the only way it worked for me). I would go so far as to say that it's misleading on BMW site since they just state "USB". Since many other posts seem to indicate it works with just Lightning-USB charger cable, maybe this is quirk of my my configuration. Anyway -- Since the Y-Cable I had was for older ipod/iphone 4 and earlier, I added a Lightning 8 pin to 30 pin adapter and a 3-rd party brand Lightning extension cable so the phone isn't so tightly tethered to armrest. Thx for the suggestions!
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06-22-2018, 09:31 PM	#9
jp4120 New Member 0 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2018 430i xDrive Gran Coupe Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Blue Bell PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW/430i xdriv ... [0.00]	in my 2013 had lots of problems trying to get flash drive recognized to back up music collection leftover from original owner.....as i get ready to move to a newer vehicle. finally only worked when i put the flash drive in the glove box USB slot...go figure. __________________ JP 2018 430i xDrive Gran Coupe 2013 328i xDrive
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06-26-2018, 12:35 PM	#10
J.D. Private 20 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2015 328i Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	I've been having similar issues, but mine is the opposite. With the apple lightning cable it connects, but after a while of playing music it cuts out and I have to reset it. But with the BMW Y cable it doesn't even recognize that anything is connected. The phone charges but it won't connect to the system. I would just use BT but it's really sluggish. So frustrating. Never had these problems with my cheap Corolla or Sentra. Never thought I would have these types of issues with a BMW.
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12-02-2018, 06:19 AM	#11
Juan Javier Perez-Luna BMW 328i Xdrive Sport Wagon 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW 2014 328i XDRIVE S/WAGON Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: CABO ROJO, PR iTrader: (0)	Hi: I have a 328i xdrive 2014 I am trying to connect my Iphone 7 plus. Have same issue. The iPhone 7 don't have the jack for audio. Any advice. It charge via USB on the arm rest but don't connect. Bluetooth is connect and is working perfect. Thanks
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