2019-2024 Audi Wireless CarPlay Connection Issues

Symptoms of Audi Wireless CarPlay Connection Issues

Owners of 2019-2024 Audi vehicles may experience several issues with their Audi Wireless CarPlay connection. These include:

• The customer cannot connect their device to the MMI using Wireless Apple CarPlay.
• The Wireless CarPlay connection does not automatically start after starting the vehicle.
• Intermittently, after starting the vehicle, Wireless CarPlay cannot be started. Upon touching the tile in the MMI, the tile turns green, but CarPlay does not start.
• Wireless CarPlay works intermittently, leading to frequent disconnections.
• Wireless CarPlay not connecting at times, especially after recent iOS updates.

Technical Background

Wireless CarPlay utilizes your vehicle's Wi-Fi to provide the same functionality as wired Apple CarPlay, eliminating the need for a tethered USB connection. Initial pairing to the vehicle's infotainment system (MMI) is performed using Bluetooth.

Audi MMI systems that support Wireless CarPlay include MIB2+ with ConBox Low (found in some 2019-2021 models like the e-tron quattro, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q7, Q8, and e-tron Sportback) and MIB3 with ConBox High (found in some 2021-2022 models like the A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Q8, e-tron quattro, e-tron Sportback, A3, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8, Q4 e-tron, e-tron GT, and RS e-tron GT).

The type of ConBox system is important because Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are controlled differently. For MIB2+ MMI, the Wi-Fi hotspot is controlled by the ConBox Low module, while the MMI controls the Bluetooth system. For MIB3 MMI systems, both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are controlled by the ConBox High module.

Wireless CarPlay sessions can be initiated via two methods: a Bluetooth connection to the vehicle or a Wi-Fi connection to the vehicle. It's crucial to understand the differences in how the vehicle recognizes the iPhone and how the iPhone uses data during a CarPlay session.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Several conditions can lead to issues with your Audi Wireless CarPlay connection:

• Incorrect Pairing Method: If the iPhone is manually paired to the 2.4Ghz band of the car's Wi-Fi hotspot instead of the 5Ghz band (which Apple CarPlay uses), it can cause the iPhone to constantly switch between bands, disrupting Wireless CarPlay.
• iPhone Connected to Other Hotspots: The MMI may fail to find the iPhone for CarPlay if the iPhone is already connected to a different Wi-Fi hotspot (e.g., home or work network) when attempting to start CarPlay.
• Expired Audi Connect PLUS Plan: If your Audi Connect PLUS plan has expired and the iPhone is configured to use the MMI's Wi-Fi hotspot for data, Wireless CarPlay may not function because internet data is required and no longer provided.
• iOS Security Features: Starting with iOS 12, Apple introduced security features that can lock out connected USB accessories, including the MMI, if the iPhone has not been unlocked within the last hour before connecting.

Repair Procedure Summary

Addressing the Audi Wireless CarPlay connection issues typically involves adjusting iPhone settings and re-establishing the connection. No production solution is applicable, as this is a user-configuration and troubleshooting guide.

Initial Pairing for Wireless CarPlay:

1. Ensure Siri is enabled and configured on your iPhone (Check Settings >> General).
2. Bluetooth must be turned on in both your iPhone and the MMI (only used for setup).
3. Wi-Fi must be turned on in your iPhone. If it's not, iOS software should prompt you to turn it on.
4. Establish a Bluetooth pairing with the MMI and accept the prompt to enable Wireless CarPlay. The MMI shares Wi-Fi security credentials to the iPhone over Bluetooth.
5. Once Apple CarPlay is active in the MMI, you can turn Bluetooth off and back on if the session is not active. The MMI will connect to Wireless CarPlay over Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth will then be disabled in the MMI.

Troubleshooting Specific Concerns:

• CarPlay not starting (tile turns green but no launch): Cycle the CarPlay Toggle in the Bluetooth Settings for the vehicle in your iPhone's Settings menu (Figure 3 in the original TSB shows this process). This often resolves issues when the MMI cannot find the iPhone on its Wi-Fi network.
• iPhone manually paired to 2.4Ghz band: In your iPhone settings, go to Bluetooth settings for the MMI, select the little "(i)" next to the MMI's name, and then cycle the "CarPlay" option off and back on. If CarPlay doesn't automatically start, reselect it in the MMI. This step may need to be repeated if the issue recurs.
• Expired Audi Connect PLUS plan: Either turn on Wi-Fi Assist on your iPhone or delete existing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth pairings and perform a new Bluetooth-only pairing. If the iPhone was manually connected to the MMI's hotspot, it will disconnect if no internet data is provided by an expired plan. Wi-Fi Assist forces the iPhone to use LTE for internet data while staying connected to the vehicle's Wi-Fi for CarPlay.
• CarPlay not turning on automatically: Check that your iPhone is not connected to a different Wi-Fi hotspot (home or work). Wireless CarPlay requires connection to the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot, either directly or via a private channel.
• Intermittent CarPlay operation: Unlock your iPhone or turn off the USB accessories security feature. This iOS feature can prevent connected devices, including the MMI, from working if the iPhone hasn't been unlocked recently.

Important Warnings

• DO NOT manually connect the iPhone to the Wi-Fi hotspot in the car after the initial Bluetooth pairing. Doing so can cause conflicts and prevent the Audi Wireless CarPlay connection from working correctly, especially if your Audi Connect PLUS plan is expired.
• If you connect a phone to the Wi-Fi hotspot in the vehicle, the iPhone will try to use the MMI for data consumption. If no data can be obtained (e.g., with an expired Plus subscription), Wireless CarPlay will not work.
• The solution involving Wi-Fi Assist only works with some iOS versions and can break during an iOS update.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing issues with your Audi Wireless CarPlay connection, first try the troubleshooting steps outlined above, focusing on your iPhone's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings. Ensure Siri is enabled and that your iPhone is not connected to other Wi-Fi networks. If problems persist, and you have an active Audi Connect PLUS plan, ensure it's functioning correctly. For persistent issues, contact your Audi dealer or Apple customer support if the problem relates to iOS features.

Warranty

This Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only and is not applicable to any Audi warranty claims. It provides guidance for diagnosing and resolving common customer concerns.

Additional Information

This TSB, 91 22 47 2062466/3, dated November 8, 2022, supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 22-70, dated January 25, 2022. Another related bulletin, TSB 2068435/1, 91 MIB3: "Failure to establish a Bluetooth connection with iOS 16.0.x (iPhone)", may also be helpful.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10227162