2022-2026 Audi CarPlay and Apple Device Connectivity TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2071185/2 to address various complaints related to connectivity and Apple CarPlay functionality when using Apple iOS devices in 2022-2026 Audi vehicles. This TSB provides a comprehensive guide for diagnosing and resolving common issues that owners may encounter with their iPhones or iPads.

This bulletin, identified as 91 BT/AMI/ASI, was initially published on August 9, 2023, and revised on March 4, 2025, to include additional model years (2025 and 2026) and adjusted verbiage.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may experience a range of functionality impairments when connecting Apple iOS devices, such as an iPhone or iPod. These Audi CarPlay connectivity issues can manifest in several ways:

• Telephone operation functionality issues
• Media playback functionality issues
• Communication interrupted when connecting media players via connector
• No function when connecting media players
• Operation sequence incorrect for iPod/iPhone audio sources
• Media playback stopped, cannot be selected, or no function for MP3 tracks from iPod
• No function when selecting media playback
• No function for charging media player battery

Specific areas of concern include problems with phone calls, address book synchronization, Bluetooth connection stability, Bluetooth audio playback, media playback via the Audi Music Interface, and Audi Smartphone Integration (Apple CarPlay).

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The primary workshop finding is that the customer is typically using an Apple iOS device, such as an iPhone or iPad. Technical analysis indicates that compatibility issues may stem from the operating system of the Apple device itself or incorrect settings on the phone. There are known Audi CarPlay connectivity issues with Bluetooth and CarPlay connections when using iOS versions older than 16.5.

Repair Procedure Summary

TSB 2071185/2 outlines a detailed service procedure to resolve these Audi CarPlay connectivity issues. The steps focus on device-side troubleshooting and re-establishing connections:

1. Update iOS: Ensure the customer's smartphone is updated to iOS 16.5 or higher.
2. Re-pair Devices: Delete the MMI from the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections on the smartphone, and delete the smartphone from the connected devices list in the MMI. Then, re-pair the smart phone with the MMI, confirming all pairing prompts.
3. Close Apps: Close all active apps on the iOS device. For devices with a home button, click the home button and swipe up. For devices without a home button, swipe up from the bottom and swipe up.
4. USB Connection: Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable for the mobile device.
5. Reset Phone: Reset the phone to factory settings. Instructions for this vary by Apple device and can be found online.
6. App Updates: If an app is causing the complaint, check for updates in the app store. Reinstalling the app may help if no update is available.
7. Apple Music: Re-synchronize the phone with Apple Music.
8. Protective Cases: Remove any covers or protective cases from the mobile device.
9. Smartwatch Interference: If a smartwatch is used, check if the complaint persists when the watch is not connected to the phone.
10. Bluetooth Headset Interference: If a Bluetooth headset is kept in the vehicle and connected to the phone, disconnect the headset's Bluetooth connection while in the vehicle. The hands-free profile for the vehicle and headset are the same, which can confuse the phone.
11. Address Book Display: If the address book isn't showing, inform the customer that only locally stored contacts appear. To display Exchange or other contacts, accounts must be linked via "Settings > Contacts > Accounts > Add Account". Refer also to TSB 2071056 for issues with Outlook contacts.
12. Address Book Download: On the customer's device, navigate to "Settings ==> Bluetooth ==> Audi MMI XXXX" (where XXXX are the last 4 characters of the VIN). Tap the info symbol and ensure synchronization is switched on. Also, check boxes for favorites, call history, and all contacts.
13. iPhone Unlock: The address book will not transmit if the iPhone is not correctly unlocked (PIN required). The PIN must be entered if the phone was turned off or reset.
14. Bluetooth Disconnection: If Bluetooth disconnects automatically during the bus cycle, resetting the mobile device (as in step 3) may resolve it.
15. iPhone Visibility: For the iPhone to be recognized during a Bluetooth search, its Bluetooth menu must be open to make it visible.

Important Warnings

Audi states that this concern is due to a third-party system and is not covered by any Audi Warranty.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing Audi CarPlay connectivity issues or other problems with your Apple iOS device in your 2022-2026 Audi, it is recommended to first attempt the troubleshooting steps outlined above. Many of these steps can be performed by the owner. If the issues persist after trying these solutions, contact your authorized Audi dealer for further diagnosis. Be aware that any repairs or further diagnostics related to this issue may not be covered under warranty.

Related Technical Service Bulletins

This TSB references another important bulletin:

• TSB 2071056: Addresses issues where Outlook contacts are not accessible via the MMI when using Apple devices.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11016522