2019-2026 Audi Wireless CarPlay Connectivity Issues TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91 24 02 2062466/5 to address common connectivity problems experienced by owners of various 2019-2026 Audi models when attempting to use Apple CarPlay via a Wi-Fi connection. This bulletin, dated April 18, 2024, supersedes TSB Group 91 number 24-70 from February 15, 2024, and offers comprehensive guidance for diagnosing and resolving these issues.

The TSB focuses on scenarios where the Audi Wireless CarPlay system fails to establish or maintain a connection with an iPhone, despite wired connections working correctly. Understanding the underlying causes and following the recommended procedures can help restore seamless integration between your iPhone and your Audi's infotainment system.

Symptoms of Wireless CarPlay Connectivity Issues

Owners typically report the following symptoms related to the Audi Wireless CarPlay system:

• "The customer can't reliably connect their iPhone to the vehicle via Apple CarPlay."
• "Automatic and/or manual connection attempts fail."
• "Connection via USB cable works normally."

Workshop technicians have confirmed these complaints, noting that the issue is reproducible with the customer's iPhone. However, wireless Audi Smartphone Interface (ASI) connections are typically possible with other Apple or Android devices, and wired Apple CarPlay continues to function normally.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Wireless CarPlay relies on the vehicle's Wi-Fi for data transmission and Bluetooth for initial pairing. The type of Audi MMI system in your vehicle affects how these connections are managed:

• MIB2+ MMI systems with ConBox Low modules (found in 2019 Audi e-tron quattro, 2019 A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q8, 2020 A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q7, Q8, e-tron Sportback, and 2021 Q3 models) use the ConBox Low module for the Wi-Fi hotspot and the MMI for Bluetooth control.
• MIB3 MMI systems with ConBox High or OCU3/4 modules (found in 2021+ A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Q8, 2021+ e-tron quattro, e-tron Sportback, 2022+ A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8, Q4 e-tron, e-tron GT, RS e-tron GT, and 2024+ Q8 e-tron models) control both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth through the ConBox High module.

Common triggers for connectivity problems include the iPhone being connected to a different Wi-Fi hotspot (such as home or work networks), manual pairing to the vehicle's 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi band instead of the 5Ghz band used by CarPlay, recent iOS updates, or an expired Audi Connect PLUS plan.

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners should be aware of specific conditions and limitations:

• ConBox High Systems: For MY24 (A4/A5/A6/A7/A8/Q5/Q7/Q8/Q8 e-tron/e-tron GT) and some MY23 (Q7/Q8) vehicles equipped with ConBox High, if "Wireless Apple CarPlay™™ or wireless AndroidAuto™™ doesn't work, but a wired connection does work," refer to TSB 2073333 for specific guidance.
• MY 2020 A4/A5 with MIB3: "The MY 2020 A4/A5 models with MIB3 do not support Wireless CarPlay." Owners of these specific models should note that wireless functionality is not available.
• Data Privacy: The MMI system does not store any personal or location data from your phone when using Wired or Wireless CarPlay. The MMI acts as a remote display, exchanging only video, audio, and vehicle GPS data. Only the phone's MAC ID is stored when the CarPlay session ends.

Repair Procedure Summary

Resolving Audi Wireless CarPlay connectivity issues often involves a series of troubleshooting steps, starting with ensuring proper initial setup and then addressing specific concerns. It's always recommended to use the newest available software on your mobile device.

Initial Setup and Prerequisites

Before attempting to pair, ensure the following conditions are met on your iPhone:

1. SIRI Enabled: SIRI must be enabled and configured (Check Settings >> General).
2. Bluetooth On: Bluetooth must be turned on in both your iPhone and the MMI (used only for initial setup).
3. iPhone Discoverable: Your iPhone must be discoverable via Bluetooth. This is achieved by opening the Bluetooth pairing menu on the iPhone.
4. Wi-Fi On: Wi-Fi must be turned on in the iPhone. If not, iOS software should prompt you to enable it.
5. Matching Names: Ensure the Bluetooth name in your vehicle's Bluetooth settings matches the Wi-Fi SSID name in the vehicle's Wi-Fi settings.
6. Wi-Fi Password: Verify that a Wi-Fi password is set in your vehicle's Wi-Fi settings.

To pair for wireless connection using the MMI system, establish an Audi Smartphone Interface (ASI) pairing using the MMI and accept the prompt to enable wireless CarPlay.

Troubleshooting Common Wireless CarPlay Issues

Concern 1: Intermittent CarPlay Start Failure

If "Intermittently after starting the vehicle, wireless CarPlay cannot be started," or the CarPlay tile turns green but doesn't launch, this often occurs when the iPhone is connected to a different Wi-Fi hotspot or was manually paired to the vehicle's 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi band. Apple CarPlay uses the 5Ghz band for optimal performance.

• Solution: Cycle the CarPlay Toggle in the Bluetooth Settings for the vehicle within your iPhone's Settings menu. If CarPlay does not automatically start, reselect it in the MMI. This step may need to be repeated if the issue recurs.

• Further Solution (Comprehensive Reset):

  1. Delete all phone pairings in the ASI and Bluetooth settings from the MMI by long-pressing the tile and selecting "delete."
  2. Delete BOTH vehicle Wi-Fi hotspots from your iPhone under Settings > Wi-Fi > Edit (top right) > remove known networks.
  3. Delete the vehicle's Bluetooth settings on your iPhone under Settings > Bluetooth > tap the blue "i" next to the device > select "Forget this device."
  4. Delete the vehicle's CarPlay settings on your iPhone under Settings > General > CarPlay > select the vehicle > select "Forget this car."
  5. Reset network settings on your iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This action will reset all saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, cellular settings, and VPN/APN settings.
  6. Re-pair your iPhone following the initial setup steps described above.

Concern 2: Wireless CarPlay Not Working After Audi Connect PLUS Expiration

If "Since the Audi Connect PLUS plan has expired, the customer can no longer use Wireless CarPlay,"

• Solution: Either turn on Wi-Fi Assist on your iPhone or delete all existing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth pairings and perform a new Bluetooth pairing only. It is crucial to DO NOT manually connect the iPhone to the Wi-Fi hotspot in the car in this scenario. If the iPhone connects to the vehicle's Wi-Fi hotspot with an expired Audi Connect PLUS plan, it will attempt to use the MMI for data, which will fail and prevent Wireless CarPlay from working.

Concern 3: CarPlay Not Starting Automatically

If "What if Apple CarPlay does not turn on automatically after turning on the car?"

• Solution: Check to ensure your iPhone is not connected to a different Wi-Fi hotspot (e.g., home or work network). Also, verify that the iPhone's settings for automatic CarPlay connection are active.

Concern 4: Intermittent Wireless CarPlay Operation

If "Wireless CarPlay works intermittently,"

• Solution: Unlock your iPhone or temporarily turn off the USB accessories security feature. iOS versions starting with iOS 12 include security features that can lock out USB accessories (including the MMI) if the iPhone has not been unlocked within the last hour before connecting.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims related to this TSB are applicable only if pairings were deleted and reestablished. The following details apply:

• Claim Type: 110 (Up to 48 Months/50,000 Miles) or G10 for CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) Covered Vehicles (owner verification required).
• Service Number: 9109
• Damage Code: AD39
• Labor Operations:
  • Check display and operating unit control unit: 9196 0199 (20 Time Units)
  • Road test prior to service procedure: No allowance (0 Time Units)
  • Road test after service procedure: No allowance (0 Time Units)
• Claim Comment: "As per TSB 2062466/4"

If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

Related Bulletins

Another Technical Service Bulletin that may be helpful for related issues is TSB 2068435/1, titled "91 MIB3: Failure to establish a Bluetooth connection with iOS 16.0.x (iPhone)."

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NHTSA ID: 10254054