Mercedes-Benz Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Setup and Fixes

Quick answer: Plug your phone into the car’s USB port, or on models with wireless smartphone integration, pair it over Bluetooth®. Accept the prompts on both your phone and the MBUX screen, and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto opens automatically. After the first connection, your phone reconnects on its own each time you get in. If it will not start, the usual fixes are a phone restart, a different cable, or forgetting the car and pairing again.

Setting up Apple CarPlay

1. Make sure Siri is on in your iPhone settings, since CarPlay needs it.
2. Start the car and unlock your phone.
3. Wired: plug into a USB port marked for data (look for the smartphone symbol). Wireless: open Bluetooth® on your phone and pair with the car, or select the phone in the MBUX connect menu.
4. Tap Allow on your iPhone when it asks to use CarPlay, and confirm on the MBUX screen.
5. CarPlay opens. To switch back to MBUX at any time, press the home button or the Mercedes-Benz icon.

Setting up Android Auto

1. Make sure the Android Auto app is installed and up to date (it is built into newer Android phones).
2. Start the car, unlock your phone, and connect by USB or wirelessly through the MBUX connect menu.
3. Accept the prompts on your phone and on the car’s screen.

Wired or wireless: which does my car have?

Many recent MBUX models support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while some earlier ones need a cable. Your owner’s manual lists what your car supports. Here is how to access your owner’s manual.

When CarPlay or Android Auto will not start

• Restart your phone and turn the car off and on. This fixes most connection problems.
• Try a different cable. Charging-only cables or worn cables are the most common cause of wired failures.
• Use the right port. Some ports only charge. Use the one marked with the smartphone symbol.
• Forget and re-pair. Delete the car from your phone’s Bluetooth® and CarPlay settings, delete the phone from the car’s device list, and pair again.
• Check restrictions. On iPhone, Screen Time restrictions can block CarPlay.
• Update software. Keep your phone updated. Your car can also receive system updates over the air.

CarPlay and MBUX work together

Even while CarPlay or Android Auto is open, you can still use “Hey Mercedes” for climate, seats and car settings. Learn more in our guide to MBUX voice control and smart features.

Still not connecting?

Bring it in and we will check the ports, software and pairing for you. Our product specialists also walk new owners through phone setup at delivery. Schedule a visit at Mercedes-Benz of Gilbert or call (480) 407-5800.

Frequently asked questions

Does my Mercedes have wireless Apple CarPlay?

Many recent MBUX models do. Check your owner’s manual or the connect menu on your MBUX screen.

Why does my Mercedes say Apple CarPlay could not be started?

Usually a cable, port or pairing issue. Restart the phone, try a data cable in the port marked with the smartphone symbol, or forget the car and pair again.

Can I use Hey Mercedes while CarPlay is on?

Yes. “Hey Mercedes” still controls car functions like climate and seats.