Apple CarPlay has been standard in MINI cars since 2023, and you can use it wirelessly in most of them. Some older models also have CarPlay available. Once you’ve got MINI Apple CarPlay set up, you can access a range of features that make your car even more functional than it already is. With CarPlay set up, you’ll be able to stay in contact with people and still engage in safe driving habits.
How to Use Apple CarPlay in Your MINI
Connecting Your Phone
When the center screen in your MINI turns on, head to the apps tray, select the infotainment tab, and scroll until you see “Telephone” and its matching icon. The vehicle will then start looking for your phone via Bluetooth, so go to the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone and find your MINI in the list of devices you can connect to.
A code will appear on your screen to make sure you’re connecting the right phone to the right car. If the codes on both devices match, then select “OK” on the car’s screen. Follow the prompts on your phone screen and allow your car to access your contacts.
Connecting CarPlay
Once your phone is connected to your car, it’ll ask you if you want to use Apple CarPlay, so say yes to that. Your MINI will then ask you if you want to use CarPlay or Bluetooth, so select the former. It’ll also ask if you want to activate “Hey Siri,” which will let you talk to your virtual assistant without having to press a button.
Once you’ve got that done, CarPlay should open by itself. You may need to answer a prompt on your phone asking if you want your car to see your apps, and you can choose whether you say yes or no.
Using the Features
If you let the car see what apps are on your phone, then they’ll appear on your infotainment screen. Features like contacts, Apple Maps, WhatsApp, other chat apps, and music apps will then be accessible through the vehicle’s screen. Your MINI has an app called “Apple CarPlay” in the infotainment tab on the apps tray, so you can get back to it easily if you exit out of it.
What MINI Apple CarPlay Can Do
Apple CarPlay lets you use any app that’s compatible with your vehicle. So, when it brings over the apps from your phone, you should be able to use them on your screen. Navigation applications like Apple Maps can be particularly helpful in the car. You can also use voice commands to use some apps, ask Siri to make and answer calls through the vehicle, and ask Siri to stream your favorite music.
Are you ready to get behind the wheel of a new MINI and connect to CarPlay? Come test drive one today at Tom Bush MINI in Jacksonville, FL.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
- 2026 MINI Convertible Ownership Guide – Jacksonville, FL: Costs, Care, and Everyday MINI Fun
- 2026 MINI Hardtop 2 Door vs Toyota GR Corolla – Wesley Chapel, FL: Personality vs Power in the Hot Hatch Scene
- 2026 MINI Countryman ALL4 Lease & APR Breakdown: AWD Capability, Monthly Costs, and Smart MINI Value
- 2025 MINI Countryman vs Mazda CX-30: Tech, Space, and Personality Compared for Compact SUV Shoppers
- 2025 MINI Hardtop 4 Door Technology & Interior Guide: Smart Space, Clever Features, Classic MINI Attitude