This post is on Why is BMW Wireless Charging Not Working and How to Fix it?
Wireless charging for BMW vehicles has become increasingly popular over the past few years, allowing drivers to charge their electric and hybrid vehicles without having to fumble around with cords.
Unfortunately, this convenience is often accompanied by problems that can be difficult to diagnose and fix.
To illustrate the common issues associated with wireless charging…
…consider the case of Mark, a BMW owner who recently found himself unable to use his car’s wireless charger after only two months of ownership.
After troubleshooting several potential solutions, he was able to determine what was causing the issue…
…something that all BMW owners should know when it comes to properly maintaining their vehicle’s wireless charging system.
In this article, we’ll discuss why wireless charging isn’t working in some BMWs and how you can get it running again quickly and efficiently.
Key Highlights
Your BMW wireless charging isn’t working?
You’re not alone. Many BMW owners have reported issues with their wireless charging feature.
| Reason for Wireless Charging Failure | Solution |
|---|---|
| Phone case or cables interfering with the signal | Remove the phone case before placing it on the charging tray |
| Misalignment of the phone on the charging tray or using a wrong-sized tray | Ensure proper alignment and use a correct-sized tray |
| Inductive coil only on driver’s side | Place the phone on the driver’s side of the tray |
| The wireless charging feature was turned off | Enable the feature in the car’s infotainment system |
| The phone needs a few seconds to reset | Remove the phone from the charging tray and wait a few seconds before trying again |
| Using an incorrect charging adapter | Use the appropriate charging adapter for your phone |
| Defective charging system | Contact a BMW dealer or service center for repair |
Common Causes Of BMW Wireless Charging Issues
When it comes to BMW wireless charging, there can be a few issues that arise.
The most common ones are hardware and software problems, as well as compatibility issues between the phone and the car.
Hardware issues could include an issue with the charger itself or a problem with the connection cable.
On the other hand, software problems may stem from incorrect settings on either side of the connection.
Finally, compatibility issues can occur when one device is not compatible with another’s operating system or version.
In order to fix these types of BMW problems, it’s important to understand what’s causing them in the first place.
This way you can confidently diagnose and repair any issue you might have with your wireless charging setup at home – no matter if it’s due to hardware or software!
Below you can see some of the common causes:
- Your BMW may not be in the standby state, causing the wireless charging feature to be off.
- Your mobile device may not be compatible with the charging tray.
- Improper alignment of the mobile device on the charging tray can also cause charging issues.
- Non-wireless charging capable devices should not be placed on the tray.
- Overheating of both the mobile device and the charger can be a possible cause of wireless charging problems.
- The charging feature may be slow, causing disappointment for those who purchased the car for this feature.
- Car manufacturers may not develop EVs with the same attention to heat management as they do for their own batteries.
- Interference from phone cases or cables, misalignment of the phone, or an incorrect charging tray size can also cause issues.
- Charging the phone while running CarPlay and other applications may cause additional issues.
- Wireless charging may add an extra power consumption requirement due to the addition of a Wi-Fi connection.
11 Easy Fixes For BMW Wireless Charging Not Working
If you’re having trouble getting your BMW wireless charging to work properly, I’m here to help.
Don’t worry—there are plenty of easy fixes that you can do yourself without spending a fortune on repairs or parts.
In this section, I’ll share 11 simple solutions for fixing common issues with BMW wireless charging not working.
When it comes to car repair and maintenance, sometimes the simplest solutions make all the difference.
That’s why I’m so excited to show you these quick and easy ways to get your BMW wireless charging back up and running in no time at all.
Whether you’ve got an older model or something brand new off the lot, any of these fixes should do the trick.
So don’t wait another minute—let’s dive right in and take care of those pesky problems once and for all!
Finally, if nothing else works after trying out these eleven tips, then it might be time to visit a professional mechanic who specializes in repairing BMWs—they will surely know what to do!
But before you go spend money on costly repairs or replacement parts, try out some of my suggestions first—you’d be surprised how often they work like magic!
Before reading further make sure Your NFC Tray Supports Wireless Charging because there is no point in fixing the issue if it doesn’t support it.
Properly Place The Phone On The Charging Pad
Placing your phone on the charging pad correctly is essential if you’re looking to get the most out of your BMW’s wireless charging system.
Just like getting a tire balanced, it can be tricky to properly position your device in order for it to charge effectively.
But just as with anything else automotive-related, there are some easy tips and tricks that will help make sure you get the best performance from your BMW’s charge pad.
The first thing to do when placing your device on the charging pad is to ensure that both surfaces are clean and free from obstructions or debris.
This includes checking for any dust, dirt, or other particles which could interfere with proper placement.
Additionally, take care that no cords or cables are blocking access between the two devices, this could prevent them from making contact and engaging in an effective transfer of power.
Once these steps have been taken and all is clear, carefully place your device onto the charging pad making sure it’s positioned exactly center so that maximum energy delivery can occur.
That way you’ll know you’ve got everything lined up right before powering on your BMW system!
Clean The Charging Pad
Now that you’ve made sure your phone is correctly placed on the BMW charging pad, it’s time to look at a potential cause for wireless charging not working: the cleanliness of the pad itself.
Over time, dust and other grime can build up on the surface of the charging pad and prevent proper contact between the device and charger.
To ensure your BMW charging pad is ready for use, it’s important to give it a good cleaning from time to time.
Restart Phone And iDrive System
One of the most important steps in resolving the issue of BMW wireless charging not working is to restart your phone.
This can often be done by holding down the power button for a few seconds and then selecting “restart”.
Once the phone has been restarted, you should attempt to charge it again.
If that doesn’t work, then it may be necessary to reset the iDrive system as well.
To do this, press and hold both buttons on either side of the iDrive controller until you hear three audible tones or see an animation on-screen indicating that the device has been reset.
After doing this, try charging once more – if everything was properly reset, then it should start working normally again.
Check For Software Updates
Now that you’ve restarted your phone and IDrive system, it’s time to check for software updates.
To make sure your BMW wireless charging is functioning properly, consider checking each device’s software individually.
Start with the BMW device itself; look at the settings or control panel to see if any updates are available.
If not, move on to the IDrive system update – this can be found in the same area of your car as the Bluetooth connection.
Finally, take a peek at your phone and ensure its software is up-to-date as well. All these steps should help get everything working correctly again!
To finish off, double-check all drivers associated with each device and make sure they’re compatible with one another.
This will give you peace of mind knowing that your BMW wireless charging is running optimally.
So don’t forget to keep an eye out for regular updates; from BMW devices to phones, keeping tabs on software versions ensures smooth sailing when it comes to powering up wirelessly.
Remove the Phone Case Or Cover
If your BMW wireless charging isn’t working correctly, one thing you can do is check if you have a phone case or cover on.
Phone case or cover can cause an obstruction and prevent it from charging properly.
To ensure optimal performance, I recommend removing any cases or covers before placing your device on the pad.
Here are a few tips that might help:
- Check for obstructions like dirt, debris or liquids near the contact points of both the charger and phone.
- Make sure your phone is compatible with the charger’s power output specs.
- Remove any protective casing from your device before setting it on the wireless charging pad.
By following these simple steps, you should be able to get back up and running in no time!
Check Phone Compatibility
When it comes to BMW wireless charging, phone compatibility is an important factor.
To ensure your device will charge with the charging pad installed in your car, you’ll need to make sure that both are compatible.
Below is a simple table outlining some of the most common phone models and their compatibility with BMW’s charging pads:
| Phone Models | Charging Pad Compatibility |
|---|---|
| iPhone 8/X/11 Pro Max | Compatible |
| Samsung Galaxy S8/S9/S10 Series | Compatible |
| Google Pixel 3/4 Series | Compatible |
Replace The Charging Pad Battery
Alright, so if you’ve verified your phone is compatible with the BMW wireless charging pad and it’s still not working, then we’ll need to look into replacing the charging pad battery.
If this turns out to be necessary, you’ll have to remove the entire unit from its housing in order to access the internal parts of the charger.
This can be a tricky endeavor as there are several tiny components that must fit together correctly when re-assembling.
Once you gain access to the battery compartment, replace the old battery with one that has been designed specifically for use in your BMW model.
Make sure all connections are secure before closing up the unit again and testing it out on your device.
If everything looks good and works properly now, then the job is done!
Reset Network Settings
If your BMW’s wireless charging is not working, one easy fix may be to reset the network settings.
Here are a few tips on how to do so:
Reset Wi-Fi Settings
Go into the vehicle’s Settings menu and select Network & Security then Wi-Fi.
Select ‘Forget’ next to each known connection that appears in the list.
After completing this step, turn off Wi-Fi and turn it back on again.
Reset Bluetooth Settings
In the same area as above, select Bluetooth from the main menu and choose Forget Device for each paired device that appears in the list.
Turn Bluetooth off and back on again once completed.
Reset Cellular Settings
From the same section, tap Cellular Data Options then Mobile Data Network (or Cellular Data).
Tap ‘Reset Setting’ at the bottom of this page and confirm your selection by tapping Reset Phone Settings or Erase All Content & Settings.
Then restart your phone.
Reset Hotspot & Airplane Mode Settings
Lastly, go into airplane mode by swiping up from any home screen until Control Center appears, then select the airplane icon near the top left corner of the display.
Toggle switch next to Airplane Mode should be green when enabled.
When finished, press the Home button to close Control Center and disable Airplane Mode if desired by repeating the steps above with the toggle switch set to white/off position instead of green/on position.
Hopefully, these tips will help you get your BMW’s wireless charging working properly!
Contact Customer Support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps, but your BMW wireless charging still isn’t working, it’s time to contact customer support.
Customer service can help with any questions or advice related to wireless charging that you may need.
To get in touch with BMW customer support, there are a few options available.
You can call their toll-free number and provide them with details about your vehicle as well as the issue you’re facing.
Alternatively, some countries have an online chat feature that enables customers to talk directly with customer service agents.
No matter which option you choose, make sure to be ready with specific information about your car and what exactly is wrong when contacting customer service for assistance.
This will make it easier for the agent to offer advice on how best to resolve the problem quickly and effectively.
Seek Professional Help
If you’ve gone through all the steps above and your BMW wireless charging still isn’t working, it’s time to seek professional help.
You can take your vehicle to a certified BMW dealer for technical assistance or visit a reputable repair shop that specializes in BMWs.
They’ll be able to diagnose any issues with the charging system and provide advice on how best to fix them.
A certified mechanic has access to the latest diagnostic tools and extensive knowledge of BMW vehicles; they may even have parts in stock if repairs are needed.
If not, they should be able to order what you need quickly so your car is back up and running again soon.
Working with a professional ensures that you get quality results without having to worry about making costly mistakes yourself.
Replace The Charging Pad
If the BMW wireless charging pad isn’t working, replacing it is a good way to fix the issue.
To replace the pad, you’ll need to locate and purchase a new one that’s compatible with your car model.
It’s important to make sure that you’re getting an original BMW-branded product for the best results; otherwise, there could be compatibility or power issues.
Once you have the new pad, installation shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
Disconnect the battery first and then remove the old pad from its mounting bracket.
The bracket may also need to be replaced if it has been damaged in any way.
Then attach the new pad following the instructions specific to your vehicle type—it usually involves connecting two wires together, securing them with bolts, and finally wiring them up properly.
You can now test out your newly installed BMW wireless charging pad by placing your phone on top of it and checking whether it starts charging as expected.
If not, double check all connections are secure before seeking professional help for further repairs.
Tips To Avoid Future Wireless Charging Issues In BMW
Here are some of my top tips on how you can avoid future wireless charging issues in your BMW.
- Keep Phone And Charging Pad Clean.
- Avoid Exposing Charging Pad To Extreme Temperatures.
- Check For Software Updates Regularly.
- Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions Carefully.
- Check For The Latest Idrive System Update.
- Unpair And Re-Pair Your Phone.
How To Identify And Fix Manufacturing Defects?
Wireless charging issues in BMW can be a daunting task to manage.
It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack; it’s hard to know where the problem lies and how to fix it.
But with some knowledge of wireless charging and modern technology, you can identify and repair any manufacturing defects that may cause interference or other problems.
First things first: inspect your BMW iDrive system for any signs of improper installation.
This includes incorrect phone pairing, temperature exposure, or faulty wiring connections.
Check to make sure all power sources are securely connected and free from damage or wear and tear.
If anything looks out of place, contact an experienced technician who specializes in BMW repairs as soon as possible.
Next, take a closer look at the charger itself.
Are there any bent pins on the connectors?
Is the cord frayed or cracked?
Any obvious signs of physical damage should indicate that something is amiss here and needs further inspection immediately.
Additionally, check whether the surface area around the charging port has become dirty over time…
…if so, give it a good clean using soft cloths or cotton swabs before proceeding with your investigation into potential causes of wireless charging issues in your BMW vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Turn on My BMW Wireless Charging?
If you have the option, go to “My vehicle > iDrive settings > wireless charging tray.”
There is nothing to enable. Simply place your Qi-supported mobile phone with the display facing upward on the wireless charging tray located in one of three locations in your BMW: inside the armrest, mounted on the dashboard, or on the center console.
The blue light will flash to indicate that your mobile is actively charging.
The tray is adjustable in length, but larger devices won’t fit. If the LED turns off, it means your battery is full or it stops charging.
To activate the warning feature, go to “My Vehicle” in your car’s iDrive, and enable the option if available.
Note that if your phone is getting too hot, try turning it off to prevent damage.
It is not necessary to take your car to the dealer to activate the wireless charging tray; you can activate it yourself by placing your phone on the charger.
Why is my iPhone Not Charging in My BMW Wirelessly?
If the battery level of your iPhone is low, it may have some erratic behavior with attempting to charge, run all the apps, and maintain its connection.
To wirelessly charge your iPhone in your BMW, remove the back cover and place it on the wireless charging tray.
Does BMW Wireless Charge Work With iPhone?
BMW’s wireless charging system is compatible with all Qi-enabled devices, including iPhones.
Do All BMW Vehicles Come With Wireless Charging?
No, not all BMW vehicles come with wireless charging. Make sure to check for the wireless charger feature when choosing your BMW model.
How Do I Turn on Wireless Charging on My BMW x5?
To activate wireless charging on your BMW X5, go to “My vehicle > iDrive settings > wireless charging tray.” There is no need to enable anything.
How do I Get My BMW Wireless Charger to Work?
First, make sure your BMW is equipped with wireless charging capability.
If it is, locate your wireless charger in one of three possible locations: inside the armrest, mounted on the dashboard, or in the wireless charging tray.
If your BMW has a wireless charging tray, you can find the option to turn it on in “My vehicle > iDrive settings > wireless charging tray”.
To charge your smartphone wirelessly, remove the back cover of your iPhone and place it on the wireless charging tray with the display facing upward. The charger should automatically start working.
If you are having trouble getting the charging tray to work, try adjusting the placement of your phone on the tray until you find the correct position.
Please note that if your BMW does not have wireless charging capability, you will need to connect your phone to the car using a cord.
Does the 2022 BMW x5 Come With Wireless Charging?
No, as-standard equipment suffers from chip shortages, the BMW X5’s wireless charging has been removed entirely in the 2022 models.
Does the 2022 BMW X3 have Wireless Charging?
No, 2022 BMW X3 does not have Wireless Charging.
Why Did BMW Remove Wireless Charger?
BMW removed wireless charging from all cars manufactured in Spartanburg for 2021 and 2022 due to a reduced allocation and lack of core caused by chip shortages.
Wireless charging is typically a disaster and requires additional electronics to function properly.
However, BMW uses Qi charging for all in-vehicle capabilities, which is a type of charging that allows batteries to be charged via induction transfer.
As a result, individual options, such as wireless charging and Icon Adaptive LED headlights with Laserlight, have been removed due to poor customer service and fitment.
Despite this, aftermarket wireless car chargers like CarQiWireless are available to support wireless charging with phone cases, but you may need to remove extra-thick phone cases.
What Size is The Wireless Charging Tray on BMW 5 Series?
The wireless charging tray on BMW 5 Series measures 8.35 x 7.56 x 2.56 inches and can accommodate Qi-compatible mobile phones of almost all conventional sizes.
However, the maximum phone size in the charging tray should not exceed 154.5 x 8.0 as per the owner’s manual.
It is important to note that the mobile phone (including case) must not exceed the maximum size of length x width x height of 151 x 74 x 16 mm to ensure compatibility with the wireless charging feature.
If you have an iPhone 11 Pro Max or iPhone 12 Pro Max, it should fit comfortably on the wireless charging tray.
BMW offers two types of wireless chargers in the mentioned BMW models: a wireless charging pocket in the center console and a wireless charging tray on the station.
The integrated wireless charger for BMW makes it easy to keep your phone’s battery topped up, and an adjustable coil ensures maximum inductive charging.
What Phones Are Compatible With BMW Wireless Charging?
BMW wireless chargers are compatible with most Android phones and all Qi-enabled mobile phones.
This includes popular models such as the iPhone 8 and later, Samsung Galaxy Note 10, and iPhone 12.
Why is My BMW Wireless Charging Pad Not Working?
If your BMW wireless charging pad is not functioning properly, there could be a few reasons why. Here are some possible explanations:
1. Incompatibility: Your phone may not be compatible with the wireless charging pad in your BMW. Be sure to check the model and specifications of both your phone and the car to ensure they are compatible.
2. Protective Cover or Case: Your phone may not charge while in a protective cover or case. If you’re having problems, try removing your phone’s case and placing it on the charging pad.
3. Defects or Incompatibility of Models: It’s not uncommon for the wireless charger to fail to charge the phone due to defects or incompatibility of models. Even if your phone supports wireless charging, it may not work with the charging pad in your BMW.
4. NFC Tray vs. Wireless Charging: Be sure to check whether your car supports wireless charging or just NFC. If the car only supports NFC, it will not charge your phone wirelessly.
5. Direction of Phone: Pay attention to the placement and direction of your phone on the charging pad. Make sure your phone is properly aligned with the charging coils on the pad.
Can I Still Use My Wireless Charger With a Phone Case Attached?
Yes, in most cases, wireless charging will work fine with a case. However, some cases may interfere with charging, such as those with metal components or that are too thick.
Does the m440i Have Wireless Charging?
It depends on the specific model and year.
Does the BMW i4 have Wireless Charging?
Yes, the BMW i4 comes equipped with wireless charging options.
There are two options for wireless charging: a wireless charging pocket located inside the central console and a wireless charging tray that can be located on the center front of the vehicle.
The charging function can be used with all mobile phones that support Qi charging technology.
Additionally, every fully electric BMW comes equipped with a Flexible Fast Charger, which is a portable device that delivers optimized charging and is compatible with any 120V or 240V outlet.
There are also mounting options available for vehicles with a mount for snap-in adapter.
Furthermore, the latest Qi wireless charger, the i4 Wireless Charging Pad with NFC Card Key Function, is suitable for the BMW i4 2022-2023 and BMW 4 Series 2020-2022.
Use of the wireless charging system requires placement of your phone on the charging pad, and if your phone allows wireless charging, there is no issue with the wireless.
Does BMW i4 Have Fast Charging?
Yes, the BMW i4 has fast charging capabilities. It can charge at up to 200 kW via a DC fast charger, which can provide up to 90 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
The i4 is also fitted with an 11 kW on-board charger for Type 2 AC charging as standard.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several steps that can be taken to fix a BMW wireless charging system that is not working.
First and foremost, it’s important to make sure the phone is properly placed on the charging pad, as this could be causing the issue.
It’s also beneficial to clean the charging pad and restart both the phone and the IDrive system.
Additionally, checking for software updates, removing any phone cases or covers and resetting network settings may help resolve the issue.
If none of these solutions work, then seeking professional help or replacing the entire charging pad may do the trick.
I always recommend taking simple steps before getting too technical with repairs.
These easy fixes should get your BMW wireless charger back up and running in no time!
Of course, if all else fails, consulting customer support or finding a reliable mechanic who specializes in BMWs will ensure that you’re able to take full advantage of your vehicle’s convenient features without any more hassle.
Ultimately, it pays off to stay informed about how best to troubleshoot common issues such as this one so you can tackle them head-on when they arise…
…especially when it comes to newer technology like wireless chargers which don’t have decades of experience behind them yet.
By following these 11 easy fixes for BMW wireless charging not working outlined above, you’ll be well on your way towards enjoying a seamless performance from your luxury car once again!
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