If you own an Audi car, you might be familiar with the Audi smartphone interface, a feature that allows you to connect your phone to the car’s infotainment system and access various apps and functions.
But what if the Audi smartphone interface is not working?
How can you fix it and enjoy the convenience of using your phone while driving?
In this article, we will explore some possible causes and solutions for this common problem.
Why is Audi Smartphone Interface Not Working?
#1: Software Updates
One of the possible reasons why ASI is not working is that your phone or your Audi’s MMI system has a software update that causes compatibility issues or glitches with ASI.
For example, some iPhone users reported that ASI stopped working after updating to iOS 14. Similarly, some Android users reported that ASI stopped working after updating to Android 11.
Solution: Check for Updates or Downgrade
To fix this problem, you should check if there are any new updates available for your phone or your MMI system that can resolve the issue.
You can check for updates on your phone by going to Settings > General > Software Update for iPhone or Settings > System > System Update for Android.
You can check for updates on your MMI system by going to Menu > Setup MMI > System Update.
If there are no new updates available, or if the updates do not fix the problem, you may need to downgrade your software to a previous version if possible.
#2: Cable Compatibility
Another possible reason why ASI is not working is that you are using an incompatible or faulty cable to connect your phone to your Audi.
Some cables may not support data transfer or may have loose connections that prevent ASI from recognizing your phone.
This may happen if you use a cheap or counterfeit cable, or if you use any adapters or extensions that may interfere with the connection.
Solution: Use a Compatible and Secure Cable
To fix this problem, you should use the original cable that came with your phone or a certified cable that supports data transfer.
You should also avoid using any adapters or extensions that may interfere with the connection. You can find some compatible cables online, such as [this one] for iPhone or [this one] for Android.
To make sure the cable is securely connected to both your phone and your Audi, you should plug it in firmly and check if there are any loose parts or damages.
You should also try using different USB ports on your Audi if available.
#3. Phone Settings
Sometimes, ASI may not work because of some settings on your phone that prevent it from connecting to your Audi.
For example, you may need to enable CarPlay or Android Auto on your phone by going to Settings > General > CarPlay or Settings > Apps > Android Auto.
You may also need to allow access to certain apps or functions on your phone by granting permissions or turning off restrictions. Additionally, you may need to unlock your phone or enter your passcode before connecting it to your Audi.
Solution: Adjust Your Phone Settings
To fix this problem, you should adjust your phone settings according to the following steps:
1 Enable CarPlay or Android Auto on your phone by going to Settings > General > CarPlay or Settings > Apps > Android Auto.
You should see a list of available cars that support ASI, including your Audi. Tap on your Audi and follow the instructions on the screen.
2. Allow access to certain apps or functions on your phone by granting permissions or turning off restrictions.
For example, you may need to allow access to contacts, messages, microphones, location, etc. You can do this by going to Settings > Privacy for iPhone or Settings > Apps & Notifications > App Permissions for Android.
3. Unlock your phone or enter your passcode before connecting it to your Audi. This is necessary for security reasons and to prevent unauthorized access to your phone.
#4: MMI Settings
Lastly, ASI may not work because of some settings on your Audi’s MMI system that prevent it from detecting or displaying your phone.
For example, you may need to enable ASI on your MMI by going to Menu > Audi Smartphone Interface > Change to Connection Manager and selecting your phone.
You may also need to update your MMI software or reset it to factory settings if it is outdated or corrupted.
Solution: Adjust Your MMI Settings
To fix this problem, you should adjust your MMI settings according to the following steps:
Enable ASI on your MMI by going to Menu > Audi Smartphone Interface > Change to Connection Manager and selecting your phone. You should see a confirmation message on the screen and hear a sound from your phone.
Update your MMI software if there are any available updates. You can do this by going to Menu > Setup MMI > System Update.
You may need to download the updated file from the Audi website and transfer it to a USB drive or an SD card before installing it on your MMI system.
Reset your MMI system to factory settings if the above steps do not work. You can do this by going to Menu > Setup MMI > Factory Settings.
However, this will erase all your personal settings and preferences, so you should only do this as a last resort.
Something More to Try To Fix Audi Smartphone Interface Not Working Issue?
#5. Check Your Phone and Cable
Make sure that your phone is compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, depending on which one you are using.
You can check the compatibility list on the Audi website or on the Apple or Google websites.
Also, make sure that your phone is updated to the latest software version and that you have enabled CarPlay or Android Auto in your phone’s settings.
You may also need to grant some permissions or access requests for the apps to work properly.
Next, check the cable that you are using to connect your phone to the vehicle.
It is recommended that you use the original cable that came with your phone or a certified cable from a reputable brand. Some third-party cables may not work well or may damage your phone or the vehicle’s port.
You should also avoid using any adapters, splitters, or extensions that may interfere with the connection.
Try plugging your phone into different USB ports in the vehicle and see if that makes a difference.
Some ports may only support charging and not data transfer, so make sure you are using the right one for the smartphone interface.
You can also try using a different cable or a different phone and see if that works.
#6. Reboot Your Phone and MMI System
Another possible solution for the smartphone interface not working is to reboot your phone and the MMI system.
This can help clear any glitches or errors that may be preventing the connection or the functionality of the apps.
To reboot your phone, simply turn it off and then turn it back on after a few seconds. You can also force restart your phone by following the instructions for your specific model.
How to Reboot the MMI system?
1. Press and hold the MENU button, the rotary knob, and the top right control button together until the MMI screen goes black.
2. Press and hold the NAV button, the RADIO button, and the rotary knob together until the MMI screen goes black.
3. Press and hold the BACK button and then press the rotary knob until you see a message on the MMI screen asking if you want to restart.
4. Locate the fuse box in your vehicle and remove the fuse for the MMI system for a few seconds and then put it back in.
5. After rebooting both devices, try connecting them again and see if the smartphone interface works.
#7. Reset Your Connections
Another possible solution for the smartphone interface not working is to reset the connections between your phone and the vehicle.
This can help resolve any pairing or compatibility issues that may be affecting the connection or the functionality of the apps.
To reset your connections, follow these steps:
1. Delete your phone from the MMI connection manager by going to MENU > Telephone > Options > Connections > Delete device.
2. Delete the vehicle from your phone’s Bluetooth settings by going to Settings > Bluetooth > Audi MMI > Forget this device.
3. Pair your phone and the vehicle again by following the instructions on the MMI screen and on your phone.
4. Enable CarPlay or Android Auto in your phone’s settings and in the MMI connection manager by going to MENU > Smartphone Interface > Apple CarPlay/Android Auto > On.
5. Connect your phone to the vehicle using a compatible cable and see if the smartphone interface works.
Visit a Dealership
If none of these solutions work for you, then you may have a more serious problem with your smartphone interface that requires professional attention.
You should visit an authorized Audi dealership and have them diagnose and fix the issue for you. They may need to update or replace some components of your MMI system or perform some other repairs.
You may also want to contact Audi customer service and report your issue to them. They may be able to provide you with some additional assistance or information regarding your smartphone interface problem.
Why Audi Smartphone Interface Not Working?
#1. Regional Availability
ASI may not work in some regions where CarPlay or Android Auto are not supported by Apple or Google.
You should check if your region is among the over 30 countries that support CarPlay or the over 40 countries that support Android Auto.
If not, you may not be able to use ASI with your phone.
#2. Cable Compatibility
Another possible reason why ASI is not working is that you are using an incompatible or faulty cable to connect your phone to your Audi.
Some cables may not support data transfer or may have loose connections that prevent ASI from recognizing your phone.
To fix this, you should use the original cable that came with your phone or a certified cable that supports data transfer.
You should also avoid using any adapters or extensions that may interfere with the connection.
#3. Phone Settings
Sometimes, ASI may not work because of some settings on your phone that prevent it from connecting to your Audi.
For example, you may need to enable CarPlay or Android Auto on your phone by going to Settings > General > CarPlay or Settings > Apps > Android Auto.
You may also need to allow access to certain apps or functions on your phone by granting permissions or turning off restrictions.
Additionally, you may need to unlock your phone or enter your passcode before connecting it to your Audi.
#4. MMI Settings
Lastly, ASI may not work because of some settings on your Audi’s MMI system that prevent it from detecting or displaying your phone.
For example, you may need to enable ASI on your MMI by going to Menu > Audi Smartphone Interface > Change to Connection Manager and selecting your phone.
You may also need to update your MMI software or reset it to factory settings if it is outdated or corrupted.
#5. Bluetooth Connectivity
There may be a Bluetooth connectivity problem if your Audi’s infotainment system or phone software is outdated. You should install software updates if there are any available.
You can check for software updates in the settings menu in your Audi’s infotainment system. Check the “About Phone” section in the settings menu for software updates.
You should also make sure that your phone and your Audi are paired correctly and that there are no other wireless devices or objects that could interfere with the Bluetooth signal.
#6. Faulty Bluetooth Module
Your Audi may have a faulty Bluetooth module, which prevents you from connecting your phone. This could be due to a hardware defect or damage.
To fix this, you may need to replace the Bluetooth module or have it repaired by a professional technician or an authorized dealer.
#7. Software Updates
Sometimes, software updates on your phone or your Audi’s MMI system can cause compatibility issues or glitches with ASI.
For example, some iPhone users reported that ASI stopped working after updating to iOS 14. Similarly, some Android users reported that ASI stopped working after updating to Android 11.
To fix this, you may need to wait for a new update that resolves the issue or try to downgrade your software to a previous version if possible.
Conclusion
Audi smartphone interface is a great feature that allows you to enjoy some of your phone’s apps and functions on your MMI screen.
However, sometimes it may not work properly or at all due to various reasons. If you encounter this issue, you can try some of these possible solutions:
1. Check your phone and cable
2. Reboot your phone and MMI system
3. Reset your connections
4. Visit a dealership
Hopefully, one of these solutions will help you fix your smartphone interface problem and enjoy your Audi experience again.
