Step-By-Step Mercedes-Benz Apple CarPlay Setup Guide

Apple CarPlay® puts your iPhone's maps, calls, messages and music on your Mercedes-Benz screen so you can use them with fewer distractions. If your Mercedes-Benz has smartphone integration, setup is quick. You plug in your phone or pair it once over Bluetooth, and CarPlay takes it from there.

How to Set Up Apple CarPlay in Your Mercedes-Benz

Before you start

 
1. Park your Mercedes-Benz and start it.
 
2. Make sure Siri is turned on in your iPhone's Settings, and unlock your iPhone.
 
3. For a wired connection, have a high-quality data cable ready. Use a cable that fits both your iPhone (USB-C on iPhone 15 and newer, Lightning on older models) and your vehicle's USB port. Depending on your iPhone, you may need a USB-C to USB adapter.

Any iPhone 5 or newer works with CarPlay.

Choose your connection type

Not sure which one your Mercedes-Benz has? Check the list of compatible models below or look in your owner's manual. Wireless CarPlay is available on many newer models, and some vehicles need a USB connection.

Option A: Wired CarPlay (USB cable)

 
1. Find the USB port with the smartphone integration symbol, which looks like a phone outline next to a screen outline. Only some USB ports support CarPlay.
 
2. Plug your cable into that port and into your iPhone.
 
3. If a data protection notice appears on the screen, select Accept & Start.
 
4. If your iPhone asks to allow CarPlay while the phone is locked, tap Allow.
 
5. The first time, choose whether CarPlay starts Automatically or Manually. Automatically is easiest for your main iPhone.
 
6. CarPlay opens on the screen. You can control it with the touchscreen, the controller or touchpad, the hard keys or Siri.

Option B: Wireless CarPlay (Bluetooth)

 
1. Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your iPhone.
 
2. On the Mercedes-Benz screen, select Phone > Connect Device. If this is your first time, select Connect New Device.
 
3. Select your iPhone when it appears, and accept the pairing code on your iPhone.
 
4. Read the data protection notice and select Accept & Start Apple CarPlay.
 
5. When prompted, select Use Apple CarPlay on the screen and tap Allow on your iPhone.
 
6. Choose Automatically if you want your main iPhone to connect every time you get in. Choose Manually to connect a friend's or family member's iPhone.

Menu names can differ by model year, so your owner's manual has the exact steps for your Mercedes-Benz. You can also go to Settings > General > CarPlay on your iPhone and tap your vehicle under Available Cars.

Using Apple CarPlay in Your Mercedes-Benz

Once you're connected, press and hold the voice control button on your steering wheel and talk to Siri. Try "Show me the best places to get pizza near me," then pick a spot and Siri takes you there.

From the touchscreen or by voice, you can:

 
• Make phone calls and send texts hands-free
 
• Listen to podcasts, audiobooks and Apple Music
 
• Get directions with Apple Maps

Third-party apps work with CarPlay as long as they support it. To go back to the Mercedes-Benz screen, select the Mercedes-Benz star icon or press the Home button.

Apple CarPlay Not Connecting? Try These Fixes

If CarPlay won't connect or stops working, go through these one at a time and test after each. They follow guidance from Apple and Mercedes-Benz.

 
• Restart your iPhone and turn your Mercedes-Benz off and on again.
 
• Try a different data cable and the USB port with the smartphone integration symbol. A worn or charge-only cable is a common cause of wired problems.
 
• Check that CarPlay isn't restricted: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps.
 
• Update your iPhone in Settings > General > Software Update.
 
• Remove your iPhone from the connected devices list on the Mercedes-Benz screen, then add it again.
 
• Connecting wirelessly? Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on, then tap the CarPlay network in Settings > Wi-Fi and make sure Auto-Join is on. If there's no wireless option on your screen, use a USB data cable.
 
• Go to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap your Mercedes-Benz, tap Forget This Car, and set up CarPlay again.
 
• Still stuck? Schedule a service appointment with Mercedes-Benz of San Jose and our team will take a look.

Mercedes-Benz Models With Apple CarPlay

These models support Apple CarPlay. Features vary by model year, trim and option package, and wireless CarPlay depends on your Mercedes-Benz, so confirm what yours includes.

Looking for a Mercedes-Benz with Apple CarPlay? Browse all new vehicles or our pre-owned inventory at Mercedes-Benz of San Jose.

View New Mercedes-Benz Inventory

Apple CarPlay FAQs

How do I set up Apple CarPlay in my Mercedes-Benz?

Start your Mercedes-Benz, make sure Siri is on, then plug your iPhone into the USB port marked with the smartphone integration symbol. Accept the prompts on the screen and on your iPhone. On models with wireless CarPlay, you can also pair your iPhone over Bluetooth from Phone > Connect Device on the screen.

Does my Mercedes-Benz have Apple CarPlay?

Most Mercedes-Benz models from 2016 on do. Check the model list on this page, since features vary by model year, trim and option package.

Can I use Apple CarPlay wirelessly in my Mercedes-Benz?

Yes, on many newer models. Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your iPhone, then select Phone > Connect Device on the Mercedes-Benz screen and follow the prompts. If you don't see a wireless option, use a USB data cable.

Why won't my iPhone connect to Apple CarPlay in my Mercedes-Benz?

Start with the basics. Try a different data cable and the USB port with the smartphone integration symbol, restart your iPhone and your Mercedes-Benz, and update iOS. Then remove your iPhone from the connected devices list on the screen and add it again. If it still won't connect, go to Settings > General > CarPlay on your iPhone, tap your Mercedes-Benz, choose Forget This Car and set it up again.

Why does my iPhone say CarPlay is disabled?

CarPlay can be blocked by your iPhone's restrictions. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions, and if it's on, open Allowed Apps and make sure CarPlay is enabled.

How do I turn off Apple CarPlay in my Mercedes-Benz?

Open Device Manager on the Mercedes-Benz screen and select the Apple CarPlay symbol next to your iPhone's name. That ends the CarPlay connection.

Is there a monthly charge for Apple CarPlay?

No. Apple CarPlay doesn't come with a monthly fee. Your carrier's message and data rates may apply for features that use data, such as maps and streaming.

What year did Mercedes-Benz get Apple CarPlay?

Mercedes-Benz added Apple CarPlay with the 2016 A-Class, CLA, CLS, E-Class, GLA and GLE. The GLS and SL followed in 2017, the GLC, S-Class and Sprinter in 2018, and the C-Class in 2019.