How to Connect Your Smartphone to Your MINI Cooper

Benefits of Connecting

By connecting your smartphone to your MINI Cooper you’ll gain access to several benefits. For starters, you’ll be able to play the songs on your phone through the speaker system, assuring your commute is better thanks to your favorite tunes.

In addition to playing your phone’s music you’ll also have access to several other of your smartphone’s features—like navigation, contacts, and compatible apps. Many of these features can be accessed hands-free, which makes your travels even safer.

For example, you can use the voice control feature of your MINI Cooper to connect with the contacts in your phone. From there, you can talk with your friends and family while on the go. Likewise, you can receive phone calls without ever needing to take your hands off the wheel.

Connection Options

Many MINI Cooper models allow for multiple connection options. Some of the ways you can connect your smartphone to your MINI Cooper include Bluetooth®, Apple CarPlay®, and USB/AUX port.

Each option requires a different connection process, which we’ve outlined for you.

How to Connect Your Smartphone to Your MINI Cooper

To help make connecting your phone to your MINI Cooper vehicle as easy as possible, we’ve broken down this guide into the three main ways that you can connect your phone. Let’s take a closer look at those connection options now.

Bluetooth®

Using the Bluetooth® feature of your smartphone and MINI Cooper device, you can connect your smartphone in just a few simple steps. To make connecting your smartphone even easier, many MINI Cooper models are equipped with MINI Connect, a 6.5-inch, or optional 8.8-inch, center touchscreen display system.

For those whose MINI Cooper is equipped with MINI Connect, follow these easy steps:

• Open “Setup” in the home menu
• Select “Settings”
• Select “Bluetooth®”
• Choose “Phone”
• Pick “Pair new phone” and then “Start pairing”

And that’s it! In just a few steps you’ve connected your smartphone to your MINI Cooper via MINI Connect.

Apple CarPlay®

Connecting your smartphone via Apple CarPlay® allows you to access Siri®, which will provide hands-free assistance when traveling. You can ask for directions, send text messages, and search for music. Some of your compatible apps—like podcasts, audiobooks, and Spotify®—can be accessed through the MINI Connect touchscreen device.

To connect your smartphone via Apple CarPlay® you’ll first want to check Apple CarPlay® connectivity on your phone. Afterward, follow these steps:

• Press the phone icon
• Select “Manage mobile devices”
• Choose “Connect new device”
• Pick “Apple CarPlay®” and then “Confirm”

Check to see if additional action is needed on your smartphone to finish connecting. Otherwise, you’ve paired your smartphone in little or no time at all.

USB/AUX Port

While connecting your smartphone to your MINI Cooper via Bluetooth® and Apple CarPlay® are both extremely simple tasks, connecting via your USB or AUX port is even easier. To achieve this connection, simply plug a USB or auxiliary cord into your phone with the other end plugged into the correct port.

In seconds you’ve paired your smartphone to your MINI Cooper vehicle.