How to Play Spotify in a BMW (5 Available Methods)

Way 1: Play Spotify in BMW Using Built-in iDrive Spotify App (iDrive 7/8/9+)

The built-in iDrive Spotify app is the closest way to have Spotify inside your car, but it is not available on all BMWs. In many cases, the app only appears on iDrive OS 7 and newer. You may also need a BMW ConnectedDrive account or a BMW Digital Premium subscription to access it. ConnectedDrive links your car to online features. If everything is set up correctly, Spotify can run directly in iDrive, giving you a native experience without using your phone.

For BMWs with iDrive OS 7 and newer

If your BMW runs iDrive OS 7 or newer, Spotify can work directly in iDrive as long as your subscription and online services are active. If the app does not appear, your system may need an update or online services may not be enabled.

Step 1 Start your BMW and make sure it has an internet connection through the built-in SIM or your phone hotspot.

Step 2 Press the Menu button and open the Apps section on the iDrive screen.

Step 3 Select All or All Apps to see the full list of apps.

Step 4 Look for the Spotify icon and tap it if it appears.

Step 5 Follow the on-screen instructions to log in to your Spotify Premium account.

Step 6 Once logged in, choose a playlist or song and press Play to stream through the BMW speakers.

For BMWs with iDrive OS 9 and BMW Digital Premium subscription

On iDrive OS 9, the Spotify app is more likely to be available, but it may still require BMW Digital Premium. With this subscription, you can download Spotify from the in-car app store and use it directly in iDrive. This keeps the music controls inside the BMW interface and feels more integrated than using a phone.

Step 1 Start your BMW and confirm the vehicle is online using the SIM or a phone hotspot.

Step 2 Press Menu and open Apps on the iDrive screen.

Step 3 Select ConnectedDrive Store or App Store inside the apps menu.

Step 4 Search for Spotify and download the app, which may require BMW Digital Premium.

Step 5 After installation, go back to Apps, select All, and tap Spotify.

Step 6 Log in with your Spotify Premium account using the on-screen prompt.

Step 7 Once connected, browse and play music directly inside iDrive using the BMW controller.

Way 2: Play Spotify in BMW Using Apple CarPlay (iOS 13+)

Apple CarPlay is a common way to use Spotify in BMWs when the native app isn't available. It lets your iPhone show a simplified version of its apps on the BMW screen, and the interface is designed to be easy to use while driving with large buttons and voice control. CarPlay works on many BMWs, even those running iDrive OS 9. You don't need BMW ConnectedDrive or BMW Digital Premium to use it. The main requirement is that your BMW supports CarPlay and your iPhone is compatible and connected. Once connected, Siri can control Spotify hands-free, so you can keep your eyes on the road.

Step 1 Plug your iPhone into the BMW USB port or enable wireless CarPlay if your BMW supports it.

Step 2 Tap Allow on your iPhone when the CarPlay permission pop-up appears.

Step 3 On the iDrive screen, choose Apple CarPlay from the main menu.

Step 4 If CarPlay does not appear, go to Settings, then General, then CarPlay and select your BMW from the list.

Step 5 Once CarPlay loads, tap the Spotify icon on the CarPlay home screen.

Step 6 Open Spotify and select a playlist, then use the steering wheel buttons or touchscreen to control playback.

Way 3: Play Spotify in BMW Using Android Auto (Android 9+)

Android Auto works the same way for Android phones. It shows a simplified version of your phone apps on the BMW screen so you can control Spotify safely while driving. Android Auto is available on many BMWs running iDrive OS 9. Like CarPlay, you do not need BMW ConnectedDrive or BMW Digital Premium. Your BMW must support Android Auto and your phone must be compatible and connected. You can also use Google Assistant for hands-free control.

Step 1 Plug your Android phone into the BMW USB port using a quality USB cable.

Step 2 When the Android Auto pop-up appears on your phone, tap Allow for permissions.

Step 3 On the iDrive screen, open Android Auto from the Apps menu.

Step 4 Select your phone from the list and confirm the pairing code if prompted.

Step 5 Once Android Auto loads, tap the Spotify icon.

Step 6 Pick a playlist or album and start playing, and control the music from the touchscreen or steering wheel buttons.

Way 4: Play Spotify in BMW Using Bluetooth Audio (Any OS)

If the native app is not available, Bluetooth audio is usually the simplest option. Bluetooth streams music from your phone to your car and works with almost any phone and BMW. The sound may not be as clear as CarPlay or Android Auto, but it is reliable and easy to use.

Step 1 Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and open Spotify.

Step 2 On the BMW iDrive screen, go to Media, then Bluetooth, and select Add Device.

Step 3 On your phone, find the BMW in the Bluetooth list and tap to pair.

Step 4 Confirm the pairing code on both your phone and the BMW screen.

Step 5 After pairing, set the BMW audio source to Bluetooth Audio.

Step 6 Start playing Spotify on your phone and the sound will stream through the BMW speakers.

Way 5: Play Spotify in BMW Using USB Audio (Any OS)

Another way to play Spotify in your BMW is through USB audio, and it can be the most reliable option for offline listening. You can connect your phone or a USB drive and play music without using data. It is not as modern as CarPlay or Android Auto, but it is a stable choice if you want uninterrupted music or if your phone battery is low.

To make this work, you need ViWizard Spotify Music Converter to save your favorite Spotify music as standard audio files like MP3. After converting, you can transfer the files to a formatted USB drive or your phone and play them in your BMW. ViWizard works for both Free and Premium users and can download songs, playlists, albums, podcasts, and even eligible audiobooks in batches while keeping the original audio quality.

At this point, you just need to make sure the files are in a supported format. BMW supports MP3, AAC (M4A), WMA, and WAV/PCM, and ViWizard supports most of these formats.

Key Features of ViWizard Spotify Music Converter

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• Download Spotify songs, playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks extremely fast at up to 15x speed
• Convert Spotify into MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, M4A, and M4B losslessly
• Lets you play Spotify tracks offline on any device without restrictions
• Works seamlessly on Windows and macOS, supporting the built-in Spotify Web Player

Step 1 Download and launch ViWizard Spotify Music Converter on your computer, and close any pop-ups or tips that appear.

Step 2 Sign in to your Spotify account inside ViWizard so your playlists and saved songs show up.

Step 3 Browse your Spotify library inside ViWizard and pick the playlists, albums, or tracks you want to play offline.

Step 4 Add your selected music to the conversion list using the Add button.

Step 5 Open the settings, choose MP3 as the output format, and adjust bitrate or sample rate if needed.

Step 6 Start the conversion and wait while ViWizard converts your music into MP3 files.

Step 7 Connect a USB drive to your computer, format it as FAT32 if needed, and create a folder named Music.

Step 8 Transfer the converted MP3 files into the Music folder on the USB drive.

Step 9 Plug the USB drive into your BMW USB port and go to Media, then USB Audio on the iDrive screen.

Step 10 If the BMW asks for a USB mode, select Media or Audio, not charging only.

Step 11 Select a song or playlist and press Play to start listening through the BMW speakers.

Pro Tip: How to Fix Spotify App Not Working in BMW

If Spotify does not connect or the app does not show on the BMW screen, it could be caused by settings, subscription status, or login methods. Try these steps:

Conclusion

There are several reliable ways to play Spotify in a BMW, and the best method depends on your BMW model and what kind of connection you prefer. For the most universal option, Bluetooth audio works on almost any BMW model and does not require subscriptions. Overall, if you want the cleanest and most integrated experience, the built-in Spotify app is the best choice. If you want the simplest setup that works almost everywhere, USB audio enabled by ViWizard Spotify Music Converter is the most reliable fallback.