Have you just experienced the excitement of driving home in a new Mercedes-Benz like the SLC? If so, and you’re ready to make the most of your vehicle’s technology, you may be wondering how to set up Apple CarPlay®. Just follow the easy steps in this guide from Mercedes-Benz of Honolulu, and you’ll be connected in a flash!

How to Connect to Apple CarPlay® with a USB Cord

To connect to Apple CarPlay®, Mercedes-Benz drivers need to complete the following steps:

1. Using a USB cord, connect your iPhone® to the USB port with the smartphone integration symbol.
2. If you’re connecting to Apple CarPlay® for the first time, you’ll see this message: “A new Apple CarPlay® device has been connected. How should Apple CarPlay® be started?” You’ll be given a choice between “Automatically” and “Manually.”
3. To make connecting your primary smartphone easier each time you enter your car, you’ll want to opt for “Automatically”; if, on the other hand, you’re pairing the iPhone® of a passenger for the purpose of sharing music or directions to points of interest around Ewa Beach, select “Manually.”

Now you can access your smartphone’s functions via the controller/touchpad controller, hard keys, or Siri®!

How to Wirelessly Connect to Apple CarPlay®

If you’re driving a newer Mercedes-Benz in Kaneohe, it may be equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay®. Here’s how to wirelessly connect to Apple CarPlay® using Bluetooth®* integration:

• Open your iPhone® settings and navigate to Bluetooth®*, make sure your phone is in discoverable mode
• On the main touchscreen display in your Mercedes-Benz, click on Phone, then select “connect device”
• If this is your first time wirelessly connecting your phone, click “connect new device”
• Select your iPhone® when the device name appears on the screen
• Your iPhone® will prompt you to accept the passcode to connect it to your vehicle’s display; click to accept it
• Next, your iPhone® will ask you to allow it to sync your contacts and favorites to your vehicle’s display; click to allow it
• On the main vehicle display, click “Accept and Start Apple CarPlay®” after reading the Data Protection Notice
• Your iPhone® is now wirelessly connected to your vehicle’s main display via Apple CarPlay®! You can access your entire phone right from the touch display.

What Can You Do with Apple CarPlay®?

Once setup is complete for Apple CarPlay®, Mercedes-Benz drivers can enjoy everything from making hands-free calls to streaming music to navigating the Waipahu and Mililani areas:

• Place Phone Calls: Apple CarPlay® allows you to place calls hands-free. Simply state the name of your contact, and the system will connect you.
• Send Text Messages: Send a text safely while running errands in Kailua. Simply choose your contact, dictate your message, say, “Send,” and your message is sent!
• Stream Entertainment: Listen to your favorite music from your smartphone, or access even more entertainment via apps like iHeartRadio®, TuneIn® Radio, Audiobooks.com, and more.
• Apple Maps Navigation: Whether looking for attractions near Kapolei or businesses near Kaneohe, you can access quick and easy navigation with Apple Maps.
• Quick COMAND® Access: To adjust your seat, in-cabin temperature, ambient lighting, etc, select the “Mercedes-Benz” icon on the Apple CarPlay® screen, or press the appropriate hard key on the dash. This will take you back to the COMAND® system.

Start Exploring Apple CarPlay® Apps

Apple CarPlay® enables you to enjoy a more connected drive in Aiea. In addition to giving you access to your phone and messages, many of your favorite iOS apps are compatible with Apple CarPlay®. Here are some of the most popular Apple CarPlay® apps to explore:

• Apple Music and Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Waze
• TuneIn® Radio
• Audible
• WhatsApp
• NPR One
• iHeartRadio
• and many more!

What Phones are Compatible?

As you may have surmised, Apple CarPlay® is only compatible with Apple iPhone® devices. So long as you’re using an iPhone® 5 or newer model, you’ll have no problem connecting your device.

Enjoy Your Drive With Apple CarPlay® from Mercedes-Benz of Honolulu!

For more help with connecting and utilizing Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, or Bluetooth®*, Mercedes-Benz drivers know they can turn to Mercedes-Benz of Honolulu. At our dealership near Aiea, we can help you configure the Mercedes-Benz Apple CarPlay® feature if you run into issues. Or, if you’re interested in getting behind the wheel of a new Mercedes-Benz with smartphone integration, we can share with you our new vehicle specials, so you can secure one at a great price. Contact us for more information, including learning about the Mercedes-Benz logo!