iPhone not charging from BMW music-media-adapter ("y cable")

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Level 1

18 points

iPhone not charging from BMW music-media-adapter ("y cable")

I drive a MINI Cooper (MINI is made by BMW), and the BMW music-media adapter (model 61 12 2408012, the "y cable") that I use to connect my phone to my car stereo has recently stopped charging my phone. I have an iPhone 12 mini. The adapter cable is made by BMW specifically for Apple products.

I have ruled out the adapter itself or my car by (1) buying a new adapter and (2) realizing that the old and new adapters do not charge my phone even when I plug them into an outlet in my house.

When my phone is plugged into the adapter, it acts like it is charging. The battery is green and there is a lightning bolt on it. But my battery percentage steadily goes down instead of up.

Do any other MINI or BMW drivers have this issue? Any advice on how to fix it?

Workarounds for other ways to connect my phone to my car (which predates CarPlay) would also be appreciated.

iPhone 12 mini

Posted on Nov 16, 2021 2:48 PM

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Answer 1

Erica_S1

Community Specialist

Nov 17, 2021 11:42 AM in response to pinkykim

Hi there pinkykim,

We understand you're experiencing an issue with connecting your iPhone to your car.

Get started with the steps here: How to connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your car

Specifically, check out the section below:

"Connect using USB playback

Restart your device and your car.
Make sure that your device is unlocked and on the Home screen.
If possible, try to connect using another cable or USB port. Check the manual that came with your car to learn how to connect an Apple device.
Check your charging port for any debris or damage. Make sure that your charging cable is properly inserted into the port.
Update your device.
Make sure that your stereo is using the latest firmware from the car manufacturer. Check your car's manual for more information.
Try playing audio from a different app. If you can't play audio from a third-party app, contact the app developer for help. If you can't play audio from an Apple app, contact Apple Support."

We hope this helps.

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Answer 2

pinkykim Author

Level 1

18 points

Nov 17, 2021 4:48 PM in response to Erica_S1

I have tried all these steps, all the way through contacting the MINI dealer and Apple Support. The MINI dealer told me that updating the firmware is not an option for my car. It is a very simple system that plugs in. My phone is also not charging from an Apple cord in the car.

I have an in-person Genius Bar service appointment scheduled, so hopefully I can get some answers that way.

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iPhone not charging from BMW music-media-adapter ("y cable")

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