BMW Wireless Charging Not Working (Causes and Troubleshooting)

If you own a BMW and are experiencing difficulties with your wireless charging, fear not – there may be simple solutions to get it working again. Let’s take a look at some common causes for BMW wireless charging not working and how to troubleshoot them.

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Causes for BMW Wireless Charging Not Working

There are a few potential reasons why your BMW wireless charging may not be functioning properly. Here are some possible causes to consider:

Incompatible Device

The most common reason for wireless charging not working is using an incompatible device. Your smartphone or other device must have Qi technology in order to wirelessly charge on the BMW charging pad. Make sure your device supports this feature before attempting to use it with the wireless charger.

One of the most obvious signs that you are using an incompatible device with your BMW wireless charger is when it simply does not charge. Your device may still recognize that it is on a charging pad, but it won’t actually charge or will only charge intermittently.

If you suspect that your device is incompatible, the first troubleshooting step is to check if it has Qi technology. If not, you may need to purchase a separate adapter or use a different charging method. 

If your device does have Qi technology, try removing any case or cover that could be interfering with the wireless charging connection. You can also try re-positioning your device on the charging pad to see if that makes a difference.

Damaged or Faulty Charging Pad

If your device is compatible but still not charging, the issue could lie with the charging pad itself. Over time, the pad can become damaged or faulty and may need to be replaced.

One common sign of a damaged or faulty charging pad is when your device gets extremely hot while attempting to charge wirelessly. 

This could indicate that the charging pad is not functioning properly and may be overheating your device. Another sign is if the LED light on the charging pad does not turn on at all, indicating that there is no power flowing through it.

If you suspect that your BMW wireless charging pad is damaged or faulty, try cleaning it with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris that could be obstructing the connection. You can also try using a different power outlet or charging cable to see if that makes a difference. If these steps do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to replace the charging pad altogether.

Loose Connection

Sometimes, the issue is as simple as having a loose connection. Make sure your device is properly placed on the charging pad and that there are no obstructions preventing it from making a secure connection. If the charging pad is not securely plugged into a power source, it may also cause connectivity issues.

A common sign of a loose connection is when your device repeatedly disconnects and reconnects while on the charging pad. This could indicate that the charging pad is not making a stable connection with your device, resulting in intermittent charging or no charging at all. 

Another sign is if your device does not start charging immediately upon being placed on the pad, but instead takes some time to establish a connection.

To troubleshoot a loose connection issue with your BMW wireless charging pad, try repositioning your device on the pad to ensure a secure and stable connection.

If the problem persists, check the charging pad’s power source and make sure it is properly plugged in. You can also try using a different power outlet or charging cable as mentioned earlier.

Software Glitch

Like any electronic device, a BMW’s wireless charging system can experience software glitches. Try resetting the system by turning off your vehicle for a few minutes and then turning it back on.

A common symptom of a software glitch is when the charging pad does not respond at all when your device is placed on it. This may indicate an issue with the communication between the charging pad and your BMW’s electronic system. 

Another sign is if the wireless charging menu in your vehicle’s infotainment system appears to be frozen or unresponsive.

To troubleshoot a software glitch, try resetting your vehicle’s electronic system by turning it off for a few minutes and then turning it back on.

You can also try updating the software for both your vehicle and your device to ensure compatibility. If the issue persists, contact your BMW dealership or a professional technician for further assistance. 

Additionally, make sure to regularly check for any updates or patches for your wireless charging system to prevent future glitches.

Battery Issues

If your device’s battery is low or not functioning properly, it may not charge wirelessly. Check the battery status on your device and make sure it is in good condition.

A clear sign of battery issues causing your BMW wireless charging not to work is when your device does not charge at all or stops charging after a short period. This may indicate that the battery on your device is low or unable to hold a charge. 

Another symptom could be if the wireless charging pad in your vehicle’s infotainment system indicates a low battery warning.

There are several reasons why your device’s battery may be experiencing issues, which can ultimately affect the wireless charging function in your BMW. 

It could be due to a faulty or damaged battery, incorrect charging habits, or outdated software on both your device and vehicle. Extreme temperatures and exposure to moisture can also impact the performance of your battery and lead to long-term damage.

If your BMW wireless charging is not working, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to identify the issue. 

You may notice that your device is not detected by the wireless charging pad or that it continuously disconnects and reconnects while charging. These could be signs of an incompatible device or an obstruction on the charging pad itself.

Environmental Interference

Wireless charging relies on electromagnetic fields to transfer power, so any interference from other electronic devices or metal objects can disrupt the process. Make sure there are no other devices or items nearby that may be causing interference.

One common issue that can cause BMW wireless charging to not work is environmental interference. 

This occurs when other electronic devices or metal objects are in close proximity to the wireless charging pad, disrupting the electromagnetic fields and preventing proper power transfer. 

You may notice your device constantly disconnecting and reconnecting while on the charging pad, or it may not charge at all.

To troubleshoot this issue, ensure that there are no other devices or objects nearby that could be causing interference.  Additionally, try moving your device around on the charging pad to find a spot with minimal interference.  

Keeping the area around your wireless charging pad clear of any potential sources of interference can help ensure a smooth charging experience.  

If you are using a metal phone case, try removing it as this could also cause interference with the wireless charging process.  

By minimizing environmental interference, you may be able to resolve any issues with your BMW wireless charging not working.

Outdated Firmware

In some cases, outdated firmware on your BMW’s wireless charger may be the culprit for it not working properly. Check for any available updates and install them to see if that resolves the issue.

A common sign of outdated firmware causing BMW wireless charging to not work is when the charging pad turns on but does not charge the device, or charges it at a significantly slower rate than usual.

There are a few reasons why outdated firmware on your BMW’s wireless charger can cause it to not work properly. 

One reason could be that the old firmware is no longer compatible with newer devices, causing issues with charging compatibility. Another reason could be bugs or glitches in the firmware that prevent proper power transfer.

If you suspect that outdated firmware is the cause of your BMW wireless charging not working, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. 

First, check for any available updates and install them if necessary. If that does not resolve the issue, try resetting the wireless charger by unplugging it from power for a few minutes and then plugging it back in. You can also try using a different device to see if the issue persists.

If none of these steps work, contact your BMW dealership or customer support for further assistance with updating the firmware on your wireless charger.

People Also Asked

BMW wireless charging settings

To optimize your BMW wireless charging experience, it is important to ensure that your settings are properly configured. 

This includes checking the charge mode, which can be set to either “charge only” or “smartphone + multimedia.” Additionally, make sure that any power-saving or battery optimization modes on your device are turned off when using wireless charging. 

Taking these simple steps can help prevent any issues with outdated firmware and keep your BMW’s wireless charging functioning smoothly.  

So next time you encounter a problem with your BMW’s wireless charging, remember to check for outdated firmware as a possible cause and follow these troubleshooting steps before seeking further assistance.

BMW wireless charging orange light

If you notice that the wireless charging indicator on your BMW is showing an orange light, this could also be a sign of outdated firmware. 

In some cases, the orange light may indicate that there is an issue with the connection or alignment between your device and the charging pad. 

However, it is always recommended to check for any available updates first and try resetting the wireless charger before assuming there is a hardware issue.