Does the Audi A3 Have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?

Are you considering getting an Audi A3 in 2025 but aren’t sure if it’s compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?

If so, this article will answer any questions you may have.

All Audi A3 models from 2020 to 2025 have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Audi A3s built from 2017 to 2019 had Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available as an optional extra. Audi A3s produced in 2016 or earlier do not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Read on to learn more about Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on the Audi A3!

Overview: which Audi A3 has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?

As tech becomes more and more integrated into our world, we expect our vehicles to keep up.

One of these advancements is compatibility with mobile devices through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, allowing drivers to interact with their cars in ways never before possible.

In the list below, you will find a detailed overview of recent Audi A3 years and their compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto:

• The 2023 Audi A3 has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
• The 2022 Audi A3 has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
• The 2021 Audi A3 has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
• The 2020 Audi A3 has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
• The 2019 Audi A3 offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the higher-spec models, starting from the Premium Plus version.
• The 2018 Audi A3 offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the higher-spec models, starting from the Premium Plus version.
• The 2017 Audi A3 offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the higher-spec models, starting from the Premium Plus version.
• An Audi A3 from 2016 or earlier does not have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Clarification: From 2020 onwards, an Audi A3 comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, regardless of whether it has the Premium, Premium Plus, or Prestige package.

And if you’re not sure what model year your Audi has, you can follow this guide to find out!

Tip: If your Audi A3 doesn’t support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, we recommend getting one of these 6 phone holders.

Setting up Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on the Audi A3

If you don’t know how to enable Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on your Audi A3, here are two simple step-by-step guides!

How to set up Apple CarPlay on the Audi A3

If you’re an iPhone user, here’s how to set up either Wireless Apple CarPlay (available on Audi A3s from 2020 onwards) or standard Apple CarPlay:

Set up Wireless Apple CarPlay

Here is how to set up Wireless Apple CarPlay on your Audi A3:

1. Pick up your iPhone and turn on WiFi, Bluetooth, and Siri.
2. Take a seat in your Audi A3, turn on the engine, and make sure the vehicle is in Park.
3. On the infotainment screen, head to Bluetooth -> Phone -> Connect Mobile Device.
4. Select your iPhone from the infotainment screen and confirm the matching PIN.
5. Go through the following menus on your iPhone; Pair -> Allow -> Use CarPlay.
6. On the Audi infotainment screen, select Apple CarPlay -> Yes, agree -> Apple CarPlay.

Wireless Apple CarPlay will now be set up, and your iPhone will connect to the Audi A3 automatically the next time you get into the car!

Set Up Standard Apple CarPlay

If your Audi A3 doesn’t support Wireless CarPlay or you prefer to use Standard Apple CarPlay, here is how to set it up:

1. Pick up your iPhone and turn on WiFi, Bluetooth, and Siri.
2. Use a good quality USB to Lightning cable, and plug your iPhone into the Audi’s USB slot, located in the center console.
3. On the infotainment screen, select Apple CarPlay -> Yes, agree.
4. On your iPhone, choose Allow.

Next time you get into the car, you can plug in your iPhone using the cable, and Apple CarPlay will turn on automatically!

How to set up Android Auto on the Audi A3

For all Android users, here is how to set up Android Auto on the Audi A3:

1. Pick up your phone and turn on WiFi and Bluetooth.
2. Use a good quality USB data cable, and plug your phone into the Audi’s USB slot, located in the center console.
3. On the infotainment screen, select Android Auto -> Yes, agree.
4. On your phone, grant all required permissions for Android Auto.

There you go! Android Auto will now launch automatically and will do so every time you plug your phone into the USB slot.

What to do if Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are not working?

Are you having difficulty getting Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to work in your Audi A3?

If so, you are not alone!

Here are some fixes you can try:

Fix Apple CarPlay not working on the Audi A3

• Make sure your Audi A3 supports Apple CarPlay. Even if you have a model from 2017 or later, Apple CarPlay may not be enabled.
• Check the iOS software version. Make sure to run iOS 13 or later. You can check and update your IOS version by going to Settings -> General -> Software Update on your iPhone.
• Try using a different cable. The cable you’re currently using might be low quality or damaged.
• Ensure you’ve enabled Siri. To enable Siri, go to Settings -> Siri & Search. Enable the options Listen for ‘Hey Siri,’ Press Side Button for Siri, and Allow Siri When Locked.
• Try a different USB port. You may have plugged the cable into the wrong USB slot on your Audi A3. Try to find one with a CarPlay or iOS icon. Also, check the fuse box of your Audi A3 to make sure the one corresponding to the USB port isn’t blown.
• Restart your iPhone. Restarting your iPhone will reset it and can fix the issue.

Fix Android Auto not working on the Audi A3

• Make sure your Audi A3 supports Android Auto. Even if you have a model from 2017 or later, Android Auto may not be enabled.
• Update your software version. Ensure you’re running Android 8.0 or newer for Android Auto to work.
• Try a different cable. The cable you’re currently using might be low quality or damaged.
• Try a different USB port. You may have plugged the cable into the wrong USB slot on your Audi A3. Also, check the fuse box of your Audi A3 to make sure the one corresponding to the USB port isn’t blown.
• Restart your phone. Restarting your phone will reset it and can fix the issue. You can also try to delete the cache on your phone by going to Settings -> Apps -> Android Auto -> Storage.

3 Benefits of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on the Audi A3

Do you doubt whether you should use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?

If so, check out the benefits of using these integrations below:

1. Navigate using Google Maps or Apple Maps

One of the most significant benefits of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is that it allows you to use your phone’s mapping app, like Google Maps or Apple Maps.

This is a huge benefit over traditional navigation systems, which can be outdated or harder to use.

2. Listen to music using Spotify or Apple Music

For some, music is an essential part of the driving experience.

Whether it’s singing along on a long road trip with your caravan towed by your Audi A3 or jamming out to your favorite tunes while stuck in traffic, music can help to make the time spent behind the wheel more enjoyable.

With Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, listening to music in the car is easier and more convenient than ever before.

They allow you to control your music using your phone and integrate seamlessly with your car’s infotainment system.

With the Spotify or Apple Music app, you can access your music library, playlists, and streaming services, and you can even use Siri to control playback hands-free.

3. Use Siri through your car’s infotainment system

A benefit of CarPlay is that you can use Siri to control various functions of your iPhone hands-free.

This means you can make phone calls, send texts, and get directions without taking your hands off the steering wheel!

Conclusion

If you’re someone who relies on their smartphone for directions, music, or other important tasks, then you’ll be happy to know that the newest models of the Audi A3 come with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

While setting up these features can be a bit of a hassle, it’s worth it in the end, as you’ll be able to use your favorite apps from your car’s infotainment system.

And if you ever run into any issues, don’t hesitate to contact us; we will try to help!

At last, you can learn more about which Audi A3 years are best and worst in terms of reliability here!