How To Activate Remote Software Upgrade on BMW iX

Software has taken over our entire world. Automotive suppliers have jumped onto the bandwagon and slowly made every part of your new car a connected system. Without good software, your car won’t even start.
Automotive suppliers are constantly rolling out new software, and it can be hard to keep up. That’s where modern vehicles and their mobile data connections come in handy.
This article contains all you need so that you don’t miss the latest updates for your BMW iX. It’s all about setting up the remote software upgrade.
As always, the information you find in here is no substitute for your owner’s manual. Locate and read it for all you need to know about your specific make and model.

Table of Contents

Getting Started With the Remote Software Upgrade

BMW recommends you upgrade to the newest software as soon as it is available to your car.
A software upgrade gives you:

• The newest safety features.
• Quality improvements.
• Enhancements of existing functions.
• Greater cybersecurity.

What you Need to Get Started

Before you get started with the remote BMW iX software upgrade, you’ll need the following:

• An active ConnectedDrive contract.
  • ConnectedDrive is a software package that allows you to use BMW services, such as:
    • iDrive
    • The BMW app
    • Intelligent personal assistant
  • To set up your contract:
    • First, register for your BMW ID.
    • Now, log in to your BMW account.
    • Add your car to your BMW ID.
• A working integrated SIM card.
• Cellular network reception.
• You must have agreed to the Terms and Conditions regarding Data Transfer.

Remote BMW iX software upgrade: automatic upgrade search

Here are the steps you must take to trigger an automatic remote BMW iX software upgrade.

1. Turn off your car.
   • This activates the standby mode.
2. An automatic upgrade search is triggered.
3. If an update is found, it will be automatically downloaded to your iX.
   • You won’t need to consent to the download.

Remote BMW iX software upgrade: manual upgrade search

You can also start a manual search for upgrades. It’s a good idea to this reasonably often in case your car misses some automatic updates.
Follow these instructions on the iDrive infotainment system in your iX:

1. Go to the Menu.
2. Select All Apps.
3. Click System settings.
4. Now find Remote Software Upgrade.
5. Tap Search for upgrades.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Remote BMW iX software upgrade: use the BMW app

Before using the app to download a software update, you’ll need:

• A compatible smartphone.
• The My BMW app (logged in).
• Your car must be connected to the app.

Here’s how to download and install the software update:

1. The app will show that a software update is due.
2. Download the iX software update to your mobile device.
3. Follow the instructions in the app.
4. Go to your iX.
   1. Connect to your car via Bluetooth and WLAN.
5. Drive the car.
   1. The update only transfers in the background while driving.
   2. It won’t transfer if you don’t drive.
6. After the software update information transfer completes, follow the instructions on the screen.

Requirements for BMW iX Software Upgrade

To perform the upgrade on your BMW iX, make sure:

• Your battery has enough charge.
• Your key is in the car.
• The drive-ready state is turned off and you’re in Park (P).
• Your cellular reception is reliable.
• The hazards are switched off.
• The outside temperature isn’t below -10°C.
• Your car is parked on an even surface away from the road.
• All doors and the trunk are closed.
• Devices are unplugged from the car.
• The external lights are off.

Then follow the on-screen instructions.

Do you need a software update in the BMW iX?

BMW always recommends keeping up to date with the latest software. This means your car is secure and functioning as efficiently as possible.
Follow the instructions above – and that’s it! You’re ready to get that upgrade and enjoy new or updated features on your BMW iX.
If you have further questions, check the owner’s manual of your car. You received a hard copy with your purchase. Alternatively, look for an online copy – you should be able to find one.

Here’s a PDF from the BMW iX’s owner’s manual, explaining a little more about the software update process: