How to add CarPlay to a 2009–2016 Audi A4, A5 or Q5

Audi never offered CarPlay on these cars and there is no software update that adds it. What works is a plug-in interface behind the factory radio: it puts CarPlay on the original screen, keeps the original buttons and knob, and comes out again without a trace. Here is how to pick the right one for your model year.

Step 1 — which radio is in the dash

The same model year shipped with two different systems, so the year alone is not enough. Look at the center console.

• No rotary controller on the console, a radio with a small display and its own buttons — that is a Concert (single CD) or Symphony (6-CD) radio. Common on A4, A5 and Q5 base trims through 2016.
• A screen in the dash plus a round controller on the console — that is MMI 3G. Flat 2D maps mean 3G Basic; 3D terrain maps and a small joystick on top of the knob mean 3G High / 3G+.

If you are not sure, the Audi MMI identification guide shows all of them side by side, and you can always send us a photo of the dashboard before ordering.

Step 2 — the kit for each radio

Both kits do the same job on the screen: wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless MirrorLink (AirPlay) for iPhone, Android Auto over USB, and a USB media player that also charges the phone. Control stays on the factory joystick and dash buttons.

Step 3 — the camera question

This is the part that generates most of the questions we get before an order, so here it is plainly.

• Concert / Symphony: the radio never had a camera input, so the interface is what puts a picture on the screen — and it needs a camera to show. That is why the camera is listed as required. The Audi / VW trunk-handle camera replaces the factory handle, keeps the push button that opens the trunk, and gives dynamic guidance lines that move with the steering wheel.
• MMI 3G: many cars from 2014 already have a factory camera. If yours shows a picture when you select reverse, the kit uses it and you need nothing else. If it does not, add the same trunk-handle camera.

The trunk-handle camera measures 110 x 50 mm and fits the A3 8V, A4 and A5 B8 / B8.5, Q5, Allroad, S4, S5, RS5 and SQ5. Convertibles use a different handle — the convertible camera is 110 x 30 mm. Measure yours before ordering.

What you must have in the car

Two things the kit relies on, taken straight from the product notes:

• An AUX 3.5 mm jack or an AMI connector in the glove box or armrest. CarPlay sound goes through it, and an AMI-to-3.5 mm cable is needed on AMI cars (sold separately).
• A microphone for calls and Siri. Cars with factory Bluetooth already have one; if yours does not, an aftermarket microphone is needed.

The MMI 3G kit is built for the 7-inch screen in the B8 / B8.5 A4, S4, A5, S5, Q5 and SQ5, the Allroad and Avant, plus the A8 D4 (2012–2017) with the 7-inch screen, the A6 / A7 C7 (2012–2016) with the 6.5-inch screen and the Q3 (2014–2019) with the 5.8-inch screen. It does not support the A6 with the RMC radio.

Installing it

Both kits are plug and play. The harness sits between the factory radio and its own plug — no coding, no cut OEM wires, and if you ever sell the car or return a lease you unplug the box and the car is back to stock. The full job is filmed on a real car on our YouTube channel; the video is on every product page.

If you would rather not do it yourself, any car audio shop can fit it. Send them the product page — everything they need to know is there.

Ordering from the US

Free USPS Priority shipping inside the US; Canada is $40. In-stock items ship within 2–3 business days, CarPlay interfaces can take 2–10 business days to ship, and the product carries a one-year limited warranty. Before you order, email a photo of the dashboard and the trunk handle to [email protected] with the year and model — we confirm the fit before it ships.