Activate Apple Carplay and Android Auto features on your Mercedes-Benz using OBD 2?

Yes. On many Mercedes-Benz models from 2014/2015 onwards that have the COMAND or Audio 20 multimedia system (version NTG5.1) but no smartphone integration, you can add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without replacing any hardware. You plug an Auto Activation Tool into the car's OBD II port, the head unit downloads the activation in about 30 seconds and restarts, and then you connect your phone by USB.

Carmakers keep updating systems that are already in customers' hands, and the infotainment system is one of them: because the hardware is already in the cabin, some functions can be added just by updating the software. The steps and what you need are below.

TL;DR

• Works on: Mercedes-Benz 2014/2015 models onwards with COMAND or Audio 20 on NTG5.1 (see the model table below).
• You need: the latest COMAND/Audio 20 software update and an Auto Activation Tool for the OBD II port.
• Plug the tool into the OBD II port under the dashboard; the screen shows "DIAG".
• Activation takes about 30 seconds, then COMAND restarts on its own.
• No need to start the engine, press the brake or insert the key during the procedure.
• Connect your phone to the USB port marked with the smartphone integration symbol and choose "Start Automatically".

If your car already has CarPlay and it just isn't connecting, read the Mercedes Apple CarPlay guide.

Table of Content

1. How do I activate Apple Carplay and Android Auto features on your Mercedes-Benz?
2. Which Mercedes-Benz models support OBD activation of CarPlay and Android Auto?
3. Conclusion

1. How do I activate Apple Carplay and Android Auto features on your Mercedes-Benz?

This procedure is for owners of Mercedes-Benz 2014/2015 vehicles onwards that do not have smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You need the latest update of the COMAND or Audio 20 multimedia system (version NTG5.1) to enable this feature. If you don't have this update, ask your authorized service center for it.

You will also need an Auto Activation Tool for Mercedes-Benz. This device holds the information needed to update the system through the OBD II port of your vehicle.

Step 1 : Locate OBD II port

Open the driver's door and find the OBD II port under the dashboard.

Step 2 : Insert Auto Activation Tool in OBD II port

Source: mbworld.org forum (GLE-Class W166 thread on enabling Android Auto on a 2016 GLE)

Insert the Auto Activation Tool in the OBD II port. The COMAND screen will show the message: DIAG.

Step 3 : Restart COMAND multimedia system

Source: https://www.drive2.ru/l/489107303329431601/

The COMAND system communicates with the Auto Activation Tool, which loads the activation information into the system. This takes about 30 seconds. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto should then be activated and COMAND will restart. Once it has restarted, check that the features are active.

Note: during this procedure you don't need to do anything with the vehicle, such as starting the engine, pressing the brake pedal or inserting the key into the ignition switch.

Step 4 : Connect Android or Apple mobile device

Source: mbworld.org forum (GLE-Class W166 thread on enabling Android Auto on a 2016 GLE)

Connect your Android or Apple phone with a USB cable to the USB port marked with the smartphone integration symbol on the center console.

Step 5 : Establish Connection between your device

The first time you connect your phone, select "Start Automatically" from the menu on the media system. This sets up the connection between your phone and your Mercedes-Benz, and makes it connect automatically every time you plug it in.

Step 6 : Test the COMAND multimedia system

Source: mbworld.org forum (GLE-Class W166 thread on enabling Android Auto on a 2016 GLE)

Once your phone is connected, you can use the main functions with the COMAND controller, the steering wheel buttons, or voice control.

2. Which Mercedes-Benz models support OBD activation of CarPlay and Android Auto?

As mentioned above, this procedure applies to 2014/2015 models onwards. These models are supported with the COMAND and Audio 20 NTG5.1 multimedia system:

The OBD2 port can also be used to lower the air suspension on a Mercedes. If you'd rather replace the head unit than activate the factory one, see Mercedes Android head unit installation.

3. Conclusion

The procedure itself is easy. The hard part of doing it yourself is getting the right tool. If you'd rather not buy the equipment, an authorized service center or a specialist you trust can do it for you, although that adds time and cost.

Electronics in cars age quickly, so being able to add features to an existing head unit, even for a few more years, is a good option for owners.