[NoMods]

So at first I thought I just hit the mic button on the steering wheel and Siri would come up even connected to my iPhone but it doesn’t. It seems like I need to go into the contacts and at the top it will say to use Siri? Is that the only way, it has to be easier than that.

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

Originally Posted by armoredsaint

So at first I thought I just hit the mic button on the steering wheel and Siri would come up even connected to my iPhone but it doesn't. It seems like I need to go into the contacts and at the top it will say to use Siri? Is that the only way, it has to be easier than that.

For me, when connected through wireless CarPlay, "Hey Siri" always works, even if I'm listening to, for example, satellite radio. But that only works that way because I have my "Hey Siri" enabled for all the time. Enable it first on your device, and you should simply be able to use the voice command.

If CarPlay is connected, disconnect your iPhone through the mobile devices screen in iDrive.

Then on your phone:
Settings —> Siri —> Listen for "Hey Siri" enabled at the very top.

Go back and use the "mobile devices" screen in iDrive to tap "connect" to your iPhone.

Use "Hey Siri" as normal. Hey Siri should now call contacts, launch playlists in Apple Music by name, etc.

The steering wheel mic button is for iDrive voice commands, even with iPhone connected to CarPlay with a short press.

EDIT — Typos.

EDIT 2 — I stand corrected, a long press of the steering wheel mic button does activate Siri. Thank you armoredsaint and SenorFunkyPants!

Worth noting, following the procedure described above will still prevent you from even having to press the button.

[NoMods]

Originally Posted by ResIpsaLoquitur

For me, when connected through wireless CarPlay, "Hey Siri" always works, even if I'm listening to? For example, satellite radio. But that only works that way because I have my "Hey Siri" enabled for all the time. Enable it first on your device, and you should simply be able to use the voice command.

If CarPlay is connected, disconnect your iPhone through the mobile devices screen in iDrive.

Then on your phone:
Settings —> Siri —> Listen for "Hey Siri" enabled at the very top.

Go back and use the "mobile devices" screen in iDrive to tap "connect" to your iPhone.

Use "Hey Siri" as normal. Hey Siri should now call contacts, launch playlists in Apple Music by name, etc.

The steering wheel mic button is for iDrive voice commands, even with iPhone connected to CarPlay.

thanks, i'll give it a go - my other cars it's automatic when i hit the mic button and it's siri that pops up

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

Originally Posted by armoredsaint

thanks, i'll give it a go - my other cars it's automatic when i hit the mic button and it's siri that pops up

You're welcome! Let us know how it goes.

[SenorFunkyPants]

In my (UK) car, a long hold on the voice button on the steering wheel brings up Siri in car play....a short press brings up the BMW voice activation.

[NoMods]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

In my (UK) car, a long hold on the voice button on the steering wheel brings up Siri in car play....a short press brings up the BMW voice activation.

good point, i'll give that a try too

ETA: it works with the long press!

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

Originally Posted by armoredsaint

good point, i'll give that a try too

ETA: it works with the long press!

Thank you both! Learned something new today!

Above comment edited to account for new (to me) info.