Question: I love the touch command feature on my BMW, but the tablet hasn’t been able to connect, and I’m not sure why. How can I connect the touch command in my BMW?
Answer: The process to connect your BMW’s Touch Command to the included Samsung Galaxy tablet will depend on whether you have BMW Touch Command Gen1, Gen2, or Gen3—check your owner’s manual to verify which one you have.
To connect BMW Touch Command Gen1 and Gen2:
- In the tablet, go to All Apps > Settings and verify that your WLAN setting is turned on.
- On your BMW iDrive infotainment screen, navigate to MyVehicle > Basic Settings > Device List > Connect New device > Touch Command > Add New Device.
- On the tablet, go to Settings > Connect to vehicle.
- Select your vehicle once it appears in the Devices list, which should take about 10 seconds.
- On your vehicle, confirm that you would like to pair with the tablet.
After about 15 seconds, the tablet should be connected to your BMW Touch Command system.
To reconnect BMW Touch Command Gen3:
- In the tablet, go to All Apps > Settings and verify that your WLAN setting is turned on.
- On your BMW iDrive infotainment screen, go to Com > Manage Mobile Devices > New Device > Apps (internet).
- Then use the tablet to read the QR code displayed on the infotainment screen.
The tablet should now be connected to the BMW Touch Command system.
To perform a factory reset on your BMW Touch Command tablet
If you still can’t connect to your BMW’s Touch Command, you may need to perform a factory reset on the tablet:
- Power off the tablet.
- Press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons for about six seconds.
- Release the Power button but continue holding the Volume Up button for another five seconds.
- Wait to release the Volume Up button until you see an Android symbol and the words “No Command.”
- Use the volume up/down rocker to choose Wipe Data/Factory Reset from the menu options that appear.
- Press the Power button to select this option.
- Navigate to Yes – Delete all user data on the next screen and press the Power button to choose this option. This step will completely wipe the tablet.
- Once the tablet says “Data wipe complete,” choose Reboot system now from the menu.
If your Touch Command still isn’t working, there may be a malfunction with the tablet. Consider reaching out to your local BMW dealership to see if they can fix the error or send you a replacement Touch Command tablet.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
