How to Unlock Activate Mercedes CarPlay and Android Auto COMAND NTG5S1

If you own a 2015 and newer Mercedes-Benz but don’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you may be able to enable these features yourself. In this guide, you will learn how to use a simple module that plugs into the OBD2 port of your Mercedes-Benz and activates the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An activation tool can automatically unlock CarPlay and Android Auto without needing extra coding or programming.

Your Mercedes-Benz dealer should also be able to activate CarPlay/Android Auto. Get a quote from the dealer and decide which route you want to go. If the dealer quote is too expensive, going with this DIY solution may make sense. Also, note that this procedure may void your car warranty.

How to activate Mercedes CarPlay and Android Auto

What you need:

You must have COMAND NTG5.1 Audio System / Audio20 head unit
Mercedes CarPlay Activation Module (eBay link)
To use Android Auto or CarPlay, you will need to install the smartphone integration package.
- Part Number A2468203800 (eBay link)

Instructions on how to activate Mercedes CarPlay/Android Auto

These instructions will help you unlock Mercedes CarPlay Android Auto on COMAND NTG5.1

If your Mercedes is incompatible and the activation module doesn’t support your chassis, don’t perform these steps, or you will damage the COMAND on your Mercedes-Benz.

Open the door of your Mercedes. Do not step on the brakes. Do not press start. Do not start the engine.
Locate the OBD2 port under the dashboard of your Mercedes-Benz.
Plug the activation module into the OBD2 port. On your COMAND screen, you should see a message saying DIAG. Wait for the restart. Allow the module to activate the CarPlay and Android Auto on your Mercedes-Benz automatically. After about 30 seconds, the CarPlay and Android Auto should unlock. The head unit will restart.
The command should restart after a few seconds.
Verify that CarPlay or Android Auto are working by plugging in your phone.

Important

If you have Audio20 made before 2015, the head unit may need a firmware update. It will have to be performed by the dealer.
- Connect DoIP or XentryConnect dealer equipment necessary to update Audio20 (SA505 or SA522) or COMAND (SA531) head unit firmware.
- It requires using a special HLI000000XXXX update disk.
It would be best if you had iPhone 5 and newer for Apple CarPlay
This procedure may void your warranty.
Make sure to use USB Lightning cable

Which Mercedes cars will this work with?

A-Class W176 production 12.2015+
CLA-Class W117 production 12.2015+
B-Class W246 production 12.2015+
GLA-Class W156 production 12.2015+
GLE-Class W166 production 01.2016+
GLE-Coupe W292 production 01.2016+
GLS-Class X166 production 01.2016+

Check the Datacard or the production date of your Mercedes-Benz on your VIN sticker.

Why does my Mercedes not enable CarPlay / Android Auto at the factory?

The early NTG Audio 20 built between 2015 and 2016 are the same as the newer NTG Audi 20 units that already have CarPlay Android auto-enabled. The only difference is that the software installed in the older units does not have CarPlay and Android Auto enabled. Mercedes-Benz dealers can perform a firmware upgrade and enable CarPlay and Android Auto. This procedure typically takes about one to two hours and requires Star Diagnostic scanner.