2019 GLC 300 - Carplay won't work with iPhone 17
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2019 GLC 300 4-Matic SUV Black
2019 GLC 300 - Carplay won't work with iPhone 17
Hi everyone,
I’m hoping to get some advice on an issue I’m having with my 2019 GLC (X253). My car supports Apple CarPlay, and it was working perfectly with my iPhone 14. However, after I upgraded to an iPhone 17, the CarPlay display started having major graphic distortion—it's still connected, but the screen is practically unreadable.
I reached out to Mercedes, and they said there’s no firmware update yet. I also contacted Apple, and they haven’t heard of this issue—they confirm the phone should be compatible. I even tried a genuine Apple USB-A to USB-C cable, but no luck.
Has anyone else experienced this or found a solution? I’d really appreciate any insight—thanks so much!
I’m hoping to get some advice on an issue I’m having with my 2019 GLC (X253). My car supports Apple CarPlay, and it was working perfectly with my iPhone 14. However, after I upgraded to an iPhone 17, the CarPlay display started having major graphic distortion—it's still connected, but the screen is practically unreadable.
I reached out to Mercedes, and they said there’s no firmware update yet. I also contacted Apple, and they haven’t heard of this issue—they confirm the phone should be compatible. I even tried a genuine Apple USB-A to USB-C cable, but no luck.
Has anyone else experienced this or found a solution? I’d really appreciate any insight—thanks so much!
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Which cable did you get? Apple doesn't have a USB-A to USB-C cable. The closest to a genuine Apple cable is the Beats USB-A to USB-C cable. This works fine with my iPhone 16 Pro, however, I have a newer COMAND system in my 2019 C63.
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/m...4d496%252B45c4
https://www.apple.com/shop/product/m...4d496%252B45c4
Out Of Control!!
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2019 C63CS
@mikapen CarPlay isn't an app. It's part of the OS.
A few more thoughts on the issue. The typical process for troubleshooting something like this is the process of elimination in order of what's easiest to do.
A few more thoughts on the issue. The typical process for troubleshooting something like this is the process of elimination in order of what's easiest to do.
- Try a different cable. The one you bought might be defective, even if it's brand new. It happens. Or as said, since Apple doesn't actually make one, it may not be a proper cable.
- Try a different phone. The USB-C port in your phone could be faulty. While I've come to like USB-C a lot, it has its issues. The port is prone to getting damaged if you are not careful or with frequent use. While the old Lightning port is outdated by now, the connector was much more robust.
- Try a different car. This is gonna be harder, but the USB-A port in your car could have also been damaged.
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I didn't know carplay wasn't an app, since I generally avoid Apple products.
Then instead of removing the app, which you can't do, try rebooting your phone.
Then instead of removing the app, which you can't do, try rebooting your phone.
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Hi everyone,
I’m hoping to get some advice on an issue I’m having with my 2019 GLC (X253). My car supports Apple CarPlay, and it was working perfectly with my iPhone 14. However, after I upgraded to an iPhone 17, the CarPlay display started having major graphic distortion—it's still connected, but the screen is practically unreadable.
I reached out to Mercedes, and they said there’s no firmware update yet. I also contacted Apple, and they haven’t heard of this issue—they confirm the phone should be compatible. I even tried a genuine Apple USB-A to USB-C cable, but no luck.
Has anyone else experienced this or found a solution? I’d really appreciate any insight—thanks so much!
I’m hoping to get some advice on an issue I’m having with my 2019 GLC (X253). My car supports Apple CarPlay, and it was working perfectly with my iPhone 14. However, after I upgraded to an iPhone 17, the CarPlay display started having major graphic distortion—it's still connected, but the screen is practically unreadable.
I reached out to Mercedes, and they said there’s no firmware update yet. I also contacted Apple, and they haven’t heard of this issue—they confirm the phone should be compatible. I even tried a genuine Apple USB-A to USB-C cable, but no luck.
Has anyone else experienced this or found a solution? I’d really appreciate any insight—thanks so much!
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Out Of Control!!
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Interesting. Sounds like a compatibility issue between the head unit and the iPhone 17. OP hasn't come back and answered the questions I've been asking or giving us an update, but to isolate it further it would be helpful to know what iOS version he was running on his prior iPhone 14. That would narrow down if it's related to iOS 26 or the hardware. The USB-A to USB-C conversion shouldn't be the problem. As said, I have an iPhone 16 Pro and I have no issues connecting it to USB-A. I have a couple of different USB-A to USB-C cables I've been using, including the Beats cable I linked above and they all work fine with the iPhone 16. So if anything it could be some weird issue with the USB-C circuitry in the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 does have the newer A19 chip, so it's possible that there's an incompatibility issue with the USB controller and the old COMAND NTG 5 head unit. FWIW, I haven't tried mine with an old NTG 5 head unit. Only with my newer NTG 5.5 and MBUX head units, but also mine is the only one that still has USB-A. Other cars I've used my iPhone 16 in either had USB-C ports and/or wireless CarPlay.
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From: New York State
2019 GLC 300 4-Matic SUV Black
1. Yes, I may try a different cable. I tried a few others, but with USB A to C adapters. The Beats one is a direct A to C cable. I could look for another one.
2. My iphone 14 works fine in this Car with carplay. I may have to go back to using it.
3. I don't know anyone else with the same car. Also, when I spoke to the dealership about it, they seemed to be aware of the problem.
2. My iphone 14 works fine in this Car with carplay. I may have to go back to using it.
3. I don't know anyone else with the same car. Also, when I spoke to the dealership about it, they seemed to be aware of the problem.
Out Of Control!!
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2019 C63CS
Thread Starter
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2019 GLC 300 4-Matic SUV Black
Interesting. Sounds like a compatibility issue between the head unit and the iPhone 17. OP hasn't come back and answered the questions I've been asking or giving us an update, but to isolate it further it would be helpful to know what iOS version he was running on his prior iPhone 14. That would narrow down if it's related to iOS 26 or the hardware. The USB-A to USB-C conversion shouldn't be the problem. As said, I have an iPhone 16 Pro and I have no issues connecting it to USB-A. I have a couple of different USB-A to USB-C cables I've been using, including the Beats cable I linked above and they all work fine with the iPhone 16. So if anything it could be some weird issue with the USB-C circuitry in the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 does have the newer A19 chip, so it's possible that there's an incompatibility issue with the USB controller and the old COMAND NTG 5 head unit. FWIW, I haven't tried mine with an old NTG 5 head unit. Only with my newer NTG 5.5 and MBUX head units, but also mine is the only one that still has USB-A. Other cars I've used my iPhone 16 in either had USB-C ports and/or wireless CarPlay.
Latest iOS on the 17 (26.6.1) Latest iOS on the old phone.
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2019 GLC 300 4-Matic SUV Black
Bought a 2019 X253 two months ago and have the same issue. From what I can gather, it is an issue between the iPhone 17 and the head unit, maybe because our jack is USB A and the phone is USB C and it doesn't translate correctly. Theoretically that shouldn't matter, but for me Car Play works but pixelates the screen when there is "movement". Much, much worse on maps than music. The current iOS 26.3.1 update did nothing to help, and the MB dealer service here suggested trying a different cable, but every one I've tried results in the same issue. Until Apple works out a fix, I don't think there is another alternative. But I have found if using car play, use the screen that has the widgets (mine has google maps, Apple Music, etc) and that screen doesn't pixelate for me. However YMMV.
The dealer gave me the same advice.
I'll try using the widget screen. Thanks.
Out Of Control!!
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2019 C63CS
Unfortunately, the old NTG 5 hardware is now 10+ years old, even though this particular car isn't that old yet. I doubt Apple is even testing their new stuff with hardware this old. Not to mention that this was MB's first go at CarPlay in their cars, so it's not all that surprising that it doesn't work anymore with the latest iPhones. Would be interesting to find out if it's only the iPhone 17, or all the newer iPhones with USB-C starting with the iPhone 15.
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Over the years, on this forum, we've seen multiple instances of new iPhones not being compatible with Mercedes carplay.
It seems to be a matter of Apple's approval of outside apps into their ecosystem.
Which is good if you want their oversight for security reasons, but can defeat the use of a new phone in other applications, not just Mercedes.
Regarding USB-C cables - there are cables that are certified for data, there are cables that are certified for power, and there are cables that are certified for both.
I only buy the "both" anymore. I've never had a problem with a USB-A to C adapter.
Lots of cables on Amazon are certified for both.
It seems to be a matter of Apple's approval of outside apps into their ecosystem.
Which is good if you want their oversight for security reasons, but can defeat the use of a new phone in other applications, not just Mercedes.
Regarding USB-C cables - there are cables that are certified for data, there are cables that are certified for power, and there are cables that are certified for both.
I only buy the "both" anymore. I've never had a problem with a USB-A to C adapter.
Lots of cables on Amazon are certified for both.
Out Of Control!!
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Over the years, on this forum, we've seen multiple instances of new iPhones not being compatible with Mercedes carplay.
It seems to be a matter of Apple's approval of outside apps into their ecosystem.
Which is good if you want their oversight for security reasons, but can defeat the use of a new phone in other applications, not just Mercedes.
Regarding USB-C cables - there are cables that are certified for data, there are cables that are certified for power, and there are cables that are certified for both.
I only buy the "both" anymore. I've never had a problem with a USB-A to C adapter.
Lots of cables on Amazon are certified for both.
It seems to be a matter of Apple's approval of outside apps into their ecosystem.
Which is good if you want their oversight for security reasons, but can defeat the use of a new phone in other applications, not just Mercedes.
Regarding USB-C cables - there are cables that are certified for data, there are cables that are certified for power, and there are cables that are certified for both.
I only buy the "both" anymore. I've never had a problem with a USB-A to C adapter.
Lots of cables on Amazon are certified for both.
As for USB-C, it's more complicated than that. USB-C in principal is great, but because it supports many protocols over it, you need to know what the port supports and get the right cable. It's not just power and data. It's what power levels and what data protocols. You can run power, USB 1/2/3/4, Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, HDMI over USB-C to name the major ones. Truly makes this port universal, but as said you need to use the right cable. Data certified doesn't mean it supports Thunderbolt for example. Many only support USB and may not even support USB 4. Power levels is another story. Not all cables support 240 Watt, and those that support high power often only support slow USB 2 data. That's really the biggest issue with USB-C. First you have to know which protocols the port on the device supports and then use the proper cable for the application.
Last edited by superswiss; Mar 13, 2026 at 02:20 PM.
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2019 GLC 300 4-Matic SUV Black
Bought a 2019 X253 two months ago and have the same issue. From what I can gather, it is an issue between the iPhone 17 and the head unit, maybe because our jack is USB A and the phone is USB C and it doesn't translate correctly. Theoretically that shouldn't matter, but for me Car Play works but pixelates the screen when there is "movement". Much, much worse on maps than music. The current iOS 26.3.1 update did nothing to help, and the MB dealer service here suggested trying a different cable, but every one I've tried results in the same issue. Until Apple works out a fix, I don't think there is another alternative. But I have found if using car play, use the screen that has the widgets (mine has google maps, Apple Music, etc) and that screen doesn't pixelate for me. However YMMV.
I tried using the screen with the widgets. Zero pixelation.It's a pity as the big screen is much better for navigation and seeing where you are. But I think this is a reasonable compromise.
I also noticed that when you turn the computer first there is no pixilattion. It takes a minute or two and some movement to start, then it gets steadily worse. So I'm thinking it's probably not the cable. I think the new phone is just sending more information than the head unit can process. I wish there was some way to turn down the resolution. Maybe someone else has a more sophisticated understanding of what's going on.
That being said, I did order a new cable which I'll try tomorrow.
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2019 C63CS
I found the thread below just now and there's a second one under similar questions. Appears to be a known issue affecting the iPhone 17 only, and Apple is apparently aware of it. Fix is supposedly in the works. Apparently some kind of a backwards compatibility issue with the protocol losing bits over time, which explains why it's fine initially and then starts to get pixelated as more and more bits get lost.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread...By=rank&page=1
https://discussions.apple.com/thread...By=rank&page=1
Last edited by superswiss; Mar 15, 2026 at 10:01 PM.
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2019 GLC 300 4-Matic SUV Black
I found the thread below just now and there's a second one under similar questions. Appears to be a known issue affecting the iPhone 17 only, and Apple is apparently aware of it. Fix is supposedly in the works. Apparently some kind of a backwards compatibility issue with the protocol losing bits over time, which explains why it's fine initially and then starts to get pixelated as more and more bits get lost.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread...By=rank&page=1
https://discussions.apple.com/thread...By=rank&page=1
I used the link to report the issue btw.
https://www.apple.com/feedback/iphone/
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I tried using the screen with the widgets. Zero pixelation.It's a pity as the big screen is much better for navigation and seeing where you are. But I think this is a reasonable compromise.
I also noticed that when you turn the computer first there is no pixilattion. It takes a minute or two and some movement to start, then it gets steadily worse. So I'm thinking it's probably not the cable. I think the new phone is just sending more information than the head unit can process. I wish there was some way to turn down the resolution. Maybe someone else has a more sophisticated understanding of what's going on.
That being said, I did order a new cable which I'll try tomorrow.
I also noticed that when you turn the computer first there is no pixilattion. It takes a minute or two and some movement to start, then it gets steadily worse. So I'm thinking it's probably not the cable. I think the new phone is just sending more information than the head unit can process. I wish there was some way to turn down the resolution. Maybe someone else has a more sophisticated understanding of what's going on.
That being said, I did order a new cable which I'll try tomorrow.
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GLC43 AMG (X253)
iOS 26.4 still pixelated
Unfortunately, iOS 26.4 did not resolve the pixelation issue for me. I using iPhone 17 and 2018 GLC-43 AMG model (with smartphone Integration package). I never had an issue with CarPlay until I upgraded to iPhone 17 (iOS 26.3).
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From: Phoenix, AZ, USA
2005 C240 4MATIC, 2020 GLC300 4MATIC
I have a 2020 GLC 300 4MATIC on latest MBUX software. Using an iPhone 17 Pro with latest iOS. No issues. However, all of my USB ports in my car are USB-C (front under head unit, two in my center console). I have had zero issues since switching to the 17 Pro and and latest version of iOS.
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2019 C63CS
I have a 2020 GLC 300 4MATIC on latest MBUX software. Using an iPhone 17 Pro with latest iOS. No issues. However, all of my USB ports in my car are USB-C (front under head unit, two in my center console). I have had zero issues since switching to the 17 Pro and and latest version of iOS.
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2019 GLC300, 2017 E300
2019 GLC.. Iphone 17 and Iphone 17 pro both still have the same issue
Only interim fix was using an ottocast play2video ultra
It's not perfect, but it works. The navi/music buttons don't take you to carplay maps and music like they would if you were direct wired. Siri is hit or miss. You can't really use all the features of the ottocast since to connect it to a wifi source, it seems you need a touch screen and not the wheel/pad. So.. when you start the car, just click on the carplay icon when it boots up and you have the clean interface. Good enough workaround for now - planning to replace the car later this year or next anyways.
I will say... my 2017 E300... no problem with the iphone 17 or pro.. works just fine.
Only interim fix was using an ottocast play2video ultra
It's not perfect, but it works. The navi/music buttons don't take you to carplay maps and music like they would if you were direct wired. Siri is hit or miss. You can't really use all the features of the ottocast since to connect it to a wifi source, it seems you need a touch screen and not the wheel/pad. So.. when you start the car, just click on the carplay icon when it boots up and you have the clean interface. Good enough workaround for now - planning to replace the car later this year or next anyways.
I will say... my 2017 E300... no problem with the iphone 17 or pro.. works just fine.
