Technical Missing Nav and Carplay

[MostlyConfused]

Hi, Hoping that someone here can offer some pointers as to why we have no Carplay or SatNav in my daughters 500X.

Background: It's a 2018 Mirror Edition which everything I can find suggests it came with Carplay, Android Auto and Satnav as standard. There's no sign of any of these anywhere on the infotainment system.

Connecting multiple iphones with multiple cables does nothing. The phones and cables work in another vehicle with Carplay so it's not a phone config thing.

There are 2 USB sockets (one marked USB and the other with the common USB image) and we have the same result with both.
I've checked the sticker on the back of the screen and it says that the unit is a Fiat VP2 334 7in EMEA DAB GPS. The date on the sticker says 27/01/2018.

Any advice on how I could make a young lady even happier with her 500X?

Thanks!

 

[Mike1alike]

This catches a lot of people out on the Fiat 500X, especially the Mirror editions.
Even though many listings say “CarPlay / Android Auto / SatNav as standard”, in reality it depends on the exact head unit spec (VP2 vs VP3) and software activation.
From what you’ve got:
VP2 unit (your label confirms this)
→ This is the lower-spec Uconnect system
→ Usually does NOT have CarPlay / Android Auto enabled
→ SatNav is often not active, even if the hardware (GPS) is there
That “GPS” on the sticker just means the unit supports it, not that navigation is actually licensed/activated.
So why no CarPlay?
Because VP2 units typically don’t support it at all, or it’s not enabled in software, and Fiat didn’t include it on all trims despite what brochures suggest.
USB ports:
Only one USB (usually the one under the climate controls) supports data. The other is often charge-only, even if it looks identical.
But in your case, since nothing happens at all → points back to the head unit lacking CarPlay support.
What are your options?
Check with Fiat dealer (VIN check)
They can confirm if CarPlay/Nav was ever enabled from factory. Don’t rely on model name alone.
Proxy alignment / software update
Sometimes features are disabled due to configuration mismatch. Rare, but worth checking if anything’s been replaced.
Upgrade the unit (most realistic fix)
Swap to a VP3 unit (the one that actually supports CarPlay/Android Auto).
Plug & play physically
May need proxy alignment + code
Aftermarket unit
Often cheaper and gives full CarPlay + better features.
Bottom line
Your unit having “GPS” doesn’t mean it has SatNav, and VP2 is the key limitation here. That’s why nothing shows up no matter what phone or cable you try.

 

[MostlyConfused]

Thanks for all the info Mike. That's all a bit unfortunate. Off to ebay I guess. Cheers again