Can you use Tidal in Mercedes? Fortunately, the answer is positive. The collaboration between Tidal and Mercedes-Benz makes it easy for drivers to stream high-fidelity audio directly through their vehicle's infotainment system. Whether your car has the MBUX system or the older COMAND Online, here is the complete guide on how to activate, connect, and play Tidal in your Mercedes-Benz, including options for offline listening.
Part 1. How to Use Integrated Tidal in Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz first introduced Tidal integration in 2017. Owners of newer models (2018 and later) can access Tidal directly via the Mercedes me portal and the vehicle's infotainment system. Now, let's see how to use Tidal in Mercedes-Benz in detailed steps.
Check Eligibility & Access the Tidal Free Trial
Owners of eligible Mercedes-Benz vehicles can often claim a 3-month free trial of Tidal Premium.
Step 1. Go to the official Mercedes me web portal or open the app and sign in with your Mercedes me ID or create an account if you don't have one.
Step 2. Hit on the 'Go to my vehicle' option, select the photo of your vehicle, and navigate to the "Online Music" section. You will be prompted to activate the Tidal service, which may involve creating a new Tidal account linked to your Mercedes me profile.
Step 3. Complete the registration to activate your 3-month free trial of Tidal Premium plan.
Connect Tidal to Your Vehicle (MBUX/COMAND)
The connection process will vary slightly depending on your infotainment system:
| System | Compatibility | Activation Method |
|---|---|---|
| MBUX (Newer Models) | Highest integration | Direct login on the in-car screen. |
| COMAND Online (Older Models) | Available since 2017 | Requires activation via Mercedes me app/portal first. |
You can refer to the following steps to connect your Tidal account to your Mercedes vehicle.
Step 1. Start your Mercedes-Benz and ensure you have an active internet connection (via your car's built-in SIM or a tethered phone connection).
Step 2. On your car's screen, go to 'Media' > 'Online Music' and select the 'Tidal' option. The system will prompt you to log in. Use the Tidal account you linked to your Mercedes me ID.
Step 3. Once logged in, you can access your Tidal playlists, favorites, and curated mixes directly from the car's screen, offering a high-quality streaming experience.
Part 2. How to Play Tidal in Mercedes-Benz Offline via USB Drive
The direct Tidal integration is fantastic, but it requires an active subscription and cellular data. If your free trial expires, you don't want to pay for a subscription, or you frequently drive in areas with poor reception, using offline methods is a great solution. You can play downloaded Tidal music files via a USB flash drive plugged into your Mercedes-Benz's media port. This method works on virtually all Mercedes models equipped with a USB input.
Tidal uses Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection, meaning you cannot simply move the files downloaded via the official app to a USB drive. To enable offline playback on a USB drive, you must use DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder to convert and save your Tidal tracks as common audio formats (like MP3, FLAC, or M4A) without protection. After that, you can put Tidal downloads into a USB flash drive and listen to them via your car's USB input.
How to Download and Listen to Tidal on Mercedes-Benz Offline
- Step 3Reset output format for Tidal Mercedes
- Launch DRmare Streaming Audio Recorder and head to the 'menu' icon at the top-right corner on DRmare program. You can select 'Preferences' from the list, it will then show the Preferences window. Here you need to click on the 'Conversion' tab. Then you can go on to alter the output audio format, and more audio parameters for Tidal songs. Once done, click 'OK' to confirm them.
- Step 2Log In Tidal within DRmare
- Tap the 'Tidal' icon from the main interface and then you will see the built-in Tidal Web Player. Click the 'Log In' button to to sign in to your Tidal Premium account.
- Step 1Add music from Tidal to DRmare
- Find and locate the Tidal songs you want to convert to use in Mercedes. Once found, open the detailed page and tap the 'Add' > 'Add to List' button to load Tidal songs into the converison queue.
- Step 4Convert Tidal for use in Mercedes
- You will see added Tidal tracks list in the 'Converted' section. Press the 'Convert' button to start the download process. When the process is done, you can hit on the 'Converted' icon to find the local Tidal audio tracks on your computer. They are ready for moving to USB and playing in Mercedes.
- Step 5Play Tidal in Mercedes Benz Offline
Here, you need to transfer the converted Tidal music to a USB drive first. Please connect the USB drive to your computer to finish. After that, insert the USB drive into the media port in your Mercedes-Benz. On the car's screen, navigate to 'Media' >'External Devices' > 'USB' to browse and play your Tidal music.
Part 3. FAQs about Using Tidal in Mercedes-Benz
Do I need a subscription to use Tidal in my Mercedes-Benz?
Yes. To use the integrated Tidal app in your vehicle, you need an active Tidal subscription. The initial 3-month free trial only postpones this requirement. Alternatively, the USB offline method allows you to play converted music files without an ongoing subscription.
Why is my Mercedes-Benz Tidal integration not working?
Here are the possible reasons why your Tidal and Mercedes integration is not working:
- Subscription: Ensure your Tidal subscription (or free trial) is still active.
- Internet: The car needs an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular) to stream.
- Software Update: Ensure your MBUX/COMAND system software is up to date.
- Login: Try logging out and back into both the Tidal app and your Mercedes me account.
Part 4. In Conclusion
Whether through the easy-to-use integrated Tidal app for high-quality online streaming via MBUX, or by leveraging the offline USB playback method for reliable, subscription-free listening anywhere, your Mercedes-Benz offers flexible options to enjoy your Tidal playlists. Both methods ensure you get a superior audio experience on the road. Start by checking your Mercedes me portal to activate your complimentary Tidal Premium trial today!
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