Are you having problem connecting iPhone to CarPlay? Sometimes, CarPlay suddenly stops working or keeps disconnecting after it is connected, and you may start experiencing iPhone problem with CarPlay after an iOS update. Sometimes, your iPhone may not be detected by CarPlay. Sometimes CarPlay may freeze and you may see a black screen. And finally, you may have a CarPlay sound problem.
It’s pretty easy to use CarPlay. Once connected, your iOS apps will appear on your car display. Then, for instance, you can send or receive messages, stream your music live to your car stereo, get directions or make or receive phone calls; hands-free so that you can concentrate on the road more.
Please see the fixes below. After each step, try using CarPlay to see if your problem is fixed.
Before we dive in, let’s look at the CarPlay requirements:
To use the CarPlay app, you need an Apple CarPlay compatible iPhone, car or stereo.
Check if your car or receiver is compatible with Apple CarPlay
An increasing number of makes and models are compatible. The numbers are changing rapidly. There are currently over 500 CarPlay compatible car models. You can see the
full list of CarPlay compatible car models on the Apple website.
These aftermarket receivers are also compatible:
- Kenwood
- Sony
- Alpine
- Clarion
- JVC
- Pioneer
- Blaupunkt
Check if your iPhone is compatible
The following iPhone models support CarPlay:
- iPhone SE 2 and later
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11
- iPhone Xs Max
- iPhone Xs
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 6s Plus
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 6
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 5s
- iPhone 5
- iPhone 5c
Other iPhone models are not compatible.
Check if CarPlay is available in your country or region
CarPlay is not supported everywhere. Check Apple’s website to see countries and regions that
CarPlay is currently available.
Check if Siri is turned on
Siri needs to be enabled for CarPlay to function
On your iOS device: Head over to Settings > Siri & Search. Ensure that these options are enabled:
- Listen for “Hey Siri”.
- Press Home for Siri or Press Side Button for Siri.
- Allow Siri When Locked.
Check if CarPlay is allowed while locked
On your iOS device: head over to Settings > General > CarPlay > Your Car > and turn on “Allow CarPlay While Locked”.
Moreover, ensure that CarPlay is not restricted. On your iPhone: head over to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and make sure that CarPlay is enabled.
Check if your iPhone and your car’s infotainment system are turned on
Well, it is obvious. But it’s good to check.
Moreover, make sure that if your car has a “activate” option, ensure that that option is selected.
See also:
Fix When your iPhone Won’t Charge or Charges Slowly
If you are unable to connect
If you are having problem connecting iPhone to CarPlay. There are two ways to connect iPhone to CarPlay, depending on your car:
- Simply plug in your iPhone using a USB cable. If you are having issues:
- If you are using a third-party USB cable, ensure that it’s Apple certified, especially if you see the
“This Accessory Is Not Supported By This Device”
error. - Try connecting to a different USB port.
- Try using a different USB cable.
- Check to ensure that the USB cable is plugged in properly.
- Check to ensure that both the charging port and the USB port are clean and there are no damages.
- Turn on Airplane Mode on your iPhone, wait for about ten seconds and turn it back off. Head over to
- Restart your iPhone.
- Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone.
- Restart your car’s infotainment system. To do this: press and hold the volume or power knob.
Settings > Airplane Mode).
Update all your devices
iPhone not detecting CarPlay? Try updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version. You can update your iPhone over the air. Simply follow these steps:
- Ensure that your iPhone is connected to the Internet.
- Then head over to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
- And follow the onscreen prompts.
If you are using an aftermarket receiver, please visit the manufacturer’s website to find out if a firmware update is available and if there is, learn how you can update.
Restart all your devices
Restart your car’s infotainment system, car and your iPhone. Simply follow these steps to restart your iPhone:
- To restart iPhone X or newer: Press and hold down the power (side or top) and volume up (or down) buttons together until the power off slider appears. Drag the slider to turn it off. Then turn it back on by pressing and holding the power button until you see the apple logo.
- To restart other iPhone models: Press and hold the side or top button until you see the power off slider. Drag the slider. Then turn it back on by pressing and holding the side or top button until you see the Apple logo.
Moreover, you can restart your car’s infotainment system. This is done differently depending on cars and models. For instance, some receivers requires you to press and hold down the audio system power knob for about ten seconds. Note, this might be different for your car. I recommend that you check your car’s manual.
Forget and set up
If you are still experiencing problem connecting iPhone to CarPlay, try to re-setup. Simply follow these steps:
- On your iPhone, head over to Settings > General > CarPlay > your car > Forget This Car.
Now try to set up again. Follow these steps:
Depending on your car:
- Simply connect iPhone to car radio via USB cable.
- If your car supports wireless CarPlay, head over to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap Available cars, and then select your car to connect iPhone to CarPlay.
If you are still having problem connecting iPhone to CarPlay, there could be an issue with your car’s stereos system. You can also contact Apple Support.
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