Apple CarPlay offers a safe and seamless way to access iOS apps on your car’s infotainment. With Siri onboard, you can make calls, send texts, and use maps handsfree. However, sometimes CarPlay simply stops working. It could be due to connectivity issues, wrong setup, or other reasons.
Besides, many users are reportedly facing this issue after updating to iOS 15. Let us take a look at how to fix common Apple CarPlay issues.
- Precursory checks
- The right way to set up Apple CarPlay
- How to fix Apple CarPlay Connectivity issues
- How to fix the Apple CarPlay Siri issue
- If nothing works, reset iPhone settings
Precursory checks
- Ensure both your car and iPhone supports CarPlay.
- If your vehicle doesn’t support CarPlay, consider upgrading to a third-party ICE (In-Car Entertainment).
- Download and install the latest iOS update.
- Check if your car’s infotainment is updated to the latest firmware; for help, visit the manufacturer’s website.
- Check for conflicting devices. Disconnect other wireless devices on your iPhone. See if CarPlay works now.
- Ensure adequate power supply to the car’s infotainment.
- Restart iPhone and see if it makes any difference.
If your CarPlay is still not working, read on. I have listed the most common CarPlay issues alongside tried and tested fixes.
The right way to set up Apple CarPlay
CarPlay tends to throw errors if not set up properly. Meanwhile, incomplete settings could also lead to dicey connections. To avoid CarPlay problems, you can follow the steps below.
1. Enable CarPlay
It is not enough for your iPhone to support CarPlay. You must enable the feature. Sometimes Screen Time setting tends to interfere with CarPlay. Therefore, after enabling CarPlay, you also need to tweak certain Screen Time settings.
- Head over to iPhone Settings.
- Tap General → CarPlay.
- Choose your vehicle from the Available Cars list.
2. Change Screen Time Setting
- Go to Settings.
- Open Screen Time.
- Select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Tap Allowed Apps.
- Toggle on CarPlay.
3. Disable USB Restricted Mode
The USB Restricted Mode is designed to ward off hacking attempts in iOS. The feature blocks hackers from breaking into iPhones using tools like Pegasus. However, the restricted USB mode also blocks CarPlay. Follow the steps below to disable it.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your passcode.
- Scroll down and toggle on USB Accessories.
Note: The step is valid only if you use the wired version of Apple CarPlay. Consider turning on USB restriction after using CarPlay. Else your iPhone will be vulnerable to threats.
How to fix Apple CarPlay Connectivity issues
Apple CarPlay is more than just a screen mirroring tool for your car. Every CarPlay app is tweaked for the best hands-free experience. CarPlay works by syncing iPhone data in real-time. Connectivity issues are very common with CarPlay. Below are some of the common CarPlay connectivity issues and their fixes.
1. Check connections
Make sure the lightning cable is connected properly to CarPlay. For wireless variants, ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are switched on. Restart the car and establish a new CarPlay session.
2. Change USB cable if needed
Lightning connectors are notorious for breaking and giving up easily. Check if the cable needs replacing. Sometimes lint and other debris get deposited in lightning port. Flush it out with a small brush or simply blow some air. Try to get hold of a new lightning cable and check if CarPlay connects.
3. Forget and re-connect CarPlay
You have already established that the lightning cable is working properly. Now let us unpair the car and re-connect CarPlay. Here’s how you can forget and re-connect CarPlay.
- Open Settings → General.
- Tap CarPlay.
- Select your vehicle’s make and model.
- Tap Forget This Car.
- Restart your vehicle and re-connect CarPlay.
If the problem persists, move on to the next step.
How to fix the Apple CarPlay Siri issue
In my opinion, Siri is one of the most useful CarPlay features. It makes using CarPlay and getting things done effortlessly. Before doing all of that, you need to enable Siri with CarPlay. Follow the steps below to do so:
- Go to Settings → Siri & Search.
- Enable all the following options.
- Listen for Hey Siri.
- Press Side Button for Siri.
- Allow Siri When Locked.
If nothing works, reset iPhone settings
As a last resort, reset your iPhone settings. Ideally, the reset should resolve conflicts between apps and even connectivity issues. Restore your iPhone to factory settings and set up a new CarPlay connection.
- Head over to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset All Settings.
- Select Reset network settings if you have CarPlay connectivity issues.
- Enter iPhone passcode when prompted.
That’s how you can fix the Apple CarPlay issue. We hope your Apple CarPlay is up and running. Some car models, like the 2019 Toyota Camry, Camry HV, Corolla hatchback, and Avalon HV, seem to have multiple CarPlay issues.
If you own affected car models, approach the manufacturer and ask for a firmware update. Lastly, always keep your eyes on the road and use Siri to control CarPlay.
Read More:
Thank you. This helped me immensely.