Apple CarPlay Not Working: Here’s How to Fix? 

Apple CarPlay is a feature that allows users to access different iPhone features on their car, like music, messages, and maps, using their car’s infotainment system. However, like any technology, it may run into issues, leaving users frustrated.

If you are one of those users, don’t worry. You are in the right place. Thankfully, it is pretty straightforward to fix this issue. In this article, we will look at the various steps you can take to fix the problems with your Apple CarPlay. Let’s get started.

Why is Apple CarPlay Not Working on My Vehicle?

There can be several reasons why Apple CarPlay may not be working on your vehicle. Some of the possible causes are:

1. Compatibility issues between the iPhone and the car’s infotainment system
2. Outdated software on either the iPhone or the car’s infotainment system
3. A faulty or damaged Lightning cable
4. Electrical or hardware issues with the car’s USB port
5. Incorrect or incomplete set-up of Apple CarPlay
6. CarPlay is disabled on your iPhone
7. Software bugs or glitches in Apple CarPlay or the car’s infotainment system.

Before you begin

Before we begin with troubleshooting your Apple CarPlay:

1. Check if your car stereo is compatible with CarPlay.
2. Make sure your iPhone has the latest iOS version and is compatible with CarPlay (iPhone 5 and newer) and that your car has the most recent firmware installed.
3. Make sure that your iPhone and car’s infotainment system are turned on.
4. Check if your country supports CarPlay since it is not available in all regions as of now.
5. To resolve any Bluetooth connectivity issues, unpair and re-pair your iPhone and unpair any other connected Bluetooth devices that may interfere.
6. Ensure your iPhone isn’t in Airplane mode, as it can disrupt the CarPlay connection.

Solution 1: Make sure your iPhone is Compatible with CarPlay

The first thing you should check before trying any of the troubleshooting steps is compatibility. It is essential to make sure that your iPhone is compatible with CarPlay. How do you check the compatibility? CarPlay is compatible with iPhone 5 or newer models running iOS 7.1 or later. If you have an older model or are running on older software, you must upgrade to a new iPhone.

It is also important to note that not all vehicles have the same compatibility criteria. Be sure to check your vehicle’s compatibility criteria and meet them.

Solution 2: Check your Car’s Compatibility with CarPlay

As you might already know, not all vehicles are compatible with Apple CarPlay. So make sure that your car is compatible with CarPlay. You can check your vehicle’s compatibility on your manufacturer’s website.

Solution 3: Ensure that your iPhone is properly connected

Another important thing you should ensure is that your iPhone is correctly connected to your vehicle’s infotainment system. An improper connection will always fail to work.

If you are using a wired connection, make sure the cable that you are using is an Apple-certified Lighting cable. Also, ensure the cable is connected firmly on both ends and isn’t frayed or damaged. You must get a new one if the cable is frayed or damaged.

If you use a wireless connection, ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on. Try resetting the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections by turning them off and on.

If you use a wireless CarPlay adapter, ensure the adapter is compatible with your vehicle and iPhone. You can check the compatibility of your wireless adapter on the manufacturer’s website or the user manual. If the connection seems to be okay, move down to the next solution.

Solution 4: Restart your iPhone and your vehicle

If the above solutions don’t work, you can try restarting your iPhone and your vehicle. Restarting your iPhone can help clear any software glitches preventing Apple CarPlay from working.

Follow these steps to restart an iPhone with Home Button:

1. Keep holding the Side button until you see the Power off slider.
2. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone, then press and hold the Side button again to turn it back on.

Follow these steps to restart an iPhone without the Home Button:

1. Press and hold the Side button and either the Volume Up or Volume Down button until the Power off slider appears.
2. Slide the slider to turn off your iPhone, then press and hold the Side button again to turn it back on.

To restart your car, turn off the engine, open and close the car door, and then turn the engine back on.

Solution 5: Reset your Car’s Infotainment System

If restarting your iPhone and your vehicle doesn’t work, try resetting your vehicle’s infotainment system. The method for resetting your vehicle’s infotainment system will vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model, so refer to your vehicle’s manual for instructions.

Solution 6: Make Sure CarPlay isn’t Restricted

If you still have issues connecting your iPhone to CarPlay, ensure the CarPlay service isn’t restricted to your iPhone. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on Screen Time, and then select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
3. If you have restricted CarPlay, you must disable the restriction before using it.

If CarPlay still doesn’t detect your iPhone, you can try forgetting your car and reconnecting it. To do this, go to your car’s settings, select your iPhone, and tap Forget This Car. After that, set up Apple CarPlay again to reconnect your phone and car infotainment system.

Solution 7: Allow CarPlay while the iPhone is Locked

If you’re still facing issues with CarPlay, there’s another possible cause that you should check: the Allow CarPlay While Locked option. If this option is disabled, you won’t be able to use Apple CarPlay while your iPhone is locked. Nobody would want to keep their iPhone unlocked all the time they are using CarPlay. To disable this option, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General > CarPlay.
3. Tap on Your Car, then check if the Allow CarPlay While Locked option is enabled. If it’s disabled, enable it and try using CarPlay again.

Solution 8: Turn Off USB Restricted Mode

To prevent interference with your CarPlay connection, you can try disabling your iPhone’s USB Restricted Mode feature. This feature protects your device from passcode hackers who use USB devices via Lightning ports. However, it can also disable the USB data connection, affecting your CarPlay functionality.

To turn off USB Restricted Mode:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap on either Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode, depending on which one you see.
3. Enter your passcode if prompted and navigate to the Allow Access When Locked section.
4. Tap on USB Accessories and toggle the switch to the ON position. This will disable the USB Restricted Mode.

Remember that disabling this feature leaves your iPhone at risk of specific threats, so you may want to enable it again when you’re not using CarPlay.

Solution 9: Check for Software Updates

Apple frequently releases software updates for CarPlay, and installing the latest software update can help resolve issues with CarPlay. Follow these steps to check for software updates on your iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General > Software Update. 
3. Tap Download and Install.
4. You may also turn on Automatic Updates to keep your iPhone up to date at all times.
5. Once the update is finished installing, restart your iPhone and see if the issue persists.

To check for software updates on your car’s infotainment system, refer to your car’s manual for instructions.

Solution 10: Reset Network Settings

Another potential solution to fix CarPlay issues is resetting the network settings on your iPhone. Network-related errors can cause disruptions in the connection between your iPhone and CarPlay, resulting in malfunctions.

Follow these steps to reset your iPhone’s settings:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
3. Enter your iPhone’s passcode and confirm the reset.
4. Your iPhone will restart automatically and restore the default network options.

However, resetting network settings will also erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings. You’ll need to re-add them after the reset. Once you’ve reset your network settings, try connecting to CarPlay again to see if the issue has been resolved.

If none of the above steps works, it’s time to contact Apple Support for further assistance. Apple Support can help troubleshoot the issue and provide additional guidance on how to fix the problem.

Final Words

Apple CarPlay is a convenient feature for drivers wanting to stay connected. However, it can sometimes experience issues, leaving users frustrated. Following the steps mentioned in this article, you can troubleshoot and fix most problems with Apple CarPlay. Let us know in the comments section below if you have further questions.