CarPlay Not Working on iPhone? Try These Fixes

Common causes

• A USB cable, port or adapter that disrupts the wired connection
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Auto-Join turned off for wireless CarPlay
• Siri turned off
• CarPlay restricted in Screen Time
• Out-of-date iOS or car stereo firmware
• A car, country or region that doesn’t support CarPlay

Step-by-Step Solutions

Work through these steps in order, and check CarPlay again after each one.

1. 1

   Step 1: Make sure CarPlay is supported

   CarPlay only works where your country or region and your car both support it.

   Make sure that your country or region supports CarPlay, and that your car supports CarPlay. If you’re not sure whether your car does, contact the vehicle manufacturer.

2. 2

   Step 2: Update your iPhone

   Apple’s CarPlay steps assume your iPhone has the latest version of iOS.

   Back up your iPhone using iCloud or your computer, then plug it into power and connect to Wi-Fi.

   Open Settings, tap General, then Software Update. You’ll see the installed version of iOS and whether an update is available. If one is available, tap Download and Install, then follow the onscreen instructions.

3. 3

   Step 3: Check the USB cable and port

   For wired CarPlay, a different cable or port can rule out a bad connection.

   Plug your iPhone into the USB port in your car. The port might be labeled with a CarPlay icon or a smartphone icon.

   If CarPlay doesn’t work, try connecting again with a different USB cable, and use a different USB port if your car has one.

   Good to know

   If your iPhone has a USB-C connector, the USB-C to Lightning Adapter works with wired CarPlay in most vehicles. Some combinations of adapters, cables and car systems can disrupt the connection, though. In that case, or if your car supports only wired CarPlay, connect directly with a USB cable.

4. 4

   Step 4: Check Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Auto-Join

   Wireless CarPlay needs both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.

   Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Then go back to Settings, tap Wi-Fi, and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on too. Check that Auto-Join is turned on for the CarPlay network.

   If your car supports only wireless CarPlay, press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel, and make sure your stereo is in wireless or Bluetooth mode. Then open Settings, tap General, then CarPlay, and select your car.

   Good to know

   If your car supports CarPlay both wirelessly and with a USB cable, plug your iPhone into the USB port first. The next time you connect, an alert on your iPhone lets you connect wirelessly.

5. 5

   Step 5: Start CarPlay from the car’s display

   CarPlay doesn’t always open by itself when your iPhone connects.

   On some vehicle models, CarPlay Home appears automatically when you connect your iPhone. If it doesn’t, look for the CarPlay logo on your car’s display and select it.

6. 6

   Step 6: Restart your iPhone and your car

   Turning both off and on again is one of Apple’s standard CarPlay checks.

   On iPhone X, 11, 12, 13 or later, restart by pressing and holding either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your iPhone to turn off. To turn it back on, press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo.

   Restart your car as well, then try CarPlay again.

   Good to know

   On iPhone SE (2nd or 3rd generation), press and hold only the side button until the power-off slider appears. If your iPhone is frozen or unresponsive, force restart it instead.

7. 7

   Step 7: Make sure Siri is on

   Apple’s CarPlay setup and troubleshooting steps both say to make sure Siri is on.

   Make sure Siri is turned on, then start your car and try CarPlay again.

   Screen Time can also block Siri. Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions, then Siri. If Don’t Allow Siri is selected, Siri is blocked.

8. 8

   Step 8: Check that CarPlay isn’t restricted

   If CarPlay doesn’t detect your iPhone, Screen Time may be restricting it.

   Screen Time can allow or block built-in apps and features. Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then Content & Privacy Restrictions. If Content & Privacy Restrictions is on, make sure CarPlay isn’t restricted.

9. 9

   Step 9: Forget the car and set up CarPlay again

   If the other steps haven’t helped, remove your car from CarPlay on your iPhone and set it up again.

   Open Settings, tap General, then CarPlay. Tap your car, then tap Forget This Car.

   Then set up CarPlay again: start your car, make sure Siri is on, and connect your iPhone with a USB cable or wirelessly, as your car supports.

10. 10

    Step 10: Check your car’s stereo firmware

    Your car’s CarPlay stereo gets its firmware from the car manufacturer.

    Make sure that your CarPlay stereo is using the latest firmware from the car manufacturer. Your car’s manual has more information, and it also explains how to use the car’s built-in controls, such as a touchscreen, rotary knob or touchpad, with CarPlay.

Frequently Asked Questions