How to fix CarPlay not working

Sitting in your car frustrated by a malfunctioning Apple CarPlay can be a real headache. But don't worry. In this article, we will provide you with easy steps to fix the most common problems with CarPlay. You will find the answer to the question "Why won't my Apple CarPlay work?" and even learn how to improve your car music listening experience.

What is a CarPlay?

Using your phone while driving is against the law in most countries for obvious safety reasons, so Apple created CarPlay, which can route apps and media to your car's infotainment system, making it easier to access apps hands-free.

First introduced in iOS 7, CarPlay has survived a number of upgrades over the years. Today, it offers the safest way to get directions while driving, thanks to integration with apps such as Apple Maps and Google Maps. Other apps, such as Apple Music and Spotify, also make it easy to listen and control the playback of music, podcasts, and audiobooks.

How to fix CarPlay not working

Now that you know the possible reasons for Apple CarPlay not working, let's see what you can do about it. 

Make sure CarPlay is enabled

Here's how to do that:

1. On your iPhone, open the Settings app > General.
2. Tap on CarPlay.
3. Choose your car from AVAILABLE CARS, or press and hold the voice control button on your car's steering wheel to start the setup process and pair your car with your phone.

Make sure Bluetooth is enabled

Another possible reason for CarPlay not connecting is your Bluetooth. Probably, it's just turned off. Here's how to turn it on:

1. On your iPhone, open Settings > Bluetooth.
2. Turn on the toggle.

A helpful tip for enhancing your CarPlay experience is to explore new apps that can make your time on the road more enjoyable. If you're a podcast enthusiast, check out the Mimir app. With its help, you can effortlessly listen to your favorite podcasts during your daily commute or long drive. 

Mimir looks at the podcasts you enjoy and creates customized recommendations based on your interests. Explore daily lists curated just for you and discover new content with Mimir's robust search – you can search for podcasts by title, genre, topic, and more.

Enable CarPlay when your phone is locked

Has it ever happened to you that everything worked fine at first, but then suddenly and unexpectedly CarPlay stopped working after a while? If so, it sounds like the feature might turn off when your iPhone is locked.

Follow the steps below to fix this:

1. On your iPhone, open Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode (depending on your iPhone model). You will need to scroll down/
2. Enter your passcode when prompted.
3. Scroll to the bottom and locate Accessories or USB Accessories.
4. Tap it to enable.

Check your Siri settings

Siri also needs to be turned on for CarPlay to work because it's mostly controlled by voice commands while you're driving. You can quickly fix the issue of CarPlay not working by following these steps:

1. On your iPhone, Open Settings.
2. Tap Siri & Search.
3. Enable these options: Listen for Hey Siri, Press Side Button for Siri, and Allow Siri When Locked.

Check USB cable

In cars that feature wired CarPlay, checking the USB cable for any damages or incompatibilities is always an important step in troubleshooting CarPlay not working. Here are some things to check your USB cable for:

• Ensure you're using a certified Apple cable for your iPhone, as third-party cables may be causing issues with your iPhone and CarPlay.
• Make sure there are no physical cuts or damages to the cable. Any such damages could limit the cable's performance and, therefore, cause CarPlay to malfunction.
• Check if the cable is firmly connected to your car's USB port and to your iPhone.

Try to restart your iPhone

Sometimes, simply restarting your iPhone can clear out any software bugs or glitches that are preventing Apple CarPlay from working. Here's how to do that:

For iPhone models with no Home Button (iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, or later):

1. Press and hold the volume up and power button and wait for the Power Off slider to appear.
2. Drag the slider and turn off your iPhone.
3. Wait 30-45 seconds, and then press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone models with a Home Button (iPhone 6, 7, 8, or SE (2nd or 3rd generation):

1. Press and hold the Side Button until the Power Off slider appears.
2. Drag the slider and turn off your iPhone.
3. Wait 30-45 seconds, and then press and hold the Side Button until the Apple logo appears.

Restart your CarPlay from your car

To try to address Apple CarPlay issues, you may need to restart your car's CarPlay and/or infotainment system directly. The exact steps will differ based on your car's manufacturer, model, and year, however, here are some general steps you can follow:

1. In your car's infotainment system, navigate to the settings panel or app.
2. In the settings app or panel, locate System Settings or an equivalent.
3. Look for the CarPlay settings within the menu. Depending on your car model, this might be labeled as Smartphone, Connectivity, or CarPlay.
4. Find the option to reboot or restart.

Your car's infotainment system with CarPlay will then restart.

Tip: While driving in the car, one of the most popular things people do is listen to the radio and music. In the modern age, however, you want to be able to listen and get informed about the latest headlines you care about. That's where Curio comes in.

With over 50+ publications, ranging from The Washington Post and Bloomberg Businessweek to others, Curio makes it easy to listen to the latest headlines with beautiful narration. While most publications have individual subscriptions to read full articles, Setapp includes Curio with access to all the stories with a single subscription. Plus, you get 240+ Mac, iOS, and web apps for almost any task.

Set up a CarPlay connection again

The exact steps to set up a new CarPlay connection will differ based on your car's manufacturer, model, and year, however, here are some general guidelines:

Wireless CarPlay connection:

1. If your car features wireless CarPlay, open Settings.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap CarPlay.
4. Select your car from the options listed.
5. Tap Forget This Car.

This will reset the connection between your iPhone and your car, allowing you to set up CarPlay again.

To set up a connection, follow these steps:

1. On your car's steering wheel, press and hold the voice command button for a few seconds.
2. On your iPhone, make sure the Wi-Fi is enabled by going into Settings and Wi-Fi.
3. In Settings, go to General and then tap on CarPlay.
4. Select your car from the options listed and follow the on-screen prompts.

Wired CarPlay connection:

1. If your car features a wired CarPlay connection, open Settings.
2. Tap on General.
3. Tap on CarPlay.
4. Select your car from the options listed.
5. Tap Forget This Car.
6. Then unplug the USB cable from your iPhone.

This will reset the connection between your iPhone and your car, allowing you to set up CarPlay again.

To set up a connection again, follow these steps:

1. Reconnect your iPhone to the USB cable connected to your car.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts.

Turn off USB Restricted Mode

USB Restricted Mode is an iOS feature that protects user data from hackers using USB devices. This mode internally disables the USB data connection after a period of time. If you have this feature enabled on your iPhone, it will prevent a stable connection and make you wonder, "Why is my CarPlay not working?"

Here's how to turn off USB Restricted Mode if Apple CarPlay not working when plugged in:

1. On your iPhone, open Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode (depending on your iPhone model).
2. Enter your passcode when prompted.
3. Scroll to the bottom and locate Accessories or USB Accessories. 
4. Turn on the toggle. This will allow you to connect accessories when your iPhone is locked.

Update iOS

Another great way to fix many software problems is to install the latest iOS update. Developers are constantly working to fix bugs in the system. So if you face the issue that your phone is charging but CarPlay is not working, there may be a software issue that has been fixed in the latest version.

Here's how to make sure your iPhone is up to date:

1. On your iPhone, open the Settings app > General.
2. Tap on Software Update.
3. If an update is available for your device, tap on Download and Install or Install and follow the on-screen prompts.
4. Your iPhone will then download and install the update, which may include the device restarting as it updates. 

Tip: The built-in music equalizer on iPhone and iPad is decent, but it may not satisfy audiophiles who have specific preferences for their music. That's why we recommend you try Boom 3D, an EQ and music player app. Boom is designed and programmed to deliver an immersive music listening experience. Whether you want it bass-heavy or vocal-oriented, the app can handle it all. Boom 3D for iPhone also supports CarPlay, allowing you to access your music through a CarPlay compatible infotainment system when your phone is connected. This means you can enjoy your personalized audio experience on the go, making it a must-have for any music lover.

CarPlay not working on your iPhone? Now you know why 

CarPlay is a great, safety-enhancing feature for your car, but sometimes, connectivity issues can take away from the benefits. Fortunately, you now know how to troubleshoot this issue and get back on the road in comfort.

While CarPlay is powerful out of the box, there are ways to elevate it. With apps like Mimir, Curio, and Boom 3D, you can get the latest news and music listening experience while you drive. You can try all three at no cost with a single subscription to Setapp, a platform with more than 240 outstanding Mac, iOS, and web apps to help elevate your and your device's performance on all levels. Try any and all Setapp apps today and see for yourself!

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