CarPlay not working? 10 fixes for wired and wireless CarPlay
CarPlay depends on your iPhone, the cable or wireless link, and the car. These checks go through all three, starting with settings that quietly block it.
How to fix CarPlay
The fix
Try these in order
- 1
Restart the iPhone and the car.
Turn the car off, open and close the door so the system fully shuts down, then start it again.
- 2
Make sure Siri is on.
Go to Settings › Siri and turn on Siri (Listen for “Siri” or Press Side Button for Siri). CarPlay will not start without it.
- 3
Check Screen Time restrictions.
Go to Settings › Screen Time › Content & Privacy Restrictions › Allowed Apps & Features and make sure CarPlay is on.
- 4
Allow CarPlay while locked.
Go to Settings › General › CarPlay, tap your car and turn on Allow CarPlay While Locked.
- 5
Wired: try another cable and port.
Use an Apple or certified cable, and try each USB port in the car. Clean lint out of the iPhone’s port.
- 6
Wireless: turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Wireless CarPlay needs both. Check that Wi-Fi is on in Control Center even if you are not connected to a network.
- 7
Check the car has CarPlay turned on.
Some cars have a setting to enable CarPlay or smartphone projection in the infotainment menu.
- 8
Forget the car and pair again.
On the iPhone, go to Settings › General › CarPlay, tap the car and choose Forget This Car. Remove the iPhone from the car’s phone list too, then set it up again.
- 9
Update iOS and the car’s software.
Update the iPhone in Settings › General › Software Update. Many carmakers also release infotainment updates through an app, over the air or at the dealer.
- 10
Reset network settings.
Go to Settings › General › Transfer or Reset iPhone › Reset › Reset Network Settings. This clears saved Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.
Frequently asked questions
Why does CarPlay need Siri?
CarPlay is built around voice control for safety. If Siri is turned off, CarPlay will not start. Turn on Siri in Settings › Siri (or Siri & Search).
Does any USB cable work with CarPlay?
No. Charge-only or cheap cables often cannot carry data. Use an Apple cable or a certified one, and plug into the car’s USB port marked with a CarPlay or phone icon.
What to try next
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