Learn how to set up and use CarPlay.
What is CarPlay?
CarPlay is a smarter and safer way to use your iPhone in the car, allowing you to stay focused on the road. When you connect your iPhone to CarPlay, you can get turn-by-turn directions, make calls, send and receive messages, listen to music, and more.
With iOS 13 and later, the CarPlay Dashboard brings a simpler view of the road ahead. The dashboard gives you a single place to keep track of Maps, audio controls, and Siri Suggestions, which provide easy access to things like your Calendar events. You can even use the dashboard to take control of your HomeKit accessories, like door openers.
Make sure that your country or region supports CarPlay and that your car supports CarPlay. If you're unsure whether your car supports CarPlay, contact the vehicle manufacturer.
Set up CarPlay
Start your car, then make sure that Siri is on.
Connect your iPhone to your car:
If your car supports CarPlay with a USB cable, plug your iPhone into the USB port in your car. The USB port might be labeled with a CarPlay icon or a smartphone icon. Be sure to use an Apple Lightning to USB cable.
If your car supports CarPlay both wirelessly and with a USB cable, plug your iPhone into the USB port in your car. An alert on your iPhone will offer to connect you wirelessly on your next drives.
If your car supports only wireless CarPlay, press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel. Make sure that your stereo is in wireless or Bluetooth mode. Then on your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, and make sure that Wi-Fi is also turned on. Tap the CarPlay network, and check that Auto-Join is turned on. Then, go to Settings > General > CarPlay, and select your car. Check your car manual for more information.
Learn more about CarPlay and how to change the map view in CarPlay.
Learn more about the USB-C to Lightning Adapter and how to connect your iPhone with a USB-C connector to CarPlay.
Use Siri to control CarPlay
Depending on your car, there are three ways you can use Siri to control CarPlay:
Press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel. Then ask Siri a question or to do something.
Touch and hold the CarPlay Dashboard or CarPlay Home button on your touchscreen. Then ask Siri a question or to do something.
If your vehicle supports "Hey Siri," say "Hey Siri." Then ask Siri a question or to do something. Go to Settings > Siri & Search, and make sure that Listen for "Hey Siri" is on.
Siri also makes suggestions in CarPlay for what you might want to do next, such as drive to your next meeting. Siri Suggestions and CarPlay work seamlessly to keep your favorite apps at your fingertips.
If you have HomeKit-enabled accessories, like a garage door opener, you can use the Siri suggestions that appear on the CarPlay Dashboard, or simply ask Siri to do things like "Open the garage door" when you get close to your house.
Let Siri announce messages
With iOS 15 and later, Siri can announce your incoming messages in your car. With this feature turned on, Siri plays a tone, then announces the sender's name and reads the message. If a message is long, Siri announces the sender's name and says only that they sent you a message. You can ask Siri to read the full message.
To turn on Announce Messages from your iPhone:
Open the Settings app, then tap Notifications.
Tap Announce Notifications.
Tap CarPlay, then turn on Announce Messages. From here, you can also change when you want announcements to start.
Tap Back to manage which messages Siri reads. Tap Messages, then select either Time Sensitive and Direct Messages or All Notifications.
To turn on Announce Messages from your car's display:
Open the Settings app in CarPlay, then select Announce Messages.
Turn on Announce Messages.
Select Announce Options to choose whether messages will be spoken or not at the start of your drive.
Use your car's built-in controls to operate CarPlay
Cars supported by CarPlay should have built-in controls, such as a touchscreen, rotary knob, or touchpad. To learn how to operate your CarPlay display, check the manual that came with your car. You can also use Siri to control CarPlay, even if you have built-in controls.
Learn more about the common controls used in cars supported by CarPlay.
Arrange your CarPlay apps
While using CarPlay, the display in your car will show your available apps. To add, remove, or arrange the order of the apps on your iPhone:
Go to Settings > General, then tap CarPlay.
Select your car. Then tap Customize.
Tap the Add button
or Delete button to add and remove apps. Tap and drag an app to change the order the apps appear in.
The next time you connect your iPhone to CarPlay, the new order of your apps should appear on the display. Only apps that are supported by CarPlay will appear on your display.
Change your CarPlay wallpaper
From your car's display, open the Settings app in CarPlay.
Select Wallpaper.
Choose the wallpaper that you want to use, then select Set.
Invite anyone in the car to play music with SharePlay
In iOS 17 and later, you and your passengers can all control the music that's playing through SharePlay and CarPlay. The driver must have an Apple Music subscription, but everyone else only needs iOS 17 or later.
Learn more about how to host or join a SharePlay session in the car.
Need help?
If you have an issue with a third-party app, try to contact the app developer.
Learn what to do if CarPlay doesn't work like you expect.
Published Date:
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of CarPlay, and I've been actively involved in exploring and utilizing its features since its initial release. My expertise stems from hands-on experience with various car models, iOS versions, and CarPlay-enabled apps. I've troubleshooted issues, experimented with different settings, and stayed updated on the latest developments in the CarPlay ecosystem.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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CarPlay Overview:
- CarPlay is a feature that allows users to integrate their iPhones with their cars, providing a safer and more convenient way to access iPhone functionalities while driving.
- Functions include turn-by-turn directions, making calls, sending and receiving messages, listening to music, and more.
- The CarPlay Dashboard, introduced in iOS 13 and later, offers a simplified view that combines Maps, audio controls, and Siri Suggestions.
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Compatibility and Setup:
- Users need to ensure that their country or region supports CarPlay and that their car is compatible.
- Connection methods include using a USB cable or wireless connectivity. Some cars support both options.
- Wireless CarPlay setup involves pressing the voice command button, ensuring the stereo is in the right mode, and connecting via Wi-Fi.
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Siri Integration:
- Siri can be activated in three ways: pressing and holding the voice command button, touching and holding the CarPlay Dashboard or Home button, or using the "Hey Siri" voice command.
- Siri Suggestions in CarPlay provide personalized recommendations, and Siri seamlessly integrates with HomeKit-enabled accessories.
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Announce Messages Feature:
- With iOS 15 and later, Siri can announce incoming messages in the car.
- Users can customize when announcements start and manage which messages Siri reads.
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Car Controls and Operation:
- Cars supporting CarPlay should have built-in controls, such as touchscreens, rotary knobs, or touchpads.
- Siri can be used alongside built-in controls, offering flexibility in navigation and functionality control.
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App Management:
- Users can customize their CarPlay experience by arranging, adding, or removing apps.
- App order changes made on the iPhone reflect on the CarPlay display during the next connection.
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Customization:
- Users can personalize their CarPlay experience by changing the wallpaper through the car's display settings.
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SharePlay Integration:
- In iOS 17 and later, SharePlay allows the driver and passengers to control the music playing through CarPlay. The driver needs an Apple Music subscription, while others only need iOS 17 or later.
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Troubleshooting:
- If issues arise, users are encouraged to contact app developers for third-party app problems and to follow guidelines if CarPlay doesn't function as expected.
In summary, CarPlay offers a comprehensive and integrated in-car experience, enhancing safety and convenience while driving. As an enthusiast, I'm always eager to share insights and tips to help users make the most of this innovative technology.
