9 Ways to Fix Apple CarPlay Not Working

Apple CarPlay offers a safe and seamless way to access iOS apps on your car’s infotainment system. With Siri onboard, you can make calls, send texts, and use maps hands-free.

However, after upgrading to iOS 18, many users have reported issues with CarPlay not working properly, such as failing to connect, CarPlay apps won’t open properly or you can’t hear anything when CarPlay is connected.

While frustrating, these glitches can often be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps.

In this guide, I will walk you through 9 step-by-step solutions, starting with the easy fixes and progressing to more advanced troubleshooting methods.

Follow along to get CarPlay back up and running smoothly on iOS 18.

Possible Reasons CarPlay is Not Working

CarPlay might stop working due to connectivity issues between your iPhone and your car’s infotainment, which can stem from faulty USB cables or unstable wireless connections.

Sometimes, software glitches or misconfigured settings on either your iPhone or the car’s infotainment system can also cause this problem.

Try each of the following solutions to resolve the issue with CarPlay.

Step 1)  Verify Your Car’s Compatibility with Apple CarPlay

If you are trying CarPlay for the first time, ensure your car supports the feature by checking the user manual or the manufacturer’s website.

Remember that some vehicles might only support CarPlay via a USB connection, which can lead to issues if you try to connect wirelessly.

Step 2) Ensure you are Using the Right Cable

For those using a wired connection, it’s crucial to use a cable that supports data transfer. Not all USB-C or Lightning cables are created equal some are designed only for charging.

If CarPlay isn’t working but your phone is charging, the cable could be the problem.

Try a different cable to ensure it’s compatible. It’s best to use the one that came with your phone or another high-quality, data cable.

Based on our research this Cabel worked for the majority of Users.

Last update on 2024-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Note: When connecting via USB, ensure you use the correct port. Most cars have multiple USB ports, but only one can charge your iPhone and transfer data for CarPlay. Check your vehicle’s manual to identify the correct USB port.

Step 3) Allow Carplay in Screen Time Settings

If you have set up Screen Time restrictions on your iPhone, you might have unintentionally disabled CarPlay.

To check if this is the case, follow the steps outlined below:

Open the Settings app and go to Screen Time. Scroll down and tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.

Then, navigate to Allowed Apps & Features. Enable the toggle next to the CarPlay option, and finally, enter your Screen Time Passcode.

Step 4) Check If Siri is enabled on your iPhone

CarPlay depends on Siri and on-device voice models for hands-free control while driving. Therefore, if Siri is disabled on your iPhone, CarPlay will stop functioning.

To enable the Siri by following the steps below:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Navigate to Siri (or Apple Intelligence & Siri on newer iPhones).

Tap on Talk to Siri and select either “Siri” or “Hey Siri.”

Then, enable the Press Side Button for Siri option at the bottom of the list. Go back to Siri and enable Allow Siri When Locked.

Step 5) Forget and Reconnect CarPlay on iPhone

Software glitches on your iPhone or the infotainment unit can cause connectivity issues that may prevent CarPlay from functioning properly.

To resolve this, unpair your iPhone and set up CarPlay again, following the steps outlined below:

Open the Settings app and navigate to General.

Tap on CarPlay and select your car from the list.

Then, choose Forget This Car and confirm by hitting Forget.

After that turn on your car and access the multimedia system. Depending on your car model, navigate to the Bluetooth settings, which may be located under Phone, Bluetooth, or Settings.

Look for your iPhone listed among the previously paired devices.

Highlight your iPhone’s name and select it. You may need to press an options button (often represented by three dots or a gear icon) to access more settings.

Find the option to Delete, Remove, or Forget the device. Confirm the action when prompted.

After that again Pair your device with your car.

Step 6) Disable VPN

If you use a VPN on your iPhone, it could interfere with Apple CarPlay. Disable the VPN and see if that resolves the issue.

Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.

If you have a VPN enabled, disable it and check your connectivity with CarPlay.

Step 7) Force Restart your iPhone

Try performing a force restart, as it often resolves temporary glitches that may affect CarPlay functionality. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume down button.
3. Press and hold the side button.
4. Release the side button when the Apple logo appears.

This simple step might resolve the issue and restore CarPlay functionality.

Step 8) Network Reset

Resetting your iPhone’s network settings can enhance the connection between your phone and car, especially if you are using wireless CarPlay.

Note: This action will only erase all saved Wi-Fi networks, so be prepared to reconnect to your home and other networks afterward. You won’t lose your personal data

Here’s how to do it:

Go to Settings and tap General. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Tap Reset. Choose Reset Network Settings and enter your passcode.

Step 9) Check for Updates

Check for any recent update from Apple that might have the patch for the carplay connectivity issue.

Open the Settings app and go to General.

Tap on Software Update and wait for your iPhone to check for updates. If a new iOS update is available, tap Update Now (or Install Now).

Enter your iPhone’s passcode and agree to the terms and conditions.

These suggestions and steps should help resolve your issue.

Other Suggestions to Fix Apple Carplay Not working on IOS 18

If the above solutions didn’t work, here are some additional recommendations that many users on Reddit and other forums have found helpful in fixing their CarPlay problems.

Turn Off Vocal Shortcuts

Many users have reported that voice shortcuts are causing issues with CarPlay.

When the feature is enabled, CarPlay often struggles to play music through the car’s audio system, resulting in audio only playing through the phone.

Disabling voice shortcuts has resolved this problem for several users.

To Turn off this Go to iPhone settings > Accessibility > Vocal Shortcuts and turn it off.

Turn Off Private Wifi Address

Some users on forums have reported that turning off the Private Address feature in Wi-Fi settings resolved their CarPlay connectivity issues.

To do this, go to your Wi-Fi settings, tap the i icon next to the Wi-Fi network you’re connected to, navigate to Private Wi-Fi Address, and turn it off.

After making this change, check if CarPlay connectivity is working properly.

Reset your Car Infotainment System

Resetting your Car infotainment system is also recommended to fix the connectivity and carplay problem

Navigate to the settings menu on your car’s display, typically found on the far right.

Look for the reset option, confirm the action, and follow any additional prompts.

Keep in mind that resetting may erase your personalized settings, so be prepared to reconfigure them afterward.

If you are unable to find the reset option, you can get help from your car manual or search for your car model online to find instructions on how to reset it.

Update your Car Infotainment System

Have you checked if your car needs an update? Most modern cars and head units receive OTA updates that fix bugs or solve problems.

Go to the Settings page for your car’s infotainment system and look for a page titled Software, Firmware, or Update. Then, follow the on-screen steps to download and apply the system update.

Wrapping Up

Troubleshooting Apple CarPlay often involves a series of steps, from checking cables and settings to resetting your car’s infotainment system.

By carefully navigating through these solutions, you can restore connectivity and enjoy a seamless driving experience with Apple CarPlay.

If problems persist, consider contacting Apple support or your dealership for further assistance.