Apple CarPlay Not Working? Try This

Apple CarPlay is a must-have feature for iPhone users who want a safer way to use their device while driving. But, like any technology, it’s prone to occasional issues. 

There are any number of reasons Apple CarPlay can stop working, and an equivalent number of ways to fix it. Some common reasons your Apple CarPlay may not be working include:

• A faulty USB port
• Bluetooth connectivity issues 
• Vehicle software incompatibility 
• Outdated phone software 

Whether it’s not connecting, crashing, or simply not responding, this guide will walk you through potential solutions to your Apple CarPlay issues. 

Troubleshooting Your CarPlay Connection

Depending on your car model, your Apple CarPlay system may rely on a wireless or wired connection to work. Volvo cars, for example, require a USB-C or Lightning cable for Apple CarPlay; Jeep models, on the other hand, can connect wirelessly. 

Wired CarPlay

Here are some troubleshooting options for fixing your wired CarPlay connection.

1. Make sure you’re using an Apple-certified Lightning cable. Certain off-brand Lightning cables can cause CarPlay connection issues. If you’re experiencing difficulty, try picking up an Apple-certified cable and seeing if that solves your issue. 
2. Try a different USB port in your car, if available. USB-C or Lightning ports in cars can sometimes fail. If this happens, try the second port.

Wireless CarPlay

Issues with a wireless CarPlay connection often come down to Bluetooth settings in your car or phone. 

1. Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are both enabled on your iPhone. It may sound silly, but it’s easy to forget to enable Bluetooth if you purposely or inadvertently turned it off earlier in the day. Go into the settings on your iPhone to confirm that the Bluetooth button is turned on. 
2. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled in your car. It’s very easy to accidentally disable Bluetooth in your car (in my experience, anyway). If you’re having trouble getting your Apple CarPlay to work, go into the settings menu of your vehicle’s infotainment system and ensure that it’s turned on and your iPhone is actually connected. 
3. Restart both your iPhone and your car’s infotainment system. Sometimes a fresh restart of either your phone or your car can magically fix whatever CarPlay connection issues you’re experiencing.
4. Verify that your car supports wireless CarPlay. When I first picked up my new car, I couldn’t understand why my phone wouldn’t connect to CarPlay. After all, the car itself worked with Bluetooth just fine. The problem? My particular car model required a wired connection to work. If all else fails, make sure to consult your car’s manual to ensure that it does in fact allow for a wireless CarPlay connection. 

Make Sure CarPlay Is Enabled on Your iPhone

You may not realize it, but CarPlay has to be enabled on your iPhone to work in your car. Here’s how to do that:

• Go to Settings > General > CarPlay
• Check if your car appears under the list of available connections.
• If it’s there, tap it and choose Forget This Car, then try reconnecting.
• If not, reconnect your iPhone to your car via USB or Bluetooth.

Update iOS or Vehicle Software

Outdated software can be a major culprit when CarPlay isn’t working. Make sure your phone’s iOS is up to date by doing the following:

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone.
• Effectuate the update if needed.

As for updating your vehicle’s software, each one is unique, so we recommend contacting your vehicle manufacturer or visit their website for the latest firmware updates.

Reset Network Settings

If all of the previous fixes fail to yield a fix to your CarPlay issues, it may be time to do a complete reset of the network settings on your iPhone. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
2. Be aware this will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Apple CarPlay suddenly not work?

Apple CarPlay may stop working due to a faulty cable, Bluetooth/Wi-Fi issues, outdated software, or a system glitch—restart your phone and car, and check connections.

How do I reset my Apple CarPlay?

To reset Apple CarPlay, restart your iPhone and car, forget the car in Bluetooth settings, then reconnect or re-enable CarPlay in Settings > General > CarPlay.

Why is my Apple CarPlay not working but my phone is charging?

If CarPlay isn’t working but your phone is charging, the cable may not support data, the USB port may be power-only, or CarPlay may be disabled in settings.