How to fix Apple CarPlay not working error

Of course, the experience you get will only be really great when everything works correctly. So what if you can't connect and use Apple CarPlay? Here are some solutions that you can refer to.

Cause Apple CarPlay is not working

There are many reasons why Apple CarPlay won't work, stop working, or work incorrectly. Typical can be mentioned as:

1. Problems with iOS updates.
2. Integration problems, conflicts between applications.
3. Incompatibility problem.
4. Cannot establish a connection with iPhone.

How to fix CarPlay not working

You can try some of the following remedies to see if the problem is resolved and CarPlay is back to normal.

(Note: Before starting, make sure CarPlay is vehicle-compatible and available in your region. Otherwise you won't be able to establish a connection or access any features).

Step 1. Make sure CarPlay is enabled on your iPhone. Many settings can affect CarPlay connectivity. To enable CarPlay on iPhone, navigate to Settings> General> CarPlay and connect your car's system to the app. Or to re-enable it if you've turned CarPlay off in Screen Time, go to Settings> Screen Time> Content & Privacy Restrictions> Allowed Apps.

Step 2. Verify that Siri is turned on. For CarPlay to work, Siri also needs to be activated. Go to Settings> Siri & Search , and make sure the following options are enabled:

1. Listen for "Hey Siri"
2. Press Side Button for Siri
3. Allow Siri When Locked

Step 3. Make sure CarPlay can still work while the phone is locked. Otherwise, CarPlay will also be disabled when your phone's screen is turned off. Go to Settings> General> CarPlay and click on your car's name from the list of available connections. Then turn on the Allow CarPlay While Locked option.

Step 4. Check your USB cable to make sure nothing is frayed or broken. Sometimes, just disconnecting the cable and plugging it back in will solve the problem. Let's try to do so. Also, make sure you have plugged in the correct port. There are many USB ports in modern cars today, but not all can be used to connect CarPlay. Look for the CarPlay or iOS icon. If you don't see one of those ports, try each available USB port on the car infotainment system to see if one of them is specific to CarPlay connectivity.

Step 5. If your car supports wireless connection with CarPlay, check your iPhone to make sure you're not in Airplane Mode. This mode will prevent your phone from making any wireless connections.

Step 6. If you use wireless connection, make sure Bluetooth is turned on and iPhone is connected to the car. If Bluetooth is off, you will not be able to establish a CarPlay connection.

Step 7. Restart your iPhone, then reboot the car entertainment system. Rebooting the system can sometimes help resolve the problem as well.

Step 8. Make sure that your iPhone is fully updated. If your phone has not been updated, you may be missing the drivers or software needed to complete the connection with CarPlay.

Step 9. Forget and re-establish CarPlay connection. Go to Settings> General> CarPlay and choose the media you are trying to connect. Then click Forget This Car , restart the system on the car and iPhone to try to re-establish the connection by cable or via Bluetooth as stated.

Step 10. If you still have problems with CarPlay, contact Apple support or consult other users. They can come up with a solution to help you solve the problem.

Marvin Fry

Update 04 January 2021