Why is My Apple CarPlay Not Working? Ways to Fix it

March 15, 2024 By Nancy William No Comments 7 minutes

What is Apple Carplay? In short, Apple CarPlay is defined as a mirroring functionality for your smartphone. When synced, it allows your car to utilize all of the iPhone’s features, like making calls, playing music, and for navigational purposes. However, there are many people who’ve experienced the Apple Carplay not working issue. Some have mentioned that the Apple CarPlay malfunction occurs in one car while not in the other. So, if you’re wondering, “Why won’t my Apple CarPlay work?” This guide highlights some of the best ways to address and fix the issue. Once it’s fixed, your music listening experience for your car is solved.

Tip ~

Using your iPhone without adequate encryption or security features might compromise your online privacy, data, and device. Connect with FastestVPN to strengthen your connection, secure your data, and also access unlimited websites and apps on your iPhone. 

Before we head on to the troubleshooting guide on fixing the Apple Carplay is not working issue, let’s first talk about what CarPlay is. 

What is CarPlay?

CarPlay is a smart software built by Apple for safer driving. It allows you to integrate your iPhone with your car so that you can stay focused while driving. When the CarPlay functionality is enabled on your iPhone and synced with your car, you’re able to make calls, compose and respond to texts through audio, play music, get on-speaker directions, and more. 

The CarPlay Dashboard software gives you a clearer and safer direction of roads ahead. Although, this is for iOS iPhones 13 or later. 

You can manage your maps, keep track of calls and music, and even make use of Siri’s suggestions. 

How effective is it? Well, it gives you quick and smoother access to events on your calendar and beyond, all within one location. You can even use this software to get control or get access to the HomeKit accessories, all from one dashboard.

However, CarPlay is only supported in some countries and certain car models. To find out if your device supports CarPlay, you can call up its manufacturer. 

What Causes the Apple CarPlay Not Working Issue?

A couple of reasons come to mind when the Apple CarPlay integrator does not work or doesn’t work for a short time. However, a few of the reasons that cause this issue might be due to:

• The apps that CarPlay integrates with your car and iPhone might not function. 
• Your device encountered some issues when the iOS update took place. 
• CarPlay cannot detect your iPhone. 
• Your car or iPhone or the apps in it are not compatible.

Whatever the reason may be, we will show you some of the best and most effective fixes to get Apple CarPlay working with iPhone. 

Apple CarPlay Not Working – Troubleshooting Guide

Regardless of whether Apple CarPlay is not working but phone is charging or whether it can’t detect your iPhone, here are some of the best troubleshooting measures you can use:  

Ensure CarPlay is Enabled

Ensure that your iPhone is set up for CarPlay or that the CarPlay functionality is enabled on your device. The CarPlay connection may be disrupted by a number of settings. 

For instance, you will need to enable CarPlay again if you’ve switched it off. Reconnect your car to the app by first going to “Settings” > “General” > “CarPlay” and toggle the settings accordingly.  

 Alternatively, you can also do it by going to “Settings” > “Screen Time” > “Content & Privacy Restrictions” > “Allowed Apps.” This will re-enable if Screen Time is switched off. 

Check if Siri is Functional

For the CarPlay software to work, Siri needs to be enabled. If not, it might result in Apple CarPlay not working. To check if the settings are correct, go to your iPhone “Settings” and tap “Siri & Search.” Once you’re there, check to see if the following commands are enabled: 

• Allow Siri When Locked 
• Listen for “Hey Siri” 
• Press Side Button for Siri

One of the more common mistakes from the options above is not enabling the “Allow Siri When Locked.” This is one of the main reasons why CarPlay does not work with iPhones.

Disable Airplane Mode to Stop Apple CarPlay Not Working Issue

If you’re using a wireless connection in your car for CarPlay, then make sure that the airplane mode is disabled on your iPhone. You will need signals and internet to use all of the functionality on it. If the Airplane Mode is switched on, it will stop your device from performing wireless connections, preventing communication between the iPhone and the vehicle. 

Ensure that Bluetooth is Connected

People sometimes wonder, “Why is Apple Carplay not working in my car?” The issue might be as simple as your iPhone’s Bluetooth not being connected. For CarPlay to work on an iPhone, Bluetooth needs to be connected. Here is how to enable it: 

• Go to “Settings” on your iPhone. 
• Tap on “Bluetooth.” 
• Enable the Bluetooth toggle to green. 
• That’s all. 

Enable CarPlay to Work When Locked

Another reason why CarPlay does not work with iPhones is that the software is not enabled when it’s locked. This means it can’t activate or power on whenever your iPhone screen is locked or turned off. 

To ensure that CarPlay is enabled, go to “Settings” > “General” > “CarPlay,” and then select your car from its list of accessible connections. When you select your car, enable the option that says “Allow CarPlay While Locked.” This should resolve the issue. 

Use a Proper USB Cable and Port Connection

Just in case you’re using a wire cable connection for CarPlay in your vehicle, ensure that your USB cables are compatible or don’t come with any damages. This is a crucial measure to take way before you get your car on the road. Here is what you can look for if you’re using a USB cable for CarPlay on iPhone: 

• The CarPlay USB cable must come without damage or visible cuts/dents, etc. This kind of damage does limit how CarPlay works with your iPhone. 
• Not all cables work with CarPlay. The one you use needs to be Apple-certified. 
• Sometimes, pushing the cable into the wrong port restricts CarPlay functionality from working properly. Once you find the right port, ensure the cable is adjusted properly. 

Restart CarPlay to Prevent Apple Carplay Not Working Issue

The last option to prevent the Apple CarPlay not working issue is a simple restart. Car infotainments let you connect other devices to the vehicle. If CarPlay is not working with it, you will need to restart CarPlay in general. Here are some steps to take: 

• Go to your car’s infotainment system and to its “Settings.” 
• Look for “System Settings” depending on the car model you have. 
• Locate the CarPlay settings. It will be seen as “CarPlay,” “Connectivity,” or “Smartphone.” This, again, depends on the car model you have. 
• Now, select the option “Restart” or “Reboot.” 
• That is all. 

Frequently Asked Questions

To Conclude

You now know what CarPlay is, why the Apple CarPlay not working issue happens, and how to fix it. There are several troubleshooting measures highlighted above just in case one method does not work for you. However, before anything else, ensure that both your iPhone and car are compatible with Car Play. 

Subscribe to Newsletter

Receive the trending posts of the week and the latest announcements from FastestVPN via our email newsletter.

Email Address