Apple CarPlay allows you to access your iOS apps hands-free while driving by routing everything through your car’s infotainment system. However, when CarPlay stops working correctly, it can be frustrating. You might find CarPlay won’t connect, apps won’t open properly, or there’s no sound when connected.

Here’s how to reconnect everything if Apple CarPlay isn’t working.

How to Fix Apple CarPlay Issues

Whether the issue is no connection, no sound, or apps not working, there are several steps you can try to fix the problem. Attempt each step to see if it resolves your issue and gets CarPlay functioning again. If it doesn’t, proceed to the next step. It’s likely you’ll solve the problem before reaching the end of the list.

1. Ensure CarPlay is enabled on your iPhone. Various settings could interfere with the CarPlay connection. For instance, if you’ve turned CarPlay off, you’ll need to re-enable it.

   To turn on the feature, go to Settings > General > CarPlay and reconnect your vehicle to the app. Or to re-enable it if you’ve turned it off in Screen Time, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps.

2. Check that Siri is enabled. Siri must be enabled for CarPlay to function. If it isn’t, go to Settings > Siri & Search and make sure the following options are enabled:

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

   The Allow Siri When Locked option is the one that most often trips people up because it isn’t always enabled.

3. Ensure CarPlay is enabled when locked. If it isn’t, CarPlay can’t activate when your phone screen is off. To fix this, go to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap your car from the available connections, and toggle on Allow CarPlay While Locked.

4. If not connected wirelessly, inspect your USB cables. Check that the original iPhone USB cable is not frayed or broken. If using an aftermarket cable, try a different one. Sometimes, simply switching the cable can resolve the issue.

5. If not connected wirelessly, ensure you’re plugged into the correct port. Many modern vehicles have multiple USB connections, but not all will connect CarPlay to your vehicle. Look for the CarPlay or iOS icon. If you don’t see one, try each available USB port on your infotainment system to find the one specific to CarPlay.

6. If your car supports a wireless connection to CarPlay, check your iPhone to make sure you’re not in Airplane Mode. Airplane Mode prevents your phone from making any wireless connections, so this could be preventing your phone from communicating with your vehicle

7. If using a wireless connection, ensure Bluetooth is on and the iPhone is connected to the car. If Bluetooth is off, the device won’t connect.

   Tip: When connecting your Bluetooth, consider removing any old Bluetooth connections you no longer use. While unlikely, these old connections might interfere with your connection, so removing them is best to be safe.

8. Restart your iPhone, and then restart your vehicle. Sometimes, turning everything off and back on can clear the error, allowing devices to connect properly the second time.

9. Ensure your iPhone is fully updated.  If not updated, your phone may lack the necessary drivers or software for CarPlay connection. Updating can help resolve these issues.

10. Forget and reestablish your CarPlay connection. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay, select the vehicle, and tap Forget This Car. Restart your vehicle and iPhone, then attempt to re-establish the connection.

    • If your car supports a wireless connection, go to Settings > General > CarPlay and tap Available Cars. Then select your car to create the connection.
    • If you’re using a wired connection, reconnect the USB cable and follow any on-screen prompts that appear.

11. If you’re still having trouble getting connected, or if you’re still experiencing issues with how CarPlay performs, then you’ll need to contact Apple Support to see if they can help you with the issue.

Why Isn’t CarPlay Working?

For several reasons, Apple CarPlay may not work or may stop working, even if it has worked in the past. These include:

• Issues with an iOS update.
• Integration issues between apps.
• Incompatibility issues.
• iPhone not detected.