What is Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay puts a simplified iPhone interface on your car's touchscreen — Maps, Messages, Phone, Music, Podcasts and compatible third-party apps like Spotify and WhatsApp. It is designed for safe use while driving with large touch targets and Siri integration.

Method 1: Wired CarPlay

  1. 1

    Check your car supports CarPlay

    Most cars from 2016 onwards support CarPlay. Look for the CarPlay logo in your car's settings or check your car manual. You need a USB port labelled with a phone or CarPlay icon — not all USB ports in cars support CarPlay.

  2. 2

    Use an Apple-certified cable

    A genuine Apple Lightning or USB-C cable (depending on your iPhone model) works best. Cheap third-party cables often cause connection issues.

  3. 3

    Plug in and unlock your iPhone

    With the car on, plug your iPhone into the CarPlay USB port. Unlock your iPhone. The car screen should switch to CarPlay automatically. If prompted on your iPhone, tap Allow.

  4. 4

    If it does not start automatically

    Some cars require you to select the source input — look for a CarPlay or Phone button on the car's screen or controls.

Method 2: Wireless CarPlay

  1. 5

    Enable Bluetooth on your iPhone

    Wireless CarPlay uses Bluetooth for the initial pairing and WiFi for the data connection. Make sure both are on.

  2. 6

    Pair via iPhone Settings

    Go to Settings → General → CarPlay → Available Cars. Select your car. Or pair via your car's Bluetooth settings first, then accept the CarPlay connection when prompted.

  3. 7

    Future connections are automatic

    Once paired, your iPhone connects to wireless CarPlay automatically whenever you get in the car (if Bluetooth is on).

Using CarPlayNavigate with Apple Maps or Google Maps. Control music from Spotify, Apple Music or any CarPlay-compatible app. Send messages hands-free via Siri — press and hold the steering wheel voice button or say "Hey Siri". Your iPhone screen locks while CarPlay is active for distraction-free driving.

Siri in CarPlay

Siri is the safest way to interact with CarPlay while moving. You can: navigate ("Hey Siri, take me to Sydney Airport"), send messages ("Hey Siri, message Mum I'm 20 minutes away"), make calls, play music and get information — all without touching the screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common causes: using a non-certified cable, plugging into a charging-only USB port (not the CarPlay port), Siri being disabled on your iPhone (Settings → Siri & Search → enable), or your iPhone needing a restart. Also check the CarPlay isn't restricted — Settings → Screen Time → Content Restrictions → CarPlay.
Yes — Google Maps, Waze and other navigation apps are all compatible with CarPlay. Download the app on your iPhone, and it will appear in CarPlay automatically.
Yes — apps running through CarPlay use your iPhone's data connection for maps, music streaming and messages. Connect to the car's WiFi hotspot if available, or use your phone plan's data.