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Apple CarPlay Not Working After iOS Update? Here's How to Fix It

Mathew Skipsey-Connected Car Innovations Expert
· 7 min read
Apple CarPlay Not Working After iOS Update? Here's How to Fix It

Sometimes, CarPlay may not work properly after an iOS new version update. In my personal experience, I have also faced the same problem several times. Here in this context, I'm going to talk about the issues you will face and the methods to overcome them.

Additionally, you can add any app to your CarPlay and upgrade it to the next level. I have listed some software and hardware solutions here for your consideration.

Software Solutions

WheelPal

InCar

Hardware Solutions

Carlinkit Tbox

Ottocast AI box

What are the Common Issues with CarPlay After an iOS Update?

  • Wireless Connection issues: sometimes, wireless CarPlay may not connect and disconnect often.
  • Notifications not displayed: Sometimes, notifications may not display on screen.
  • Now playing issues: currently playing music or functions may not display
  • Blank screen: Sometimes, the screen may display a blank
  • Siri issues: Siri may not work properly
  • Connection issues: CarPlay may disconnect, reconnect and become unstable

    • How to Fix these Issues with iOS Updates?

    Here you can find the step-by-step guides and quick fixes for issues. Find what fits your problem by doing so.

    Restart the iPhone and the car’s infotainment system.

    Check connections:

  • Wired connection- if you using a wired CarPlay connection, check whether you are using an original, high-quality, certified cable and plug it to another USB port if available.
  • Wireless connection- check iPhone’s Bluetooth and WiFi connections are enabled and the car’s infotainment system is selected.

    • Forget and re-pair:

  • Go to Settings > General > CarPlay on your iPhone and forget the car there,
  • Forget the iPhone from the car’s infotainment system’s Bluetooth settings,
  • Now, re-pair your iPhone with the car’s infotainment system in CarPlay settings.

    • Reset network settings:

  • If the problem still persists, you can reset iPhone’s network settings and it will remove all the saved WiFi and Bluetooth connections.
  • Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

    • Enable CarPlay when locked:

  • Settings > General > CarPlay > Your Car > Allow CarPlay while locked.

    • Disable screen time restrictions:

  • Parental or privacy settings may block CarPlay
  • Settings > Screen Time > Content and Privacy restrictions.

    • Factory reset the infotainment system in the vehicle:

  • This may erase all the saved settings in the car.

    • Update the Operating system:

  • Be sure that your iPhone’s operating system is up to date and check for updates available for car’s infotainment system.

    • Check Siri functionality:

  • Check if Siri is enabled on your iPhone. If not, enable it.

    • Reset iPhone:

  • If the problem still persists, you can try a iPhone reset, then it will come to the factory settings. But this may format your iPhone memory and lose saved things.

    • Other factors:

  • Strong radio frequency signals can interfere with the smooth connection of CarPlay
  • Disable the low power mode on your iPhone
  • Rename your iPhone in iPhone settings and sometimes it may help for good pairing
  • If you are using a wireless adapter like Carlinkit, make sure it is compatible with your iPhone and vehicle.

    • Still Not Fixed the Problem?

    If the problem still persists, it is a serious issue. Now you have to contact Apple support or your car dealer to get a consultation on that issue. For more information, you can refer to the Apple community forums for peer help as follows,

    Apple Support Community

    Reddit community

    Some users solve their problems and post on these forums, an example of real user experience as follows,

    I have been combing through all the fixes on here, reddit etc. did all the updates, resets etc, nothing helped. However! For me, and it was instant, was turning off my VPN. Now working seamlessly. Perhaps something to look at with VPN’s being much more common.

    How to Prevent Future CarPlay Issues?

  • Turn off automatic iOS updates
  • Wait before updating to early iOS versions: Delay major iOS updates like iOS 18 or iOS 17 immediately after they are released.
  • Keep vehicle firmware (infotainment system) up to date

    • Add Any App on CarPlay with Software Solutions

    WheelPal

    WheelPal is a CarPlay upgrading software that can add any app to the CarPlay screen. It is an alternative to the CarBridge app. This also required a jailbroken iPhone to add non-official apps to the CarPlay. YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, etc can be added to the car screen.

    I have provided the download link as follows for your ease.


    Step guide for WheelPal App installation.

    Disclaimer: Jailbreaking iPhones may cause warranty void and security concerns, if you are willing to jailbreak your iPhone, please do it at your own risk.

    InCar

    InCar is a CarPlay simulation app that can turn your iPhone into a CarPlay screen. It allows playing YouTube, Netflix, video streaming, navigation, music, Siri, calls etc.

    You don't need a separate head unit or screen to enable CarPlay on your car. InCar app is good for users who have no CarPlay or users who like to watch videos in the car.


    Installation guide for InCar App

    Note: watching videos while on the drive is dangerous, please focus on the road when you drive and watch videos on CarPlay when the car is parked.

    Add Any App on CarPlay with Hardware Solutions

    Following, I have listed some recommended AI boxes for you.

    Carlinkit AI TBox

    carlinkit tbox for video streaming on carplay
    Carlinkit Tbox


    Carlinkit is a famous brand of AI boxes that enable YouTube on CarPlay. It is set up with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage and enables minimal lag Wi-Fi connections. The Carlinkit AI box supports multiple platforms as it has an HDMI output. Also, this handles all the preloaded applications like YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, etc.

    Compatible iPhone Models:
    • iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
    • iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max,
    • iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max,
    • iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini,
    • iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12
    • iPhone SE
    • iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11
    • iPhone Xs Max, iPhone Xs, iPhone XR, iPhone X,
    • iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus,
    • iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus,
    • iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus,
    • iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5,
    Compatible iOS Versions:

    iOS 18, iOS 17, iOS 16, iOS 15, iOS 14, iOS 13, iOS 12, iOS 11, iOS 10

    Prerequisites:

    Compatible with models with built-in CarPlay

    Features:
    • Support for multi-platforms
    • The adapter comes with a USB cable
    • Easy connection with the help of a mobile hotspot
    • Watch videos on CarPlay, Netflix, YouTube or other streaming video Apps
    • You can install more apps, such as YouTube, Netflix, TikTok, Hulu, Spotify, Disney+, Prime Video etc to watch on Apple CarPlay.
    • It is plug and play device, and after the initial connection, it will remain connected the next time you start the car.

    Ottocast AI Box



    Enjoy your favorite Netflix and YouTube videos while in your car with Ottocast Car AI Box. It supports any app to add on Apple CarPlay.

    Features:

    • Supports multiple screens.
    • Supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
    • Enables videos on CarPlay with Netflix, YouTube, TikTok, Disney+, etc.
    • Must have a good internet connection.
    • Advised to use only while your car is parked.
    • Easily access with the Home, Recent, Clear apps, Voice search, etc.
    • Comes with a 8GB  RAM card.

    Advantages of using Hardware

    • Supports all new devices
    • Support all new versions
    • Easy to use
    • Simple installation process (plug & play)
    • You can add a wide range of CarPlay apps to enhance your in-car experience.

    Conclusion

    Here in this context, I have discussed common CarPlay issues and how to fix them. Among those fixes, there are quick fixes like restarting the iPhone or the car’s infotainment system, or checking Bluetooth and WiFi connections, etc. And deep step-by-step guides are also given above for advanced fixes.

    Try these methods and solve your CarPlay issues in a short time!

    FAQs

    Why is CarPlay not working after the iPhone update?

    Sometimes after the major updates in iOS, CarPlay may not work as earlier. It may be caused by bug issues and Apple releases an emergency patch with major iOS updates, which may also caused for this. But you can restart the device or forget and re-pair the iPhone with the vehicle or check Bluetooth and WiFi connections to overcome these issues.

    Why CarPlay is not connecting?

    It may be due to the new iOS version update or Bluetooth and WiFi are disabled. You can restart the iPhone and car’s infotainment system or check Bluetooth and WiFi are enabled.

    How do I reset my iPhone for CarPlay?

    You can reset CarPlay by going to Settings > General > CarPlay > Select the vehicle and forget it. Or you can reset the network settings by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. By doing this you can reset the CarPlay.

    How to turn on CarPlay on iOS 18?

    First, start your car’s infotainment system, then enable Bluetooth and WiFi of your iPhone and then go to the Settings > General > CarPlay > and select the vehicle there. And check whether Bluetooth and WiFi are connected with the CarPlay screen. Now you are all set. To know about the iOS 18 features on CarPlay, you can refer to this article.