Google Maps on Apple CarPlay

· 5 min read
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Apple CarPlay is the one of the most in car technologies allowing drivers to safety use their favourite many apps directly on the vehicle’s screen. Among the many apps available, Google Maps stands out as a preferred choice for navigation. 

Google maps on Apple CarPlay are almost all the CarPlay users' choice, it's easy to use advance informative and up to date And Known for its detailed directions, live traffic updates, Google maps enhance the iPhone users driving experience when integrated via Apple CarPlay. 

As well as Apple officially not provide some apps for Apple CarPlay like video streaming apps (YouTube, Netflix) But if you want to add that apps with your vehicle, we have listed Software and hardware solutions. Let’s see what is the about Google Maps with Apple CarPlay 

Why Google Maps for Apple CarPlay?

When it comes to Apple CarPlay maps, you will find a lot of apps to do the navigation including Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, Sygic etc. However, according to the users, many of them tend to use Google maps in CarPlay rather than other navigation apps   

How to Add Google Maps on Apple CarPlay?

Google map is not default apps for app for iPhone users. Therefore, you must add Google Map to your iPhone. You can download Google Map for your device through App store. 

  • Download Google Maps to your iPhone if you don’t have it already
  • If you already have downloaded Google Maps on your iPhone, make sure to update it to the latest version

You can add Google Maps on CarPlay through wired or wireless method. 

Wired connection

  • 1
    Plug your iPhone in to the car’s USB port
  • 2
    CarPlay should launch automatically
  • 3
    Top Google Maps on your car screen
  • 4
    Search > Start Navigation
  • Wireless connection

  • 1
    Turn on WIFI and Bluetooth in your iPhone
  • 2
    On your car screen go to the CarPlay setup
  • 3
    Pair your iPhone through Bluetooth connection
  • 4
    Allow car Play and start Navigation
  • How to use Siri Assistance with Google maps on Apple CarPlay

    Siri voice search is the fastest and easiest Google Maps CarPlay setting for iPhone users. You can use Google Maps in CarPlay using Siri as you use other shortcuts in Siri. As well as enhance driving experience for iPhone users. 

    Active Siri

    First, you need to active Siri. You have three methods for that. 

    • Press and hold voce button on the steering wheel.
    • Tap and hold the CarPlay home button.
    • Say ‘Hey Siri’

    Tell Siri where do you want to go

    After activating Siri, tell her where you want to go.  Following are a few methods to talk to Siri. 

  • 1
    Get me directions to go to the nearest McDonald's using Google Maps.
  • 2
    Use Google Maps to go to work (You should have saved your work location on Google Maps to do this.)
  • 3
    In your contacts you can save the person’s address on your iPhone. Once you save “Jhon Smith” to iPhone contacts, you can ask Siri to navigate their location. "Navigate to John Smith using Google Maps”
  • Troubleshooting Google Maps Issues on Apple CarPlay.

    Google Maps not showing on CarPlay 

    • Reinstall or update Google Maps from App store.

    CarPlay Connection issues. 

    • Wired CarPlay: Try Different cable. (Apple-certified recommended)
    • Wireless CarPlay: Delete the pairing and reconnect
    • Restart both your iPhone and your car information system

    No voice direction.

    • Turn up car volume while direction is speaking
    • Check the mute button in Google Map

    How to Add any App to Apple CarPlay

    Apple CarPlay for support many apps for enhance driving experience to iPhone users. But   Apple officially does not provide video streaming apps (YouTube, Netflix) for CarPlay.  

    We have listed software and hardware solutions for that issue. 

    Add Any Apps to Apple CarPlay with Software Solutions

    WheelPal App

    WheelPal is a CarPlay upgrade software. WheelPal allows iPhone users to add more apps on CarPlay like YouTube, Netflix, etc. But you need to have a jailbroken iPhone to add those non-official apps on CarPlay. If you don't, WheelPal lists out non-jailbreak solutions as well. 



    Important 

    • WheelPal app does not latest iPhones.
    • This method does not support latest iOS versions.

    InCar App

    InCar app is a CarPlay simulator. You can use your iPhone as the CarPlay screen. The InCar app is more suitable for users who don't have a CarPlay screen or users who like to watch videos in the car while the car is parked. 

    It includes YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video etc. InCar is app is compatible with all iOS versions and the latest iOS 18.5 as well. 



    Note: watching videos while driving may cause accidents. Please do not watch videos in the car while you are driving, instead of watch videos when the vehicle is parked. 

    Add Any Apps to Apple CarPlay with Hardware Solutions

    Carlinkit AI Box

    Carlinkit AI Box enable the video streaming app (You Tube, Netflix) for the Apple CarPlay. As well as added to CarPlay without jailbreak. Also, Carlinkit is one of the famous brands of AI boxes. If you are interested in watching video-based content on Apple CarPlay this is a good product. 



    Features

    • Supports Car with built in CarPlay
    • Automatic connect after the initial connection
    • Work with iPhone 6 to latest versions
    • Support iOS 10 to 18.5

    Pros and Cons of Carlinkit AI Box

    ProsCons
    Works with most vehicle models Performance depends on hardware specifications
    Enables streaming apps
    No need to Jailbreak your iPhone

    MMB AI Box

    MMB CarPlay adapter also can enable any app on Apple CarPlay. YouTube, Netflix and TikTok video on CarPlay. It's a plug and play adapter. 



    • Enable video streaming apps
    • Support iPhone 6 to 16 series
    • Automatic connection after the initial connection
    • Compatible with iOS 10 to 18.5

    Pros and cons of MMB AI Box

    ProsCons
    Excellent multimedia support Some compatibility with older vehicles
    Compatible with many vehicle models

    Final Thoughts

    Google Maps on Apple CarPlay provides a reliable and user-friendly navigation experience for drivers. accurate directions, and easy integration with iPhone features like Siri. Overall, it enhances driving experience and safety compared to traditional navigation methods. 

    Google Maps and Apple CarPlay may vary depending on your iPhone model, iOS version and vehicle model. Always you must prioritize safe driving and avoid interacting with the screen while driving. 

    Frequently Asked Questions About Apple CarPlay on Google Map  

    Can I use Google Maps on Appe CarPlay?
    Yes, you don’t need to rely only Apple car play maps. Other than using Apple CarPlay map, you can use, Google Maps for CarPlay.
    Can I set Google Maps as a default app?
    No, you cannot use Google Maps as the default CarPlay navigation app, as Apple Maps already works as the default navigation app on CarPlay
    Can I use Siri with Google Maps on CarPlay?
    Yes, you can use Siri to get directions
    Does Google Maps support satellite view on CarPlay?
    No, Satellite view is not available on CarPlay.
    How Do I update Google Maps on Apple CarPlay?
    You can update Google Maps through the App Store

    Olivia Thompson - Smart Car Tech Blogger

    As a tech blogger, I explore CarPlay retrofits, Android Auto dongles, and infotainment enhancements, providing guides on wireless adapters, and streaming apps to optimize in-car experiences.