How to Set Up CarPlay- Compatibility and Guide

You may have some issues in setting up CarPlay and how it should be done, In this article, we have discussed how to set up CarPlay, compatibility, guides and methods to add more apps to CarPlay.

Let's dive in for more information on how you should set up CarPlay and the following shows the solutions to upgrade your CarPlay to the next level!!

Software Solution

WheelPal

InCar

Hardware Solution

Carlinkit AI Box

Ottocast AI Box

Prerequisites to Set Up CarPlay

Here’s what you need to check before setting up CarPlay:

iDevice Compatibility: iPhone 5 or later
iOS Compatibility: iOS 7.1 or later
Car Compatibility: It should be a CarPlay-compatible model.

If your car doesn’t support CarPlay, you can use CarPlay alternatives or install a compatible head unit.

How to Set Up CarPlay? (Step by Step)

Now you have fulfilled all the requirements. Here’s how to set up CarPlay for the infotainment system.

Firstly Keep the car’s engine running
Then plug your iPhone into the USB port of your car. If you are going to use wireless CarPlay you can connect with Bluetooth or wifi.

If CarPlay home screen doesn’t appear on the display, tap on the CarPlay icon
On the other hand if your car supports CarPlay via wireless or Bluetooth method, press and hold your car’s voice control button.
Next, navigate to Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Cars and select your car

3. You must be there now. After that Ask Siri what you need.

If you experience any issues with CarPlay, try disconnecting and reconnecting your device. Many users report that this resolves most problems. Understanding how CarPlay works will help you troubleshoot these issues

Available Countries

Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China Mainland
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Hong Kong
India
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Malaysia
Mexico
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Republic of Korea
Russia
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
UK
United Arab Emirates
USA

Available iPhones

CarPlay is available for a limited number of phones and it supports iPhone 5 and higher iPhone models.

iPhone 16
iPhone 15
iPhone 14
iPhone 13
12 Pro / 12 Pro Max / 12
11 Pro / 11 Pro Max / 11
XS / ten s / XS Max / ten s Max / XR / ten r / X
8 / 8 Plus
7 / 7 Plus
6s / 6s Plus / SE
5s / 5c / 5

Also, it is automatically updated with the iOS version.

source: https://support.apple.com/en-us/108415

https://support.apple.com/en-lk/guide/iphone/iph6860e6b53/ios

How to Add Any App on CarPlay With Software Solutions?

Even though there is a list of CarPlay-supported apps, there are some mostly used visual-based apps like YouTube, Facebook, and Videos, which are not available for CarPlay by default.

WheelPal

WheelPal is a CarPlay upgrade software that can add more apps to CarPlay. You can add apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video to CarPlay.

But you need to have a jailbroken iPhone in order to add non-official apps on CarPlay.

Step guide for WheelPal App installation.

Disclaimer: Jailbreaking means removing restrictions imposed by Apple, therefore, it may violate Apple's policies. It may cause warranty voids and security issues. If you like to jailbreak your iPhone, please do it at your own risk.

InCar

InCar app is a CarPlay simulation app, you can use your iPhone as the CarPlay screen. YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, etc can be watched via a CarPlay user interface.

InCar app is good for users who don't have CarPlay or who like to watch YouTube, Netflix etc in the car.

Installation guide for InCar App

This app compatible with all iPhone models and iOS versions.

How to Add Any App on CarPlay With Hardware Solutions?

Here we have listed some AI boxes that can add any app on CarPlay. No need to jailbreak your iPhone.

Carlinkit AI Box

Carlinkit is a famous brand of CarPlay upgrades. This adapter can enable playing DRM content, including Netflix, YouTube and TikTok etc on CarPlay screen. If you are interested in watching video-based content on Apple CarPlay, this is one of the methods.

Features:

Enables YouTube, Netflix, TikTok, etc on Apple CarPlay
Supports cars with built-in CarPlay
Automatic connection after the initial connection
Works with iPhone 6s to the latest iPhone models
Supports from iOS 10 to iOS 18 and all of the subversions
8+128 GB RAM+ROM
Android 13 operating system
Wired to wireless CarPlay
Helps with Android Auto

Ottocast AI Box

Ottocast AI Box is another AI box that allows to add more apps on CarPlay screen. No need of jailbreaking iPhone and can play YouTube, Netflix and other video content on CarPlay.