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How to connect to Apple CarPlay

If your vehicle has Apple CarPlay®* compatibility, you can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages via Siri®, and enjoy your favorite music — all on your vehicle’s built-in center display.*

 

To use Apple CarPlay, you first need to connect your iPhone® to the infotainment system. For applicable vehicles, ensure that your vehicle’s infotainment system software is updated, as well as the software on your smartphone.* 

 

*Note: You can check if your vehicle is eligible for software updates, or see the progress of an update, by selecting Settings > System > Vehicle Software > Updates.

Connect through cable

Connect wirelessly

Connect through a cable
  1. Using your iPhone’s cable (USB-A or USB-C, depending on your model), connect your phone to the vehicle’s USB data port.*

  2. Unlock your phone.

  3. Consent pop-up will be shown to enable or disable Apple CarPlay.

  4. Follow the prompts on the screen and on your phone to start using CarPlay.

  5. If Apple CarPlay does not automatically launch, touch the Apple CarPlay icon on your center display.

  6. When Apple CarPlay is active, the screen will show the iPhone apps that are accessible.

Connect wirelessly

Only select vehicles and select iPhones offer this option. If your vehicle does offer this option, work through these steps to enable a wireless connection with Apple CarPlay:
 

  1. Pair/connect your phone to the infotainment system using Bluetooth®.*

  2. Follow the prompts on the screen and on your iPhone to start a wireless Apple CarPlay session. You will be asked to accept Terms of Use before using the feature.

 

*Note: Your vehicle must be in PARK the first time you connect to CarPlay.

 

On some vehicles, after you start Apple CarPlay using a Lightning connection, you’ll be asked if you want to enable wireless Apple CarPlay for future use. If you agree, the next time you go for a drive, your phone will automatically connect wirelessly with Apple CarPlay. If your phone is already paired to the system via Bluetooth, tap the Apple CarPlay icon and follow the prompts on the screen to launch.

 

Starting in 24MY vehicles, Apple CarPlay will only work for phones with iOS 14 or later through both wired and wireless connections.

To exit Apple CarPlay
  1. To exit Apple CarPlay, press the Home button.

  2. To return to Apple CarPlay, press and hold the Home button OR touch the Apple CarPlay icon.

For your security, please don’t include personal info such as phone number, address or credit card details.

Related links and resources

Apple CarPlay site

iPhone user guide

Q&As

How do I know my vehicle is compatible with Apple CarPlay?

You can tell if your vehicle is compatible with Apple CarPlay if you see the Apple CarPlay or Projection icon on your center display. You can also check the Apple CarPlay availability page to see if your vehicle is compatible with Apple CarPlay.

How can I find out if my phone supports Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay works on iPhone 5 or later. For 24MY and newer vehicles, Apple CarPlay will only work for phones with iOS 14 or later through both wired and wireless connections. For information about phone compatibility, visit the Apple CarPlay site. 

Will Apple CarPlay work with third-party apps such as Google Maps™ or Waze on my vehicle?

Yes, it will. However, you must be certain that the app developer has updated their app to work with Apple CarPlay, and you must install the most current version of those apps onto your compatible iPhone in order for those apps to work with Apple CarPlay. Your iPhone must also be updated to iOS 14 or later for MY24 and newer vehicles.

Why can’t I start Apple CarPlay when I connect my phone with my cable?

If your iPhone is locked for more than an hour, you must unlock it to use Apple CarPlay. Next, be sure your cable is plugged in properly. Please verify that you followed the instructions on getting started with Apple CarPlay. Make sure that Apple CarPlay is enabled in your phone’s Settings and on your vehicle’s infotainment system, and connect your phone with a factory-provided USB cable.

Why is album art fuzzy or pixelated on the screen while using Apple CarPlay?

The quality of the album art depends on the size of the image that is available with the song. If the image is small, it appears blurry when stretched to fit the album art window in the now-playing screen.

What do I do when the Apple CarPlay icon is grayed out, even after attempting to press it?

When the Apple CarPlay icon is still grayed out on your center display even after attempting to press the icon, it typically indicates an issue with the connection or settings. Ensure that both your Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth settings are enabled on your phone and the vehicle. Also, check that your vehicle’s infotainment system software and your phone are updated (for applicable vehicles).

How can I delete and repair my phone connection with the infotainment system?

Go to the Settings menu on your vehicle's center display and select the option to Forget or Delete the Phone Connection. On your phone, go to the Bluetooth settings and forget the vehicle connection. Restart both your phone and your vehicle and follow the setup steps to repair the connection. You can also go to the Settings menu on your phone and select Apple CarPlay. From there, you will see a list of previously connected cars. From there, you can find your vehicle name and select Forget This Car.  

There is an error message on my center display; what should I do?

When error messages occur, ensure that your phone and vehicle are updated to the latest software versions (for applicable vehicles). You can also delete and repair your phone connection.

How do I use navigation and maps with the center display?

To use navigation with Apple CarPlay, you can open Google Maps from within the Apple CarPlay app and either manually enter the address or you can use Google Assistant to say the address out loud.

When should I contact technical support or visit a dealership for assistance?

If you have tried all troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, press the blue OnStar button in your vehicle or visit a dealership for further assistance. Provide detailed information about the issue.

Our support search experience is powered by an AI assistant.

For your security, please don’t include personal info such as phone number, address or credit card details.

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To find out if your vehicle has this feature, contact your dealer or refer to your vehicle’s equipment list. Please check your Owner’s Manual for more information about features.