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Troubleshooting

Resolve Apple CarPlay® problems in your vehicle  

Connect your iPhone® to access navigation, music, media, and messaging apps on your center display with available Apple CarPlay.* An active vehicle or cellular data plan is required.

 

  This article will help you troubleshoot common connectivity and audio issues when using Apple CarPlay in your vehicle. 

Symptoms / troubleshooting steps

Apple CarPlay is not connecting

Apple CarPlay options are grayed out or there are audio issues

Apple CarPlay is not connecting

If your connection is lost or disabled, you can follow the steps below to restore it. 
 

 1.                 Update Phone and Vehicle Software
  • On your phone, check for software updates and ensure it is current
  • If applicable in your vehicle, select the Settings menu and navigate to the System tab
  • From there, select Vehicle Software and look for Updates or Software Information to check for available updates

2.                 Restart Your Phone and Vehicle
  • Turn your vehicle off
  • Turn your phone off
  • Turn your phone on
  • Open and close the driver’s door
  • Wait for the OnStar LED, located on your overhead console, to go out. This may take between 5-15 minutes, depending on vehicle
  • Open the driver’s door and then close
  • Restart your vehicle
  • Let your vehicle run for 15-20 seconds
  • Reconnect your phone to Apple CarPlay and test connection

Tip: For the best experience, ensure the vehicle is in an open area. For example, avoid garages, buildings, or dense tree cover. 

When the Apple CarPlay icon is grayed out

If the Apple CarPlay icon is grayed out on your center display, even after you have attempted to press the icon, you can follow the steps below to restore it.

 

1.                  Check and Enable Bluetooth* and Wi-Fi®
  • Go to the Settings menu on your phone and enable both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi®
  • From your vehicle’s center display, navigate to the Settings menu and enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi®
  • From there, check your vehicle’s connection to both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi®

2.                 Update Phone and Vehicle Software
  • Check for software updates on your phone
  • If applicable in your vehicle, select the Settings menu and navigate to the System tab
  • From there, select Vehicle Software and look for Updates or Software Information to check for available updates

3.                 Use the Correct USB Cable
  • Use the original USB cable that came with the phone or a high-quality, compatible cable
  • Avoid using third-party or damaged cables

4.                 Enable Apple CarPlay via Your Phone
  • Go to the Settings menu on your phone and select Apple CarPlay
  • Ensure Apple CarPlay is Enabled

5.                  Configure Vehicle Settings
  • In the vehicle's infotainment system, navigate to the Settings menu and ensure that Apple CarPlay is enabled

6.                 Restart Your Phone and Vehicle
  • Turn your vehicle off
  • Turn your phone off
  • Turn your phone on
  • Open and close the driver’s door
  • Wait for the OnStar LED, located on your overhead console, to go out. This may take between 5-15 minutes, depending on vehicle
  • Open the driver’s door and then close
  • Restart your vehicle
  • Let your vehicle run for 15-20 seconds
  • Reconnect your phone to Apple CarPlay and test connection

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

Related links and resources

How to connect to Apple CarPlay 

How to connect to Android Auto 

Troubleshooting Android Auto

Q&As

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.  

What are the steps to project my phone screen to the vehicle’s center display?

Open the Apple CarPlay app on your phone and connect it to the vehicle using a USB cable or wirelessly. Follow the on-screen prompts on your phone and the vehicle’s center display to complete the setup.  

How can I wirelessly connect to Apple CarPlay?

Ensure your vehicle is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and that the Apple CarPlay app is enabled on the vehicle Settings menu. Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® on your phone. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the wireless setup.  

What should I do if my phone is not recognized by the infotainment system or if Apple CarPlay stops working intermittently?

Ensure that Apple CarPlay is enabled on the vehicle Settings menu. Also, ensure you are using a compatible USB cable and that the cable is securely connected. For wireless connection, ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your phone. Also check that your phone's software is up to date. From there, restart both the phone and vehicle, and try reconnecting.  

How do I check and adjust Apple CarPlay Settings?

On your phone, go to the Settings menu and select Apple CarPlay to explore settings. You can also explore Apple CarPlay settings from your center display. 

How do I fix issues with Apple CarPlay text messages not showing on the center display?

Ensure that notifications are enabled for messaging apps via your phone and Apple CarPlay settings on your vehicle. Also ensure that your phone is not on Do Not Disturb. Check that the messaging app is set as the default app for text messages. Restart your phone and vehicle and try reconnecting. 

What do I do if I am experiencing issues with third-party apps?

If you’re experiencing issues with third-party apps, go to the Settings menu on your phone and ensure all of your apps are up to date. 

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 and the steps you have already taken to resolve it.  

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