How to fix Apple CarPlay not working on iPhone after iOS 18 update

A lot of iPhone users are facing problems with Apple CarPlay after iOS 18 update. Some users have reported that they’re not able to connect their iPhone to CarPlay. Other users have complained that CarPlay suddenly stopped working or keeps disconnecting after it is connected. Other users have stated that their iPhone is not detected by CarPlay. Others have said that CarPlay keeps freezing and they sometimes see a black screen. And lastly, some users have reported that they’re having CarPlay sound problem.

Apple CarPlay lets you interact with your phone via voice commands or your vehicle’s on-screen infotainment system to do things like dictate text messages, get turn-by-turn directions, make phone calls, and more. If CarPlay is not working on iOS 18, please try the troubleshooting steps below. After each step, try using CarPlay again.

How to fix CarPlay not working on iPhone in iOS 18

Make sure your country, stereo, or car support Apple CarPlay

Let’s start with the basics. Not all cars, or stereos support Apple CarPlay. There are also location restrictions, so you won’t be able to use Apple CarPlay from unsupported countries.

Apple CarPlay is not available in all countries. You can find the complete list of supported countries here

You’ll also need a supported car. You can check the full list of compatible vehicles on the Apple website.

The following third-party stereos are also compatible with Apple CarPlay:

• JVC
• Kenwood
• Pioneer
• Alpine
• Blaupunkt
• Clarion
• Sony

Make sure CarPlay is enabled on your iPhone

After you’ve checked CarPlay compatibility, make sure that CarPlay is properly configured on your iPhone. Whether this is the first time you are using it or the thousandth, it’s possible that the feature somehow got turned off by accident.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go into General.
3. Tap CarPlay.
4. Look for your car in the My Cars section. If you don’t see it, press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel to start setup and pair the car with your phone.

Make sure CarPlay is not restricted

If CarPlay is paired properly but it’s still not working, make sure it isn’t disabled in Screen Time.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go into Screen Time.
3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. Tap Allowed Apps.
5. Make sure that CarPlay is enabled.

Enable CarPlay when your phone is locked

If CarPlay isn’t enabled when locked, it can’t activate if your phone screen is turned off. Here’s what to do:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go into General.
3. Tap CarPlay.
4. Tap your car in the list of connected automobiles.
5. Make sure Allow CarPlay While Locked is turned on by swiping the button to the right.

Ensure Siri is enabled

Siri needs to be enabled for CarPlay to work. If you are having iOS 18 CarPlay issues, it’s possible Siri is disabled. You might have turned it off and forgotten to turn it back on, for example. It’s easy to check and re-enable if needed.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go into Siri.
3. At the top of the screen, make sure the following options are enabled:
   • Talk to Siri, “Siri” or "Hey Siri”
   • Press Side Button for Siri or Press Home For Siri
   • Allow Siri When Locked

Restart

When CarPlay isn’t working after iOS update, this can be due to a temporary glitch. You can often resolve a software glitch with your iPhone, car’s infotainment system and car simply by turning them off and then back on again.

• To restart iPhone XR, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15: Press and hold the Side and volume up (or down) buttons together until you see the power off slider. Drag the slider to turn it off. Then press and hold the Side button until your iPhone starts.
• To restart iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generations): Press and hold the power button until the power off slider appears. Slide the slider. Then press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears.

You can also restart your car’s infotainment system. This is different for different cars and models. For example, you may need to press and hold down the audio system power knob for at least 10 seconds. Again this may be different for your car. Simply check your car’s manual.

Double-check your USB cable and ports

If wired CarPlay is not working, check the following:

• If you’re using the original iPhone USB cable, check it to ensure none of the wires are frayed or broken.
• If you’re using an aftermarket cable, make sure that the cable is Apple certified.
• If possible, try a different USB port to connect.
• If possible, try a different USB cable.
• Make sure that your USB cable is connected properly.
• Make sure that your charging port and the USB port are clean and there are no damages.

Check for the latest updates

Make sure that both your iPhone and your car are running the latest version of their software. You can update iOS software on your iPhone wirelessly. Here is how:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go into General.
3. Tap Software Update.
4. If an update is available, tap Update now and follow the onscreen instructions.

Check your automobile’s user guide to see how to check for firmware updates.

Wireless CarPlay not working? Make sure both Bluetooth and WiFi are enabled

If wireless CarPlay is not working, there are a few additional checks to make sure your iPhone is ready to work with wireless CarPlay.

• Make sure Airplane mode is disabled on your iPhone (Settings > Airplane Mode).
• Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone (Settings > Bluetooth).
• Make sure that Wi-Fi is enabled on your iPhone (Settings > Wi-Fi).

Reconnect CarPlay

If you are still having your problem, try to reconnect CarPlay. Here is how:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go into General.
3. Tap CarPlay.
4. Select your car.
5. Tap Forget This Car.

Now you will need to set up again. Here is how:

Depending on your car:

• Simply plug your iPhone into the USB port in your car, then press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel to start the setup process.
• Or if your car supports wireless CarPlay, go to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap Available cars, and then select your car.

CarPlay still not working?

If CarPlay is still not working, this may mean that there is an issue with your car’s stereos system. You can also contact Apple Support for further help.