Can I add CarPlay to my car?

Can I add CarPlay to my car

Most of us have been there: we love our cars but we feel that in some aspects it’s not as up to date as we would wish. That pops the question: can I add CarPlay to my car? Yes! Now, the question comes, HOW?

In this article, we are telling you everything you need to know about CarPlay and its integration within your vehicle.

Table of Contents

  1. What is CarPlay?
  2. Can I add CarPlay to my car?
    1. Does your phone support CarPlay?
    2. Does your car support CarPlay?
  3. Can you add CarPlay to an existing car?
  4. How to run CarPlay within your car
    1. Wireless connectivity
    2. Wire connectivity
    3. Connectivity issues
  5. How to use CarPlay after successful connectivity?
  6. Wrap Up

What is CarPlay?

CarPlay is a software feature launched by Apple in 2015. CarPlay allows you to connect and display your Apple device on your car’s head unit.

The CarPlay feature ensures driver-friendly device usage by restricting the functions of your device. With CarPlay integration, you can only access the elements of music, maps, messages, and phone.

Can I add CarPlay to my car?

There are two pre-requisites that you need to check for a successful CarPlay integration:

  • Does your phone support CarPlay?
  • Does your car support CarPlay?

Does your phone support CarPlay?

All Apple devices with IOS 7.1 or newer offer the CarPlay feature built-in. Note that CarPlay is not an application. It is a built-in feature by Apple that supports and displays your device onto your car’s infotainment unit.

Therefore, you must upgrade to IOS 7.1 or prior versions to have the CarPlay feature within your phone’s operating system.

Does your car support CarPlay?

Nowadays, from high-class brands like Ferrari or Audi to popular brands like Chevrolet and Hyundai, almost all major car manufacturers offer CarPlay support.

There are roughly 500+ vehicle models present in the market today that support the CarPlay feature.

However, most models before 2015 are not likely to support CarPlay.

To check whether your car model supports CarPlay or not, visit Apple’s official list of vehicles by clicking this link: available models.

Can you add CarPlay to an existing car?

Did not find your car on the list? Don’t lose heart. After checking the list, you must be about to Google “Can apple CarPlay be installed on an existing car?” The answer is YES for most situations.

They say there is always a solution to every problem. However, this solution costs you a little. If your car does not support the CarPlay feature, you can replace your car’s infotainment system.

Many renowned companies including Kenwood, Sony, Pioneer, and Alpine offer CarPlay-compatible head units. The cost of these systems ranges from $300 to $1000 subject to the variants of the brand, model, and screen size.

You can buy any of these CarPlay supportive head units and install Apple CarPlay in an old car.

To read more about CarPlay and its endless endeavors, check out our article, Apple CarPlay Price: Is Apple CarPlay free?

How to run CarPlay within your car

Now that your phone and car are compatible with CarPlay, it is time to join the two. There are two methods to connect your device with your vehicle:

Wireless connectivity

Some newer models support wireless connectivity. These car models, among others, are:

  • Audi A6, A7, A8, Q8 (2019 and newer);
  • Audi E-Tron SUV (2020 and later);
  • BMW 5 Series and 3 Series (2017 and later);
  • 2019 BMW range;
  • Lamborghini Urus (2017 and later);
  • Mercedes A-Class (2018 and newer):
  • Mercedes GLE (2019 and later);
  • 2019 Mini range;
  • Toyota Supra (2020 and newer).

To pair the wireless CarPlay device with the car:

  • Start the car and press VOICE COMMAND BUTTON within the steering wheel;
  • Turn Wireless or Bluetooth Mode of your head unit on;
  • Tap Settings on your iPhone;
  • Tap CarPlay;
  • Tap Available cars;
  • Select your car.

Wire connectivity

All car models support wire connectivity.

For wire connectivity of the device with the car, do the following:

  • Start the car and press Voice Command Button on the steering wheel;
  • Turn CarPlay On within your car’s head unit;
  • Connect your phone to the car with a USB cable.

All car models have distinctive prompts after successful connectivity. Follow the instructions accordingly.

Connectivity issues

One of the most observed connectivity issues happens when your car is unable to find or connect your phone. Here is how you can solve it:

  • Open Settings on your phone;
  • Tap Screen Time;
  • Tap Content Privacy Restrictions;
  • Tap Allowed Apps;
  • Enable CarPlay.

It is always advised to enable CarPlay within your device first and then connect to avoid this issue later.

How to use CarPlay after successful connectivity?

After successful connectivity, a phone-like user interface is displayed on your car’s head unit. Remember that CarPlay disables your phone functions to a limited mode for a safe driving experience.

You can listen to music, take voice-guided navigations, and connect to your friends and family while driving. To read more about CarPlay’s navigation feature and third-party apps integration, check out our article on Best Apple CarPlay GPS/ Navigation App.

Wrap Up

In today’s world, nobody can imagine a minute of life without a cell phone. CarPlay has made a successful mediator between your car and phone by filling the hitch in an efficient manner.

It is high time to upgrade to Apple CarPlay as CarPlay makes your commutes more comfortable and less tiring, more exciting, less tedious and more focusing, and less distracting.

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