To make CarPlay wireless, you need a car that already supports wireless CarPlay and an iPhone with the latest iOS. The setup is done entirely on your iPhone, not through a separate app, and requires your vehicle to be in a wireless or Bluetooth pairing mode.
Before you make CarPlay wireless: Check compatibility
First, confirm your country or region supports CarPlay and that your car supports CarPlay at all. To verify wireless CarPlay support, check your car's manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer. Apple says to check your car manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer if you are unsure whether the car supports CarPlay. The car must specifically support wireless CarPlay or a wireless/Bluetooth pairing mode. For wireless CarPlay, Apple says the car must support wireless CarPlay or wireless/Bluetooth pairing mode. If your car supports both wired and wireless CarPlay, plugging your iPhone into the USB port is the normal first step, and the car may offer a wireless connection for later drives. Google says wireless Android Auto requires a compatible phone with an active data plan and 5 GHz Wi‑Fi support, plus a compatible car or supported aftermarket stereo from JVC, Kenwood, or Pioneer.
Update your iPhone and car software
Use the latest version of iOS and the latest version of your vehicle's software. Keeping both up to date is a crucial prerequisite for a stable wireless connection. For CarPlay problems, make sure your iPhone has the latest version of iOS.
Pair your iPhone for wireless CarPlay
- Start the car and make sure Siri is on.
- If the car supports wireless CarPlay only, press and hold the voice command button on the steering wheel.
- Make sure the stereo is in wireless or Bluetooth mode.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and turn Wi-Fi on.
- Tap the CarPlay network and make sure Auto-Join is turned on.
- Then go to Settings > General > CarPlay and select your car from the list of available cars. Apple’s alternate path on another support page is Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Cars, then choose your car.
Connect automatically for future drives
Wireless CarPlay may offer to connect automatically on future drives after a USB connection has already been used once. If it does not start automatically, look for the CarPlay logo on the car display and select it. For a wireless-only setup, use the steering-wheel voice command button and then complete pairing from Settings > Wi-Fi and Settings > General > CarPlay.
Troubleshooting wireless CarPlay issues
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for a wireless connection. Ensure Wi-Fi is turned on and Auto-Join is enabled for the CarPlay network. Restart the iPhone and the car if CarPlay still does not activate. Check the car manual for more information. If the car is not compatible, contact the vehicle manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make CarPlay wireless in any car?
No, your car must support wireless CarPlay or a wireless/Bluetooth pairing mode. If it does not, you can use a wireless CarPlay adapter that is compatible with your car's infotainment system.
What are the benefits of wireless CarPlay?
Wireless CarPlay eliminates the need for a USB cable, giving you more freedom and convenience. It allows you to easily handle phone calls, navigation, music, and other apps without plugging in your iPhone every time you drive.
Do I need to use a separate app to set up wireless CarPlay?
No, the setup is done entirely on your iPhone. You do not need a separate app. For Android phones, wireless Android Auto requires a compatible phone and car, and the setup steps are found in Android Auto support.
Can I switch between wireless and wired CarPlay?
Yes, if your car supports both, you can use either method. If you prefer a wired connection or your car doesn't support wireless CarPlay, you can still use a Lightning cable to connect your iPhone.
For the wider topic, see Ford Sync and car Bluetooth pairing.
Related reading: How To Use Wireless Carplay and Apple CarPlay Not Working? Here Are 13 Easy Ways to Fix It.
