How to set up CarPlay with an iPhone

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 3 October 2026

CarPlay puts the iPhone's maps, music, calls and messages on the car's own screen, with large buttons and voice control, so the phone can stay in your pocket. The car has to support it. Most models built in the last several years do, some only by cable, some also wirelessly.

Menu names are from recent versions of iOS.

Step by step

1. Check the basics

   Siri must be switched on: Settings, Siri, with either the side button or the voice option enabled. The car must be running, and CarPlay must be available in your country.

   Done

2. Connect by cable

   Plug the iPhone into the car's USB port with a good cable. If the car has several ports, use the one marked with a CarPlay or smartphone symbol. Unlock the iPhone and tap Allow when it asks. CarPlay appears on the car's screen.

   Done

3. Connect wirelessly

   Put the car's system into pairing mode by pressing and holding the voice command button on the steering wheel. On the iPhone, make sure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on, then open Settings, General, CarPlay and tap your car under Available Cars.

   Done

4. Let it reconnect by itself

   For wireless CarPlay, open Settings, Wi-Fi, tap the info button next to the car's CarPlay network and switch on Auto-Join. Many cars offer to switch to wireless after the first connection by cable.

   Done

5. Use Siri while driving

   Press and hold the voice command button on the steering wheel, or touch and hold the CarPlay home button on the screen, and speak: navigate home, call a contact, read my messages, play a playlist.

   Done

6. Arrange the apps

   When parked, open Settings, General, CarPlay on the iPhone, tap your car and tap Customise. Drag the apps into the order you want and remove the ones you never use in the car.

   Done

7. Reduce distraction

   Turn on the Driving Focus so notifications stay silent while CarPlay is connected: Settings, Focus, Driving, and under Turn On Automatically choose Activate With CarPlay.

   Done

Good to know

Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, WhatsApp and many other apps work in CarPlay once they are installed on the iPhone.

If the car only has CarPlay by cable, small wireless adapters that plug into the USB port exist. Quality varies.

If CarPlay does not start or keeps dropping: CarPlay not working on an iPhone: 8 fixes to try.

For areas without signal: how to download offline maps on an iPhone. On Android: how to set up Android Auto in your car.

In short: Siri on, car running. Cable: plug into the USB port and allow. Wireless: hold the voice button, then Settings, General, CarPlay, pick the car. Customise the apps in the same place.