How to Set Up Apple CarPlay®

Are you wondering how to turn on CarPlay®? Does it make a difference if you have Chevy Infotainment 3 or if you use Toyota Entune? If you would like to know how to connect Apple CarPlay®, Sam Leman Automotive Group breaks down how to enable CarPlay® on your iPhone.

What is Apple CarPlay®?

This feature allows you to stay connected and entertained no matter where you go. CarPlay® is now an Apple standard, enabling your vehicle’s radio or infotainment system to be both a display and a controller for an iOS device (iPhone or iPad). As long as you have iOS 7.1 or later, your device should have Apple CarPlay®.

When you connect your iOS device to the vehicle, you can access turn-by-turn directions, music, phone calls, text messages, and more. With this feature, there is no need to take your attention off the road since you can ask Siri for what you need.

How to Turn on CarPlay® for BMW Vehicles

If you’re looking for information on how to connect Apple CarPlay® to your BMW, follow the simple steps below:

1. Activate Siri, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi on your iPhone.
2. Press COM > Mobile Devices > New Device > Phone calls and audio.
3. Select your vehicle from the Bluetooth menu. This begins the pairing process—you will see the iDrive 7 screen confirm the pairing request.
4. Make sure the PIN displayed on your iDrive 7 and iPhone screens are the same. If they are, you can press “yes.”
5. Choose the option to connect to Apple CarPlay® on your iDrive 7 screen. Once you do so, the process is complete.

How to Turn on CarPlay® for CDJR Vehicles

If you have a CDJR vehicle, the steps above will vary. Here is how to turn on CarPlay® on a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or RAM vehicle:

1. Confirm your iOS is up to date before beginning the process.
2. Your iPhone should be unlocked the first time you use CarPlay®.
3. Plug your iPhone into the vehicle’s USB port. Watch for the phone icon located on the Uconnect touchscreen.
4. The phone icon should change to the Apple CarPlay® icon. When it does, you know that your phone and vehicle are now paired.

How to Turn on CarPlay® for Chevy Vehicles

Here is how to activate Apple CarPlay® for Chevy drivers:

1. Ensure that your vehicle is compatible with Apple CarPlay®. You will know that it is if you see the Apple CarPlay® or Projection icon on your infotainment screen when your phone is connected.
2. Use your phone’s Lightning® cable to connect it to your Chevy. If Apple CarPlay® does not start right away, don’t worry. Simply press the Apple CarPlay® icon or the Projection icon, and it should start.
3. When the Apple CarPlay® home screen appears, you are ready to select your app of choice.

How to Turn on CarPlay® for Ford Vehicles

If you own a Ford, follow the steps below:

1. Connect your iPhone to the vehicle using a USB port. Be sure you use an Apple-provided Lightning® connector USB cable.
2. A message should pop up on the SYNC 3 screen to confirm that you want to connect your phone. Press “Continue,” and then “Agree.” You may also be asked if you want to set up 911 Assist.
3. Once these steps are complete, Apple CarPlay® should now be found on the touchscreen.

How to Turn on CarPlay® for MAZDA Vehicles

Once again, the process is a bit different for Mazda vehicles:

1. Add the CarPlay® app on your iPhone.
2. Put the vehicle in park and have the parking brake engaged.
3. Connect your iPhone to your car’s USB port that features a smartphone icon. You will need to use a Lightning® connector.
4. You should now see that the Mazda Connect screen recognizes your phone.
5. The Mazda Connect screen will prompt you to complete the rest of the installation.

How to Turn on CarPlay® for Toyota Vehicles

Do you drive a Toyota? Here is what you need to do:

1. Activate Apple CarPlay® and Siri Eyes Free on your compatible phone.
2. Connect your iPhone to the Toyota USB Port with a Lightning® connector.
3. Choose “Apple CarPlay®” on the Toyota Entune™ 3.0 Touchscreen.
4. Press Menu > General > Apple CarPlay®.
5. Once your phone is connected with a USB cable, Apple CarPlay® should automatically be connected.

Troubleshooting Apple CarPlay®

Like all technology, you might have trouble connecting to Apple CarPlay® even after following the steps for your model. If you are having problems enabling CarPlay® on your iPhone, here are a few tips—try using CarPlay® again after each check:

1. Ensure Siri is turned on.
2. Restart your iOS device and your vehicle—if this sets CarPlay® up for you, you should see the CarPlay® home screen or a logo on your car’s display.
3. Try connecting your iPhone or iPad to a different USB port in your vehicle. Be sure to try all of them—some might just be for power; you’ll need one for data.
4. Try a different cable. You should always start with the Apple Lightning to USB cable if you can, but if you find it doesn’t work, you can try a different cable (or you may need a new Apple cable).
5. Update your iOS to the latest version.
6. Check your car manual to see if there’s a step you missed.

Enable CarPlay® on Your iPhone with Sam Leman Automotive Group

For additional questions about how to connect Apple CarPlay®, do not hesitate to reach out to the team at Sam Leman Automotive Group. We would be glad to assist you!