Wireless CarPlay puts a simplified version of your iPhone on the car's screen without plugging anything in. Once it's set up, the phone connects by itself a few seconds after you start the car, and maps, calls, messages and music appear on the head unit while the phone stays in your pocket or bag.
What wireless CarPlay is
CarPlay is Apple's in-car system. It runs on the iPhone, and the head unit shows it and takes your touches, button presses and voice. Nothing extra is installed on the stereo, so the apps, contacts and music all come from the phone and update with it.
The wired version needs a USB cable every time. The wireless version does the same job over a radio link, which suits short trips where plugging in feels like a chore. The XTRONS head units Navway sells that offer wireless CarPlay usually support the wired version too, so a cable remains an option.
How the iPhone connects
Wireless CarPlay uses two connections at once.
- Bluetooth is used for the first handshake. When you pair the phone, the head unit and the iPhone exchange details so they recognise each other next time.
- Wi-Fi carries the CarPlay picture, sound and touch input. The head unit sets up its own private Wi-Fi link to the phone. It isn't internet access and doesn't use your data allowance by itself; the phone still uses its own mobile data for maps and streaming.
Wi-Fi is used because Bluetooth alone can't carry a moving map and good-quality audio smoothly. Many head units use the 5 GHz band for this link because it is usually less crowded than 2.4 GHz.
Setting it up
- Make sure the iPhone has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi switched on, and that Siri is enabled (CarPlay relies on it).
- Open the CarPlay or phone link app on the head unit so it is ready to pair.
- On the iPhone, go to Settings, General, CarPlay, and choose the head unit from the list, or pair it from the Bluetooth settings.
- Accept the prompts on both screens. The phone asks whether to allow CarPlay while it's locked; allowing this means it connects without you unlocking it.
- Wait for the CarPlay home screen to appear on the head unit.
After the first time, the phone should reconnect on its own when you start the car, as long as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi stay on.
What you can use on the car screen
CarPlay shows apps that Apple allows in the car, with larger buttons and fewer options than on the phone. The usual ones are:
- Navigation: Apple Maps, plus other map apps such as Google Maps and Waze if they're installed on the phone.
- Phone and Messages: calls through the car speakers, and messages read out and answered by voice.
- Audio: Apple Music, Podcasts, Audiobooks and supported streaming apps such as Spotify.
- Calendar and other approved apps, depending on what you have on the phone.
Apps that aren't designed for CarPlay won't appear, and video apps aren't available. You can rearrange the icons from the iPhone's CarPlay settings.
Siri is the main way to control CarPlay without taking your eyes off the road. Press and hold the voice button on the steering wheel (if it's set up to work with the head unit) or the Siri button on screen, then ask for a destination, a song or a call. In the UK it is illegal to hold and use a phone while driving. CarPlay lets you use the phone's main functions hands-free, but you still need to stay in proper control of the car.
Tips for a reliable connection
- Keep the iPhone updated. iPhone software updates often include CarPlay fixes.
- Keep the head unit's software up to date when updates are offered, since the wireless link relies on both sides agreeing.
- Don't let the phone join other Wi-Fi networks in the car. If the phone connects to a dash cam's Wi-Fi or another hotspot, it may drop CarPlay. Forget those networks or turn off auto-join for them.
- Keep the phone charged. Wireless CarPlay uses more battery than a cable connection, which charges the phone as you go. On long drives, a wireless charging pad or a charging cable helps.
- Mind where the phone sits. A phone in a metal case, a closed glovebox or a deep door pocket can lose the link. A cubby near the dashboard is usually best.
- Set a preferred phone. If two iPhones have been paired, the head unit may connect to whichever it finds first. Choose a priority phone in the head unit's settings, or turn off Bluetooth on the second phone.
Common problems and fixes
Why won't my iPhone connect wirelessly?
Check that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both on. Switching them off in Control Centre only disconnects them for a while, so check in Settings too. Make sure Siri is enabled and that CarPlay isn't restricted under Screen Time. If it still fails, forget the head unit on the iPhone (Settings, General, CarPlay, then Forget This Car), delete the phone from the head unit's Bluetooth list, and pair again from scratch.
The sound cuts out or the map freezes
Brief drop-outs usually come from interference or the phone's position. Move the phone closer to the head unit, take off a thick case, and check nothing else in the car is broadcasting Wi-Fi. Restarting the phone clears most one-off glitches.
Calls come through but CarPlay doesn't start
This usually means Bluetooth connected but Wi-Fi didn't. Turn Wi-Fi off and on again on the phone, then restart the CarPlay app on the head unit. If it happens every time, remove the pairing on both sides and pair again.
There's a delay when I touch the screen
A short lag is normal with wireless CarPlay, because the picture is sent over the air. If it's very noticeable, try a cable connection to see whether the problem follows the wireless link. If the lag disappears with a cable, the wireless link is the cause, and the tips above on phone position and other Wi-Fi networks are the place to start.