The Apple CarPlay has revolutionized how we interact with our iPhones while on the road. You can integrate an iPhone into your car’s infotainment system using this feature.
Although it’s designed to work with a wide range of cars, there are some models where this integration is less seamless.
That is why some car owners complain about the CarPlay in their vehicles randomly disconnecting.
It mostly happens due to damaged or poor-quality USB cables, network interference, software glitch, or incompatibility.
How to Fix Apple CarPlay Keeps Disconnecting
In this article, we’ll talk about these issues and their possible fixes.
1. Restart your iPhone and Car Infotainment System
It is a known fact that electronic devices often act up for no reason and cause different issues. And then work like normal after restarting.
Therefore, the first fix we’ll try is restarting our iPhone and car’s infotainment system to see if anything changes. You can also restart the vehicle if you want to.
2. Check the USB Cable
The next thing you need to check is the USB cable. A damaged cable can cause connectivity issues, as CarPlay requires a stable connection.
So, physically examine the USB cable and replace it if necessary. When replacing the cable, make sure to buy an original Apple-certified cable.
Many people tend to go cheap on this, not realizing that those B-grade Chinese cables are not worth it.
3. Switch to Wired CarPlay
If your car has the options for both wired and wireless CarPlay, switch to the wired version – and see if anything improves.
The wireless connectivity is convenient but is also prone to interference issues. On the other hand, wired connectivity is far more secure and stable.
Related Post – Top 5 Best Wired Apple CarPlay Head Unit for 2023
4. Turn Off the VPN
Some users have reported that the CarPlay in their vehicles only gets connectivity issues when a VPN is turned on, such as ExpressVPN.
While I don’t see any specific reason for this incompatibility, you should try disabling the VPN or whitelisting the Carplay from its settings if possible.
5. Turn off Iphone’s EQ Settings
The same is the case with the EQ settings.
Many users have reported that their iPhone’s EQ (equalizer) settings lead to CarPlay crashing and restarting. This issue is typically more common in older iPhone models and occurs due to some software glitch.
To turn it off, go to Settings > Music > EQ. Then set this option to ‘OFF.’
6. Update Your iOS Version
In many cases, CarPlay disconnectivity issues can happen due to a software bug in the iOS.
In such cases, you can’t do anything except wait for a new iOS version update.
Fortunately, Apple is well-known for releasing several iOS updates every year that focus on solving different glitches and bugs. If the CarPlay is indeed malfunctioning due to a bug, it should be solved with upcoming iOS updates.
7. Re-add your vehicle
Another thing you can try is removing your vehicle from the iPhone’s CarPlay settings and then adding it again.
Here’s how you can do it.
- Go to Settings > General on your iPhone.
- Tap on CarPlay.
- Select your vehicle and tap the ‘forget this car’ option.
The re-pairing process for CarPlay will depend on whether your vehicle supports wired or wireless CarPlay.
For wired CarPlay, connect the iPhone to your vehicle with a USB cable. And then follow the on-screen instructions.
For the wireless version:
- Press + hold the voice command button on your steering wheel.
- Turn on the wireless/Bluetooth mode on your car stereo.
- Go to WiFi settings on your iPhone and select the CarPlay network.
- Select your vehicle at Settings > General > CarPlay.
Conclusion
So these are some solutions you can try if the CarPlay in your car radio keeps disconnecting. If none works, I recommend consulting a certified mechanic, as your radio is getting older. And may needs a replacement.
Reference:
- https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/iph5643d2c85/ios
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/darreonnadavis/article/how-to-restart-an-iphone/?sh=28d32a1327a8
- https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/ios-16-5-1-a-why-you-should-download-the-update-now/
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CarPlay Work Over Bluetooth?
If your vehicle supports the wireless CarPlay, you can connect via Bluetooth and WiFi to your iPhone.
How Do I Update Apple CarPlay?
There’s no separate process for updating the CarPlay version on your iPhone. Instead, you’ll have to rely on iOS updates. If a new update has an updated CarPlay version, it’ll be automatically upgraded when you install that new iOS version.
How Do I Use CarPlay Wirelessly?
Press + hold the voice command button. Turn on the Bluetooth or Wireless mode in your car radio. Then, turn on your iPhone’s WiFi and join the auto-play network. Lastly, go to CarPlay settings and select your vehicle.
What Apps Does Apple CarPlay Use?
Apple Carplay supports many apps, including Waze, Apple Maps, Pandora, Radio Disney, Spotify, and Audible.
Why Is My iPhone Charging, But CarPlay Not Working?
There can be many reasons for this, but the most common is the CarPlay restriction settings. Some vehicles may require enabling CarPlay in their infotainment settings before using it.
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