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RESOLVE APPLE CARPLAY®PROBLEMS IN YOUR VEHICLE

Connect your iPhone® to access navigation, music, media, and messaging apps on your center display with available Apple CarPlay.^† An active vehicle or cellular data plan is required.

This article will help you troubleshoot common connectivity and audio issues when using Apple CarPlay in your vehicle.

SYMPTOMS / TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS

Apple CarPlay Is Not Connecting

Apple CarPlay Options Are Grayed Out or There Are Audio Issues

APPLE CARPLAY IS NOT CONNECTING

If your connection is lost or disabled, you can follow the steps below to restore it.

1. Update Phone and Vehicle Software

On your phone, check for software updates and ensure it is current
If applicable in your vehicle, select the Settings menu and navigate to the System tab
From there, select Vehicle Software and look for Updates or Software Information to check for available updates

2. Restart Your Phone and Vehicle

Turn your vehicle off
Turn your phone off
Turn your phone on
Open and close the driver’s door
Wait for the OnStar LED, located on your overhead console, to go out. This may take between 5-15 minutes, depending on vehicle
Open the driver’s door and then close
Restart your vehicle
Let your vehicle run for 15-20 seconds
Reconnect your phone to Apple CarPlay and test connection

3. Use the Correct USB Cable

Use the original USB cable that came with the phone or a high-quality, compatible cable.
Avoid using third-party or damaged cables.

Tip: For the best experience, ensure the vehicle is in an open area. For example, avoid garages, buildings, or dense tree cover.

WHEN THE APPLE CARPLAY ICON IS GRAYED OUT

If the Apple CarPlay icon is grayed out on your center display, even after you have attempted to press the icon, you can follow the steps below to restore it.

1. Check and Enable Bluetooth®^† and Wi-Fi®

Go to the Settings menu on your phone and enable both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi®
From your vehicle’s center display, navigate to the Settings menu and enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi®
From there, check your vehicle’s connection to both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi®

2. Update Phone and Vehicle Software

Check for software updates on your phone
If applicable in your vehicle, select the Settings menu and navigate to the System tab
From there, select Vehicle Software and look for Updates or Software Information to check for available updates

3. Use the Correct USB Cable

Use the original USB cable that came with the phone or a high-quality, compatible cable
Avoid using third-party or damaged cables

4. Enable Apple CarPlay via Your Phone

Go to the Settings menu on your phone and select Apple CarPlay
Ensure Apple CarPlay is Enabled

5. Auto-Join Setting on the iPhone

On your phone, go to Settings > Bluetooth.
From there, go to Settings > Wi-Fi, and make sure that Wi-Fi is also turned on. Tap the CarPlay network, and check that Auto-Join is turned on.

6. Ensure Siri Is Enabled

On your phone, go to Settings > Siri & Search and turn on “Listen for ‘Hey Siri’.

7. Ensure CarPlay Is Not Restricted

If your iPhone isn't detected by CarPlay, make sure that CarPlay isn't restricted. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
If Content & Privacy Restrictions is on, tap Allowed Apps, and make sure that CarPlay is enabled.

8. Configure Vehicle Settings

In the vehicle's infotainment system, navigate to the Settings menu and ensure that Apple CarPlay is enabled

9. Restart Your Phone and Vehicle

Turn your vehicle off
Turn your phone off
Turn your phone on
Open and close the driver’s door
Wait for the OnStar LED, located on your overhead console, to go out. This may take between 5-15 minutes, depending on vehicle
Open the driver’s door and then close
Restart your vehicle
Let your vehicle run for 15-20 seconds
Reconnect your phone to Apple CarPlay and test connection

10. Delete and Repair Phone Connection with the Infotainment System

Go to the Settings menu on your vehicle's center display and select the option to Forget or Delete the Phone Connection.
On your phone, go to the Bluetooth settings and forget the vehicle connection.
Restart both your phone and your vehicle and follow the setup steps to repair the connection. You can also go to the Settings menu on your phone and select Apple CarPlay.
From there, you will see a list of previously connected cars. From there, you can find your vehicle name and select Forget This Car.

For your security, please don't include personal info such as phone number, address or credit card details.

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Q&As

HOW CAN I DELETE AND REPAIR MY PHONE CONNECTION WITH THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM?

Go to the Settings menu on your vehicle's center display and select the option to Forget or Delete the Phone Connection. On your phone, go to the Bluetooth settings and forget the vehicle connection. Restart both your phone and your vehicle and follow the setup steps to repair the connection. You can also go to the Settings menu on your phone and select Apple CarPlay. From there, you will see a list of previously connected cars. From there, you can find your vehicle name and select Forget This Car.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO PROJECT MY PHONE SCREEN TO THE VEHICLE’S CENTER DISPLAY?

Open the Apple CarPlay app on your phone and connect it to the vehicle using a USB cable or wirelessly. Follow the on-screen prompts on your phone and the vehicle’s center display to complete the setup.

HOW CAN I WIRELESSLY CONNECT TO APPLE CARPLAY?

Ensure your vehicle is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and that the Apple CarPlay app is enabled on the vehicle Settings menu. Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi® on your phone. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the wireless setup.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY PHONE IS NOT RECOGNIZED BY THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM OR IF APPLE CARPLAY STOPS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY?

Ensure that Apple CarPlay is enabled on the vehicle Settings menu. Also, ensure you are using a compatible USB cable and that the cable is securely connected. For wireless connection, ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your phone. Also check that your phone's software is up to date. From there, restart both the phone and vehicle, and try reconnecting.

HOW DO I CHECK AND ADJUST APPLE CARPLAY SETTINGS?

On your phone, go to the Settings menu and select Apple CarPlay to explore settings. You can also explore Apple CarPlay settings from your center display.

HOW DO I FIX ISSUES WITH APPLE CARPLAY TEXT MESSAGES NOT SHOWING ON THE CENTER DISPLAY?

Ensure that notifications are enabled for messaging apps via your phone and Apple CarPlay settings on your vehicle. Also ensure that your phone is not on Do Not Disturb. Check that the messaging app is set as the default app for text messages. Restart your phone and vehicle and try reconnecting.

WHAT DO I DO IF I AM EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH THIRD-PARTY APPS?

If you’re experiencing issues with third-party apps, go to the Settings menu on your phone and ensure all of your apps are up to date.

WHEN SHOULD I CONTACT TECHNICAL SUPPORT OR VISIT A DEALERSHIP FOR ASSISTANCE?

If you have tried all troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, press the blue OnStar button in your vehicle or visit a dealership for further assistance. Provide detailed information about the issue and the steps you have already taken to resolve it.

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NEED MORE HELP?

Submit a support request to get answers to your vehicle questions about over-the-air software updates, driving and safety features, Wi-Fi issues and more.

REQUEST SUPPORT

For information specific to your vehicle, please refer to your Owner's Manual.