How to Set Up Apple CarPlay: Hands-on Tips

Using a smartphone while driving is not very convenient and even dangerous. Apple, thinking about how to connect an iPhone to a car, developed the CarPlay system to transfer the necessary functions to the car’s multimedia and make it safer to use the smartphone functions. Today, the Indy Auto Man dealership experts explain how to set up Apple CarPlay in your vehicle.

Before you connect CarPlay, you need to know that this is neither a software platform nor a new type of gadget like the iPod. CarPlay is a system that allows iPhone’s users to communicate via a car infotainment system. At the same time, the multimedia screen does not mirror what is happening on the phone screen but becomes part of it, a logical continuation system.

 There are two ways to connect to Apple CarPlay:

1. Wired connection - Via an Apple Lightning-USB cable connected to the car's standard connector;
2. Wireless connection - Via Bluetooth. To set up CarPlay, it is enough to press and hold the voice command button on the steering wheel. 

The first type is more often used when a standard car radio of early series is integrated, as a rule, into cars produced in 2013-2017. The second is in later models and devices compatible with CarPlay, produced by third-party manufacturers (radio tape recorders designed to replace standard multimedia, additional monitors, etc.). You can connect your iPhone to CarPlay using an adapter.

Once the phone is connected, you can manage applications via car multimedia. The smartphone can be left to charge.

Using CarPlay does not require any initial payment or ongoing charges.

All modern cars (from 2014 and later) are equipped with connected multimedia from the factory. Before connecting Apple Car Play, pay attention to the symbols on its screen. If it contains the Apple CarPlay inscription (usually at the bottom), this is possible. You need to scroll through the car multimedia menu - the AppConnect item should be available. By clicking on the icon, you can start the iPhone connection process.

If the smartphone is connected via cable, it must first be inserted into the USB connector. USB port is usually located on the control console under the climate control knob. Another popular location is the central glove compartment between the front seats.

Before connecting to Apple Car Play, you need to check whether this function is activated. If not, you need to contact your dealer. Activating CarPlay yourself or with the help of garage technicians is risky; you can damage the multimedia. In addition, with this method, the multimedia will constantly produce diagnostic errors. If you need a detailed instruction on how to activate your Apple Carplay, you can check the guide on the Apple website.

Once CarPlay is connected, there are three possible control options:

• Display. Operating the application using the multimedia touch screen is much easier than from a smartphone: the icons are larger, and there is no need to search for the gadget.
• Buttons on the steering wheel. The multi-steering wheel is not only about how to connect Carplay in a car but also about how to control it conveniently and safely. Moreover, some devices with Apple CarPlay do not have a touch screen. Using the steering wheel buttons, you can turn up and down the volume, scroll through, switch tracks, and answer calls and messages. And also activate the voice assistant.
• Siri. Apple's voice control is the most convenient way to use the system. For security reasons, it is recommended that you start using it immediately after you have enabled Carplay on your iPhone. The function is available in devices starting from iPhone 4s. With Siri, you can search for an address in your navigation app, listen to messages, and dictate a response. 

Not every app found on iPhone is available on CarPlay. The developers left this option only for those that do not affect safe and comfortable driving, for example, navigation programs (Google Maps, Waze). Using them, especially with a voice assistant, through CarPlay is much faster and more adequate than entering the address manually.

Another layer is audio programs: music (including Spotify), audiobooks, and podcasts. But applications for watching videos cannot be included in CarPlay, and even in the parking lot.

You can install the system in any car if you purchase one of three gadgets:

• Car radio with CarPlay support. The method is more suitable for those cars that use a 2DIN head unit. Many offers on the market are compatible with Apple radios.
• Auto screen with CarPlay. The device completely copies the functionality of the standard CarPlay Dashboard and even visually resembles it with its oblong shape. Mounts in any convenient place, with a touch screen, AUX function, and the ability to connect a rearview camera.
• CarPlay Auto adapter. If your vehicle already has a GU with a display, it can be connected through a special device.

All of these devices have a wireless connection via Bluetooth and sometimes Wi-Fi.