If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod doesn't connect to or work in your car

Learn what to do if you're having issues connecting your device to your car stereo.

If you connect using CarPlay

Available on select cars, CarPlay is a smarter, safer way to use your iPhone in the car. CarPlay takes the things you want to do with your iPhone while driving and puts them right on your car’s built-in display.

If your car supports CarPlay using the USB port, plug your iPhone into the USB port of your car or stereo. The USB port might be labeled with a CarPlay icon or a smartphone icon.

If your car supports wireless CarPlay, press and hold the Voice Control button on your steering wheel to set up CarPlay. Or make sure that your car is in wireless or Bluetooth pairing mode. Then on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Cars and choose your car. Check your car owner's manual for more information.

Learn more about CarPlay or how to set up and use CarPlay.

If you connect using Bluetooth

  1. Restart your device.
  2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, and turn off Bluetooth. Wait for 5 seconds, then turn Bluetooth back on.
  3. Check your car stereo's user manual for how to pair with a Bluetooth device. Most cars require a phone setup on the car display. 
  4. If you've connected multiple phones to your car stereo, try renaming your device: Go to Settings > General > About > Name, and type a new name. Then try connecting again.
  5. Update your device.
  6. Install any firmware updates for your car stereo.
  7. If you still can't connect, contact Apple Support.

If you connect using USB playback

  1. Restart your device and your car.
  2. Make sure that your device is unlocked and on the Home screen.
  3. If possible, try to connect using another cable or USB port. Check your car owner's manual to learn how to connect an Apple device.
  4. Check your charging port for any debris or damage. Make sure that your charging cable is inserted fully into the port.
  5. Update your device.
  6. Install any firmware updates for your car stereo.
  7. Try playing audio from a different app. If you can't play audio from a third-party app, contact the app developer for help. If you can't play audio from an Apple app, contact Apple Support.

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