How Do I Adjust Apple CarPlay?

Adjusting Apple CarPlay allows you to customize your in-car experience for convenience, safety, and personalization. You can modify various settings either directly from your connected iPhone or through the CarPlay interface displayed on your vehicle's infotainment screen.

Adjusting CarPlay Settings from Your iPhone

Many core CarPlay preferences and customizations are managed through your iPhone's settings.

1. Access CarPlay Settings:

   • On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay.
   • Select your vehicle from the list of "My Cars." If it's your first time, you might need to connect it first.

2. Customize Your Apps:

   • Under your vehicle's CarPlay settings, tap Customize.
   • Rearrange Apps: Drag and drop app icons to change their order on the CarPlay screen. The first four apps will appear in the dock.
   • Add/Remove Apps: Use the "+" button to add available apps or the "–" button followed by "Remove" to hide apps from your CarPlay display. Only CarPlay-compatible apps will appear in this list.

3. Enable/Disable CarPlay:

   • In the main Settings > General > CarPlay menu, you can toggle off specific vehicles if you no longer wish for your iPhone to connect to them automatically.
   • For overall CarPlay functionality, ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your iPhone, as CarPlay uses a combination of these for connectivity, especially wireless CarPlay.

4. Siri Settings:

   • CarPlay heavily relies on Siri for voice commands. To adjust Siri's behavior for CarPlay, go to Settings > Siri & Search on your iPhone.
   • Ensure Listen for "Hey Siri" or Press Side Button for Siri (depending on your iPhone model) is enabled if you want to use voice commands.
   • You can also adjust Siri Voice and Siri Responses from here, which will apply to CarPlay.

5. General CarPlay Preferences (iPhone Influence):

   • While some visual settings are primarily adjusted within CarPlay itself, your iPhone's overall settings for Dark Mode and Driving Focus (discussed below) will influence CarPlay's appearance and notification handling.

Adjusting CarPlay Settings Directly from Your Vehicle's Display

CarPlay includes its own "Settings" app and allows for in-app adjustments, providing immediate control over your driving experience.

1. Access CarPlay Settings App:

   • On your vehicle's CarPlay display, look for the Settings app icon. Tap it to open CarPlay's specific settings.

2. Visual Customization:

   • Change the Wallpaper: Within the CarPlay Settings app, you can select from a variety of built-in wallpapers to personalize your dashboard background.
   • Change How CarPlay Looks on the Display (Appearance): In the Settings app, you can switch between Light, Dark, or Automatic appearance modes. Automatic will adapt to your vehicle's headlights or the time of day, ensuring optimal visibility.

3. Driving Focus (Do Not Disturb While Driving):

   • Within the CarPlay Settings app, you can turn on Driving Focus. This feature helps minimize distractions by silencing notifications and alerts while you're driving. You can configure automatic activation and allowed notifications in your iPhone's Settings > Focus > Driving.

4. Dashboard Suggestions & Album Art:

   • The CarPlay Dashboard offers intelligent suggestions based on your activity (e.g., frequently used navigation destinations, upcoming calendar events). In the CarPlay Settings app, you can turn suggestions in CarPlay Dashboard on or off.
   • You can also choose to show or hide album art in various CarPlay apps (like Music or Podcasts) directly from the CarPlay Settings.

5. In-App Adjustments:

   • Beyond the main CarPlay settings, individual apps within CarPlay (e.g., Apple Maps, Google Maps, Spotify) often have their own settings accessible directly from within the app interface on your vehicle's screen. These might include navigation preferences, audio quality, or specific app-related options.

Quick Reference: Where to Adjust What

The following table summarizes common CarPlay adjustments and their primary location:

Tips for an Optimal CarPlay Experience

• Keep Software Updated: Ensure both your iPhone's iOS and your vehicle's infotainment system firmware are up to date for the best compatibility and performance.
• Use Quality Cables: For wired CarPlay, use genuine Apple Lightning cables or MFi-certified alternatives to prevent connectivity issues.
• Restart When Needed: If you encounter glitches, try restarting your iPhone, your vehicle's infotainment system, or both.
• Check Vehicle Settings: Sometimes, your vehicle's own settings for USB ports or infotainment features can affect CarPlay. Consult your car's manual.

By leveraging both your iPhone's capabilities and the direct adjustments available within the CarPlay interface, you can tailor your driving experience to be both intuitive and efficient.