How to fix Apple CarPlay not working after iOS 17 update issue

By Moses Johnson - Managing Editor
4 Min Read

Has Apple CarPlay stopped working after iOS 17 update? These troubleshooting steps will help you fix the problem in no time.

The CarPlay icon

Apple CarPlay is a great way to utilize your iOS device while in the car, but it’s not much use if it stops working properly. Whether you can’t get CarPlay to connect at all or it has stopped working after iOS 17 update, we’re here to help.

These Apple CarPlay troubleshooting tips will help you fix the feature if it stopped working after updating to iOS 17. Without further ado, lets get started!

1. Make sure CarPlay is enabled on your iPhone

If CarPlay is not working after iOS 17 update, make sure that CarPlay is properly configured on your iPhone. There’s a good chance that the feature somehow got turned off by the iOS update.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Select General.
  3. Choose CarPlay.
  4. Look for your car in the My Cars section. If you don’t see it, press and hold the voice control button on your car’s steering wheel to start setup and pair the car with your iOS device.

2. Enable CarPlay when your phone is locked

Enabling CarPlay when your phone’s screen is locked is another important setting to ensure CarPlay works properly.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Select General.
  3. Choose CarPlay.
  4. Tap your car in the list of connected automobiles.
  5. Make sure Allow CarPlay While Locked is turned on by swiping the button to the right.

3. Make sure Siri is turned on

For CarPlay to work, Siri also needs to be enabled.

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Tap Siri & Search and make sure one of these options is turned on by swiping the buttons to the right:

    • Press Side Button for Siri (on an iPhone XR or newer)
    • Press Home for Siri (on iPhone SE 2 or newer)

4. Make sure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on

If you are lucky enough to have a car with support for wireless CarPlay, there are a few additional settings you should enable to make sure your iPhone is ready to work with CarPlay. Specifically, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone under Settings > Bluetooth. Then head over to Settings > Wi-Fi, and make sure that Wi-Fi is also enabled. Tap the CarPlay network, and check that Auto-Join is turned on.

5. Apple CarPlay Not Working After iOS 17 Update? Restart Your iPhone

If Apple CarPlay is not working after iOS 17 update, there could be a minor glitch on your iPhone. Restarting your iPhone can get rid of the problem.

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap Shut Down.

6. Confirm That Your Car Works With CarPlay

If CarPlay is not working, remember that you must have a compatible vehicle (or aftermarket receiver. Even if your car has a USB port, it still might not support Apple CarPlay.

Check Apple’s list of CarPlay supported cars and look for your vehicle.

In case your car doesn’t support Apple CarPlay, you can purchase an stereo that uses it.

7. Troubleshoot Your Car’s Infotainment System

At this point, if Apple CarPlay still isn’t working, you should check for problems with your car’s infotainment system.

If there’s a way to restart your car’s infotainment system, try doing so. You’ll need to check the manual for this, since it differs by vehicle. In case this isn’t an option, simply shut your car off for a few minutes, then start it again and try once more.

Finally, if you have an aftermarket receiver, check the maker’s website to see if there’s a software update. Apply any available updates, then give the connection another try.

8. Double-check your USB cable You Use With Apple CarPlay

Relatively few vehicles offer wireless CarPlay. It’s not unheard of, but the vast majority of models require you to plug your iPhone into the car with a USB Lightning cable. A lot of CarPlay connection problems occur because of a faulty cable. If you see frequent disconnections or CarPlay isn’t not connecting at all, the cable might be the problem.

First and foremost, make sure the phone is securely plugged in.

It’s also possible that your car requires the iPhone to be plugged into a specific USB port, so if you are in doubt, move the cable to another USB input and try again.

If you are still having problem, try replacing your lightening cable with another one that you know is high quality; the cable that came with your iPhone is usually a good fit. If you use a third-party cable, make sure it is MFi certified.

Keep in mind that if the cable is for charging only and doesn’t support data transfer, it won’t work for Apple CarPlay.

Finally, make sure that the charging port on your device is free of debris. Even with a good cable, your iPhone’s port might be obstructed, leading to connection issues. Use a flashlight to check for dust and other buildup, then gently use a cotton swab or toothpick to clean it if needed.

9. Make Sure CarPlay Isn’t Restricted

If your iPhone isn’t detected by CarPlay, make sure that it’s not disabled in Screen Time.

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select Screen Time.
  3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  4. If Content & Privacy Restrictions is on, tap Allowed Apps, and make sure that CarPlay is enabled.

10. Forget and setup CarPlay

If CarPlay stopped working after updating to iOS 17, it’s possible that your CarPlay connection could have become corrupted following the update. The best way to resolve the issue is to disconnect CarPlay from your car and reconnect it from scratch.

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select General.
  3. Tap CarPlay.
  4. Tap your car.
  5. Tap Forget This Car.
  6. Set up CarPlay again.

11. If Apple CarPlay Still Won’t Connect Properly

If nothing above resolves your iOS 17 CarPlay problem, you probably have a more serious problem with either your car or iPhone.

Try connecting your iPhone to another vehicle that supports Apple CarPlay, or connecting another iPhone to your car, if possible. This will help you nail down where the problem lies.

If your car won’t accept any CarPlay connections, you should get in touch with the manufacturer or your dealer. There’s a chance that something is wrong with your car’s internals that’s causing CarPlay not to work.

If your iPhone won’t connect to multiple cars that all support CarPlay, make sure that you’re using a good cable and that your charging port is free of obstruction. Failing that, you should contact Apple support for further help.

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By Moses Johnson Managing Editor
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Moses Johnson is the Editorial Director of GeeksChalk.com, who has a keen eye for news, rumors, and all the unusual stuff around Apple products. Moses is commonly referred to online as The Professor, with decades of experience in tech under his belt.
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