Welcome to a beginner’s guide on how to use Apple CarPlay in your Toyota vehicle, as well as looking at the various features of the system and how to use them. Apple CarPlay is available on all current models. There is an Apple CarPlay upgrade available for Corolla and RAV4 models produced since 2019. Click here for more information.
To ensure CarPlay is switched on:
- Menu
- Setup
- General – CarPlay is switched on
Only Apple-approved third-party apps can be used.
Connect your iPhone (5 or later) using a USB-Lightning cable, by plugging it into the USB data port.
The first time you connect, a message will offer you three options: Do Not Enable, which you might want to choose if all you want to do is charge your phone, not connect it to the multimedia system; Enable Once, if it’s a friend or relative’s phone that you only want to provide temporary access to the car’s infotainment system; or Always Enable, so your phone automatically connects to the car every time you plug it into the cable.
You’ll then get a message to say that all your Bluetooth devices will be disconnected.
Wireless CarPlay?
At the time of this article’s publication, Apple CarPlay only works through a wired connection in Toyota models except for GR Supra, which is available with a wireless CarPlay setup. To connect the wireless system, pair the phone to the Toyota multimedia system using Bluetooth, choosing Apple CarPlay as the primary function.
You’ll then get a prompt on your phone to check that you want to use CarPlay with this vehicle, so tap Use CarPlay.
Now, every time your phone is in your Toyota, the phone will automatically connect to the car.
If you want to connect to CarPlay through the display for your car’s infotainment system, just tap the Apple CarPlay icon in the main menu. You can also access it via the Media/Radio and Communications icons.
Once you’re connected, you’ll see a grid of app icons in the CarPlay display, a lot like those on the phone home screen. These will probably cover more than one page – especially if you use music streaming services such as Spotify, or alternative navigation apps such as Waze – so all you need to do is swipe between pages to find the app you need. However, there’s also a shortcut menu on the side of the main page of icons, so you can just jump to the most-used apps.
You can access apps by using Apple’s Siri voice control function. If you have voice control in your Toyota, just hold down the voice button on your steering wheel and Siri will respond by asking what you’d like to do.
How can I upgrade my 2019 rav4 to able or connect apple carplay?
Hi there,
We will need the full registration number to check.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hi my car is toyata rav4 69 registration.Can you tell me if I have CarPlay option
Hi Nadia, thanks for your comment.
We will need the full registration number to check.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hi My RAV4 is eligible for an Apple CarPlay upgrade, I checked using the Toyota Website. I called a local dealer in Hertfordshire, and spoke to one of their technical staff who had no idea of this or prices. I’ll try another dealer, however how much does the upgrade cost?
Hi Jimmy, thanks for your comment.
There is no fixed cost for this, it depends if a navigation upgrade is required and if it is done as a stand alone upgrade or part of your routine service. If you’d like to confirm the dealership and your registration number, we can get in touch with them for you.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hi , i have a toyota Auris with number plate YP63*** , i’m looking for a carplay stero to replace whats there , it has reverse camera , please can you tell me what models stero carplay i can buy ?
Hi there, thanks for getting in touch.
We cannot advise on modifications, your local Toyota Centre is best placed to take a look at your Auris.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hi, I absolutely find new things about our C-HR and, I do believe to appreciate it’s glitziness you do need to drive at night, as all systems come online. Thank God for the neurotic beep when you try to leave without switching off the engine. Such stealth is the hybrid.
One question though, does Apple Car-Play only work with a network iPhone? Must it be connected to the 4G or 5G network or a WIFi one? Tonight my phone was not behaving, perhaps coz of the need for its latest update, but then no other app could get internet. So, I could not get A C-P to work either. Bluetooth was fine, but then again you just have to have Gmaps or Waze in the big screen.
Thanks
Dimi
Hi Dimi, thanks for getting in touch.
If your phone is in need of a software update, it is likely to cause problems with Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Thanks,
I have Apple CarPlay connected in my 2024 Toyota Corolla but every time I need to connect. Why does it not start automatically each time ?
Hello, does my Toyota Yaris 2020 model have android auto? I have used a cable but it still does not work. Reg is MT20 ***
Hi there,
Your Yaris is not equipped with Android Auto and it is not eligible for retrofit.
Thanks,
Hi is my Toyota AYGO compatible with apple carplay, I have tried to get it to work as I see the option in my settings but when I plug my phone in nothing happens, the reg is FA19*** thank you!
Hi Andrew, thanks for getting in touch.
Your vehicle is not equipped with Apple CarPlay and is not eligible for retrofit.
Thanks,
Hi,
What is the way to have CarPlay on c-hr 2018?
I’ve tried 2 usb CarPlay adapters and none of them worked. What other options I have? Reg FL68***
Hi Krisz, thanks for getting in touch.
Apple CarPlay is not available on this vehicle and it is not compatible with retrofit.
Thanks,
Hello,
I have a car Toyota RAV4, BW19***, recently purchased in Toyota Stratford Apon Avenue. We asked if this car have a CarPlay, they said yes. We tried to connect IPhone 12 to CarPlay but couldn’t. Looks like it doesn’t have. Could you please check if this car suppose to have CarPlay? We should pay for it?
Hi there, thanks for your comment.
This vehicle is not equipped with Apple CarPlay as standard, but it can be retrofitted. We’d recommend discussing with the dealership you purchased from.
Thanks,