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.
I have a 2016 September Toyota Yaris hybrid, can CarPlay be used in my car?
Hi there, thanks for your comment.
The multimedia system in your Yaris is not compatible with the Apple CarPlay software.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
I just got a rav4 2020 black edition, JBL set up and preference is set to Apple car play. Using an official Apple cable, but no car play logo under menu and when phone connects no prompts as per instructions?
Music plays fine and calls work, but no CarPlay?
iPhone12 pro I have and wireless CarPlay works fine in other cars
Please help
Hi Gautam,
Thanks for your comment.
Please provide your vehicle registration so we can assist you further.
Thanks.
Hi I have toyota corolla 2024 1st
Can I change background in carplay?
Hi Amr, thanks for your comment.
It is possible to change the background when in the Apple CarPlay screen, go to settings and then wallpaper. The options are limited, not as extenisve as that of your phone, but still a few things to choose from there.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hi. When plugging my iPhone 12 into my 2019 Toyota CHr the Apple Plat logo does not show on the screen even though there is a connection (phone charges). Can you help?
Hi Michelle, thanks for getting in touch.
We will need your full registration number to check this.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hi
The car play in my Corolla does not work.
I purchased the car last week and was informed it had Apple car play / android car play.
I use and iPhone 13 with the original wire and it still doesn’t works.
My reg is FE69 ***
Please can you help
Thanks
Hi Abdul, thanks for getting in touch.
This vehicle does not feature Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as standard, although it is eligible for retrofit. Your local Toyota Centre can provide further information on this.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
I think the previous owner did not enable CarPlay so now I cannot either as when I connect my phone it just charges. It’s a 21 plate Yaris so should have it.
How do I enable CarPlay now?
Hi Jay,
Thanks for your question.
Please provide your vehicle registration so we can assist you further with this.
Thanks.
Hi Does this Yaris iCON support apple carplay DF23***
Hi Nick
This does support Carplay and Android Auto.
Kind regards
Hi – I have just purchased CHR 2019 BV69*** please can you let me know if apple carplay and android auto are enabled please
Hi Laura
You vehicle is not eligible for carplay or android auto.
Kind regards
Hello,
Do you have an upgrade yet to a wireless carplay. Or do i still need to use wire for my apple carplay. My model is 2020 corolla
Hi Obinna
We will require your vehicles registration to be able to confirm this, or you can visit your local Toyota Centre as they will be able to assist you.
Kind regards