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.
Hi,
Is is possible for my Aygo 2018 to have Car play fitted?
Thanks
Carly
Hi Carly,
Unfortunately Apple CarPlay cannot be fitted to your Aygo.
Thanks.
Hi,
I have a CHR excel 2019 and would like to know if it is possible to install or upgrade apple car play?
Because my car doesn’t have it.
Hi Patricia,
Your C-HR cannot be retrofitted with Apple CarPlay.
Thanks.
Hello
Please can you check if the carplay is available for my car? Toyota auris Hybrid 2014
Hi Patel,
Apple CarPlay is not available for your Auris.
Thanks.
Hi, is the Apple CarPlay in the Yaris Excel/22 plate wireless or could it be?
Hi Lynette, thanks for your comment.
Apple CarPlay for this model is not wireless, it will require a wired connection.
Thanks.
Hi There.
Why doesn’t my full music library show on CarPlay when connected to my 2021 Hilux Invincible X?
If I need to play a certain song that is not showing on the infotainment system, I need to look at the music app on my phone- can’t be done when driving!
Hi Stu, thanks for your comment.
This is standard for the Apple CarPlay system. Not every piece of music displays on the system and as this is an Apple feature, it is not something we are able to advise on further.
Although from experience, we can recommend using the Siri function to play a particular song when it takes your fancy!
Thanks.
Can I get car play in 2017 Auris hybrid?
Hi Mandy,
Your Auris cannot have Apple CarPlay installed.
Thanks.
Hello,
Can I get CarPlay installed in my 2020 Yaris Manual.
Hi Ana,
This vehicle is not compatible for the Apple CarPlay upgrade.
Thanks.
I have a 2019 C-HR Hybrid and was told it had CarPlay. There is no setting for CarPlay on the General setting menu. Is the an option to update the Firmware.
Hi Richard,
Please provide your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Hi,
Can I get CarPlay fitted to my 2019 Hilux invincible ?
Hi Colin, thanks for your question.
Your Hilux cannot be retrofitted with the Apple CarPlay software.
Thanks.
hi all
I have a ToyotaYaris 2021 which i have since March 2021 . I wear bluetooth hearing aids. Problem is , when I have my iphone 11 in car, (not connected via USB cable to car ) maybe laying on dash or in my pocket ,when incoming call comes in ,it will not ring through car so i cannot answer call wirelessly . Bluetooth is on in car media system and also on in my phone .Phone itself will ring but not through car system .Legally ,i cannot answer phone unless I pull car to a stop somewhere . I have tried it in other models of Toyota , Corolla’s etc and other Makes of cars Hyundai and Volvo and it works wirelessly through those cars . This problem has been investigated by Toyota Ireland and they say that the there is no fault in the car . I have tried it in other Yaris’s and the problem exits there . I am convinced this is specific to the Yaris Model with lack of software in that system. ps when is disconnect my hearing aids car will ring through the car
Hi Dermot, thanks for your comment.
Our connectivity team is best placed to help you with this. You can reach them here: fal.cn/3mbc1.
Thanks.
My Camry doesnt seem to have Carplay option is this correct? Also bluetooth music used to work and show song detail but now only plays music and I have to change song from phone. It works correctly when connected to phone by cable
Hi Philip,
Our Multimedia Team would be best placed to assist you with this query.
You can contact them here – https://fal.cn/3eeaN.
Thanks.