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 it possible to have apple CarPlay in Toyota Aygo 2019?
Thanks
Hi Freya,
Unfortunately, this is not possible.
Thanks.
Hi is it possible to do this to an aygo 2017 x press
If so how as I can not get it to connect thanks
Hi Pete,
Apple CarPlay is not available in your vehicle.
Thanks.
I have a RAV4 hybrid, 2019 that has mirrorlink, can this be changed to Apple car play?
Hi Niamh,
Please provide your vehicle registration so we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
Hi, I have just purchased a corolla gr sport 2022 model, does the apple carplay have wireless function?
Hi Glen,
Thanks for your comment, and congratulations on your purchase.
The Model Year 2022 Corolla GR Sport features wireless Apple CarPlay.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
So my Corolla Excel I’m expecting in August will now have wireless apple car play?? Only the other week when I ordered it it was still advertised as a wired version.
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your order. Please contact your Toyota centre to find out more about your vehicle’s specification/
Thanks,
Toyota UK
I have an IQ and would like to install Sat nav and Bluetooth so I can stream music from my phone and a better digital radio, or better still stream music directly from the car. What can technology can be retrofitted on this car?
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for getting in touch. Great car! Unfortunately Toyota does not offer an official kit for fitting these features. There are plenty of aftermarket solutions though! Make sure you use a reputable supplier though.
Thanks
I have recently purchased a 2020 rav 4 dynamic am I able to get carplay as I’m struggling to be able to set it up. I have mirrorlink.
Hi Sue,
Please provide your vehicle registration so we can check this for you.
Thanks
I have a new Yaris Cross, I want to use Apple CarPlay sat/nav AND use the incar radio…. how?
Hi Brian,
Thanks for your comment and congratulations on your new Yaris Cross.
Unfortunately, these cannot be used at the same time.
You can use Apple CarPlay then select the Toyota symbol to revert back to using the in-car radio.
Thanks.
I have just purchased a new Yaris, can I connect Apple Car Play wirelessly?
Thanks.
Hi Ian, thanks for your comment and congratulations on your new purchase.
The Yaris Hybrid requires a wired USB connection for Apple CarPlay, it cannot operate wirelessly.
Thanks.
My navigation system in CarPlay is no longer giving spoken instructions about which exits or turns to take but still sends a spoken reminder regarding upcoming speed cameras. What have I done wrong and how do I restore it .
Hi Jane,
Sorry to hear that you are having trouble with the navigation in your vehicle. If you’re using the Apple CarPlay maps, mirrored from your phone, the guidance is probably muted. Try setting a route on your phone and then you should be able to click audio and choose the desired volume.
Thanks,
Toyota UK