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,
I have a 68 plate Toyota aygo and was told when buying it has Apple car play however all of the tutorials I’ve watched about setting it up have said to use a the ‘connections’ button on the touch screen which I dont have.
Hi Caitlin,
Please contact the vehicle seller for further assistance with this, or contact our multimedia team here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre/connectivity
Thanks
Hi there,
Is it possible to set up 2 devices with apples
car play? Of course not at the same time
We are two people driving the car and only one device is allowed to have apple car play.
Thanks
Hi Alex,
Whichever device is connected to your vehicle via USB will connect to Apple CarPlay.
Thanks.
Hello!
I am in love with the Toyota C-hr and looking to purchase a used 2019 or 2020 Dynamic edition. Can you please confirm if CarPlay is available in these models? I was at the dealership looking at a 2019 today and the salespersons onsite couldn’t figure it out.
Many thanks,
Caroline
Hi Caroline,
Thanks for your comment.
Our data shows that all Model Year 2020 C-HR models should come with Apple CarPlay.
If you are able to provide a specific registration, we can check this for you also.
Thanks.
Hi there,
If you could please confirm for this registration number:
SJ20XUA
Thank you!
Caroline
Hi Caroline,
Our system shows for this model that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
Hi,
Could you pls confirm the following registration number is came with Apple Car Play ?
GV69 UOL
Thanks
Kin
Hi Kin, thanks for your comment.
Your RAV4 is not equipped with Apple CarPlay but it can be retrofitted. Your local Toyota Centre will be able to provide further information on this process.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Thanks for your reply.
May I know what is the cost for retrofit ?
Hi Kin,
Your Toyota Centre would be best placed to advise on pricing information.
Thanks.
Hi,
Could you please confirm whether this Corolla has Carplay please? Reg: EJ21 YSL
Thanks
Hi Jack,
Our system shows that Apple CarPlay comes as standard on this model.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
I just purchased a Toyota CHR plate registration 19, I would like to know if it is eligible for apple carplay. Thanks.
Hi Nilo, thanks for your comment,
Your C-HR is not eligible for the Apple CarPlay upgrade as the multimedia system is incompatible with the software.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hi,
Could you please confirm whether this Corolla has Carplay please? Reg: RK69LEJ
Thanks
Hi Shahid,
This vehicle was not fitted with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto from the factory. It may have had the feature added with a Toyota centre, but we can’t confirm that without proof of ownership. You could check by plugging in a compatible iPhone via USB to see for your yourself.
Otherwise, please contact your nearest Toyota centre to get it booked in.
Thanks
Hi
Can you confirm whether my Prius GK20YWR
can use Apple CarPlay
Regard’s Alan Smith
Hi Alan,
Thanks for your comment.
This vehicle does not have Apple CarPlay.
Thanks.
How do change the apps the appear during CarPlay on the screen? I did it before but can’t for the life of me remember how!
Hi Laura,
Please refer to the Apple Website here for further guidance – https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/ipha5936fe07/ios.
Thanks.