How to use Apple CarPlay in your Toyota

Apple CarPlay

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.

910 comments

  1. Please could you confirm whether or not my car has Apple CarPlay?

    FY67 XNU – CHR

    If not standard can i have this fitted for a price?

      1. Please could you confirm whether or not my car has Apple CarPlay?
        YY20 SYC
        Thanks

      2. Hi Isabella,
        Thanks for your comment.
        This vehicle does not come with Apple CarPlay.
        Thanks.

  2. I have put a deposit down for SL20 FAA. I’m am unsure if it had apple car play which I use currently.

    1. Hi, thanks for your comment.

      Our system is not recognising that registration number. What is the model and grade please?

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

  3. hi,
    I am purchasing a used RAV4 – EF19EDO – does this have apple carplay? if not, I guess it can be fitted?

    1. Hi Phil,
      Thanks for your comment.
      Apple CarPlay can be retrofitted to this RAV4.
      Please contact your Toyota Centre for more information.
      Thanks.

  4. Hi
    I have just got a C-hr 2022 having problems with phone there is a delay when speaking to people on the phone. Have rebooted the connection but still the same problem
    Please help!!!

  5. Hi, FL20OMZ. does this car have apple car play, also should it have an auto dipping n/s mirror.
    Many Thanks

    1. Hi,

      Your vehicle is not equipped with Apple CarPlay and a retrofit is not available.

      Sorry about that.

      Thanks

    1. Hi Kirsty,

      This vehicle did not come with Apple CarPlay from the factory. It may have had the software update already. If not, please contact your nearest Toyota centre to get it done.

      Plug your phone into the vehicle via USB, and Apple CarPlay should activate. If it doesn’t, that will tell you the vehicle needs to be updated.

      Thanks

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