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, we have a 2018 ch-r reg YH68ALP
Does this have apple carplay?
Kind regards
Hi Lester, thanks for your comment.
This C-HR does not feature Apple CarPlay and it cannot be retrofitted.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hi,
Could you check if my Toyota 2019 excel RAV4 has Apple CarPlay installed. The registration is NGZ 5556. It is the 2019 top spec model.
Thank you
Hi Sal, thanks for your comment,
Your RAV4 is not equipped with Apple CarPlay but eligible for the retrofit. Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to provide further assistance on this.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
I have CHR HV 21 plate. Is there anyway I can have Apple CarPlay ?
Can I also ask how to update my maps please.
Hi Lou,
Please provide your vehicle registration so that we can look into this for you.
Thanks.
HS21 NYB just bought it and when I plug phone in it shows no option to add CarPlay.
Hi Lou,
Our system shows that your C-HR comes with Apple CarPlay as standard.
We would suggest referring to Page 50 of your Navigation Manual for further assistance.
You can find this here – https://www.toyota.co.uk/customer/manuals#/pdf/PZ49X-10660-EN.
Thanks.
Hi,
Can you please check if my car has Apple CarPlay as I can’t see it on the menus? Reg is SH66 DXA.
Thanks.
Hi Ahmed,
Thanks for your comment.
Our system shows that this vehicle does not come with Apple CarPlay.
Thanks.
Hi does my 2018 Toyota Aygo come with Apple car play. Reg is YD18 DKA
Thanks in advance
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for your comment.
Unfortunately, our system shows that your Aygo does not come with Apple CarPlay.
Thanks.
Hi thank you for letting me know. Is it eligible for retrofit? Thanks again
Hi Nicole,
Unfortunately your Aygo is also not compatible to have Apple CarPlay retrofitted.
Thanks.
Dear Toyota,
Once my Apple Carplay worked on my Toyota CH-R 2021. But now it doensr work since 2 months.
Can you help me?
Hi Denis,
Thanks for your comment.
Our first suggestion would be to try using a different cable and see if this works.
If this doesn’t work, we would recommend contacting your Toyota Centre for further assistance as they will be able to physically inspect your vehicle and assist further.
Thanks.
Hi
Yesterday I checked with you whether my Rav 4 Reg YT20HJE should have Apple Car Play to which you replied ..NO..but can be retrofitted by Toyota Dealer..I again asked if this service would be free?! Now my questions has completely disappeared from here! Why?
Hi Dhruv, here’s our reply to you again…
There will be a charge to have this fitted.
Your Toyota Centre will be able to provide you with a quote.
Thanks.
Hi, I’ve just got a 2019 plate Toyota CHR and wondered if Apple CarPlay would work with it. Reg is FY19 KSE. If it’s not currently able to use it, is retrofitting an option? Thanks.
Morning Alex,
Congratulations and welcome to the Toyota family!
Your Toyota C-HR, registration FY19 KSE does not feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and regrettably there is no retro-fit option currently available. Sorry!
We wish you many happy miles in your Toyota C-HR, Alex.
Thank you.
Can I check if my Toyota rav4 has any please play?
Hi Lina, thanks for your comment.
Your RAV4 is not equipped with Apple CarPlay, but it can be retrofitted.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Good day please I want to know if Toyota Prius plus 2020 have Appel car play
Hi there, thanks for getting in touch.
We will need a registration number to confirm, but it is unlikely this vehicle is equipped with Apple CarPlay.
Thanks,
Toyota UK