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, new company car delivered today. Says navigation not available. What do I need? Can’t seem to get Apple CarPlay either? Corolla Touring Sport FG70 VFM
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for your comment.
Only the Icon grade does not come with navigation, but Apple CarPlay can be used in order to get maps here.
Apple CarPlay can only be used via a wired connection, so we’d suggest trying this if you haven’t already.
Thanks.
Hi Toyota
I have Landcruiser Invincible WF68CWW
Will the upgrade be available for my car?
Thanks
Hi
Does Aygo 2017 support apple carplay?
Thank you
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for getting in touch with us. We hope you’re loving your Aygo!
The model year 2017 Aygo does not support Apple CarPlay, and there is not currently the option to have this retrofitted.
Thanks.
Hi
I have a Toyota Camry MF70MGZcan I use Apple CarPlay.
Many Thanks
Greg
Just use your charging wire, it connects straight away.
Hi Shan,
Thanks for your reply.
We are still in the process of sending out the software to our centres, and we would therefore recommend staying in touch with your nearest centre for the latest information as to when they are ready to carry out the retrofit.
We are extremely sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Thanks.
Hi Al,
Thanks for getting in touch with us.
Currently, the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto retrofit is only available for certain Corolla and RAV4 models.
Thanks.
Hi Greg,
Thanks for getting in touch with us. We hope you’re loving your Camry!
Your vehicle is not fitted with Apple CarPlay, and a retrofit is not available either. Sorry about that.
Thanks.
Hi, is my Toyota CH-R eligible for a retro fit? SA19 BGH
Hi Damian,
Thanks for getting in touch with us.
Due to system incompatibility, there is no retrofit possibility for the C-HR.
Thanks.
Is this correct? The dealerships are saying that they expect the upgrade in over the next few weeks
Hi Mark,
Thanks for contacting us.
Yes, it is correct that there is no Apple CarPlay retrofit for the C-HR.
This is due to an incompatibility between the retrofit and the multimedia system.
Thanks.
Hi I love my rav4 is there a way to turn up the volume of the parking assist I am a bit hard of hearing
Hi Michael,
Thanks for getting in touch with us. It’s great to hear that you love your RAV4!
Could you please provide us with your reg? We can then look into this further for you.
Thanks.
Hi. I have a 69 plate (MF69SOC) RAV4. Can you tell me if it is possible to get Apple car play retrofitted? Thank you
Hi Emma,
Thanks for your comment. We hope you’re still loving your RAV4!
Your model should be eligible for the Apple CarPlay retrofit.
Thanks.