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.

1,028 comments

    1. Hi Jake, thanks for getting in touch.

      We will need your registration number in order to check on this.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

    2. hello

      i have a CHR (year of 2019) but i cant using the apple carplay no matter wireless or usb plug in

      can you check of it what is wrong of my vehnical?

    1. Hi Sarah, thanks for getting in touch.

      The system isn’t liking your registration number, but in theory this vehicle should be equipped with Apple CarPlay or be eligible for retrofit. If equipped, it will require a wired connection. Your local Toyota Centre can check this for you.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

    1. Hi Irfan, thanks for getting in touch.

      The registration number you provided is not a Toyota vehicle. Feel free to re-confirm.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

  1. I have a Toyota Yaris Excel and want to use a CD player in my car. It will not play through the USB port and I need a CarPlay interface in order to connect my CD Player to the Multimedia system. Which CarPlay interface would enable me to do this?

    1. Hi Howard, thanks for your comment.

      Apple CarPlay retrofit is not available for your Yaris and we are not able to advise on aftermarket multimedia units.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

      1. Hi Kit, thanks for your comment.

        Your Yaris is not equipped with Apple CarPlay and is not compatible with retrofit.

        Thanks,

        Toyota UK

      1. Hi there,

        We will need your full registration number to see if Apple CarPlay is equipped on your vehicle.

        Thanks,

        Toyota UK

    1. Hello Roy,
      Thanks for your comment.
      This Yaris does not come with Apple CarPlay.
      Could we tempt you with a test drive of a slightly newer Yaris that does come with Apple CarPlay?
      Thank you.

  2. hi, can you please confirm if Toyota Aygo reg KA02*** have access to apple carplay? I have had a look but even when I connect the phone via USB it seems not available. If it isn’t, can it be installed? Thanks

    1. Hi Nika, thanks for your comment.

      Your Aygo does not have Apple CarPlay and the multimedia system is not compatible with this software. You can connect via USB for music and calls though.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

  3. Hi,

    I recently got an used Toyota CH-R Hybrid ICON – 2020 – Automatic. Please let me know if Apple Carplay is available in this. In setup menu, I’m able to choose Apple Carplay, but I’m not able to connect further. Please help.

    Thanks,
    Nanda.

    1. Hi Nanda, thanks for your comment.

      Your Toyota C-HR is equipped with Apple CarPlay as standard, you will need to connect via USB for this to work.

      Thanks,

      Toyota UK

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