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.
Hello, could I please ask whether my 14 plate Yaris is compatible with the Android Auto retrofit? Many thanks in advance.
Hi Eric,
Thanks for your comment.
The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto retrofit is only currently available for certain RAV4 and Corolla models.
Thanks.
Hi there, we have a 2019 rav4 and love it! The only thing missing was carplay but we were told the retrofit would be available mid 2020? Is it available now for our car (EO69 TWM)?
Thanks
Hi Mario,
Thanks both for getting in touch with us and for choosing Toyota. We’re so glad to hear that you’re loving your RAV4!
Your vehicle is compatible with the Apple CarPlay retrofit, which is in the process of being sent out to our Toyota centres.
We would suggest contacting your nearest Toyota centre in order to book your vehicle in for this retrofit.
You can find your nearest centre here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/forms-v2/forms?tab=pane-dealer
Thanks.
Hi
I have a Toyota Corolla LM69 TKV, does this model have Apple Car Play?
Hi David,
Thanks for getting in touch. We hope your Corolla is still serving you well.
Your vehicle did not come with Apple CarPlay, but it should be eligible for the retrofit that is currently being supplied to centres.
This retrofit will add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality to your vehicle.
For more information and to book your car in, we would recommend contacting your nearest Toyota centre.
You can find your closest dealer here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/forms-v2/forms?tab=pane-dealer
Thanks.
Hi
I brought Toyota Corolla saloon hybrid just 1 month ago
Want to know if I can use apple CarPlay on it
Car reg MA70MXL
Thanks
Hi Gurdial,
Thanks for getting in touch with us, and congratulations on your new Corolla! We hope you’re enjoying it so far.
We’ve checked our database, and your vehicle comes with Smartphone integration including Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto as standard. You connect the phone using a USB cable. There is no wireless connection for this feature.
We have attached the specific navigation manual for your Corolla, and page 52 contains instructions on how to use Apple CarPlay in your vehicle: https://we.tl/t-XQsXgpFq0k
Thanks.
I can access Apple CarPlay in my 2020 CHR but when I press the voice recognition button it doesn’t prompt Siri, just the Toyota voice – any suggestions? Thank you!
Hi Julie,
Thanks for your comment. We hope you’re loving your C-HR so far!
Pressing and holding the voice recognition button should activate Siri.
Thanks.
Hi Toyota,
I have a 2017 C-HR which doesn’t have Apple Car Play, do you know if the model i need is 86140-F4040?
Also if i bought one, is it just plug in and put fascia back on and set up as normal or does it need to be programmed to my car?
Thanks for any advice.
Paul
Hi Paul,
Thanks for getting in touch.
Sorry, but we can’t officially recommend modifying your car from manufacturer’s specification, and we can’t give advice on repair and maintenance processes.
Please contact your nearest Toyota centre for more.
You can find your closest dealer here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/forms-v2/forms?tab=pane-dealer
Thanks.
Hi does the 2020 corolla (70 plate) have wireless Apple Airplay?
Hi there,
Thanks for your comment. Loving the name!
You might like to check out this blog post on further Toyota/Star Wars mashups: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/7-toyotastar-wars-mash-ups-thatll-blow-your-mind-into-hyperspace
The 70 plate Corolla does come with Apple CarPlay, although this is a wired connection rather than wireless.
Thanks.
I note that the CarPlay retrofit is available for the Rav4 and Corolla. I have a 2018 Auris, which I believe is the same as a Corolla (different name, same car in some markets), so does this mean I can get CarPlay retrofitted in my vehicle?
Hi Anton,
Thanks for getting in touch.
The Apple CarPlay retrofit is only available for certain models of the Corolla and RAV4.
Thanks.