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 there, what is the cost to add apple CarPlay to my 2019 Rav4 hybrid awd? I have heard that it is cheaper to have fitted when it is in for its regular servicing.
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your comment.
The cost of the Apple CarPlay retrofit for the RAV4 is £50 when installed with a service, or £150 if stand-alone.
If you would like us to, we can check the eligibility of your vehicle for the retrofit. We would just need you to provide your reg.
Thanks.
Thank you, it is HJ69AZD, my serving dealer quoted me £100.
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your reply.
We’ve checked our database, and your vehicle is eligible for the Apple CarPlay retrofit.
Is this cost quoted by your dealer for the stand-alone retrofit, or with the service?
Thanks.
I have just been quoted 150 for this work to be carried out at the same time as a service. I am taking my car in next Monday (7/12/20) and so time is running out to clarify the issue. Can I quote this Blog to the after sales / service team… I am similarly in a Lease car if this makes a difference.
It is combined with the cars 20,000 mile service. The car is a lease car. Would that make a difference?
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your reply.
When retrofitted with a service, the Apple CarPlay retrofit should only cost £50 on top of the price of the service.
If your centre is charging more than this, we would recommend contacting our Customer Relations team, who will be best placed to help further.
They can be contacted here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre/email-us
Thanks.
Hi, is the retrofit available yet for the RAV4? I’ve been waiting to hear from my dealer but nothing yet. Thanks.
Hi Sally,
Thanks for getting in touch.
The Apple CarPlay retrofit is in the process of being supplied to our centres.
We would suggest contacting your nearest Toyota centre in order to book your vehicle in for this retrofit.
Thanks.
Hi Alasdair,
Thanks for getting in touch. We’re sorry to hear this.
The price of the Apple CarPlay retrofit is £50 on top of the price of the service if carried out at the same time as a service.
We would recommend taking this up with your dealer initially, but, failing this, our Customer Relations team will be best placed to help.
They can be contacted here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/help-centre/email-us
Thanks.
Hi,
Is there any news of android auto retrofit?
I have got RAV4 2019 (OY69UBG).
Thanks
Hi there,
Thanks for getting in touch.
We’ve checked our database, and your vehicle should be eligible for the retrofit.
The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto retrofit is in the process of being sent to our centres, so we would recommend contacting your nearest Toyota centre for further information as to when they will be able to carry out this work.
You can find your nearest centre here: https://www.toyota.co.uk/forms-v2/forms?tab=pane-dealer
Thanks.
Hi, I’m wondering if Toyota has released CARPLAY Retro fit for RAV4 2019 model (ET19RYM) yet? if so, is this available with my dealer @ Hollywood Toyota at Woodford Green? Pls.Confirm.
Hi B,
Thanks for getting in touch.
We’ve checked our database, and your RAV4 should be eligible for the Apple CarPlay retrofit.
The retrofit is in the process of being sent out to our centres, so we would recommend contacting your nearest Toyota centre to check when they will be able to carry out this work and to get your car booked in.
Thanks.
Hi;
Can you let me know if Toyota have released
The Apple CarPlay retrofit for a 2019 CHR??
If not can you let me know when it will be available?
Regards
Danielle
Hi Danielle,
Thanks for your comment.
Unfortunately, due to system incompatibility, there is no Apple CarPlay retrofit available for the C-HR.
Thanks.
I have a CH-R bought new from Toyota September 2019. Reg: VU69LZX
Please can you advise me if I am able to use ApplePlay through the media system. Thank you
Hello Brian, thank you for your comment.
Your C-HR is not equipped with Apple CarPlay and retrofit is not possible for this model.
Thanks
This is quite frankly ridiculous, who spends close to 30k on a car and gets nickle and dimed on apple car play? It’s not a great advert for your brand that I’m driving about with a big screen in my car but with my iphone on a separate holder – please rectify this situation please. It’s not possible? Yes it is, ut just means cutting your margin a little.
Hello William, thank you for your comment.
Which vehicle do you have and what is the registration please?
Thanks
I’ve got the CH-R Icon WN19XMB
Hi William, thanks for confirming this.
Your C-HR is not equipped with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and retrofit is not compatible with this model.
Thanks
Hi, when my I plug my iPhone se 2 into CarPlay and select the radio option, (DAB or FM) the radio cuts out and plays the iPhones Apple Music. How do I stop this please. 70 plate Aygo
Hi Pete,
Thanks for your comment.
This is a feature of the iPhone and the Apple CarPlay system, which are Apple products.
We would therefore recommend contacting Apple for further assistance, and we apologise that we can’t be of more help.
Thanks.