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 Jose,

      Sorry, this feature is not available on the 2017 C-HR, nor is there a retrofit available for this model.

      Thanks

    1. Hi Yiming,
      Thanks for getting in touch with us.
      Your vehicle did not come with Apple CarPlay, and unfortunately there is no retrofit available for this.
      Thanks.

  1. Hi when I purchased my Prius it said it had CarPlay but it does not have that feature and the dealership says I need to get an external company to fit it, is this correct? The reg is MK70JBO.
    Thanks

    1. Hi Palmer,
      Thanks for getting in touch.
      Intelligent Park Assist is not available on any grades of the RAV4.
      Thanks.

  2. Hi
    What’s the part number for replacing 5 spoke 18″ alloy black wheel on Rav4 Dynamic Jan 2020 ?

    Plus if i buy Vertical Towing with 13 Pin does it come with electrics fitted ?

    Thanks

    1. Hi Palmer,
      Thanks for contacting us.
      Your nearest Toyota Centre are best placed to order these parts for you and will be able to supply part numbers.
      The Vertical Towing with 13 Pin does come with electrics fitted.
      Thanks.

    1. Hi Kerry,
      Thanks for your comment.
      Apple CarPlay is not available on 2019 C-HR models, and this cannot be retrofitted.
      Thanks.

    1. Hi Faisal,
      Thanks for getting in touch.
      We would recommend contacting the Toyota distributor in your region for further help as we are only able to comment on UK specification vehicles and the UK market.
      Thanks.

    1. Hi Nibras,
      Thanks for your comment.
      The Prius Plus is not fitted with Apple CarPlay, and there is no retrofit available.
      Thanks.

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