Here’s a guide to help you understand how to connect Apple CarPlay so that you can use the infotainment system with ease. Apple Carplay is becoming popular because of its features that make your journey easy and filled with entertainment. Before we get into the details, let’s get to know your Apple CarPlay’s benefits.
Benefits of Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay allows you to operate your iPhone in a safe way while you are driving your vehicle. Gone are the days when you had to unlock your phone over and over again, just to change the music or choose a different playlist.
Thanks to the voice command feature of Siri, you can simply ask to change the song or give directions to certain locations including cafes, restaurants or hospitals. Moreover, you can ask Siri to read messages and even dictate text back, if required. Receiving calls or asking Siri to call a specific contact is another benefit of using the device on the go.
All these things can be done with the help of an Apple CarPlay device being connected to your iPhone. Now, let’s check out how to connect Apple CarPlay with your smartphone.
How To Connect Apple Carplay
Step 1: Before you get started, check if your iPhone is compatible to get connected with the device. If you are using an iPhone 5 or higher version, then your smartphone is compatible with the infotainment system.
Step 2: Now you can open the settings option and click on the “Siri & Search” option that will enable Siri.
Step 3: You can connect your iPhone with the help of a USB cable. Insert the cable’s other end in the system’s USB port. Now you can see the CarPlay logo.
Step 4: Open settings on your phone, goto General tab and hit the “CarPlay” option. There you will see a list of vehicles available.
Step 5: Use the voice control button placed on the steering wheel or you can also press the Home button for five seconds to activate the voice command feature.
Step 6: Now, you are ready to give commands to your infotainment system and use all the Apple CarPlay features.
How To Connect Apple Carplay (Wirelessly)
If your iPhone and system supports Bluetooth connectivity, then connecting your Apple CarPlay is going to be really easy. All you need to do is turn on Bluetooth in the device as well as in your iPhone and follow the pop-up options on the screen to connect wirelessly.
Goto settings => Bluetooth => turn on => Apple CarPlay will appear, click on that and you are good to go!
Now that you know how to connect Apple CarPlay easily, you might wonder how to disconnect it when you have arrived at your destination. Here’s how you can do it:
How To Shut Down Apple CarPlay
Once you have reached your destination, all you need to do is turn off your car. That’s it. Your iPhone will begin to function similar to how it was before connecting it with the Apple CarPlay. On the other hand, if you are connected with the help of a USB cable, then simply unplug it to disconnect.
For some reason, if you don’t want to use your iPhone to disconnect and want to keep your vehicle on, then you can shut down Apple CarPlay using the system itself. Simply press the home button for about five seconds and it will stop playing music or podcasts. Basically, it will help returning to the homepage.
Things To Consider Before Buying Apple CarPlay
Installing Apple CarPlay is going to attract a lot of eyeballs. It could be for your bad as well. For instance, many thieves who break into a vehicle are mostly because of the device that creates the fancy look.
Hence, after installing the system, make sure that you park your vehicle at a safe locality and never leave the door or window open. Also, buy the system from a reliable online website like Amazon or eBay at an affordable price. So that you don’t become a victim of any online scam.
Conclusion
The popularity of Apple carplay has been increasing since it was first launched in 2014. The design of the device has been improved since then and various screen sizes are also available. The big size screens are great if you often drive through unknown routes and want to see the maps at a quick glance.
Apple CarPlay features make your driving experience better and easier as you don’t have to look into your phone’s small screen everytime you want to use an application. Thanks to the several upgrades, the new CarPlay devices are in-built with Bluetooth feature that ensures smooth experience while connecting. You don’t have to struggle with wires anymore!