How to Fix Apple CarPlay Not Connecting After iOS 16-26 Update

Apple CarPlay is a smart and safe way to use your iPhone while driving — from accessing apps and navigation to making calls and listening to music, all hands-free with Siri voice control. However, many users have reported Apple CarPlay not connecting after updating to iOS 16-26. If you're facing this issue, you're not alone — and fortunately, there are ways to fix it on your own.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through effective solutions to resolve CarPlay connection problems caused by the iOS 16-26 update. Stay tuned to get your CarPlay working smoothly again.

• Part 1: Make sure you’ve set up Apple CarPlay correctly
• Part 2: Check if Apple CarPlay is blocked
• Part 3: 5 solutions to fix Apple CarPlay not connecting

Part 1: Make sure you’ve set up Apple CarPlay correctly

Experiencing Apple CarPlay not connecting after updating to iOS 16-26? You're not alone. While iOS updates can occasionally disrupt normal functions, it's essential to make sure the issue isn't due to incorrect setup.

One of the first steps to take when Apple CarPlay is not connecting is to confirm compatibility and proximity. Ensure you're inside your vehicle and within the CarPlay connection zone. Not all vehicles support CarPlay, so double-check your car model’s compatibility with Apple's official CarPlay list.

Additionally, start your vehicle and verify that Siri is enabled on your iPhone. Since CarPlay relies on Siri voice commands for hands-free functionality, having Siri turned off can prevent a successful connection.

Establish connection of your iPhone with the car:

• Using genuine USB cable, plug iPhone into USB port of your car. The USB port would be seen with a CarPlay icon or the Smartphone icon.
• For wireless connection, just press and hold the voice-command button available at your steering wheel. Also, ensure that the stereo is in Bluetooth and Wireless Mode. From iPhone your now, visit “Settings”, go to “General” and see the “CarPlay” option. Select your car there.

Part 2: Check if Apple CarPlay is blocked

Still facing Apple CarPlay not connecting issues? Keep in mind that different car models handle CarPlay connections differently. In some vehicles, even when your iPhone is plugged into the USB port, CarPlay may not activate. Here’s how to identify and disable those restrictions to ensure a seamless CarPlay connection.

1. Launch “Settings”, browse for “Screen Time” and opt for “Privacy & Content Restrictions”.
2. For previous versions, go to “General” and select “Restrictions” followed by entering the passcode.
3. Scroll into it and check if Carplay is there. (If so, switch it off).

Part 3: 5 solutions to fix Apple CarPlay not connecting

3.1 Restart iPhone and car system

If Apple CarPlay is not connecting on your iPhone after the iOS 16-26 update, a simple restart might do the trick. Restarting your device helps clear minor software glitches that may be interfering with CarPlay functionality. Follow the appropriate steps for your iPhone model to perform a quick restart and restore a smooth CarPlay connection.

• For iPhone 6/6s and earlier versions:

Press the ‘Home’ and “Sleep/Wake” keys until the “Apple logo” doesn’t come up over the screen. Release the buttons and your device will boot up.

• For iPhone 7 Plus:

Hold the “Sleep/Wake” and “Volume Down” button till the Apple’s logo glows in your iPhone. Keep the fingers off once you see the logo.

• For iPhone 8/8 Plus /X/XS/XR/XS Max/11 or newer iPhone:

As the latest models do not have home buttons, restarting is quite different from the aforementioned models. Simply, press the “Volume Up” and release it. Then press and release the “Volume Down” key. Followed by this, press the “Sleep/Wake” key until the Apple’s logo appears over the screen.

After restarting your iPhone, ensure to restart your car’s infotainment system. Or you can turn it off and then switch it on. Now, check if your iOS 16-26 CarPlay still has issues.

3.2 Pair iPhone with your car again

If Apple CarPlay is still not connecting after restarting your iPhone, try re-establishing the connection from scratch. Unpair your iPhone and car, then reconnect via Bluetooth or USB, depending on your vehicle’s setup. Here’s how to reset the connection properly:

1. Load the “Settings” menu and opt for “Bluetooth” option.
2. Toggle on Bluetooth and select your car’s Bluetooth. Tap on the “i” icon given next to the selected Bluetooth.

1. Then, pick the “Forget This Device” following the onscreen prompts for un-pairing.

After you’re done with un-pairing, just restart the phone and re-pair your car system with Bluetooth. See again if Apple CarPlay is working or not.

3.3 Check the restriction settings on your iPhone

One common reason for Apple CarPlay not connecting is the iPhone’s USB Restricted Mode — a security feature that disables USB data access after the device has been locked for a period of time. While it protects against potential threats, it can also interfere with CarPlay connectivity. Follow these steps to disable USB restrictions and restore a stable CarPlay connection.

1. Launch ‘Settings’ from app drawer or home screen.
2. Browse for ‘Touch ID & Passcode’ or the ‘Face ID & Passcode’ feature.
3. If prompted, key-in the passcode to proceed further.
4. Seek and select ‘Allow Access When Locked’ section.
5. Opt for ‘USB Accessories’. If this option is turned off then it is indicative that ‘USB Restricted Mode’ is enabled.
6. Simply toggle on ‘USB Accessories’ to completely disable the ‘USB Restricted Mode’.

3.4 Check cable compatibility if you connect with a cable

A faulty or non-certified cable is a common reason for Apple CarPlay not connecting, especially after the iOS 16-26 update. If you're experiencing connection failures, check the USB cable for any signs of damage. Third-party or damaged cables can interrupt data transmission and lead to repeated CarPlay failures.

3.5 Downgrade your iPhone to iOS 18-15

If none of the above solutions fix the Apple CarPlay not connecting issue, the problem may lie deeper within iOS 16-26 itself. System-level bugs can occasionally disrupt CarPlay functionality. In such cases, downgrading to a more stable iOS version—like iOS 18-15—might help restore CarPlay performance. Tools like Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) make it easy to roll back your iPhone to a previous version without data loss. Here’s how you can safely downgrade and get CarPlay working again.

Before we go any further, it is extremely important to get the IPSW file for the iOS version to be downgraded. For this:

1. Visit https://ipsw.me/ and opt for “iPhone” from the tabs.
2. Opt for the iPhone model.
3. Select the iOS 18-15 version for downgrading and hit the “Download” option.
4. The file will be downloaded. Now, use Dr.Fone Repair to flash the IPSW file to iPhone.

Note: You cannot downgrade to an iOS version that is not signed by Apple.

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Now choose "iOS" and click "iOS Upgrade/Downgrade" on the following screen.

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A prompt will appear asking you to back up your iOS device data before executing this process.

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Conclusion

Apple CarPlay offers a smart and safe way to stay connected while driving, but issues like CarPlay not connecting after the iOS 16-26 update can be frustrating. Fortunately, most CarPlay problems can be resolved with simple troubleshooting steps. In such cases, downgrading your iPhone to a previous iOS version like iOS 18-15 using reliable tools such as Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS) can be an effective solution.

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