Switch Between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Switching between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in your car lets you use either your Android phone or your iPhone for navigation, calls, messages, and media on the car’s display. This guide covers the two main ways to make the switch: physically changing the USB cable/port and changing the active phone in the car’s settings. You’ll need both phones (or at least the one you want to switch to), their charging cables, and access to your car’s infotainment system.
What You’ll Need
- Your Android phone (with Android Auto installed and set up)
- Your iPhone (with CarPlay enabled)
- A compatible USB cable for each phone (or a USB-C to Lightning/USB-C cable, depending on your phone)
- Access to your car’s infotainment screen and settings menu
Step-by-Step
- Park safely. Most cars require you to be in Park to change the active phone or access settings. Engage the parking brake if needed.
- Identify the USB ports. Find the USB port(s) in your car that support phone projection. They are often labeled with a smartphone icon or the words “Android Auto� or “CarPlay.� If there are multiple ports, note which one you are using.
- Disconnect the current phone. Unplug the cable from the phone that is currently connected (either Android or iPhone).
- Connect the new phone. Plug the new phone’s cable into the same USB port. The car should detect the new device and launch the corresponding interface (Android Auto or CarPlay).
- If the car does not switch automatically: Look for a “Phone� or “Projection� icon on the home screen. Tap it to open the phone projection menu. You should see a list of connected devices. Select the phone you want to use.
- Change the default phone (optional). If you want the car to always prefer one phone over the other, go to the car’s settings (usually via the gear icon). Look for “Phone,� “Connections,� “Bluetooth,� or “Projection.� Find the option for “Default phone� or “Priority device� and select the phone you want as the default.
- Confirm the switch. Once the new phone is connected, the car’s screen should show Android Auto (with Google Maps, etc.) or CarPlay (with Apple Maps, etc.). Test by making a call or launching an app to ensure it’s working.
Common Mistakes
- Using the wrong USB port. Some cars have multiple USB ports, but only one or two support Android Auto/CarPlay. The others are for charging only. Always use the port with the smartphone icon.
- Not unlocking the phone. Both Android Auto and CarPlay require the phone to be unlocked at least once after connection to allow access. If the screen stays on a “Unlock to use Android Auto� message, unlock the phone and re-connect.
- Forgetting to enable the feature on the phone. On Android, Android Auto must be enabled in the phone’s settings. On iPhone, CarPlay must be allowed in Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions (if restrictions are on).
- Assuming wireless switching is automatic. If your car supports wireless Android Auto/CarPlay, switching phones may not happen automatically. You often need to go into the car’s Bluetooth settings and select the new phone, or disable Bluetooth on the old phone.
- Not updating the car’s software. Older infotainment software may have bugs with switching. Check for updates in the car’s settings if you have trouble.
Tips
- Use high-quality cables. A damaged or low-quality cable can cause connection drops or prevent the car from recognizing the phone. Use the cable that came with your phone or a certified replacement.
- Set a default phone. If you usually drive with one phone, set it as the default so it connects automatically. You can change it later when needed.
- For wireless systems: If your car has wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, make sure the phone’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are on. The car uses both to connect.
- Use voice commands. After switching, you can say “Hey Siri� or “OK Google� to test that the microphone is working for the new system.
- Keep both phones charged. If you switch frequently, keep both phones charged so you don’t have to wait for a low-battery warning.
Troubleshooting
Car doesn’t recognize the new phone. First, make sure the phone is unlocked. Then, unplug and re-plug the cable. If that fails, try a different USB port (if available). Restart the phone and the car’s infotainment system (turn the car off and on).
Android Auto or CarPlay doesn’t appear on the screen. Check that the feature is enabled on the phone. For Android, open the Android Auto app and check settings. For iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay and see if your car is listed. If not, try a different cable.
The car keeps connecting to the old phone. This usually happens because the old phone is still in range (for wireless) or is set as the default. Go to the car’s phone settings and change the default, or turn off Bluetooth on the old phone temporarily.
Screen shows “No device connected� even though the phone is plugged in. Try a different USB port. Some ports are power-only. Also, check that the cable supports data transfer, not just charging.
Switching works but audio doesn’t. Make sure the car’s audio source is set to “USB� or “Phone� (not Bluetooth audio). Also, check the volume on both the car and the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch between Android Auto and CarPlay without unplugging the cable?
If your car supports wireless connections, you can switch by going to the car’s Bluetooth settings and selecting the other phone. However, wired connections require physically unplugging one phone and plugging in the other.
Why does my car only show one of the two systems?
Your car may only support one of the two systems, or the other phone may not be compatible (e.g., an older Android phone without Android Auto). Check your car’s manual for compatibility.
Do I need to install an app on my iPhone for CarPlay?
No, CarPlay is built into iOS. Just make sure your iPhone is running a recent version of iOS and that CarPlay is not restricted in Screen Time settings.
Will switching phones affect my car’s Bluetooth contacts?
No, contacts are synced separately for each phone. When you switch, the car will load the contacts from the newly connected phone.
Can I use both phones at the same time?
No, the car’s projection system can only display one phone interface at a time. You can have one phone connected for calls via Bluetooth and the other for projection, but that is not standard and may not work on all cars.
How do I set a default phone for future connections?
In your car’s settings, look for “Phone� or “Connections.� There should be an option for “Default phone� or “Priority.� Select the phone you want to connect automatically.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.