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Apple CarPlay is a revolutionary feature that integrates your iPhone into your car’s infotainment system, providing a safer, smarter, and more enjoyable driving experience. However, like any other technology, it can sometimes run into issues, and one of the most common problems users face is the touch screen not working. This article provides in-depth solutions to get your CarPlay back on track if you’re experiencing such a problem.
Experiencing Apple CarPlay Glitches?
When you’re on the road, Apple CarPlay is designed to be your reliable partner, but it can sometimes let you down. While the reasons behind the non-responsive touch screen can vary, we’ve gathered a handful of viable solutions to help you get back to your seamless driving experience. Here’s how you can troubleshoot and fix the issue if your Apple CarPlay touch screen stops working.
Investigating Screen Time and Restrictions for CarPlay
It’s possible that unintentional adjustments to your iPhone’s settings may have caused CarPlay to be disabled. To verify this, navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps on your iPhone. In older iOS versions, visit General > Restrictions and enter your passcode. Once there, scroll until you find CarPlay and ensure it’s allowed. Alternatively, you can temporarily disable Screen Time by heading to Settings > Screen Time > Turn Screen Time off.
Resolving Bluetooth Issues with CarPlay and Your iPhone
Vehicle-specific quirks can sometimes cause problems when trying to use CarPlay. For instance, using both a Bluetooth connection and CarPlay concurrently can lead to issues. While some vehicles manage both connections smoothly, others may not. If you encounter difficulties with CarPlay, consider removing the Bluetooth connection between your iPhone and vehicle. After restarting your iPhone, try using CarPlay again.
Moreover, it could be beneficial to disconnect any existing connections to other vehicles. Check your Bluetooth settings for any lingering connections. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay to identify any other CarPlay connections with different vehicles. Eliminating these connections may resolve the problem. Also, consider deleting your current vehicle’s connection and setting it up again.
Overcoming Night Mode Issues for Maps
While the Maps app is set to use dark mode by default at night, sometimes it may fail to activate, which can be quite distracting when driving at night. A simple workaround for this issue is to initiate navigation to a location. The activation of navigation usually triggers dark mode. Even if you cancel the navigation, dark mode should persist.
Another possible solution is to adjust your vehicle’s dimmer. Almost every vehicle comes equipped with a knob or dial that adjusts the interior lighting. Interestingly, in some vehicles, CarPlay is linked to the dimmer. Thus, dark mode may activate once you dim the interior slightly. Some cars even have separate dimmers for the dashboard unit and additional interior lighting. A bit of experimentation might be necessary to figure out what works best for your vehicle.
Dealing with Spotify Compatibility Issues with CarPlay
Some users report issues with Spotify not working with CarPlay following an iOS update. Although the music from Spotify continues to play, opening the Spotify app in CarPlay only results in a black screen. Trying the usual fixes, such as closing and reopening the Spotify app or unplugging and replugging your iPhone from your vehicle, can be a good starting point.
Another known issue is the interaction between Waze and Spotify when using CarPlay. If you have the Waze and Spotify integration activated in the Waze settings, consider turning it off. Disabling the integration should resolve the Spotify issue in CarPlay.
Addressing the Black Screen Issue with CarPlay
Some users, especially those using iPhone X Series (X, XR, XS), have reported a black screen issue. Although the touch functionality works and audio continues to play, the display remains black. This issue can typically be resolved by turning off the car and performing a hard restart on the iPhone. This solution has proven effective for most users.
Resolving CarPlay Issues with iPhone XS/XR and Latest iOS
Some iPhone XS users continue to face CarPlay issues even after updating to the latest iOS version. Some users have found that charging the phone using a USB charger resolves the CarPlay issues. This workaround keeps the battery at 100%, effectively mitigating the CarPlay problem until Apple provides a fix. It’s worth noting that recent iOS updates have significantly reduced the occurrence of black screen issues.
Prior to these updates, users reported black screen issues when launching third-party apps like Google Play Music or NPR One. The only workaround was to control the app via your iPhone. Some users found success by deleting the problematic app entirely. However, with the latest iOS updates, Apple has managed to fix many of these issues. If you haven’t updated to the latest iOS yet, consider doing so.
Reader Tips
Input from various users has contributed significantly to the compilation of these solutions. Here are some of their tips:
Apple CarPlay has significantly improved the overall driving experience by integrating iPhone apps into the car’s touchscreen or voice commands. However, like any other technology, it occasionally encounters problems. One of the most common issues is the touch screen not responding. This article provides comprehensive solutions to this issue.
What if Your Apple CarPlay Touch Screen Isn’t Responding?
Apple CarPlay, when functioning optimally, can significantly enhance your driving experience. However, if it’s not working, it can be a real inconvenience. There are several potential fixes if your CarPlay touch screen isn’t working as expected.
Strategies for Getting CarPlay to Work
Several strategies can be employed if you’re experiencing difficulties with your CarPlay touch screen. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Allow CarPlay When the iPhone is Locked
The first strategy involves ensuring that CarPlay can function when your device is locked. To do this, navigate to “Settings”, then “General”, followed by “My Cars”. From there, tap on the “CarPlay” option and select your car from the list of available options. Toggle the “Allow CarPlay While Locked” switch.
2. Turn On Siri
Since CarPlay relies heavily on voice commands while driving, Siri must be enabled for it to work properly. You can enable Siri by going to “Settings”, then “Siri & Search”. Here, you’ll need to ensure that several options are enabled, such as “Listen for Hey Siri”, “Press Side Button for Siri” (or “Press Home for Siri” on iPhones with a Home button), and “Allow Siri When Locked”. By turning these on, especially the “Hey Siri” and “Allow Siri When Locked” options, your issue should be resolved.
3. Try a Different USB Port or USB Cable
If you’re having trouble with Apple CarPlay while using a wired connection, it might be due to a faulty USB cable or USB port. Consider using a different USB cable to connect your iPhone to the car’s infotainment system. If that doesn’t solve the issue, try using a different USB port if your car has more than one. Note that not all USB ports will support Apple CarPlay. Look for a port with a smartphone or CarPlay logo beside it.
4. Restart iPhone
Restarting your iPhone can fix CarPlay issues that arise from minor software glitches. The process for restarting your iPhone varies depending on the model. For the iPhone X series and newer (including the third-generation iPhone SE), hold down the power button along with either volume button. For the iPhone 6, 7, and 8 series, and the second-generation iPhone SE, hold down the side button. For the iPhone 5 series and earlier, including the first-generation SE, press down on the top button until the slider appears.
5. Turn Off USB Restricted Mode
To protect against potential security issues when using USB connections, Apple has a feature in iOS that turns off the USB accessory if the iPhone has been locked for more than an hour. Disabling this feature can prevent your iPhone from disconnecting from your Apple CarPlay.
6. Restart Infotainment System
You may also need to restart your car’s infotainment system to clear any glitches that could be causing Apple CarPlay not to work. The procedure for restarting varies for different car models, so it’s best to refer to your car manual for specific instructions. However, in most cases, holding down the power button on the car’s infotainment system for about five seconds usually results in the system restarting.
7. Update Infotainment System Software
Some infotainment systems and aftermarket stereos that support CarPlay can be updated. If you have one of these, consider updating it. This process will vary depending on the manufacturer of your car or the stereo system you’re using. You can refer to their manual or website for instructions on how to update the firmware.
8. Update iOS
Make sure you’ve updated your device to the latest version of iOS to eliminate any bugs that could prevent Apple CarPlay from working. You can check for updates by going to “Settings”, selecting “General”, and then tapping on “Software Update” at the top of the screen. If an update is available, tap “Download and Install” or “Install Now”.
9. Contact Apple Support
If you’ve tried all the above solutions and still can’t resolve the issue, it might be time to reach out to Apple’s support team. They may be able to provide additional suggestions or fixes that can help.
Resetting CarPlay
If your CarPlay is still not working after trying all the solutions above, you may need to reset it. The reset process is slightly different depending on whether your car supports wired or wireless CarPlay.
If Your Car Supports Wired CarPlay
To reset wired CarPlay, go to “Settings” on your iPhone, then “General”, followed by “CarPlay”. Choose your car from the list and at the bottom of the screen, select “Forget This Car.” After doing this, plug your device back into the stereo system. The system should detect the iPhone, and you can accept any prompts that appear.
If Your Car Supports Wireless CarPlay
If you’re using wireless CarPlay and it’s not working, reconnecting to the car might help. Ensure that Bluetooth is on because Apple CarPlay cannot work over a wireless connection without it. Once Bluetooth is enabled, disconnect and reconnect to the car over Bluetooth.
Possible Causes of Apple CarPlay Not Working
Understanding the potential reasons behind Apple CarPlay not working can help prevent these issues in the future. Here are some of the common causes:
- Car or iPhone is Not Compatible: Not all iPhone models or cars support CarPlay. Verify that your iPhone and car model support CarPlay.
- Not Supported in Your Region: Not all countries and regions support CarPlay. Ensure that you live in a supported region.
- CarPlay is Switched Off: If CarPlay is switched off on your iPhone, you’ll need to turn it back on. You can do this in your iPhone’s settings.
- Siri is Off: Siri must be enabled for CarPlay to work properly because it relies on Siri’s hands-free functionality.
- iOS or CarPlay Bug: Software bugs in iOS or CarPlay can prevent it from working correctly.
- iPhone Not Properly Connected: If your iPhone is not correctly connected to the infotainment system through USB, CarPlay won’t work.
By understanding these potential issues, you can prevent them from happening and ensure a smoother and more enjoyable CarPlay experience.
Checklist for Apple CarPlay
If you’re facing problems with Apple CarPlay, here’s a quick checklist of things to do:
- Check if CarPlay is supported by your car model and iPhone.
- Ensure CarPlay is turned on in your iPhone’s settings.
- Ensure Siri is enabled.
- Check if your iPhone is properly connected to the infotainment system.
- Try a different USB cable or USB port.
- Restart your iPhone and car’s infotainment system.
- Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version.
- Contact Apple Support if none of the above solutions work.
Final Words
While Apple CarPlay is a fantastic feature that allows you to seamlessly integrate your iPhone into your car’s infotainment system, it can sometimes run into problems. The touchscreen not working is one of the most common issues users face. If you’re experiencing this problem, the solutions provided in this article should help you get back on track. Remember to always keep your device updated to the latest iOS version to minimize these issues, and don’t hesitate to contact Apple Support if you need further assistance.
Why is my Apple CarPlay touch screen not working?
There could be several reasons why your Apple CarPlay touch screen is not working. This can range from compatibility issues, regional restrictions, settings on your iPhone, bugs in the iOS or CarPlay software, or issues with the USB connection between your iPhone and the car’s infotainment system.
What should I do when my Apple CarPlay touch screen isn’t responding?
There are several steps you can take when your Apple CarPlay touch screen isn’t responding. This includes checking your iPhone and car model’s compatibility with CarPlay, ensuring that CarPlay and Siri are enabled on your iPhone, using a different USB cable or USB port, restarting your iPhone and your car’s infotainment system, updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version, and contacting Apple Support if none of these solutions work.
Can I reset Apple CarPlay if it’s not working?
Yes, you can reset Apple CarPlay if it’s not working. The reset process is slightly different depending on whether your car supports wired or wireless CarPlay. For wired CarPlay, you need to go to the settings on your iPhone, select General, followed by CarPlay, choose your car from the list and at the bottom of the screen, select ‘Forget This Car.’ For wireless CarPlay, ensure that Bluetooth is on, and disconnect and reconnect to the car over Bluetooth.