Can't connect Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to the car stereo, or the connection to the service drops

IMPORTANT: This article applies only to specific products and/or operating systems. Check Applicable Products and Categories for details.

If you experience connection issues with Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ while connected to your car stereo, this article provides tips to help resolve them.

Connection drops can also occur while driving due to Wi-Fi® signal interference. If your device doesn't reconnect automatically, follow these steps to restore the connection.

Before you start

• Available services or connection methods will vary depending on the car stereo. Check the product manuals for the compatibility of your car stereo.
• Confirm that the software version on the devices and apps used is updated to the latest version.
• Make sure that your smartphone is compatible with the Apple CarPlay® and/or Android Auto™ feature. The requirements for smartphones may differ between USB and wireless connection, even for the same service.

Steps to troubleshoot connection

Perform the following steps and check if the issue is resolved after each one:

1. For Apple CarPlay only: On the iPhone®, select Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions, then set CarPlay to Allow.
2. Restart your smartphone.
3. Perform the following, depending on the connection method:

   For a USB connection

   Replace the existing cable that you use to connect the smartphone with a new, shorter cable preferably of premium quality.

   Note:

   • The condition of the cable you have been using may have deteriorated causing it not to work properly.
   • If you use an iPhone, we recommend using a Lightning® cable manufactured by Apple.
   • For models with a supplied USB extension cable, if you need to use a USB extension cable, use the cable supplied with the car stereo.

   For a wireless connection

   1. Pair with the smartphone again following these steps:
      1. In the Device Connection screen of the car stereo, deregister the smartphone that could not be connected.
      2. In the Bluetooth settings of the smartphone, deregister the car stereo.
      3. Pair the smartphone and car stereo again.
   2. In the Device Connection screen of the car stereo, deregister any devices that are not in use, then connect with the smartphone again.
      
      Note: The connection can fail if there are multiple devices paired with the car stereo.

If the issue still occurs, you can also refer to the appropriate service support page:

• Apple CarPlay help page 
• Android Auto help page 

*Apple, iPhone, and CarPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.