You are currently viewing GMC.com (United States). Close this window to stay here or choose another country to see vehicles and services specific to your location.

how to

HOW TO CONNECT TO APPLE CARPLAY

Difficulty Level: Novice  |  Time Required: 5 Minutes  |  Tools Required: None | Related Parts, Products, Services or Technology: Apple iPhone required  

If your vehicle has Apple CarPlay®† compatibility, you can get directions, make calls, send and receive messages via Siri®, and enjoy your favorite music — all on your vehicle’s built-in center display.


To use Apple CarPlay, you first need to connect your iPhone® to the infotainment system.


CONNECT THROUGH CABLE

  1. Using your iPhone’s cable (USB-A or USB-C, depending on your model), connect your phone to the vehicle’s USB data port. 
  2. Unlock your phone.  
  3. The Apple CarPlay icon on your vehicle’s touchscreen turns green when it is ready for use. Or, if your vehicle has a Projection icon, it will change to Apple CarPlay. 
  4. Follow the prompts on the screen and on your phone to start using CarPlay.
  5. If Apple CarPlay does not automatically launch, touch the Apple CarPlay icon on your infotainment screen.
  6. When Apple CarPlay is active, the screen will show the iPhone apps that are accessible.

CONNECT WIRELESSLY 

Only select vehicles and select iPhones offer this option. If your vehicle does offer this option, work through these steps to enable a wireless connection with Apple CarPlay:

1. Pair/connect your phone to the infotainment system using Bluetooth®.

2. Follow the prompts on the screen and on your Iphone to start a wireless Apple CarPlay session. You will be asked to accept Terms of Use before using the feature.

*Note: Your vehicle must be in PARK the first time you connect to CarPlay.

On some vehicles, after you start Apple CarPlay using a Lightning connection, you’ll be asked if you want to enable wireless Apple CarPlay for future use. If you agree, the next time you go for a drive, your phone will automatically connect wirelessly with Apple CarPlay. If your phone is already paired to the system via Bluetooth, tap the Apple CarPlay icon and follow the prompts on the screen to launch.

Starting in 24MY vehicles, Apple CarPlay will only work for devices with iOS 14 or later through both wired and wireless connections. 

To Exit Apple CarPlay

1. To exit Apple CarPlay, press the Home button. 

2. To return to Apple CarPlay, press and hold the Home button OR touch the Apple CarPlay icon.


For your security, please don’t include personal info such as phone number, address or credit card details.


RELATED LINKS AND RESOURCES


Q&As

How do I know my vehicle is compatible with Apple CarPlay?

You can tell if your vehicle is compatible with Apple CarPlay if you see the Apple Carplay or Projection icon on your center display. You can also check the Apple CarPlay availability page to see if your vehicle is compatible with Apple CarPlay.


How can I find out if my phone supports Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay works on iPhone 5 or later. For 24MY vehicles, Apple CarPlay will only work for devices with iOS 14 or later through both wired and wireless connections. For information about phone compatibility, visit the Apple CarPlay site.

Will Apple CarPlay work with third-party apps such as Google Maps or Waze on my vehicle?

Yes, it will. However, you must be certain that the app developer has updated their app to work with Apple CarPlay, and you must install the most current version of those apps onto your compatible iPhone in order for those apps to work with Apple CarPlay. Your iPhone must also be updated to iOS 14 or later for MY24 vehicles.

Why can’t I start Apple CarPlay when I connect my phone with my Lightning cable?

If your iPhone is locked for more than an hour, you must unlock it to use Apple CarPlay. Next, be sure your cable is plugged in properly. Please verify that you followed the instructions on getting started with Apple CarPlay. Make sure that Apple CarPlay is enabled in your phone’s Settings and on your vehicle’s infotainment system, and connect your phone with a factory-provided USB cable.

Why is album art fuzzy or pixelated on the screen while using Apple CarPlay?

The quality of the album art depends on the size of the image that is available with the song. If the image is small, it appears blurry when stretched to fit the album art window in the now-playing screen.

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING ELSE?


NEED MORE HELP?

Communicate with one of our specialists.


To find out if your vehicle has this feature, contact your dealer or refer to your vehicle’s equipment list. Please check your Owner’s Manual for more information about features.