How to Fix iOS 18 CarPlay Not Working? 10 Ways

Part 1: Why is My Apple CarPlay Suddenly Not Working?

CarPlay issues can be frustrating, especially when it works one moment and fails the next. Several common factors might cause Apple CarPlay iOS 18 not working, including:

Common Problems with CarPlay on iOS 18

• Connection Failures: CarPlay may not connect to your car’s infotainment system, leaving you with a blank or frozen screen.
• Software Bugs: iOS 18 beta and its final version might have bugs that interfere with the smooth functioning of Apple CarPlay.
• Incompatibility with Car Systems: Some cars may struggle to sync with newer iOS updates, leading to issues like CarPlay not available or features like Siri not responding.

Why iOS 18 Beta is Causing CarPlay Issues

While iOS 18 offers new features and performance enhancements, beta versions and early releases often come with bugs. Apple CarPlay being a complex system, may not function optimally due to the new code in iOS 18, causing problems like iOS 18 CarPlay does not work or CarPlay failing to connect. Additionally, third-party apps and accessories like wireless dongles may experience compatibility issues.

Part 2: How to Fix iOS 18 CarPlay Not Working? 10 Ways

If iOS 18 CarPlay is not working, don’t worry. Below are 10 tried-and-tested methods to get Apple CarPlay back on track.

1. Restart Your iPhone and Infotainment System

If Apple CarPlay is not working, a restart can often fix the issue. Here’s how:

• Restart your iPhone: Press and hold the power button, then slide to power off. Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

• Restart your car’s infotainment system: Turn off your car completely, wait for a few seconds, then restart the car.

• Reconnect CarPlay: Once both devices are restarted, try connecting CarPlay again.

2. Ensure CarPlay is Enabled on Your iPhone

If Apple CarPlay won’t connect, it could be because the feature isn’t enabled on your iPhone. Follow these steps to check and enable CarPlay:

• Go to Settings on your iPhone.
• Tap General.
• Select CarPlay.
• Ensure your car appears on the list of available connections. If it doesn’t, re-add your car by selecting it from the available devices.

3. Try a Wireless CarPlay Dongle

If you're having trouble with iOS 18 CarPlay, a wireless dongle might help. Follow these steps:

• Purchase a compatible dongle: Ensure the dongle supports wireless CarPlay for your car model.

• Connect the dongle: Plug the dongle into your car’s USB port.
• Pair your iPhone: Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your iPhone with the dongle via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
• Test CarPlay: Once connected, check if CarPlay works smoothly without the cable.

4.Forget the Car from Bluetooth

For those experiencing iOS 18 CarPlay BMW not working, forgetting the car from your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings may solve the issue. Here’s how:

• Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
• Locate your car’s Bluetooth connection in the list.
• Tap the (i) icon next to your car’s name.
• Select Forget This Device.
• Reconnect by pairing your iPhone with your car again through CarPlay.

This refreshes the connection and can often resolve persistent Bluetooth issues.

5.Downgrade to iOS 17 Without Losing Data

If none of the simpler solutions are working, downgrading your iPhone to iOS 17) may be the best option to fix iOS 18 CarPlay stop working. Tenorshare Reiboot is a useful tool for this, allowing you to downgrade without losing data. Here’s how to do it:

How to Use Reiboot:

• Download Reiboot from Tenorshare’s website.


• Connect your iPhone to your computer. Choose Downgrade iOS to begin downgrading your system back to iOS 17.

• After the downgrade is completed, your device will restart with iOS 17 installed. Set up your device and restore your backup to retrieve your data.

Reiboot is reliable and helps fix various system issues, including problems with Apple CarPlay not working.

6. Reconnect CarPlay

If Apple CarPlay won’t connect iOS 18, follow these steps to reconnect:

• Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
• Select General: Tap General, then choose CarPlay.
• Forget your car: Find your car in the list of connected vehicles and tap Forget This Car.
• Re-pair your car: Reconnect by selecting your car again from the available CarPlay devices.

7. Disable Content & Privacy Restrictions

CarPlay not available may be due to content or privacy restrictions on your iPhone. These settings can block features like Siri, which are essential for CarPlay to function correctly. To disable them:

• Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
• Turn off the toggle to disable restrictions.
• Ensure that Siri is enabled by navigating to Settings > Siri & Search.

This should resolve most restriction-related problems with CarPlay.

8. Use a Different Cable or USB Port



If your phone is charging but CarPlay not working, the issue may be with the cable or port. Here's how to troubleshoot:

• Try a different cable: Use an Apple-certified Lightning cable, as third-party ones may not work properly with CarPlay.
• Switch USB ports: Some cars have multiple USB ports, but not all support CarPlay. Try a different port in your car.
• Check for damage: Inspect your cable and port for any physical damage that might affect the connection.

9. Check for Software Updates

One of the reasons your iPhone 16 won’t connect to CarPlay could be that your device or your car’s infotainment system is running outdated software. Keeping both updated ensures compatibility and can resolve many issues.

How to Check for Updates on iPhone:

• 1.Open Settings on your iPhone.
• 2.Tap General.
• 3.Select Software Update.
• 4.If an update is available, tap Download and Install.

After updating your iPhone, check if CarPlay is working again. Additionally, make sure your car’s infotainment system is updated by visiting the manufacturer's website or checking the manual.

Related reading ：Resolve iOS 18 Update Issues

Disable Background App Updates:

Background app updates can interfere with CarPlay performance by using system resources that are needed for seamless connection. To disable them:

• 1.Go to Settings.
• 2.Tap General.
• 3.Select Background App Refresh.
• 4.Choose Off to stop apps from updating in the background.

10. Reset Network Settings

If iOS 18 CarPlay is not connecting, resetting your network settings may help. This action clears saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices but often resolves persistent connection issues. To reset network settings:

• Go to Settings > General > Reset.
• Select Reset Network Settings.

Before doing this, make sure to back up your data, as this will erase saved networks and Bluetooth connections.

By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix any Apple CarPlay iOS 18 not working issues you’re facing. If the problem persists, consider reaching out to Apple support for further assistance or using Reiboot to restore or downgrade your system.

FAQs About iOS 18 CarPlay

Q1: How do I clear Apple CarPlay?

Go to Settings > General > CarPlay, select your car, and choose Forget This Car. Re-add the car afterward to re-establish the connection.

Q2: Why is my CarPlay screen black?

A black screen usually indicates a connection issue. Restart your infotainment system and iPhone, check your cable, or try using Reiboot to resolve potential system glitches.

Q3: How do I turn on CarPlay when plugged in?

Ensure that CarPlay is enabled by going to Settings > General > CarPlay, and check that your car is connected. If the connection is still not working, check the cable or USB port.