You can disable CarPlay either temporarily by disconnecting the USB cable or turning off the Wi-Fi connection, or permanently by restricting its access through your car's infotainment settings menu. The most common method is via the Settings or Smartphone Connectivity menu on your vehicle's head unit (the central touchscreen display), where you can forget the paired device.
The process varies significantly by car manufacturer. Here’s a quick reference for some popular brands:
| Car Manufacturer | Typical Path in Settings Menu | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Honda / Acura | Settings > Smartphone > Apple CarPlay | You may need to select your phone and "Delete" it. |
| Ford / Lincoln | Settings > Apple CarPlay > [Your Phone Name] | Look for an option to turn off CarPlay for that device. |
| Toyota / Lexus | Setup > General > Apple CarPlay | Some models only allow deletion of all paired phones. |
| BMW | COM > Mobile Devices > Configure Apple CarPlay | Disabling is often a simple toggle switch. |
| Hyundai / Kia | Setup > Phone Connections > Apple CarPlay | You can typically disable it without deleting the phone. |
| General Motors | Settings > Projection > Apple CarPlay | Often found under the "Phone" or "Apps" section. |
For a temporary disable, simply unplug the USB cable. If your CarPlay connection is wireless, you can disable it by turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for your vehicle from your iPhone's Control Center. For a permanent solution, navigating the infotainment menu is your best bet. If you're unsure, your vehicle's owner's manual is the most authoritative source for the exact steps tailored to your model year. Remember, these settings only affect CarPlay; standard Bluetooth audio streaming will often remain active if you want to keep that functionality.
