Switching between phones on Apple CarPlay is a straightforward process, but the method depends on whether your car supports wireless or only wired CarPlay. In most cases, you’ll need to manually connect the second phone via the car's infotainment system or by plugging it in with a USB cable. There’s no direct "hot-swap" button within the CarPlay interface itself.
The simplest way is to use voice commands. While CarPlay is active on one phone, press and hold the voice control button on your steering wheel and say, "Hey Siri, disconnect CarPlay." This will end the session for the first phone. You can then connect your second phone.
If your vehicle supports wireless CarPlay, the process involves going into your car's Bluetooth or CarPlay settings. First, ensure the first phone is disconnected. On your car's main infotainment screen, navigate to the Phone or CarPlay settings menu. Your car should show a list of previously paired devices. Select the second phone from this list to connect it. The system may take a moment to switch over.
For wired CarPlay, it's even more direct but requires physical action. Unplug the first phone's USB cable from the car and plug in the second phone. The infotainment system should automatically recognize the new device and launch CarPlay for it after a brief loading period. This is the most reliable method, as some cars can be finicky with wireless switching.
It's important to note that not all car models handle multiple phones seamlessly. Some may require you to go into the phone list on the screen and manually select a different device. Consulting your vehicle's owner's manual for specific instructions is always a good idea. The key is to ensure the first connection is fully terminated before attempting to connect the second device to avoid conflicts.
