Why is the CarPlay in my car gray?
3 Answers
The gray CarPlay in your car indicates that it has not been connected yet. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone, then open CarPlay on your phone and establish the connection with the car's CarPlay system. Here is an extended introduction: Extended introduction to CarPlay: Simply put, it maps functions such as phone calls, text messages, navigation, and music from your iPhone to the car's multimedia system, but it only supports Apple devices with a Lightning interface. The combination of CarPlay and "Hey, Siri" also enables voice control functionality in the vehicle.
I've encountered this issue several times as well—the CarPlay icon appears grayed out, likely because the phone isn't properly connected to the vehicle's system. I suspect the main causes include unstable connections, such as a faulty data cable or poor Bluetooth pairing. Additionally, if the phone is locked and not unlocked, this can also happen, so remember to check if your iPhone is unlocked before driving. Outdated infotainment system software might be another culprit; try restarting both your phone and the car. If the problem persists, inspect the USB port for dust blockage or try using a different cable. Paying attention to these small details during daily use can help avoid bigger headaches.
Last month, my car also experienced a CarPlay gray screen issue, which gave me quite a scare. I tried restarting both my iPhone and the car's display, and it recovered quickly. Aging data cables are a common cause—replacing it with a new one fixed the problem. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and check if the CarPlay function is enabled in the car's settings. Also, consider signal issues; CarPlay may turn gray when the phone has weak reception. Safety comes first while driving—if you notice a problem, pull over immediately to address it. In short, troubleshooting step by step is the most effective approach.
