Why is there no screen projection after connecting to CarPlay?
3 Answers
"After connecting to CarPlay, but the car screen does not display, first check if there is any damage at the data cable connection point or if the plug is loose. CarPlay is an in-car system released by Apple Inc. in the United States, which seamlessly integrates users' iOS devices and iOS usage experience with the dashboard system. When connecting to CarPlay, first ensure that the car model supports CarPlay before proceeding with the connection. Prepare an original USB cable and connect it to the car's USB port. At this point, the car system will automatically open CarPlay. If the CarPlay interface does not appear on the car's main screen, click the CarPlay icon on the phone to launch CarPlay. The connection method for CarPlay is that users connect to the car via USB. After a successful connection, the screen will display a handshake between both parties, and then users can view the phone screen and use various functions of the iPhone without manual operation."
I've encountered this issue too. The first thing to check is the data cable. Genuine cables are much more reliable than off-brand ones, as cheap cables often only charge but fail to transfer data. Then, check if your car's infotainment system is outdated—some older models require manually tapping the CarPlay icon on the central screen to switch. On your phone, make sure both Bluetooth and WiFi are turned on, and the car’s phone projection feature must also be enabled. If you connect but get no display or sound, it’s likely your phone’s OS is too old—update iOS immediately. Also, dust buildup in the charging port can cause disconnections; try cleaning the port with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab wrapped around a toothpick—it might just work.
Last week, my best friend's new car had the same issue, and after a lot of troubleshooting, we found out that Siri wasn't turned on. Nowadays, the Screen Time settings on your phone might also block CarPlay. Here's a little-known tip: Plugging in the cable after starting the car makes it easier to connect. When renting a car, I once encountered a grayed-out CarPlay icon on the screen—it turned out the previous renter had disabled the car's projection feature. Sudden disconnections could be due to interference from the dashcam's WiFi; try turning off the dashcam's hotspot. Older car systems require enabling phone projection permissions in the settings, similar to authorizing a phone, and you might need to confirm it several times.
