You add apps to CarPlay through your iPhone, not through your car

Apple CarPlay itself doesn't have an app store. Instead, you control which apps appear on your CarPlay screen by managing them on your iPhone. When you connect your phone to your car's system, CarPlay shows only the apps you've allowed it to show. If an app isn't appearing on CarPlay, it's because either the app doesn't support CarPlay, or you haven't enabled it in your iPhone settings.

The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether your car has a built-in CarPlay system or you're using an aftermarket CarPlay head unit.

Key Takeaways

  • CarPlay apps are managed on your iPhone through Settings, not added through your car's system.
  • Not every app supports CarPlay — only apps designed for driving (maps, music, messaging, phone calls) typically work.
  • You enable apps for CarPlay by going to Settings > General > CarPlay, selecting your car, and toggling apps on or off.
  • If an app doesn't appear in your CarPlay settings, it either doesn't support CarPlay or needs to be updated.

Finding the CarPlay settings on your iPhone

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and scroll down to find General. Tap it, then look for CarPlay in the list. You'll see a list of cars you've connected to before, or an option to add a new car if this is your first time.

If you've already connected your car to your iPhone, tap your car's name. If you haven't, tap Available Cars and follow the prompts to connect. Your car will appear in the list once you've paired it at least once through Bluetooth or USB.

Enabling apps for your CarPlay display

Once you've selected your car in the CarPlay settings, you'll see a list of apps with toggle switches next to them. Each toggle that's turned on (green) means that app will show up on your CarPlay screen. Each toggle that's off (gray) means the app won't appear, even if it's installed on your phone.

Scroll through the list and turn on the apps you want to use while driving. Common apps that support CarPlay include Apple Maps, Google Maps, Waze, Apple Music, Spotify, Messages, Phone, and Podcasts. The exact list depends on which apps you have installed and which ones Apple has approved for CarPlay use.

You can change these settings anytime — there's no limit to how many times you toggle apps on or off. Changes take effect the next time you connect to CarPlay.

Why an app might not appear in your CarPlay settings

If you're looking for an app and it's not in the CarPlay settings list, the most common reason is that the app doesn't support CarPlay. Apple restricts CarPlay to apps designed for safe driving — primarily navigation, music, podcasts, messaging, and phone calls. Apps like email, social media, games, and photo editing don't work on CarPlay because they require too much attention.

The second reason is that the app needs an update. If you recently installed an app that supports CarPlay, check the App Store to see if an update is available. Sometimes the CarPlay feature is added in a later version. Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and scroll down to see pending updates.

Third, make sure you're looking at the right car. If you've connected multiple vehicles to your iPhone, each one has its own CarPlay app list. Tap the car name at the top of the CarPlay settings screen to switch between them.

Rearranging app order on your CarPlay screen

The order apps appear on your CarPlay home screen is controlled by the order they appear in your iPhone's CarPlay settings. To change the order, tap Edit in the top-left corner of the app list (you may need to scroll up to see it). Then press and hold the three horizontal lines next to each app name and drag it up or down to reorder.

Tap Done when you're finished. The new order will show up on your CarPlay display the next time you connect.

Connecting to CarPlay in your car

Once you've enabled your apps, connect your iPhone to your car using either a USB cable or Bluetooth, depending on what your car supports. Most newer cars support both, but check your car's manual if you're not sure. When the connection is complete, your car's screen should show the CarPlay home screen with your enabled apps.

If CarPlay doesn't appear automatically, look for a CarPlay button or menu option on your car's touchscreen. Some cars require you to tap a button to switch to CarPlay mode. If you're still not seeing it, make sure Siri is enabled on your iPhone — CarPlay requires it to function.

Troubleshooting when apps won't show up on CarPlay

If an app is toggled on in your CarPlay settings but still isn't appearing on your car's screen, try disconnecting and reconnecting your phone. Unplug the USB cable or turn off Bluetooth, wait five seconds, then reconnect. This refreshes the connection and usually fixes temporary glitches.

If that doesn't work, restart your iPhone. Hold the power button until you see the shutdown slider, slide to power off, wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. Then reconnect to CarPlay.

If the problem persists with a specific app, check that the app is fully updated in the App Store. Some apps stop working on CarPlay if they fall too far behind the current version. You can also try removing the car from your CarPlay settings and adding it again — tap your car name, then tap Forget This Car at the bottom, then reconnect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add apps to CarPlay that aren't in the App Store?

No. CarPlay only works with apps that Apple has approved and that support CarPlay functionality. You can't sideload apps or use apps that aren't available through the official App Store. This is a safety restriction to keep drivers focused on the road.

Do I need to pay for apps to use them on CarPlay?

No more than you would on your iPhone. If an app is free on your phone, it's free on CarPlay. If you've paid for an app on your iPhone, you don't pay again to use it on CarPlay — the purchase carries over automatically.

Will my CarPlay apps be the same in every car I drive?

No. Each car you connect to has its own separate app list in your CarPlay settings. You can enable different apps for different vehicles. This is useful if you drive a work car and a personal car and want different apps available in each one.

What happens to my CarPlay apps if I get a new iPhone?

When you set up a new iPhone from a backup of your old one, your CarPlay settings transfer over automatically. If you set up your new iPhone as a new device instead, you'll need to go back to CarPlay settings and enable your apps again for each car.

Can I use CarPlay wirelessly without a cable?

Yes, if your car supports wireless CarPlay. Not all cars do — check your car's manual or settings to see if the option is available. Wireless CarPlay uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so make sure both are turned on on your iPhone. The first time you connect, you'll usually need to use a USB cable to set it up, then wireless will work after that.