Adding apps to CarPlay is done entirely through your iPhone settings, not through CarPlay itself

CarPlay does not have its own app store or settings menu. Instead, you control which apps appear on your CarPlay screen by going into your iPhone's Settings app and choosing which ones to show. The apps themselves must already be installed on your iPhone — you cannot read new apps directly to CarPlay. Once an app supports CarPlay (most navigation, music, messaging, and podcast apps do), you can turn it on or off for CarPlay use in about thirty seconds.

The process is the same whether your car has a built-in CarPlay screen or you are using an aftermarket CarPlay head unit. You will need your iPhone unlocked and in your hands to make these changes — you cannot do it through the car's touchscreen.

Key Takeaways

  • Apps must be installed on your iPhone first; CarPlay only displays apps that already exist on your phone and support CarPlay.
  • You manage CarPlay apps through Settings > General > CarPlay on your iPhone, not through any CarPlay menu in your car.
  • Not every app supports CarPlay — navigation, music, messaging, and podcast apps usually do, but social media and email apps typically do not.
  • You can reorder apps on your CarPlay home screen by dragging them in the same Settings menu where you turn them on and off.
  • If an app you want does not appear in the CarPlay settings list, it does not support CarPlay, and no setting will make it available.

How to turn apps on for CarPlay in Settings

Open Settings on your iPhone and tap General. Scroll down and tap CarPlay. You will see your car listed (or "Available Cars" if you have not connected yet). Tap your car's name. You will now see a list of all apps on your iPhone that support CarPlay, with toggles next to each one.

Tap the toggle next to any app to turn it on. A green toggle means the app will appear on your CarPlay home screen. A gray toggle means it is off and will not show. There is no limit to how many apps you can turn on — they will scroll if they do not all fit on one screen. Make your changes and go back; the settings save automatically.

If you do not see your car listed under CarPlay settings, connect your iPhone to your car's system using a USB cable or Bluetooth (depending on your car's setup), unlock your phone when prompted, and try again. Your car should then appear in the CarPlay settings list.

What to do if an app you want is not in the CarPlay list

If an app does not appear in your CarPlay settings at all, it does not support CarPlay. This is a decision made by the app's developer, not something you can change with a setting. Social media apps like Instagram and TikTok, email apps like Gmail, and most banking apps do not support CarPlay because they require too much interaction or present security risks while driving.

Check the app's description in the App Store to see if CarPlay support is listed. If it is not mentioned, the app does not support it. Some apps add CarPlay support in updates, so if you have not updated an app in a while, update it first and check the CarPlay settings again.

Reordering apps on your CarPlay home screen

The order apps appear on your CarPlay screen is controlled in the same CarPlay settings menu. In Settings > General > CarPlay > [Your Car], press and hold any app name (not the toggle) until a menu appears. Tap Move and drag the app up or down the list. Release it in the position you want.

Apps at the top of the list appear first on your CarPlay home screen. You can also remove an app from CarPlay without deleting it from your iPhone by tapping the red minus icon next to its name, then tapping Remove. The app stays on your phone; it just will not show in CarPlay anymore.

Apps that usually support CarPlay

Navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps support CarPlay and are often the reason people use it. Music and podcast apps including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Podcasts work on CarPlay. Messaging apps like Messages, WhatsApp, and Telegram support CarPlay so you can send and receive texts without picking up your phone.

Phone calls, contacts, and calendar functions are built into CarPlay and always available — you do not need to turn them on. Audiobook apps like Audible and Libro.fm also support CarPlay. If you use a less common app, search its name plus "CarPlay" to see whether the developer has added support.

Troubleshooting apps that should work but do not appear

If an app supports CarPlay but does not show up in your settings, first make sure the app is fully updated. Open the App Store, tap your profile icon in the top right, scroll down to see your apps, and check whether the app has a pending update. Install any updates and check CarPlay settings again.

If the app is updated and still does not appear, disconnect your iPhone from CarPlay (unplug the USB cable or turn off Bluetooth), wait ten seconds, and reconnect. Sometimes the CarPlay settings list does not refresh when ready after an app update. If it still does not appear after reconnecting, the app may have removed CarPlay support in a recent update, or there may be a compatibility issue with your car's system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add apps to CarPlay without unlocking my iPhone?

No. You must have your iPhone unlocked and in your hands to change CarPlay settings. You cannot make these changes through your car's touchscreen or voice commands. This is a security feature to prevent passengers from changing your app settings while you drive.

Why does an app I use not show up in CarPlay settings?

The app does not support CarPlay. The developer decides which apps work with CarPlay, and many apps (especially social media and email) are not designed for it. Check the App Store listing to confirm, but if it is not mentioned there, no setting will make it available.

If I turn off an app in CarPlay settings, does it delete the app from my iPhone?

No. Turning off an app in CarPlay settings only removes it from your CarPlay screen. The app remains installed on your iPhone and works normally when you use your phone directly. You can turn it back on in CarPlay settings anytime.

Can I use CarPlay with apps that are not on my iPhone?

No. Every app that appears on CarPlay must be installed on your iPhone first. You cannot read apps directly to CarPlay or use an app on CarPlay if it is not on your phone.

What if my car does not have a built-in CarPlay screen?

You can buy an aftermarket CarPlay head unit (a replacement stereo with a CarPlay screen) and install it in your car. The process for adding apps is identical — you still use your iPhone's Settings app. Some older aftermarket units may have limited app support, so check compatibility before buying.