Phone doesn’t connect to car speakers

Hello ImJayne,

If your vehicle is compatible with CarPlay, the steps below may help:

• Make sure that your iPhone has the latest version of iOS. 

Check your wired or wireless connection and your iPhone settings

If your iPhone is updated to the latest version of iOS, follow these steps—checking CarPlay after each step:

1. Check your connection to your CarPlay stereo:

• If you have a wired connection, try connecting again with a different USB cable to a different USB port if you have one.

• If you have a wireless connection, make sure that Bluetooth is turned on on your iPhone under Settings > Bluetooth. Then go to Settings > Wi-Fi, and make sure that Wi-Fi is also turned on. Tap the CarPlay network, and check that Auto-Join is turned on.

2. If CarPlay doesn't activate automatically, look for the CarPlay logo on your car's display and select it.

3. Restart your iPhone and your car. 

4. Make sure that Siri is on.

5. If your iPhone isn't detected by CarPlay, make sure that CarPlay isn't restricted. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. If Content & Privacy Restrictions is on, tap Allowed Apps, and make sure that CarPlay is enabled.

6. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap your car, then tap Forget This Car. Then set up CarPlay again.

7. Make sure that your CarPlay stereo is using the latest firmware from the car manufacturer. Check your car's manual for more information.

You can also find those steps in this resource: If you need help with CarPlay - Apple Support

If your vehicle isn't compatible with CarPlay, you'll want to verify you are following the applicable set of steps below: How to connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your car - Apple Support

Connect using Bluetooth

1. Restart your device.

2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, and turn off Bluetooth. Wait for about 5 seconds, then turn Bluetooth back on.

3. Check the manual that came with your car for more information on how to pair with a Bluetooth device. Most cars require a phone setup on the car display. 

4. If you've connected multiple phones to your car stereo, try renaming your device: Go to Settings > General > About > Name, and type a new name. Then try connecting again.

5. Update your device.

6. Make sure that your stereo is using the latest firmware from the car manufacturer. Check your car's manual for more information.

Connect using USB playback

1. Restart your device and your car.

2. Make sure that your device is unlocked and on the Home screen.

3. If possible, try to connect using another cable or USB port. Check the manual that came with your car to learn how to connect an Apple device.

4. Check your charging port for any debris or damage. Make sure that your charging cable is properly inserted into the port.

5. Update your device.

6. Make sure that your stereo is using the latest firmware from the car manufacturer. Check your car's manual for more information.

7. Try playing audio from a different app. If you can't play audio from a third-party app, contact the app developer for help.

Should that still persist, you'll want to reach out to Apple Support: Apple Support They'll be in the best position to look into this further.

Take care.