VW CarPlay Not Working (How to Fix)

Did your Volkswagen CarPlay suddenly stop working? Or you’re having trouble connecting your VW Apple CarPlay to your iPhone? If yes, you’re not alone. Many VW owners usually experience this problem. This guide discusses more details about your VW CarPlay not working and how to fix it.

VW CarPlay not working can be caused by any of the issues listed below:

• CarPlay is disabled
• Outdated software
• Software glitches
• Faulty or non-supported USB cable
• Compatibility issues
• Network problems
• Bluetooth connectivity issues

This article will explore more helpful details about why your VW CarPlay is not working and how you can resolve the issue. Moreover, we’ll discuss why your iPhone is not working with CarPlay, CarPlay won’t work but your phone is charging, CarPlay won’t work after an update, and more.

Vw Carplay Not Working Causes:

Below, we have discussed the most common causes for your VW CarPlay to quit working:

The CarPlay is disabled

One of the common issues that could be making your Volkswagen CarPlay malfunction involves the CarPlay feature being disabled. This can be either in the settings menu on your phone or in your vehicle infotainment system settings. Make sure the feature is enabled in both your vehicle and smartphone and then try to pair the two again.

Outdated software

If your VW infotainment system and your smartphone are using outdated software, CarPlay may also stop working. This is because outdated software tends to create compatibility issues—preventing smooth connectivity between the two. Ensure your smartphone and infotainment systems are running on the latest software versions.

Faulty USB connection

Most VW owners have found a faulty USB connection to be the reason behind their CarPlay not working. You should check whether the lightning cable that connects your smartphone to the USB port is securely connected, Apple-certified (for iPhone users), and undamaged). If possible, consider connecting a different USB cable to see if it works. Also, inspect the ports for any signs of damage or debris.

Software glitches

There could also be software glitches or bugs that could be preventing the CarPlay from functioning properly. To fix minor software issues causing the CarPlay to malfunction, you may want to restart your phone and reset your infotainment system (this may wipe out some settings/preferences). You may also want to disable Bluetooth as it could be stopping the USB data cable from making a connection.

Faulty or non-supported USB cable

Another common cause for CarPlay malfunction is using a faulty USB or one that’s not supported. This creates connectivity issues. You should therefore ensure you use the correct cable to connect your cellphone to your CarPlay and that it’s not defective.

USB port issues

You should also inspect your VW CarPlay USB port for issues like loose connections, debris, or damage that could be making the CarPlay not work. For instance, a damaged port can disrupt proper communication between the infotainment system and your smartphone.

Vehicle compatibility issues

CarPlay may also stop working if you’re using an incompatible device. Most car owners may not know this, but not all iPhone or Android models will work with CarPlay. Ensure you’re using an Android device or iPhone supported by your Volkswagen CarPlay.

Network problems

For you to access some of your CarPlay features, including navigation, you’ll need to have an active data connection. You should therefore ensure that your mobile device has a strong and stable internet connection—whether connected to Wi-Fi or through cellular data.

Bluetooth connectivity issues

For the wireless connectivity option, your VW CarPlay depends on Bluetooth for the pairing on your phone. Therefore, any Bluetooth connectivity problems present may cause it to malfunction.

You should ensure that your phone’s Bluetooth is enabled. Also, ensure it’s correctly paired to your VW infotainment system via Bluetooth for proper CarPlay functionality.

Other potential culprits to consider are third-party apps on your smartphone conflicting with your CarPlay functionality, CarPlay being restricted on your device, or even a defective CarPlay module.

How To Fix Your Carplay Not Working

Here are helpful troubleshooting tips on how to make your CarPlay work again:

• Start by checking whether your VW model supports CarPlay. You can do so by consulting your owner’s manual or confirming with your dealership.
• You should also confirm that the smartphone you’re using is compatible with CarPlay. For iPhone users, you can refer to this apple’s official list of supported devices.
• Next, you should check whether you’re using the correct/certified lightning cable to connect your smartphone to your vehicle CarPlay.
• Also, check that the cable isn’t faulty/damaged as it could cause connectivity problems.
• Check the status of CarPlay in your vehicle infotainment system settings and enable it if it’s deactivated. Consult your owner’s manual on how to enable this feature in your vehicle.
• Ensure your VW infotainment system and iPhone are updated to the latest software versions. This will rule out the possibility of outdated software causing connectivity problems.
• Ensure your device is paired to your VW infotainment system correctly via Bluetooth.
• Check the USB port for CarPlay in your vehicle for any signs of physical damage, loose connection, or debris.
• Ensure your smartphone has a stable internet connection, as you may need this to access some CarPlay features.
• Check the restrictions settings on your smartphone and enable CarPlay if its use has been restricted.
• Consider restarting your smartphone as well as your infotainment system. This may help clear temporary glitches and refresh the systems to set them for a smooth start.
• Consider performing a factory reset of your infotainment system. This should be a last resort if none of the above steps has fixed the issue. But keep in mind that this step may erase personalized settings.

If none of the above helps fix the problem, consider contacting a qualified VW technician or your nearest Volkswagen dealership for further troubleshooting advice and expert assistance.

Why Is Your Vw Carplay Not Working With An Iphone?

If your Volkswagen CarPlay is not working with your iPhone, follow the steps below to troubleshoot and fix this issue:

• Check compatibility: Verify that your iPhone model is compatible with the iPhone model you’re using. Likewise, you should ensure your VW model is compatible with CarPlay. If you’re using an aftermarket multimedia system, there’s a high chance it may not support CarPlay.
• Faulty or incorrect USB cable: You’d want to make sure you’re using your official, certified USB cable that came with your Apple device. Third-party cables may fail to work properly with CarPlay. Also, ensure the cable isn’t faulty.
• USB port problems: Ensure that the VW USB port you’re using to connect to your iPhone isn’t damaged or filled with debris. You may also want to try a new port as the one you’re using may be unable to provide adequate power or have an incorrect data connection for your CarPlay feature.
• iPhone software issues: Make sure your iPhone software is updated to the latest iOS software before you attempt to reconnect it again.
• Outdated infotainment software: The infotainment software should also be up to date to enable it to support CarPlay.
• Disabled CarPlay on iPhone: You should also check whether the CarPlay feature is enabled on your iPhone. To do so, go to your phone General> CarPlay and check whether it’s turned on. If not, simply, turn it on and then try reconnecting it to your vehicle.
• Ensure CarPlay is enabled when iPhone is locked: Sometimes, the feature may turn off if your phone locks so it’s important to check this feature.
• Bluetooth connectivity: If you’re connecting to CarPlay wirelessly via Bluetooth, ensure Bluetooth is on in your iPhone.
• Restart your vehicle and iPhone: This may help refresh both systems and eliminate the problem you’re facing.

Why Vw Carplay Is Not Working But Your Phone Is Charging

You may also face a situation where your smartphone is charging but the CarPlay won’t work. Here are some helpful troubleshooting steps below to resolve the issue:

• Check for software updates: Ensure your phone and vehicle infotainment system are running on the latest software updates. As we mentioned earlier, using outdated software may lead to CarPlay connectivity issues.
• Allow CarPlay with your phone locked: If CarPlay was working and then suddenly it went off but your phone continued charging, it could be something to do with your phone being locked. Enable the CarPlay to work with your device locked to prevent this issue.
• Restart your phone and VW infotainment system: You may also consider restarting your device and vehicle infotainment system to see if things will work again.
• Turn off Airplane mode: If you’re connecting your device to your car wireless via Bluetooth, ensure the airplane mode is turned off in your phone as it could disable the connection.
• Try a different USB cable: The USB cable you’re using could be faulty or not supported. Try using another cable to see if it works.
• Check that CarPlay is enabled on your device: The CarPlay could be disabled on your mobile device. Simply enable it and try to reconnect your phone to your vehicle again.
• Contact VW support: If none of the above steps works, contact your VW customer support or the nearest dealership. Explain your problem to them and they might be able to help fix it for you.

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FAQs:

Step 1. Disconnect your iPhone from your vehicle USB port

Step 2. Press and hold the infotainment system power button for approx. 10 seconds

Step 3. Once the system comes back on, press and hold the volume down and seek buttons at the same time for approx. 10 seconds. This forces the system into a hard reset

Step 4. Now reboot the infotainment system by pressing and holding the power button for another 10 seconds or so, until you see the VW logo appear on the unit screen

Step 5. Give the system time to fully reboot. This can take a few minutes.

Once your system is reset, you can now try to reconnect your iPhone and see if the CarPlay will start to function smoothly as before.

Check the video below on how to reset your VW CarPlay:

Video:

Conclusion

The key culprits to consider when your Volkswagen CarPlay suddenly stops working include using an incompatible phone, disabled CarPlay feature, software glitches, faulty USB connection, outdated phone or vehicle infotainment system software, Bluetooth connectivity issues, network problems, or using a faulty or non-certified USB cable.

By checking and troubleshooting each of these issues, you can easily pinpoint the root case and resolve it. Our troubleshooting tips will help you easily find the underlying cause. If you’re unable to fix the problem on your own, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified VW technician or dealership for further assistance.