How to Use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in Your Toyota

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have revolutionized the way we drive by offering voice recognition, navigation, and hands-free phone access on our dashboard. While they may seem intimidating at first, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are very user-friendly. Read on to learn how to make the best use of your Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems.

Which Toyota Vehicles Have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay?

Toyota has made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard in most of their vehicles. 

• Sedans: 86, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Corolla Hybrid, Corolla Hatchback, Camry, Camry Hybrid, GR Supra, Mirai, Prius, and Prius Prime
• Minivans: Sienna
• Trucks: Tacoma, Tundra
• Crossovers and SUVs: 4Runner, C-HR, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Prime, Sequoia, and Venza

Tips for Using Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Other than their link to different mobile devices, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are very similar systems. Both provide hands-free connectivity to your infotainment system and allow you to use navigation apps, make and receive phone calls, respond to text messages, play music, and much more. Here are some tips to help you use your Android Auto and Apple CarPlay systems more effectively:

1. "Speak to command": The "speak to command" button alerts your infotainment system that you are about to speak and silences all other audio currently playing on your device. With this button, you can tell your infotainment system to play music, navigate to a specific location, send text messages, find service stations, and make phone calls hands-free while you drive.
2. Calendar: Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay work with your Calendar app to help you manage your schedule. The system can read your appointments for the day or remind you of tasks you need to complete. 
3. Navigation: When your phone is connected to the infotainment system, navigation apps are displayed on the touch screen. You can use voice recognition or your phone's keypad to enter locations. Your infotainment system can also help you find food, gas, or other retail locations using your navigation apps. 
4. Audio System: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay allow you to stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks through your car's audio system. To use this feature, all you need to do is open your preferred app (Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, etc.) and set your infotainment system to stream audio from your phone.
5. Digital Assistant: Android's Google Assistant and Apple's Siri respond to simple voice controls, allowing you to control the audio system, navigation, phone, and text messages without taking your eyes off the road.
6. Third-Party apps: Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay work well with third-party apps such as Google Maps, Waze, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and Facebook Messenger.

How to Pair Your Phone With Your Toyota Infotainment System

Pairing your phone allows you to wirelessly stream music, make phone calls, and follow turn-by-turn navigation through your infotainment touch screen. Many models also include voice recognition, allowing you to control your phone-linked infotainment system with basic spoken commands.

1. Choose the "Setup" option on your touch screen display menu.
2. Activate Bluetooth on your phone.
3. In the "Bluetooth" portion of your touch screen's Setup menu, choose "Add New Device."
4. Choose your device name from the list shown on your touch screen. 
5. A four-digit pin should now be displayed on your phone and the touch screen. If the pins match, press  "Pair" on the touch screen.
6. You will see the word "Connecting" displayed on the touch screen as the infotainment system pairs with your phone.
7. You will now set up your touch screen to display text message notifications. To skip this step, chose "skip" on the touch screen. To set up text messaging notifications, go to the Settings app on your phone and select "Show Notifications" for iPhones or "On" for Android devices.
8. Look for a confirmation message on your touch screen. Your pairing is now complete!

Why Are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Not Working?

There are lots of minor issues that can cause your Android Auto or Apple CarPlay to malfunction. Your system may need a reset or an update. it could also be due to a faulty USB connection or incomplete pairing. Here are some easy fixes to get your system up and working again:

• Restart your iPhone or Android device: A forced reboot is often all it takes to get Android Auto or Apple CarPlay functioning again. Follow your mobile device manufacturer's instructions for a forced restart.

• Check your USB cable: If you are using a USB cable to connect your phone and infotainment system, your cable may be bad. If your USB cable is frayed, broken, or only works in one position, replace it with a new one.

• Reset your Bluetooth connection: You can reset your Toyota's Bluetooth connection to your phone in two ways. First, try turning off Bluetooth on your phone and turning it back on again. If that doesn't work, delete your phone from the list of paired devices on your touch screen. Go through the normal pairing process again to reset the connection.

• Check for other paired devices: Occasionally, other vehicles with Bluetooth connectivity will connect to your phone. Your phone can also randomly connect to someone else's system. To fix this problem, look at the list of paired devices on your infotainment screen and delete any unknown devices. Check out your phone as well and delete any connections to unknown vehicles.

• Update your apps: Install any available updates for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay and try to use your system again.

• Update your phone's operating system: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay may not work if your phone's operating system is out of date. Keep your operating system current by installing updates regularly.

• Update your infotainment system: Infotainment systems periodically require software updates. If Android Auto or Apple CarPlay aren't working, install any available updates as soon as possible.

Can I Upgrade My Toyota to Have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay?

You can make your newer Toyota compatible with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. If you already have an infotainment system, upgrading may be as simple as installing the latest version of the infotainment system software. 

Vehicles without a touch screen can be retrofitted by replacing the head unit with a new infotainment system. Retrofitted units usually require you to connect your phone via USB cable, rather than Bluetooth wireless streaming. To ensure proper installation of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, always get your head units upgraded at authorized Toyota dealerships.

Toyota has put the power of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in almost every vehicle in their lineup. Visit us at Kings Toyota to experience these powerful systems for yourself. Our friendly staff can help find the perfect Toyota for you.