How To Connect Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ On Your Toyota

Getting your phone to speak to your vehicle is an expectation in modern transportation design, and knowing how to use Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ systems is the first step to unlocking the myriad music, navigation, and entertainment features in most modern Toyota models. But figuring out how to connect Apple CarPlay® to your iPhone® or how to use Android Auto™ wireless features can be difficult on your own. That's why we at Kings Toyota are more than happy to walk you through this innovative technology and get you connected in no time!

How to Pair Your Phone With Your Toyota Infotainment System

Bluetooth® Method

If your Toyota is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™, then you can connect your phone without a cord. To do so, follow these steps:

1. You'll need the Android Auto™ app on your Android device before connecting to your car, truck, or SUV for the Android Auto™ only.
2. Unlock your phone, then go to Settings and turn on Bluetooth®. For iPhone® and Apple CarPlay®, you will also need to make sure that Siri® is online in the settings.
3. Turn on your vehicle, go to settings on the infotainment console (the gear icon).
4. Go to "Bluetooth® & devices," "Add another device," and "Search for devices."
5. If your phone is in pairing mode, it will show up on your infotainment console. Follow the prompts to pair it properly.
6. Your phone will also ask for your permission to pair it. Confirm that you'd like to use Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ to continue.

Wired Method

This process is essentially simplified with a USB cable.

1. Download the Android Auto™ app for Android devices.
2. Connect either your Android or iPhone® to the car using a verified USB cable.
3. Select "Yes" on your multimedia screen when the prompt for the connectivity app appears.

How to Use Apple CarPlay®

Connect Your Device

If you want to know how to use Apple CarPlay® wireless features, you'll first need to connect to Bluetooth®. Follow the instructions above to connect via that process, or use a USB cable for consistent connectivity.

Navigate to Apple CarPlay®

Use the Menu button on your infotainment console to see all the available apps, including Apple CarPlay®, which is denoted with a "Play" button.

Explore the Apps

With Apple CarPlay® selected, you can choose options like Phone, Music, Maps, Messages, Now Playing, Podcasts, and Calendar, among others. These apps let you control your phone with your voice, so you can focus on your commute.

How to Use Android Auto™

Connect Your Device

If you want to know how to use Android Auto™ on Toyota cars and SUVs, you must first connect it. A major difference between Android Auto™ vs. Apple CarPlay® users is that when it comes to Android-compatible phones, like Androids, Google Pixels, and Samsungs, you'll need to download the Android Auto™ app to your phone first.

Turn On Android Auto™

Once connected, use the "Menu" button on the infotainment console to navigate to the Android Auto™ tile.

Explore the Apps

You'll soon see several apps pop up, including Maps, Podcasts, LiveXLive, Phone, News, Contacts, and Music. Use the side scroll to explore these options. Exit at any time using the side buttons or the "Exit" button.

Tips for Using Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®

Keep Your Apps Updated

Device connectivity and load times may improve with a Toyota software update. Android Auto™ users will also want to update the application on their phone for a smoother user experience.

Remember to Turn On Bluetooth®

A frustrating part of your connectivity adventure is remembering to turn on Bluetooth® services. On iPhone®s, you can swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Control Center and easily switch Bluetooth® on and off.

Keep Your USB Cord

Even in cars with wireless connection, some passengers may not want to use Bluetooth®, or your phone may not activate Bluetooth®. By keeping a USB cord in your car, you can both charge your phone on the go and connect it when you need to.

Customize Your Menus

Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ have third-party software that work in your vehicle, which you can download from your phone's app store. You can also customize which apps appear in your car in the settings menu.

Why Are Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® Not Working?

If an error pops up, like "the connected device cannot be recognized," Toyota models offer a few troubleshooting routes:

Restart Your Car or Phone

Simply restarting your Toyota or turning your phone on and off may fix the bug.

Check Your Privacy Restrictions

Look at your device's settings to make sure Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ connectivity is supported. For both device types, this will always be under a "Privacy" category.

Forget and Reset

In your phone's options for Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™, you can choose to forget a car. Do so, and then reconnect to your Toyota through the process above.

Check For Updates

Through the settings, you can ensure your car, truck, or SUV is on the most recent version of your Toyota Multimedia firmware. Check your Android's app store to see if Android Auto™ needs an update, or make sure your iPhone® is on the most recent iOS.

Connect Via USB

For instance, if you're having trouble connecting to wireless Android Auto™, Toyota RAV4 owners can connect to the front console via USB cable.

Model Listings: Which Have Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™

Toyota Cars

• Camry
• Corolla (Gas, Hatchback, and Hybrid)
• GR86
• GR Corolla
• GR Supra (Apple CarPlay® Only)
• Mirai
• Prius (Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid)
• Crown

Toyota SUVs

• bZ
• Corolla Cross (Gas and Hybrid)
• Crown Signia
• Grand Highlander (Gas and Hybrid)
• Highlander (Gas and Hybrid)
• Land Cruiser
• Sequoia
• 4Runner (Gas and i-FORCE MAX)
• RAV4 (Gas and Plug-In Hybrid)

Toyota Trucks

• Tacoma
• Tundra

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Apple CarPlay® work with Android phones?

No, generally, Apple CarPlay® is only used by Apple® phones, such as the iPhone®, while Android phones connect to Android Auto™. Typically, Toyota vehicles have both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, though some older cars may have one or the other. If your model only has access to wired Apple CarPlay®, some USB adapters may be able to make Apple CarPlay® work on select Android phones.

Can you switch between Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™?

Yes, if you have an iPhone® and an Android device, you can theoretically switch between Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. In many cases, it can be as easy as disconnecting one phone and connecting another. For Toyota cars that support multiple phones, you can switch between apps in the settings menu or via your infotainment console's apps. Contact us for more information about compatibility.

Do cars have both Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®?

Yes, several new Toyota cars have both Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® to enable connectivity for everyone. The current Toyota lineup of new vehicles has 26 options with both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The GR Supra is a track-focused car, and thus, it only has Apple CarPlay® available. Older models may not have this connectivity, and some trim levels may not have wireless connectivity for these apps.

How can I connect to Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™?

To connect to Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™, you'll either need to plug your phone into a USB on the console or turn on Bluetooth® and connect to your vehicle through your phone's settings. In most cases, you'll need to give your car or SUV permission through your phone. Once the car has permission, you can access Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ through the central console.