Mobile phones and cars are among the most significant items in the life of most people.
Such people love features that can connect both of these things. Well, that’s what CarPlay does. It is a feature available in Apple devices that connects with a car’s infotainment system. It is usually connected by a wire.
It can also be used wirelessly, though. That’s what this post will talk about. We’ll look at what Wireless CarPlay is here. We will also examine its mechanism of working. In addition, you will discover how to activate it via different methods. Let’s start.
What is Wireless CarPlay?
A Wireless CarPlay is a system that lets you use the CarPlay feature without a wire. The CarPlay feature is developed by Apple. Its basic purpose is to help people use some basic apps on their cars. It reduces phone distraction and makes driving a lot safer.
With this feature, you can receive and send text messages. You can also use other applications like music and maps. Now, the basic requirement for this feature is the need for a cable. This helps you connect your phone to the car to turn on this feature.
Wireless CarPlay, however, is about using it completely wirelessly. It eradicates the need for a physical connection which makes its usage a lot convenient.
How Does Wireless CarPlay Work?
The working mechanism of Wireless CarPlay is simple. Your phone and your automobile are connected wirelessly. In order to access the necessary apps, it links your phone to the infotainment system in your vehicle.
How to Enable Wireless CarPlay?
You can enable this feature using different methods. Here are their details:
Method #1 – Using a USB Cable:
You can enable this feature using a USB cable. Here’s how:
- Insert your phone’s lightning cable into the car’s USB port.
- After that, connect your iPhone with it.
- A pop will appear automatically. If it doesn’t, open the Apple CarPlay app.
- Now, allow CarPlay with the car while the phone is locked. Click on the “Allow” button for that.
- After doing this, you can select the “Enable Wireless CarPlay” option.
Now, you can unplug your iPhone and start using this feature wirelessly.
Method #2 – Sing Car’s Voice Command:
This method is for people who do not have a lightning cable with them. They can use their car’s voice command option to make a connection. Here’s how to execute this method:
- First, press and hold the car’s voice command button. Make sure that the Bluetooth is switched on.
- Open your iPhone and go to settings.
- Here, open the General section.
- Now, locate the “CarPlay” option and open it.
- Find your car in this section and select it.
This will start the Wireless CarPlay feature.
Method #3 – Using a Wireless CarPlay adaptor:
This method includes the usage of Wireless CarPlay Adapters. Here are guidelines about it:
- Purchase an adapter from the market.
- Input it into your car’s USB port.
- Open the Bluetooth option of your phone.
- Look for the adapter in the available connections list.
- Pair the iPhone with the car.
- After that, the CarPlay feature will connect automatically.
- If it doesn’t, connect it via the settings.
Make sure you use a good adaptor for this purpose. Otherwise, it might not connect with the car properly. Low-quality adaptors also result in performance lag.
The Things You Can Do with Wireless CarPlay:
You can do a lot of useful things with this feature. They mainly focus on communication and entertainment. We have listed the major ones below:
- You can navigate your surroundings using different applications. They include Maps, Waze, etc.
- It allows you to make phone calls easily.
- You can send and receive text messages as well.
- Play your preferred music using music applications such as Spotify.
- Listen to podcasts and audiobooks using this function.
- There are some parking apps also available that you can use on it. They can come in handy for finding and reserving parking spots.
- For electric cars, EV charging apps may also be available. You can locate different charging stations with their help.
- It also keeps you updated with news and weather forecasts. Different apps can be utilized for this purpose.
Things to Keep in Consideration:
There are some important things about Wireless CarPlay that you need to keep in consideration.
Compatibility:
You’ve got to keep the compatibility factor in mind. This function isn’t compatible with every automobile.
So, make sure yours can run this feature. The same case is with the iPhone. Some old versions do not support this feature.
Connection Quality:
Since it is wireless, the connection may not be stable from time to time. It can keep on disconnecting. It may also show a lag in performance. Its frequent occurrence can cause a lot of frustration.
Battery Drainage:
A Wireless CarPlay connection can drain your phone’s battery faster. That is because the WiFi and Bluetooth are constantly on. So, make sure that you have enough battery to keep on using this feature. Also, keeping a charger with yourself can also come in handy.
Read also: 10 Best Coolest Gadgets for 2024
Conclusion:
To conclude it all, the Wireless CarPlay feature helps you use different iPhone apps with your car’s infotainment screen. Apple developed this feature almost a decade ago. Since then, it has seen a lot of advancements in it. This feature can be used with and without a charging wire.
The information that we have discussed above focuses on using it wirelessly. There are different ways you can enable this feature. We have discussed the basic three of them above. Besides that, we have discussed the things that you can do with this feature. Some important points of consideration are also discussed.
FAQs:
Why my car does not have CarPlay?
The CarPlay feature isn’t available on every car. You should consult with your manufacturer or dealer. They will provide you with more information about it.
Can I use this feature on my iPhone 8?
Yes. This feature is available and can be used on iPhone 8.
Is using this feature wirelessly better than using it with a wire?
This depends on your personal preference. If you don’t like having a lot of wires in your car, using this feature wirelessly is better.
Can I use social media applications with this feature?
No. You may not be able to use social media applications with this feature.
Can I connect this feature with an Android device?
No. CarPlay isn’t supported by Android devices.
