CarPlay & Android Auto
Your phone, on the car's screen. Hands-free.
What they do
CarPlay (iPhone) and Android Auto turn your car's screen into a phone screen. Maps, music, podcasts, texts, and calls — all controlled by voice or big buttons. Built into most cars 2017+.
Setting up CarPlay (iPhone)
- Plug the iPhone into the car\'s USB port with a Lightning or USB-C cable.
- Car asks: "Use CarPlay?" — Yes.
- Done. Maps, Music, Phone all on the car screen.
- For wireless CarPlay (some newer cars): Settings → General → CarPlay → set up.
Setting up Android Auto
- Install Android Auto from Play Store (often pre-installed).
- Plug the phone into the car USB.
- App walks you through pairing.
- Wireless Android Auto on newer cars works similarly.
Best things to do once it\'s working
- "Hey Siri / Hey Google, take me home" — turn-by-turn directions on car screen.
- "Send a text to Mary" — dictate hands-free; Siri / Google reads incoming texts aloud.
- Spotify, Apple Music, Audible — controls all on the car screen.
- Podcasts — Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts.
- WhatsApp / Messages — read received texts, dictate replies.
- Waze on Android Auto / CarPlay — real-time traffic and hazards.
If your car doesn\'t support it
- Aftermarket head units from Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony — $200-600 installed. Replaces your factory radio.
- Best Buy / Crutchfield install — $50-100 install fee.
- Carlinkit Box — $80-130 plug-in adapter that adds wireless CarPlay/Android Auto to cars that already have wired support.
- Bluetooth-only solution — for older cars: pair phone to car via Bluetooth, use phone screen on a phone mount.
Driving safety
Use VOICE for everything you can. Glancing at the screen is faster than fumbling for your phone, but voice is safest. Ask Siri or Google for directions, music, calls, texts. Set commands up before driving.