If iOS 16.4.1 is causing problems with CarPlay, here’s how to fix it

iOS 16.4.1 update is highly recommended. It fixes a pair of critical security vulnerabilities that may have already been exploited in the wild, as well as several bugs introduced with iOS 16.4. However, it also seems to introduce a new one: some users are having problems getting CarPlay to connect after applying the update.

With over a billion iPhones in use, you can expect at least a few reported issues after any updated, but the CarPlay issue with 16.4.1 seems to be affecting an unusually high number of users. We found multiple posts on the Apple Community Forums, Reddit, and other forums and social media from those having trouble.

We think you should update your iPhone even if you’re a CarPlay user, but if you’re having trouble connecting afterwards, here are some things you can try.

What to do if CarPlay stops working with iOS 16.4.1

If you’ve updated to iOS 16.4.1 (and you should!) and find that CarPlay no longer connects, here are a few things to try. It seems that most users in the community having this problem have solved it with at least one of these methods.

1. Be sure to use a genuine “Made for iPhone” Lightning cable. You’d be surprised how often inferior cables cause weird issues with CarPlay, even if they worked before.
2. Make sure CarPlay is not restricted. Go to Settings > screen time > Content and Privacy Restrictions. If content and privacy restrictions are enabled, tap Apps allowedand make sure that CarPlay is authorized.
3. Check your car’s infotainment system menus for CarPlay and verify that your iPhone is listed and activated. At least one user reported that the “always on” setting changed to “never on”. Each car has different menus and descriptions for it.
4. Remove CarPlay from your iPhone and vehicle and configure it from scratch. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay and you will see a list of available cars. Remove yours. Next, on your car’s infotainment screen, go to the settings menu, find the list of CarPlay compatible phones, and delete your iPhone (every car’s interface is different). Then restart your car and your iPhone, then start the CarPlay setup process again.