Why Apple CarPlay Keeps Stopping: Common Causes and Solutions | CarPlay Lab (2025)

If you’re an Apple CarPlay user, you might have experienced issues with the system disconnecting or stopping unexpectedly. While there are many reasons why this might happen, some of the most common reasons include loose or faulty cables, an inadequate car audio system, power management issues, or software problems.

In this article, we’ll explore the known issues for why Apple CarPlay keeps disconnecting, as well as other issues that might cause this problem. We’ll also provide some solutions to help you fix the issue and get back to enjoying all the features that CarPlay has to offer.

Key Takeaways

• Loose or faulty cables, an inadequate car audio system, power management issues, or software problems are some of the most common reasons why Apple CarPlay keeps disconnecting.
• Some known issues for why Apple CarPlay keeps disconnecting include loose cables, car issues, power management, and update issues.
• Solutions to fix the issue include replacing the charging cable, improving power management, updating CarPlay IOS, rebooting the car, or resetting the media system.

Known Issues for Why Apple Carplay Keeps Disconnecting

1. Your Cables might be loose

One of the most common reasons for Apple CarPlay disconnection is loose cables. This issue can be fixed by adjusting, changing, or shaking the cable. If you use a wireless CarPlay system, this shouldn’t be an issue unless you use a wireless CarPlay adapter. However, unplugging the cable and plugging it back in can be the most effective way to fix the issue. A permanent fix may be to use an Apple CarPlay phone mount or wireless CarPlay, so you don’t have to worry about cables at all. If you need a new wire, check out our list of the best Apple CarPlay charger cables.

2. The Car Itself

Sometimes, older models of cars may not have the same capabilities as newer ones, which can result in CarPlay connectivity problems. For instance, older CarPlay models, such as the 2016 car models with manufactured, built CarPlay systems, may have teething problems as this was the first year the CarPlay IOS was put inside as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).

3. Power Management

Since the CarPlay system runs on the car’s internal battery, errors in the electrical system can cause glitches that can result in the system shutting off or stopping altogether. Although CarPlay isn’t the most critical part of the car’s electronic system, it can be frustrating when it abruptly cuts on you while you’re trying to navigate through tricky streets and jam to music.

4. Update Issues

At times, an update doesn’t work right, which can lead to CarPlay connectivity issues. You can jostle the cable, redownload it, or even uninstall it, but sometimes the IOS doesn’t work. Therefore, it is essential to update CarPlay to the latest version to check for issues. Making CarPlay compatible with every car is complicated and sometimes has bugs. Hopefully, connectivity should be fixed in the next update. You can help by giving Apple feedback directly.

Loose cables can often giggle around due to driving bumps and vibration, which can sometimes knock your cable out of position. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your cables are not loose and that they are firmly connected. Additionally, using a compatible cable, such as an MFI-certified cable, can help to prevent connectivity issues.

Other Issues why CarPlay Keeps Disconnecting

System Reboot

If you are experiencing issues with CarPlay disconnecting, one of the first things you can try is rebooting your system. Rebooting your car’s electronics is similar to rebooting your phone or PC, and it can often solve the issue quickly.

To reboot your specific car, you can check your car’s manual or look up instructions on YouTube. Typically, it involves turning off the engine, getting out of the car, shutting the door, and waiting for it to fully turn off before locking it.

Rebooting your iPhone can also help resolve issues with CarPlay. To do this, press and hold the side button and either volume button until the slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone, then press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.

It’s important to note that resetting your iPhone will erase all data and content, so be sure to back up your device before resetting it. You can also try resetting your network settings by going to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will erase all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so be sure to have them handy.

In addition to rebooting your system, there are other steps you can take to troubleshoot CarPlay connectivity issues, such as checking for software updates, resetting your CarPlay connections, and ensuring that your iPhone is charged and connected to the audio system. By following these steps, you can hopefully resolve any issues with CarPlay disconnecting and enjoy a seamless driving experience.

Final Thoughts on CarPlay Disconnecting

If you’ve tried the troubleshooting steps we’ve outlined and your CarPlay is still disconnecting, it’s best to seek help from Apple Support. They can provide more advanced solutions to your problem. Remember, user error can also be a factor, so make sure you are following the proper steps to connect your iPhone to CarPlay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Could Cause Apple CarPlay to Disconnect During Phone Calls?

Several factors could cause Apple CarPlay to disconnect during phone calls. One of the common reasons is that the phone’s Bluetooth connection is unstable or weak, causing the CarPlay connection to drop. Another reason could be a software glitch in the CarPlay system or the phone’s operating system.

How Can I Troubleshoot Apple CarPlay Random Stoppages?

If Apple CarPlay randomly stops working, you can try the following solutions:

• Check if your phone’s software is up to date and update it if necessary.
• Restart both your phone and the car’s infotainment system.
• Check if the cable you are using to connect your phone to the car is faulty and replace it if necessary.

What Are the Common Fixes When Apple CarPlay Keeps Disconnecting and Reconnecting?

When Apple CarPlay keeps disconnecting and reconnecting, you can try the following common fixes:

• Ensure that your phone’s Bluetooth is turned on and connected to the car’s Bluetooth system.
• Check if there is any physical damage to the cable you are using to connect your phone to the car and replace it if necessary.
• Reset the CarPlay system by going to the Settings app on your phone and navigating to the CarPlay section.

Why Does My CarPlay Connection Drop Even Though My Phone Continues to Charge?

The CarPlay connection may drop even though your phone continues to charge if there is an issue with the cable or the CarPlay system. Try using a different cable or resetting the CarPlay system to see if the issue resolves.

What Steps Should I Take If My Apple CarPlay Won’t Stay Connected?

If Apple CarPlay won’t stay connected, you can try the following steps:

• Ensure that your phone’s Bluetooth is turned on and connected to the car’s Bluetooth system.
• Check if there is any physical damage to the cable you are using to connect your phone to the car and replace it if necessary.
• Reset the CarPlay system by going to the Settings app on your phone and navigating to the CarPlay section.

Why Does My Phone Keep Disconnecting from CarPlay During Driving?

The phone may keep disconnecting from CarPlay during driving due to an unstable Bluetooth connection or a faulty cable. Try restarting both your phone and the car’s infotainment system and using a different cable to see if the issue resolves.