Apple CarPlay Not Working With Uconnect? Here's What to Do

How to troubleshoot connecting your mobile phone and infotainment apps.

Benjamin Hunting | 

May 24, 2024 | 3 min read

Jeep

Apple CarPlay can be an easy way to link an Apple iPhone smartphone to a vehicle's infotainment system such as Uconnect, which is used by Stellantis brand vehicles including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, and Ram. Sometimes, however, Apple CarPlay software might throw up a few frustrating connection problems when attempting to use it with Uconnect. Here are some tips and tricks you can use to deal with certain connection issues.

Are Both Your Phone and Apple CarPlay Compatible?

Apple CarPlay, like any software system, is constantly evolving. As a result, Apple recommends that your iPhone be updated to the latest version of Apple iOS to help ensure a trouble-free experience. If you run into connection problems, verify which iOS version your device currently uses and then update your iPhone if possible. Uconnect is specifically designed to work with the iPhone 5 and newer models.

Compatibility on the automobile side of the equation is also a consideration when attempting to link your iPhone to Apple CarPlay through Uconnect. The Uconnect feature is available on vehicles including Alfa Romeo models built after 2018, Dodge Challengers and Chargers from 2017 onward, the Dodge Durango from 2018 onward, the Dodge Journey from 2019 to 2021, and the 2023 Dodge Hornet.

Also on the list of Stellantis vehicles that have Apple CarPlay connectivity through Uconnect are 2018 and newer Ram trucks, the 2017 and newer Chrysler 300, Chrysler Pacificas starting in 2018, and Chrysler Voyagers from 2020 to 2021.

In Stellantis vehicles, Apple CarPlay is generally available on the 2017 and newer Jeep Compass; the 2018 and newer Grand Cherokee, Renegade, and Wrangler; and the 2020 Cherokee and Gladiator models. From 2017 to today, most Maserati and Fiat models are listed as compatible with Apple CarPlay, as are Jeep Wagoneer models dating back to 2022.

Cables and Wireless Connections Are Where to Start

Even the most durable USB Lightning smartphone connection cable can wear out over time, especially if it is regularly plugged and unplugged from a vehicle and the device. If you are having trouble with a connection, it might be worth trying a new cable or one you know is functioning properly. This ensures the cable isn't the reason your device and Uconnect can't talk to each other.

Apple also recommends checking the details of your phone's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings if you are trying to connect wirelessly. Both must be on, and the phone's connection to the Apple CarPlay Wi-Fi network must be set to Auto-Join for the system to link up. You also want to be sure no privacy restrictions are attached to the CarPlay app on the phone and that Apple's digital assistant, Siri, is turned on.

If you continue to have problems, you may also have to restart your phone, restart the vehicle's Uconnect system (by going through an ignition cycle), or remove your car from the phone's CarPlay settings and establish a fresh connection.

In-Car Solutions to Try

On the Uconnect side, sometimes it's necessary to manually launch the system by tapping the icon on the screen rather than waiting for it to load automatically after making a connection with your phone.

You can also attempt to refresh the Apple CarPlay connection by resetting Uconnect by holding down the power button or using the factory reset option accessible through the vehicle's touchscreen.