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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsCarPlay has two distinct voice-control options: use Siri to make requests such as getting directions or playing music, and use Voice Control to speak commands that operate the visible interface. To customize CarPlay widgets, use your iPhone’s CarPlay settings while you’re not driving.
Choose Siri or Voice Control
Use Siri when you want the assistant to carry out a request. Use Voice Control when you want to navigate CarPlay or activate a visible control by speaking. They are separate features with different purposes.
| Feature | Best for | How to start |
|---|---|---|
| Siri | Requests such as directions, calls, music, weather, or meeting information | Use the vehicle’s voice-command button, a CarPlay touchscreen control, or “Hey Siri” if the vehicle supports it |
| Voice Control | Spoken commands to open apps, tap controls, or navigate the displayed interface | In CarPlay, open Settings > Accessibility and turn on Voice Control |
Ask Siri to do something
Apple describes CarPlay’s Siri function this way: “CarPlay uses Siri voice control, so you can ask for what you want.” The exact way to activate Siri depends on the car. Apple documents these options in its Use Siri in your car on iPhone guide:
- Press and hold the steering-wheel voice-command button.
- On a touchscreen, touch and hold the CarPlay Dashboard or Home button.
- Say “Hey Siri” if your vehicle supports hands-free activation.
Wait for Siri’s tone, then speak. Examples include “Get directions to the nearest coffee shop,” “Call Eliza Block,” “Play more songs like this one,” “What’s my next meeting?” and “What’s the weather for today?” Apple also suggests holding the steering-wheel button while speaking and releasing it when you finish. That can help avoid waiting for Siri to determine that you have finished talking.
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Siri may also offer suggestions in CarPlay, such as operating a garage door near home or driving to your next meeting. What appears depends on your setup and context.
Use Voice Control to operate the CarPlay screen
Voice Control lets you issue spoken commands to navigate CarPlay and interact with its touchscreen. To enable it, open Settings > Accessibility in CarPlay and turn on Voice Control. When it is listening, its icon appears in the sidebar. Apple’s instructions and command examples are in Use Voice Control in CarPlay.
Basic navigation and touch commands
Say a control’s visible label when one is shown. Common commands include:
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- “Open Maps” or “Open [app]”
- “Go Home” or “Go back”
- “Tap [item],” “Single tap,” or “Double-tap”
- “Swipe left,” “Swipe right,” “Swipe up,” or “Swipe down”
- “Open Siri”
If a control has no label, you can refer to its position, such as “Tap first” or “Tap second.” For commands spoken in quick succession, Apple advises leaving about half a second between them. Say “Stop listening” to pause Voice Control and “Start listening” to resume.
Commands for Maps and Music
In Maps, commands include “Zoom In,” “Zoom Out,” “Pan,” “Tracking,” “Overview” or “Route Overview,” “Expand” or “Up,” “Collapse” or “Down,” “Close” or “Dismiss,” and “Report.” You can also use “All Guidance” or “Speaker,” “Alerts Only,” and “No Guidance” or “Mute” for guidance audio; “Siri” or “Dictation”; and “Keyboard.” Use the text shown on screen when it identifies the control you want.
In Music, commands include “Play,” “Pause,” “Fast Forward,” “Rewind,” “Shuffle,” “Repeat,” “Autoplay,” “Favorite,” “More,” “Go back,” and “List.” Voice Control is available only in supported languages, and CarPlay itself is limited to supported countries and regions.
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Customize CarPlay widgets on your iPhone
Change widgets while you are not driving. Apple’s Customize widgets in CarPlay guide gives this reminder: “When you’re not driving, go to the Settings app on your iPhone.”
- On your iPhone, open Settings > General > CarPlay.
- Select your car.
- Tap Widgets, then tap Add Widgets and follow the onscreen instructions.
- To change the order, drag a widget using its reorder control. To remove one, tap its remove control.
- To enable Smart Rotate or Widget Suggestions, return to that car’s Widgets settings and turn on the relevant option.
The number of widget stacks available depends on the vehicle’s CarPlay screen.
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Understand Dashboard, Home, and app availability
CarPlay Dashboard brings together information such as directions, audio playback, and Siri suggestions. CarPlay Home organizes apps into pages. Depending on the vehicle, you may interact with CarPlay using a touchscreen, rotary knob, or touchpad; consult the vehicle’s owner guide for instructions on its display and controls. If there are more than eight apps, additional apps may appear on another Home page. Apple explains the interface in Use the CarPlay controls.
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Compatible third-party apps installed on your iPhone can appear automatically on CarPlay Home. Apple lists categories such as audio, navigation, messaging, voice-calling, automaker apps, EV charging, parking, fueling, and quick food ordering. Compatible third-party navigation apps can appear on Dashboard while in use. If navigation stops, or you have used multiple navigation apps, Dashboard shows the last compatible navigation app used. See Apple’s Use other apps with CarPlay guidance.
Check compatibility before troubleshooting
CarPlay features and controls are not identical in every vehicle. The Siri activation method depends on the car; Voice Control requires a supported language; CarPlay is available only in supported regions; and widget stacks and physical controls depend on the vehicle’s display and equipment. Software versions can also affect menu names and behavior. If a setting or control in these steps is missing, check your iPhone’s current settings and your vehicle’s owner guide. Apple’s How to connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your car page describes wired and wireless CarPlay setup; follow the applicable instructions for your vehicle and iPhone rather than assuming every CarPlay connection uses a cable.
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