Does my Chevy Equinox have CarPlay?
Yes—many Chevrolet Equinox models built from around 2017 onward with the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system support Apple CarPlay, usually via a USB connection; some newer trims and options may also offer wireless CarPlay. If your vehicle is older or uses a basic infotainment setup, CarPlay may not be available. To confirm for your exact car, check the screen, your iPhone settings, or contact a dealer with your vehicle’s year and trim.
CarPlay basics and how it works in the Equinox
Apple CarPlay lets you mirror and control select iPhone apps on your vehicle’s touchscreen. Most CarPlay setups in the Equinox are designed to work through the built-in Chevy MyLink system, either wired via USB or, on newer configurations, wirelessly. Using CarPlay, you can access maps, messages, music, and compatible apps with the car’s controls or Siri, while keeping your focus on driving.
Does your Equinox have CarPlay?
The exact availability depends on the model year and trim level, as well as whether the vehicle’s infotainment software supports CarPlay. Here are practical steps to determine your own car’s compatibility.
Before you start, here are the practical checks you can perform to verify CarPlay support in your Equinox:
- Check the infotainment screen for an Apple CarPlay icon or a CarPlay option in the Home menu.
- Connect your iPhone to the vehicle via a USB cable and see if CarPlay automatically launches on the screen.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Cars to see if your Equinox appears for pairing.
- Consult your owner’s manual or GM’s official support site with your vehicle’s year and trim to confirm compatibility.
If any of these checks indicate CarPlay is active or available, your Equinox supports CarPlay. If not, you may be dealing with an older infotainment system, a software version that hasn’t been updated, or a trim that didn’t include CarPlay at the factory. A dealer can confirm compatibility for your exact build.
Wired CarPlay vs. wireless CarPlay in the Equinox
Most Equinox models that support CarPlay connect through a USB cable, which is the most widely available method across many years and trims. Some newer or higher-trim configurations offer wireless CarPlay, which uses Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth to deliver the CarPlay interface without a cable. Availability of wireless CarPlay varies by year and equipment package.
- Wired CarPlay: Connect your iPhone to the USB port on the vehicle’s center console. CarPlay should appear on the infotainment screen, and you can use the car’s controls or Siri to operate apps.
- Wireless CarPlay: If your Equinox supports it, you can connect via Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi without a cable after the initial setup. Not all models offer this feature, so check your trim and software.
Whether wired or wireless, CarPlay is designed to provide a safer, hands-free way to use iPhone apps while driving, though you should always use discretion and follow local laws.
Troubleshooting CarPlay on your Equinox
If CarPlay isn’t launching or appearing as an option, try these steps before visiting a dealer:
- Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version and ensure CarPlay is enabled in Settings > Screen Time (if applicable) and Restrictions.
- Update your vehicle’s infotainment software if an update is available from GM or your dealer.
- Test with a different USB cable or USB port in the vehicle to rule out a faulty connection.
- Reset the infotainment system if the option remains unavailable, then re-pair CarPlay from the iPhone.
If problems persist, contact a Chevrolet dealer or GM support to verify compatibility for your exact model year and trim, and to check for service bulletins or recalls that might affect CarPlay functionality.
Summary
Apple CarPlay compatibility in the Chevy Equinox depends on model year and trim. Most 2017-and-newer Equinox vehicles equipped with the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system support CarPlay—commonly via a USB connection, with wireless CarPlay available on select newer configurations. To confirm for your specific car, check the infotainment screen for CarPlay, test a USB connection with your iPhone, review Settings > General > CarPlay on your iPhone, and consult the owner's manual or GM’s support resources. If CarPlay isn’t showing up, ensure software is up to date and consider a dealer visit for definitive confirmation.
How do I tell if my vehicle has CarPlay?
To find out if your car has Apple CarPlay, check the owner's manual or the car manufacturer's website, or look for the CarPlay icon on the infotainment screen. You can also try connecting your iPhone via a USB cable, as many cars will display the CarPlay logo or a prompt to set it up if they are compatible.
Ways to check for CarPlay compatibility
- Consult your owner's manual: The simplest way is to look for "Apple CarPlay" in the infotainment or connectivity sections of your car's manual.
- Check the manufacturer's website: Many car brands list CarPlay support on their websites, often under the vehicle's specifications or features. Check for your specific model and trim level, as it might only be available on higher trims.
- Look for the logo: When you connect your iPhone, look for the CarPlay icon, which is a smartphone with "CarPlay" text, or a prompt on the infotainment screen to enable it.
- Test the USB port: Plug your iPhone into the car's USB port. If CarPlay is supported, you will either see the CarPlay logo or a prompt to set it up.
- Check for wireless support: If your car is newer, it might support wireless CarPlay. You can check the settings on your iPhone to see if it can connect to the car's Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for CarPlay, as described in Apple Support.
If your car is not compatible
- Consider an aftermarket system: It is possible to add CarPlay to an older car using a standalone aftermarket device that connects wirelessly and includes its own screen.
- Update your car's software: In some cases, a car manufacturer may release a software update for your car's infotainment system that enables CarPlay for models that didn't originally have it. Check your car's manual or the manufacturer's website for more information.
Does the Chevy Equinox have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, gasoline-powered Chevy Equinox models have Apple CarPlay, including wireless versions in newer models, but the Equinox EV does not. For example, the 2024 and 2025 gasoline versions come with it, while the all-electric 2024 and 2025 models use a Google Built-In system instead of Apple CarPlay.
You can watch this video to see how to connect Apple CarPlay in a gasoline-powered 2026 Chevy Equinox: 35sPhillipsChevyYouTube · May 21, 2025
- Gasoline models: Apple CarPlay is available, often wirelessly in recent model years (like the 2025 and 2026).
- EV models: The all-electric Equinox does not include Apple CarPlay. Instead, it uses an integrated Google system and is designed to work without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
What year did Chevy have Apple CarPlay?
Chevy first got Apple CarPlay in 2015 with the rollout of the 2016 model year vehicles, making it available across 14 models, including the Cruze, Camaro, and Silverado. Since then, the feature has become standard on most Chevy models.
- 2015: Chevy announced and began rolling out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on its 2016 model year vehicles.
- 2016: The 2016 models were the first to offer the feature, requiring a wired USB connection.
- 2021: Some models, such as the Trailblazer, began offering wireless Apple CarPlay.
How do I turn on CarPlay on my Chevy?
Here my Chevrolet should pop. Up. You're going to click on that. And then a few seconds are going to go by you're gonna get two codes one on the screen. One on your cell.
