How do I know if my Chevy has wireless CarPlay?
Most recent Chevys with the latest infotainment system support wireless Apple CarPlay, but availability isn’t universal. The exact feature depends on model year and trim, so you should verify for your specific vehicle.
How to tell if your Chevy supports wireless CarPlay
Compatibility basics
Wireless CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or newer running iOS 9 or later, and a GM/Chevrolet infotainment system that supports wireless CarPlay. Some older trims or vehicles may need a software update to enable it.
To confirm, use these checks. They cover on-vehicle indicators and official resources to help you determine whether wireless CarPlay is available for your car.
- Check the owner's manual or the window sticker for language like "Wireless Apple CarPlay" or "Apple CarPlay: Wireless." If present, your vehicle is equipped for wireless CarPlay on at least some trims.
- In the infotainment system, navigate to Settings or Apple CarPlay. If you see an option to enable or use Wireless CarPlay, your car likely supports it.
- When you connect your iPhone without a USB cable, CarPlay should appear on the screen after the initial Bluetooth pairing. If a USB cable is required, wireless CarPlay may not be supported in that configuration.
- Check GM’s official compatibility resources for your model year and trim, or ask a Chevrolet dealer to verify using your VIN.
Note: Even if a vehicle didn’t originally advertise Wireless CarPlay, some owners gain access via software updates from the dealer. Availability can vary by region and production date.
How to set up wireless CarPlay in a Chevy
If your vehicle passes the checks above, follow these steps to enable wireless CarPlay so you can use apps, messages, and navigation from your iPhone without a USB cable.
- Ensure your iPhone runs iOS 9 or later and that Bluetooth is enabled on both the iPhone and the Chevrolet. Open Settings on the iPhone and proceed to CarPlay settings if needed.
- On the iPhone, open Settings > General > CarPlay and select your Chevrolet from the list of available cars.
- On the Chevrolet infotainment screen, go to Settings > Apple CarPlay (or the equivalent CarPlay menu) and choose your iPhone to pair wirelessly. You may be prompted to allow CarPlay to be used while the phone is locked—confirm it.
- Keep the iPhone near the vehicle and in range; after the initial pairing, CarPlay should automatically connect whenever you start the car, provided Bluetooth (and any required Wi‑Fi) is active.
Test CarPlay by launching maps, messages, or music from the CarPlay home screen to verify everything is working as expected.
What to do if your Chevy doesn’t support wireless CarPlay
If your model year and trim don’t support wireless CarPlay, you can still use CarPlay via a USB cable. Some dealers can install software updates or advise on eligible hardware upgrades that might enable wireless CarPlay, but this is not guaranteed for all vehicles.
Summary
Wireless CarPlay in Chevrolet vehicles depends on model year, trim, and infotainment software. To determine compatibility, consult the owner’s manual, the window sticker, Chevrolet’s official compatibility resources, or a dealership for your VIN. If supported, a straightforward pairing process will let you enjoy CarPlay without plugging in, though wired CarPlay remains an option for models that don’t offer wireless in your configuration.
What year did Chevy start wireless Apple CarPlay?
In 2015, Chevrolet was the first automaker to roll out both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the 2016 models of their vehicles.
How to tell if CarPlay is wireless?
You can tell if you have wireless CarPlay by checking your car's settings for a "CarPlay" or "Phone Projection" option, trying to connect to your car's Bluetooth without a USB cable, or looking for an on-screen prompt to enable wireless CarPlay after connecting with a cable. If you're using it, your phone's battery icon will show when connected, and disconnecting the USB cable will not interrupt the CarPlay session.
How to check for wireless CarPlay
- Look for a prompt: If you plug in your iPhone with a USB cable, and an alert appears on your phone to connect wirelessly in the future, your car supports it.
- Check your car's settings: Go to your infotainment system's settings and look for a "CarPlay," "Phone Projection," or "Smartphone Integration" option. If you can set it up by just pairing your phone via Bluetooth, you have wireless CarPlay.
- Connect and disconnect USB: Connect your phone with a USB cable. If CarPlay works, unplug the cable and see if the connection remains active. If it does, it means your car can switch to or was already using a wireless connection.
- Check your phone's battery icon: When using wireless CarPlay, your phone's battery icon will be visible on the CarPlay screen, indicating it's connected wirelessly.
- Consult your car's documentation: Check your car's owner's manual or the manufacturer's website for your specific model's features. Many cars made in 2019 or later with CarPlay likely have wireless capabilities, but this is not guaranteed.
This video demonstrates how to set up wireless Apple CarPlay: 1mAcura CanadaYouTube · Jun 10, 2024
If you're not sure, verify your car's compatibility
- Visit Apple's CarPlay availability page to see a list of supported vehicles. Note that this list confirms CarPlay compatibility, but may not explicitly state whether the support is wired-only or wireless-enabled.
You can watch this video to learn about the difference between wireless CarPlay and wired CarPlay: 42sQuality Mobile VideoYouTube · Jun 24, 2019
What chevys have wireless CarPlay?
Compatible Models
- 2016-2019: Chevrolet Volt.
- 2016-Current: Chevrolet Camaro.
- 2016-Current: Chevrolet Colorado.
- 2016-Current: Chevrolet Corvette.
- 2016-Current: Chevrolet Cruze.
- 2016-2020: Chevrolet Impala.
- 2016-Current: Chevrolet Malibu.
- 2016-Current: Chevrolet Silverado.
How to enable wireless CarPlay on a Chevy?
Pairing. You will be prompted to accept terms and conditions on the vehicle infotainment screen. And then accept the wireless prompt on your phone once paired Apple CarPlay will launch automatically.
