How do I know if my Uconnect has CarPlay?

Yes—many Uconnect systems support Apple CarPlay, but you’ll want to confirm with your exact head unit and vehicle year. The fastest way is to identify your Uconnect version and then test a connection with your iPhone to see if CarPlay appears on the screen (wired or wireless, depending on your system).

Understanding CarPlay in Uconnect: generations and capabilities

Apple CarPlay is the iPhone-driven interface that mirrors select apps on your car’s display. In Stellantis’ lineup, CarPlay is most commonly available on Uconnect 4/4C and Uconnect 5. Wired CarPlay works through a USB port on many older setups, while newer Uconnect 5 systems can support Wireless CarPlay in addition to wired connections. Exact availability depends on model year, trim, and whether your vehicle has the latest infotainment software.

Use the following checklist to confirm CarPlay compatibility in your car's Uconnect system and to test it in practice.

• Identify your Uconnect generation and software version. Look for hints such as “Uconnect 4,” “Uconnect 4C Nav,” or “Uconnect 5” in the system menus or owner’s manual. The presence of Apple CarPlay or CarPlay in the connectivity settings strongly indicates support.


• Check for a CarPlay option in the Uconnect menu. If you see “Apple CarPlay” or a CarPlay/CarPlay icon in Settings or Smartphone connections, your system is configured for CarPlay.


• Note the connection method your vehicle supports. Wired CarPlay requires a USB connection to a designated USB port; Wireless CarPlay is available on some Uconnect 5 setups and may require pairing over Bluetooth and a Wi‑Fi link.


• Ensure your iPhone meets Apple’s CarPlay requirements. Use an iPhone 5 or newer with iOS 7.1 or later (current devices will run far newer iOS versions). CarPlay also requires that CarPlay is allowed in your iPhone settings.

In short, confirming the unit type and testing a connection are the most reliable ways to know if CarPlay is available on your Uconnect. If nothing shows up, you may need a software update or a dealer check to verify compatibility.

How to test CarPlay on your Uconnect

To verify CarPlay works, perform a live test using your iPhone. Depending on your system, you may use wired or wireless CarPlay.

Follow these steps to perform a practical test and confirm CarPlay functionality.

• Prepare your iPhone. Make sure it is unlocked and that Settings > General > CarPlay shows your car as an available option. If prompted, allow CarPlay to be used while the phone is locked.


• Wired CarPlay test (most common): Connect your iPhone to the vehicle’s USB Port (often labeled with a smartphone icon or “USB”). After a moment, the CarPlay home screen should appear on the Uconnect display. If prompted, tap “Trust” or “Allow” on your iPhone.


• Wireless CarPlay test (if supported): On the iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Cars and select your vehicle. Make sure Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi are enabled on the iPhone and that the vehicle’s system is awake and awaiting a connection.


• Interact with CarPlay: Use the Uconnect screen to open CarPlay apps, use Siri voice commands, and verify that basic functions (Maps, Messages, Music) respond as expected.

In practice, CarPlay is working when you see the CarPlay home screen populated with compatible apps and you can control them from the Uconnect display. If it doesn’t appear, recheck the connection type, ensure iPhone permissions are granted, and consider a software update or consulting your dealer.

What to do if CarPlay isn’t available or isn’t working

If your Uconnect doesn’t show CarPlay or CarPlay isn’t functioning correctly, try the following steps:

• Confirm model and software compatibility. Some older Uconnect units do not support CarPlay, or require a firmware update to enable it. Check your vehicle’s manual or the manufacturer’s support site.


• Update the infotainment software. Ask your dealer or use any official over‑the‑air (OTA) update method if available. Updates can unlock CarPlay support or fix connectivity glitches.


• Test both wired and wireless paths (if your system supports wireless CarPlay). If wired works but wireless does not, ensure Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi settings are correct and that your iPhone is allowed to connect.


• Check iPhone settings and iOS version. Ensure CarPlay is allowed in Settings > General > CarPlay, that your iPhone is on a recent iOS version, and that any CarPlay restrictions are disabled.


• Try a different USB port or cable. Faulty cables or ports can prevent CarPlay from initializing.


• If issues persist, contact your dealer or the vehicle manufacturer’s support team for a diagnostic or potential hardware issue.

Note: While CarPlay is widely supported, some trims or regional configurations may not offer it. Always review the specific features for your vehicle year and market.

Summary

CarPlay compatibility in Uconnect hinges on the infotainment generation (commonly Uconnect 4/4C and Uconnect 5), software updates, and whether your system supports wired or wireless CarPlay. Identify your Uconnect version, look for CarPlay in the menu, and perform a test connection with your iPhone (USB or wireless). If CarPlay does not appear or work, check for updates, verify iPhone settings, try different ports/cables, and consult your dealer if needed. With the right setup, CarPlay lets you access maps, messages, music, and compatible apps directly from the Uconnect screen.

How can 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. 

How do I add CarPlay to Uconnect?

To add Apple CarPlay to Uconnect, connect your compatible iPhone to a Uconnect system that supports it using a USB cable or wirelessly if your vehicle is equipped with Uconnect 5. For Uconnect 4 systems, you may need to check your specific model's capabilities and consider aftermarket solutions like a wireless adapter or a new head unit if your vehicle is not compatible. 
Wired connection (most compatible systems)

1. Ensure your Uconnect system is compatible . Uconnect 5 and certain Uconnect 4 systems with 7-inch, 8.4-inch, or 12-inch screens support CarPlay. 
2. Turn on Siri: on your iPhone. 
3. Plug your iPhone: into the vehicle's USB port using an official Apple cable. 
4. The CarPlay home screen: should appear on your Uconnect touchscreen. If not, you may need to go to APPS > Projection Manager and ensure it is enabled. 

Wireless connection (Uconnect 5 and some Uconnect 4 systems)

1. Ensure your iPhone is compatible: and has the latest iOS update. 
2. Turn on Siri: and ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your iPhone. 
3. Go to your Uconnect system's phone settings, select "Add New Device," and follow the on-screen prompts to connect your phone via Bluetooth. 
4. When prompted, confirm the PIN on both your phone and the Uconnect system, then select "Use CarPlay" when that option appears on your phone. 

Troubleshooting

• Check your cable: A faulty or unofficial USB cable can cause connection issues. Try a different cable. 
• Check your phone's settings: Ensure Siri is enabled, and that there are no privacy restrictions on the CarPlay app. 
• Restart devices: If the connection fails, try restarting your iPhone and cycling the vehicle's ignition to reset the Uconnect system. 
• Remove and re-add the connection: Go to your phone's Bluetooth settings, forget the Uconnect device, and then re-establish the connection from scratch. 

If your Uconnect system is not compatible

• Aftermarket adapter: You can purchase a wireless adapter that plugs into the existing USB port to add wireless CarPlay. 
• Aftermarket head unit: You can replace your existing radio with an aftermarket unit from brands like Pioneer, Kenwood, or Alpine that supports CarPlay. 

When did Uconnect add CarPlay?

January 2016: FCA (now a part of Stellantis) announced CarPlay would be available on their UConnect infotainment system starting with select 2016 model year vehicles.

Do you have to pay for Uconnect to use CarPlay?

Uconnect Infotainment System
It includes things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as controlling available features like satellite navigation. The Uconnect system itself costs nothing above what you paid for the vehicle and will operate as normal.