How to connect phone to Toyota Yaris USB?
Your Toyota Yaris can connect to a smartphone through the USB port to use Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or to play music from a USB drive. Availability depends on the model year and trim, so check your vehicle’s manual or Toyota’s official specifications for exact compatibility.
In this guide, you’ll find practical steps for wired CarPlay and Android Auto connections, plus options for USB-Audio playback when those features aren’t available. We’ll cover port locations, cable requirements, and common troubleshooting tips to help you get your phone wired into the Yaris quickly and safely.
Check your Yaris’ compatibility
Before you start, verify whether your Yaris supports CarPlay or Android Auto. Many late-model Yaris trims (roughly 2019 onward) offer one or both features, but some base or older configurations do not. If you’re unsure, consult your owner’s manual, the infotainment system’s on-screen help, or Toyota’s official product pages for your exact year and trim.
To help determine compatibility, look for CarPlay or Android Auto prompts on the infotainment screen after you connect, or check the system settings for integration options.
Apple CarPlay on the Yaris (wired)
What you’ll need
Apple CarPlay works with iPhones that are compatible with CarPlay (iPhone 5 or newer with iOS 7.1 or later). Use a data-capable charging cable and a USB port that supports data transfer on your Yaris.
To connect
- Use a data-enabled Lightning cable and plug the iPhone into the USB port in the center console or dash. If your model has multiple USB ports, try the one labeled for CarPlay or USB data.
- On the iPhone, you may see a prompt to “Trust This Car.” Tap Trust and allow CarPlay to access apps if prompted, and ensure CarPlay is allowed when the phone is locked.
- On the Toyota display, CarPlay should appear automatically. If not, navigate to the infotainment home screen and select Apple CarPlay.
- Once connected, you can use Siri and compatible apps (navigation, messages, music) directly from the car screen or steering wheel controls.
With CarPlay active, your iPhone apps appear on the Yaris’ touchscreen, and you can control them via touch, voice, or steering-wheel buttons.
Android Auto on the Yaris (wired)
What you’ll need
Android Auto requires a phone running Android 6.0+ with the Android Auto app installed (many newer devices include it preinstalled). Use a data-capable USB cable and a USB port that supports data transfer.
To connect
- Connect the Android phone to the car using a data-enabled USB cable and the appropriate USB port.
- On the phone, grant the requested permissions (location, personal data, notifications) and choose “Always allow” for this car when prompted.
- On the car display, select Android Auto if it doesn’t launch automatically.
- Use Google Maps, messaging, and other compatible apps through the car’s screen or voice commands.
Android Auto mirrors supported apps to the Yaris’ display, offering navigation, messaging, and media controls with simplified, car-friendly interfaces.
USB storage or USB audio (non-CarPlay/Android Auto)
If your Yaris trim doesn’t support CarPlay or Android Auto, you can still use the USB port to play music via a USB drive or, in some cases, to access stored media on a connected phone. This method depends on the head unit’s capabilities.
Preparation and connection
- Format the USB drive as FAT32 (or exFAT if supported) and place audio files in MP3/AAC/WAV formats compatible with the head unit.
- Keep file organization simple (folders for artists or albums) if your system supports browse-by-folder navigation.
- Insert the drive into the USB port and select the USB or Music source on the infotainment screen.
- Use the steering wheel controls or touchscreen to browse and play tracks.
Notes: This method is primarily for playing music. It does not mirror apps or provide navigation or messaging via CarPlay/Android Auto.
Troubleshooting and quick tips
If your phone won’t connect or CarPlay/Android Auto won’t start, try these quick checks:
- Use a data-capable USB cable rather than a charging-only cable.
- Try the alternate USB port if your Yaris has more than one data-capable port.
- Ensure your phone is unlocked and the car is on or in accessory mode during connection.
- On first connection, grant all prompts on the phone and car screens; select “Always allow” if prompted.
- Restart the phone or the infotainment system, then reconnect.
If problems persist, verify that your phone and infotainment software are up to date, and consult your dealer or Toyota support for model-specific guidance.
Summary
Does the Toyota Yaris have USB?
Toyota USB adapter simply plugs into the CD changer input at the rear of the Toyota Yaris radio (see compatibility information below). To access an external USB device via the interface simply select CDC or CD Changer mode on your stereo.
Why won't my phone connect to my car through USB?
Your phone may not be connecting to your car via USB due to a faulty cable, software glitches, or incorrect settings on either your phone or the car's infotainment system. Start by trying a different, high-quality USB cable and restarting both your phone and car. Then, check your phone and car's settings to ensure they are compatible and that the correct USB connection is selected, along with checking for software updates on both devices.
Quick checks and fixes
This video demonstrates how to check your USB cable and connect it properly: 59sCars UnlockedYouTube · Aug 5, 2025
- Restart everything: A simple restart can fix minor glitches. Restart both your phone and your car's infotainment system.
- Check your USB cable: Use a different, high-quality USB cable, ideally the one that came with your phone. Avoid using extensions or USB hubs.
- Unlock your phone: Make sure your phone is unlocked and on the home screen when you plug it in.
- Clean the port: Check both your phone's USB port and the car's USB port for any lint or debris and clean them carefully.
Adjust phone settings
This video explains how to adjust your phone's settings for Android Auto: 59sCars UnlockedYouTube · Apr 22, 2025
- Check permissions: Go to your phone's settings and ensure that apps like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay have all necessary permissions, especially for files and media.
- Select the correct USB mode: When you connect your phone, a notification should appear asking what to do with the USB connection. Choose "Android Auto," "Apple CarPlay," or "Transferring files / MIDI".
- Clear app cache: In your phone's settings, find the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay app and clear its cache and data.
- Update the app: Make sure the Android Auto or Apple CarPlay app is up to date in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Check car settings
You can watch this video to see how to change your car's settings for Android Auto: 59sMindPower009YouTube · Oct 20, 2010
- Enable the feature: Go through your car's infotainment system settings to make sure that Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is enabled.
- Delete previous pairings: If you've previously connected the car and phone, try forgetting the car from your phone's Bluetooth settings and also deleting the phone from the car's list of connected devices.
- Update car's firmware: Check with your car manufacturer for any available firmware updates for the infotainment system.
How do I connect my phone to my Toyota Yaris?
Simply plug it in via a USB cable and accept any access permissions that appear. Once your car has detected a connection, the Android Auto icon will appear on the screen and you will be able to access your phone, music, maps and message hands free or through the touch screen and control buttons on the steering wheel.
How do I play music through USB in Toyota?
To use the multimedia features on your Touch 2, press the media button. This gives you access to AM, FM and DAB radio as well as any auxiliary deice such as music on your phone. Connect your device or media source to the USB port – music on the USB/MP3 player will start playing automatically.
