Apple CarPlay Freezes Up: How To Fix It?

Have you ever been driving along, and suddenly your Apple CarPlay interface locks up and won’t respond to anything you do? If so, you’re not alone.

This is a common problem that can be frustrating, but there are a few things you can do to fix it. 

To fix a frozen Apple CarPlay, try changing your USB cable. If that doesn’t work, reset your network settings and update your iPhone. There’s also a bug with Apple Maps, so try using a different app. If it’s still frozen, then you may need to take your car to the dealership to get it checked out. 

The remainder of this article will explain how you can fix Apple CarPlay freezing problem. I will go over the most common reasons why Apple CarPlay freezes, as well as 8 ways to fix them.

Keep reading to find a solution to your frozen CarPlay!

Why Does Apple CarPlay Freeze Up?

There are a few different reasons why your Apple CarPlay system might freeze up:

• It could be a software problem or a glitch in your iPhone. If there is a problem with the iOS software, it can cause problems with CarPlay. Apple constantly releases updates to fix known bugs, so make sure to update your iPhone regularly. 
• Another possibility is that there is a problem with the hardware in your car’s infotainment system. Outdated firmware and stereo system bugs are known to cause issues with CarPlay. If CarPlay freezes while playing music, it’s very likely an internal software problem with your car. 
• Finally, it is also possible that there is a problem with the cables that are used to connect your iPhone to the front port. If the cables are incompatible or are not working properly, they can cause problems.

How To Fix

1. Use Apple Authentic MiFi Certified USB Cables

One way to avoid having your Apple CarPlay system freeze up is to use Apple Authentic MiFi Certified USB Cables.

These cables are designed to work with CarPlay and are tested and certified by Apple. If you are using a different type of cable, it is possible that it is not compatible with CarPlay and could be causing you issues. 

See our article on the best Apple CarPlay Charging cables for more information on which to buy. 

2. Switch From Apple Maps to Google Maps

If you are using Apple Maps and you find that your CarPlay system is freezing up, you can try switching to Google Maps.

Google Maps seems to be a more reliable map application, and it is less likely to cause problems. 

If you’re not using Apple maps and CarPlay is freezing up, then this is not going to be the problem.

3. Turn Off Wi-Fi Scanning

Wireless CarPlay only: Wi-Fi scanning is a feature on your iPhone that allows you to find and connect to Wi-Fi networks.

However, this feature is known to interfere with CarPlay. To turn it off, open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on Wi–Fi. Then, tap on the text “Ask to Join Networks” to turn it off.

4. Reset Network Settings

Wireless CarPlay only: If your CarPlay system is still freezing up, you can try resetting your iPhone’s WIFI network for the car.

This will reset your connection to the car, and you will have to reconnect just like it is the first time, once again.

To do this:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on WIFI. 
3. Scroll down and tap on the (i) icon next to your car’s WIFI network. 
4. Click “Forget this network” and confirm that you want to reset this.
5. Connect again like normal

5. Update iPhone to the Latest Patch

As mentioned before, always keep your iPhone up-to-date with the latest iOS version.

Apple frequently releases updates and patches for bugs and glitches. To update your iPhone, open the Settings app and tap on General. Then, tap on Software Update.

If there is an update available, tap on Download and Install.

Note: Updating your iPhone software also updates CarPlay’s. This is because the software is located through your iPhone.

6. Check for Firmware Updates From Your Car Manufacturer

If you’ve reached this far and the problem hasn’t been resolved, it’s definitely a problem with your car’s software or hardware.

Firmware updates are designed to improve the performance of your car’s infotainment system and to fix bugs.

To check for updates, contact your car manufacturer or visit their website.

7. Have Your Dealership Install the Latest Stereo Updates

Take your car to the dealership, and have them install the latest stereo updates.

These updates are designed to improve the performance of your car’s stereo system and to fix bugs with Apple CarPlay.

To get the latest updates, contact your car dealer or visit their website.

This is similar to the above suggestion, but the dealership is doing the update for you.

Note: They could charge you for this even if you are in warranty.

8. Factory Reset Your iPhone

As a last resort, you can try factory resetting your iPhone. This will delete all of the data and settings on your iPhone, so make sure to back up your data first.

Before you do this, though, you should “force restart” your iPhone, as this can sometimes fix the issue.

To do this: “Press and quickly release the volume up button. Press and quickly release the volume down button. Press and hold the side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the side button.” 

or watch the below video

Then as a last resort, factory reset your iPhone, although, I would only recommend this in EXTREME cases where your CarPlay unit is unusable, and the previous suggestions have not worked.

To factory reset your iPhone:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select General. 
3. Scroll down and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone. 
4. Tap on Erase All Content and Settings and confirm that you want to reset your iPhone.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has helped you resolve the freezing issue. If the problem continues to persist, you may have to contact your vehicle manufacturer and have them repair your car.

Most solutions with Apple CarPlay are similar and can often be fixed with the same solutions I have mentioned.