Today we’ll take a look at Deezer as a CarPlay app.
Then we’ll launch into some troubleshooting regarding the Deezer CarPlay methods.
Deezer gives unlimited access to search songs, podcasts, and various radio channels for $10.99 per month or free with ads. You can also subscribe to the Family Plan for $17.99 monthly. The CarPlay app is suitable for variety and ease of access but has limited features, which can present challenges.
What Is Deezer, and How Does It Work?
Deezer is an online music streaming platform similar to Pandora and Spotify. Deezer contributes music, podcasts, radio stations, and more.
One difference between Deezer and some other CarPlay music apps is the type of music presented. Deezer has a vast selection of music from all different cultures, backgrounds, and styles. Many other music streaming apps limit the type of music they’re willing to play.
Deezer also offers other things besides music – another helpful feature that sets it apart from many other music streaming apps. In addition, you can download music for offline listening.
So, what’s not great about this app? For one, Deezer doesn’t have as high of audio quality as other music streaming apps (Like the Tidal CarPlay app). This can make it challenging if you are a fuzzy audiophile.
The other downside is that while Deezer offers a free version, it tends not to work as well as the free versions for some other streaming apps. You need to purchase one of the plans they offer to get the whole experience.
Below I’ve listed a quick table to give you the rundown on what’s good and bad regarding Deezer.
| What’s Good | What’s Bad |
| Huge Music Library | Some bugs with the CarPlay app |
| Offers Podcasts, Audiobooks, and Radio | Limited Song Availability |
| Supports Offline Downloads | Limited Social Features |
| Easy to Use | Lower Audio Quality |
What To Expect After Downloading Deezer
Once you download the app, you’ll be expected to sign up first. You can do so through Google, Facebook, or your email account.
Note: You’ll need to be signed in on the iPhone app first, before turning on CarPlay.
Once you sign up for Deezer, you have the option to select which bundle plan you’d like. You can either do the $10.99 individual plan or the $17.99 family bundle, which includes six individual Deezer accounts. If neither of these options sounds good, you can select the free option by simply touching the X in the top right-hand corner.
After this, you’ll be able to search for a specific artist. After selecting an artist, be it through a search or because you selected an artist already on the screen, you will see similar artists pop up.
Once you select all of the artists you’re most interested in, you will be redirected to your home page. On the home page, Deezer presents you with a variety of different music. You can view playlists that have been together based on your interests, or you can continue to search for your music at that point.
Overall, the Deezer app is straightforward to use and has many good features.
Make sure to save your “favorite” top songs before launching Deezer on CarPlay, because once in your car, it is difficult to find songs, and will usually require Siri.
Deezer and CarPlay
The Deezer CarPlay app has a range of screens and options, which I will walk you through.
The main sections of the CarPlay version of the app include:
- Made for you
- Favorites
- Podcasts
- Live Radio
See these in more detail below.
Made for you
The “made for you” tab, as it suggests, is a range of pre-selected songs that the Deezer AI believes you will like based on your favorite songs.
The more songs you add to your “favorites”, the better this selection should become. If you have multiple people using the same account, though, it won’t work very well.
Unless you love the same music!
Favorites
The favorites tab is songs, playlists, or artists you have saved in the past as your favorites.
Saving things as your favorite is the best way to ensure they’re easily accessible via the CarPlay screen.
From this tab, you can also access recently played songs or shuffle all of your popular songs in one go.
Podcasts
The podcasts tab allows you to access podcasts that are on the Deezer platform.
From my experience, there isn’t a wide selection compared to other CarPlay podcast apps, but the big shows will definitely be on the app.
There are even ever originals, and exclusives to Deezer, such as Gang stories.
Live Radio
The Deezer CarPlay radio tab, allows you to listen to a section number of live radio stations directly through the app.
Again, this wasn’t my top pick for a CarPlay radio app, (This was the TuneIn CarPlay app), but it’s a great option if you already have a Deezer subscription.
Just be wanted because it’s running through CarPlay it will use data, rather than if you used an FM radio that is built into most cars.
Deezer CarPlay Not Working
One of the most significant issues users face regarding Deezer and CarPlay is that the app is only partially connected to CarPlay.
In most cases, the user cannot select songs from their CarPlay screen. Instead, they must navigate through the menu.
Another frequent problem is that playlists don’t load once the phone is connected to CarPlay.
Most of the issues with Deezer and CarPlay happen because iOS 15 isn’t entirely compatible with the Deezer app.
Luckily, there are some things you can do so that Deezer still works well. However, there may be some additional problems you encounter.
Troubleshooting and Solutions
If Deezer isn’t playing your playlists and is forcing you to select music from your phone, there’s a pretty easy workaround.
Here’s what you’ll need to do.
- Connect your iPhone to CarPlay.
- Start the music on your phone. This can be a playlist, album, etc.
- Make sure the phone is automatically set up to play the next track.
At this point, you should be able to use Deezer from your CarPlay system.
The main thing with Deezer is that you have to start it on your phone rather than from the CarPlay system.
Currently, there’s no workaround to make the app work directly with the CarPlay system.
Another quick thing to try is using the voice command on your car’s steering wheel. In some cases, this has been known to help, but it depends on your vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Deezer CarPlay app is an excellent app for streaming music, podcasts, and listening to the radio.
It’s quick and easy to use and has a massive music library.
While it’s not my top pick, it’s a great option if you already have a subscription or manage to get a good pricing plan.
