CarPlay is a feature that lets you use your iPhone in your car via the display integrated into your dashboard.
CarPlay supports most associated apps like Amazon Music, Audible, Spotify, Podcasts, Radio apps, etc.
However, it doesn’t support Netflix — which is obviously a bummer if you want to catch up on your favorite shows while on an hours-long drive.
You can get Netflix on Apple CarPlay without jailbreaking your iPhone or iPad by installing a third-party app like Cydia Impactor or CarBridge. You can also install WheelPal on CarPlay and then use the app to launch Netflix from a compatible device such as an iPhone.
This article will provide detailed information on setting up Netflix for Apple CarPlay. It’ll also talk about other things you should know when watching Netflix on Apple CarPlay.
Disclaimer: Before I explain any more, I want to stress that for most people, it is not going to be worthing going to the trouble of jailbreaking or hot fixing the use of Netflix via CarPlay. For most people, it will be easier to just watch on your iPhone via the Netflix app or bring a tablet along for your car.
📺 How To Watch Netflix on Apple CarPlay
If you want to watch your favorite Netflix shows on your Apple CarPlay device, you’ll first need to find an app that supports streaming Netflix.
Unfortunately, Netflix is not a default app on CarPlay and must be downloaded from the App Store.
One alternative app that supports streaming Netflix is WheelPal. WheelPal is a small app that sits in the corner of your screen and allows you to control playback, volume, and more.
It’s perfect for use while driving and eliminates the need to use Siri to control playback.
How To Install Netflix Using WheelPal
If you have a vehicle that supports Apple CarPlay and you want to install Netflix on it, there are a couple of ways you can do this. One of the tried-and-tested approaches is the WheelPal app on your car’s Apple CarPlay.
WheelPal allows users to install third-party apps from their smartphone onto Apple CarPlay compatible vehicles.
You can download it from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android devices and pair it with your vehicle’s Wi-Fi hotspot connection. All its features are accessible through your vehicle’s touchscreen display when you get behind the wheel.
It’s important to note that not all vehicles support Apple CarPlay functionality at this time.
But if yours does, following the steps below will allow you to connect with Netflix directly through your dashboard monitor while driving around town:
- Download the WheelPal App.
- Deal with the “Untrusted Enterprise Developer Error.
- Go to “Phone Settings.”
- Select “General.”
- Select “Profiles & Device Management.”
- Select “WheelPal listed under Enterprise Apps.”
- Select “Trust.”
- Launch the WheelPal app.
- The app will ask if your iPhone is jailbreaked. If your iPhone is already jailbreaked, hit “Yes.” Otherwise, hit “No.”
- If your phone is jailbreaked, WheelPal will display a list of non-default CarPlay apps that can be downloaded to your iPhone.
- Select “Netflix” and hit “Install App.”
- Once installed, select “Add to CarPlay.”
And voila! You can now enjoy Netflix on your Apple CarPlay.
How To Get Netflix on Apple CarPlay Without Jailbreaking Phone
If you want to watch Netflix on your Apple CarPlay, there are two ways to do so: Jailbreaking your iPhone or installing third-party apps like Cydia Impactor or CarBridge.
Jailbreaking is the process of removing limitations and restrictions from an Apple device.
In other words, you can install apps that aren’t available on the App Store or customize your iPhone in a way that wasn’t originally intended by Apple.
Of course, there are risks to jailbreaking your phone. If you don’t know what you’re doing or aren’t careful, you can invite hackers to steal your information via your mobile device.
Security issues aside, you’re also likely to experience disruptions in certain services and void your phone’s warranty (among other problems).
That’s why I’ll discuss how to install the apps Cydia Impactor and CarBridge below in more detail, so you can watch Netflix in your car without jailbreaking your phone.
Cydia Impactor
One of the apps available through Cydia Impactor is Netflix. You can use Cydia Impactor to install the Netflix app onto your iPhone and then use it to watch your favorite shows and movies on Apple CarPlay.
To get Neflix on Apple CarPlay via Cydia Impactor:
- Download Cydia Impactor.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB cable.
- Launch Cydia Impactor and drag the .ipa file onto it (this will be a file located on your desktop).
- Enter your Apple ID login details when prompted.
- Hit “OK” when finished.
The Netflix app should now install successfully onto your device.
CarBridge
If you’re an Apple fan and want to watch your favorite shows on your car’s large touchscreen display, you’ll need to use the CarBridge app.
CarBridge connects your iPhone or iPad to the car’s onboard entertainment system.
You can use it to watch Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services, as long as you have an active subscription with CarBridge and a compatible Apple device.
Also, you can use CarBridge to listen to music, control the car’s climate and audio settings, etc.
Like Cydia, CarBridge isn’t technically a jailbreak. As I mentioned earlier, CarBridge isn’t a free app, and will require you to shell out cash to use it.
You can also install CarBridge on your phone via Cydia if you’re comfortable with that. For a detailed guide on how to install CarBridge on your iPhone, check out this article. (Or check out a CarBridge alternative)
The Legality of Watching Netflix on Apple CarPlay
The short answer is that you shouldn’t watch Netflix while driving.
Not only is it unsafe, but it’ll also get you in trouble with the law.
In fact, Apple has taken steps to make sure that users cannot use their car infotainment system for anything other than navigation and communication purposes.
This is why you have to use Siri with CarPlay.
If you think about it, it makes sense to not allow — or at least, discourage — watching Netflix in your car.
Unless your car is entirely self-driving (and even then, self-driving technology still has a long way to go as of this writing), you raise the risk of experiencing car accidents if you take your eyes off the road long enough to binge-watch all the seasons of your favorite shows.
Conclusion
Carplay is a wonderful new technology that brings the internet from your smartphone to your car.
If you want to watch your favorite Netflix show the next time you’re out for a drive, consider the tips above — but make sure you drive safely at the same time.
