How to Fix Apple CarPlay Screen Black Issue

If you're facing a black screen issue with Apple CarPlay, don't worry. Here are several ways to get it back up and running smoothly.

How to Fix the Apple CarPlay Black Screen Issue​

1. Reboot Your iPhone​

• Press the Power Button and Volume Up button on your iPhone together.
• Slide the Power Button to switch it off.
• Wait for a few seconds, and then restart your phone.
• Try reconnecting CarPlay.

Rebooting your iPhone can clear minor software glitches that might be causing the CarPlay screen to go black.

2. Update Your iOS​

• Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Go to General and choose Software Update.

• Wait for the system to check for any updates.
• If available, install the update and wait for the iPhone to restart.

Updating to the latest iOS ensures you have the latest bug fixes that can resolve compatibility issues with CarPlay.

3. Check Your Connection to CarPlay​

• Wired Connection:
  • Ensure the USB cable connecting your iPhone and car is properly plugged in.
  • Try disconnecting and reconnecting it again.
  • Use a different cable to rule out a faulty USB.
• Wireless Connection:
  • Ensure your iPhone is within range and has both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.
  • Make sure your car stereo is in wireless or Bluetooth mode for connection.

Ensuring a solid connection between your iPhone and car is crucial, as a faulty cable or weak wireless signal can cause a black screen.

4. Check Privacy and Content Restrictions​

• Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Tap on Screen Time and open it.

• Select Privacy & Content Restrictions.
• Go to Allowed Apps on the screen.

• Look for CarPlay in the list of apps and enable it.

Ensuring CarPlay is allowed under content restrictions can resolve issues where the app is inadvertently disabled.

5. Restart Your Car​

• Turn off your car and wait for a few seconds.
• Restart your car.

Restarting the car can reboot the infotainment system, clearing any temporary glitches.

6. Forget Your Car from iPhone CarPlay Settings​

• Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Go to General and tap on CarPlay.

• Select your car from the list and choose Forget this car.
• Set up CarPlay again with your car.

Resetting the connection settings between your iPhone and car's infotainment system can solve configuration issues.

7. Make Sure Siri is Switched On​

• Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Scroll down and open Siri & Search.
• Tap on Listen for and choose between “Siri” or “Hey Siri”.

• Enable Press Side Button for Siri and Allow Siri When Locked.

Ensuring Siri is enabled is necessary for CarPlay to function properly, as Siri plays a crucial role in its operation.

8. Turn Off VPN​

• Open Settings on your iPhone.
• Go to General and tap on VPN.
• Toggle the VPN off.

VPNs can interfere with network connections. Disabling it can resolve connectivity issues with CarPlay.

9. Contact Apple Support​

• If none of the above methods work, contact Apple Support for professional help.

Professional troubleshooting might be necessary if CarPlay continues to show a black screen despite trying all common fixes.

Additional Tips​

• Check for Car-Specific Firmware Updates: Your car’s infotainment system software might also need an update. Check the car manufacturer's website or consult your manual for more details.
• Clean Your USB Ports: Dust or debris in the USB ports can disrupt the connection. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to clean the ports.
• Reset Network Settings:
  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
  • This will erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections, so be prepared to re-enter them later.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the black screen issue with Apple CarPlay, ensuring a smooth and connected driving experience.