Ford F-150 pickup truck is available with Apple CarPlay as a factory-installed feature. This allows you to connect your iPhone to the truck’s infotainment system and access features such as maps, music, and messaging through the truck’s touch screen. If Apple CarPlay does not launch when you connect your iPhone, it could be due to a number of reasons which we will go through in this article.
Apple CarPlay is compatible with iPhone 5 and later models running iOS 7.1 or later.
If you’re experiencing issues with connecting Apple CarPlay in your Ford F-150, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the problem:
- Make sure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.
- Check that your iPhone is properly connected to the truck’s infotainment system. Make sure that the lightning cable is securely plugged in on both ends.
- Restart your iPhone and the truck’s infotainment system.
- Check the truck’s software version and update if necessary.
- Make sure that your iPhone is not in “Do Not Disturb” mode.
- Check if your phone is not in “airplane” mode.
- Try removing your phone from the system and adding it again.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be a software or hardware problem with the truck’s infotainment system. In this case, it is recommended to contact the Ford dealer for further assistance.
Here are a few additional things that may help you troubleshoot the problem:
- Check the settings on your iPhone: Go to “Settings” > “General” > “CarPlay” and make sure that “Allow CarPlay While Locked” is turned on. Also, check that “Automatically Connect” is turned on and that the correct vehicle is selected.
Note: If you can’t see CarPlay or “Siri & Search” under your iPhone settings, then go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps, and make sure both CarPlay and “Siri & Search” are enabled. - Check the settings on the truck’s infotainment system: Go to the “Settings” menu on the truck’s touch screen and make sure that “Apple CarPlay” is selected as the input source.
- Check the iPhone’s network connection: Make sure that your iPhone is connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network and that the connection is stable.
- Check the lighting cable: Make sure the cable is not worn or damaged, and try using a different cable to see if that resolves the issue.
- Check for any updates: Check for any updates for your iPhone, Ford F-150’s system, and for any other third party apps that you’re using with CarPlay.
- Check for any interference: Make sure that there is no other device connected to the USB port, or try connecting the phone to a different USB port.
- Try disabling the Bluetooth on your iPhone and then reconnecting it.
- Perform a factory reset of the infotainment system.
If you’ve tried all of these steps and are still experiencing issues with Apple CarPlay, it is best to contact your Ford dealer or a qualified technician to diagnose the problem and provide a solution.
Wireless Apple CarPlay not working in F-150
If you’re experiencing issues with wireless Apple CarPlay connection in your Ford F-150, here are a few things you can try:
- Make sure that your iPhone is compatible with wireless CarPlay. Wireless CarPlay is available on iPhone 7 and later models running iOS 9 or later.
- Make sure that your F-150 is equipped with wireless CarPlay. Wireless Apple CarPlay is a standard feature on all 14th generation Ford F-150 models: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited. If you have 13th generation F-150, it doesn’t have wireless CarPlay.
- Check that your iPhone is connected to the truck’s infotainment system via Bluetooth.
- Restart your iPhone and the truck’s infotainment system.
- Check the truck’s software version and update if necessary.
- Make sure that your iPhone is not in “Do Not Disturb” mode.
- Check if your phone is not in “airplane” mode.
- Try disabling and then re-enabling the CarPlay on both the phone and the truck.
- Turn on “Wireless App Projection” in the infotainment system settings.
If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be a software or hardware problem with the truck’s infotainment system. In this case, it is recommended to contact the Ford dealer for further assistance.
Apple CarPlay tips for your F-150
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of Apple CarPlay in your Ford F-150:
- Connect your iPhone to the truck’s infotainment system using a lightning cable or wirelessly via Bluetooth. This will allow you to access features such as maps, music, and messaging through the truck’s touch screen.
- Customize your CarPlay home screen to access your favorite apps quickly. You can move apps around on the home screen or even hide apps you don’t use often.
- Use Siri voice commands to control your iPhone while driving. You can ask Siri to play a specific song, call a contact, send a message, or get directions without having to take your hands off the wheel.
- Use the Maps app to get turn-by-turn directions to your destination. You can also search for nearby points of interest, such as gas stations or restaurants.
- Use the Music app to listen to your favorite songs, albums, and playlists. You can also use the app to listen to podcasts and audiobooks.
- Use the Phone app to make calls or send text messages without having to take your hands off the wheel.
- Use the Messaging app to send and receive text messages while driving. You can also use Siri voice commands to compose a message.
- Use the Now Playing feature to control your music, podcasts, and audiobooks directly from the dashboard.
- Use CarPlay in your Ford F-150 with your favorite third party apps, such as Spotify, Pandora, and Audible.
- Keep your iPhone updated to the latest version of iOS to ensure that you have access to the latest features and bug fixes.
By following these tips, you can make the most of Apple CarPlay in your Ford F-150 and enjoy a more connected and convenient driving experience.
