How to Switch Between Two Phones on CarPlay

Two iPhones, One CarPlay

Sharing a car with another iPhone user does not mean fighting over CarPlay. Apple allows compatible vehicles to remember multiple devices and switch between them. The trick is knowing where your iPhone’s CarPlay settings are located and choosing the correct phone before driving.

Connect the First iPhone

Start by connecting the first iPhone to your vehicle’s CarPlay system. For wireless CarPlay, make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on the phone. If your vehicle uses wired CarPlay, connect the iPhone to the appropriate USB port using a compatible cable.

Add the Second iPhone

Connect the second iPhone to the same vehicle using the normal CarPlay setup process. The car can remember previously paired phones, making future connections much easier. If the second phone has never been connected, follow the vehicle’s CarPlay pairing instructions first.

Open CarPlay Settings

On the iPhone you want to use, open Settings and select General. Tap CarPlay to see the vehicles associated with that phone. Selecting your car lets you access its CarPlay connection and customisation options.

Choose the Phone You Want

If both phones are nearby, the car may attempt to connect to one automatically. To use the other device, disconnect the currently active phone or select the desired CarPlay connection from the vehicle’s interface. The exact process can vary between car manufacturers.

Remove Connection Confusion

If your car keeps choosing the wrong iPhone, temporarily turn off Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on the phone you do not want to connect. You can also forget the vehicle from CarPlay settings and pair it again. This can help reset confusing connection behaviour.

Make Switching Easier

Once both iPhones are correctly paired, switching becomes much simpler. Keep the phone you want to use available and make sure the other device is not automatically taking priority. Checking your vehicle’s manual can also reveal manufacturer-specific CarPlay controls.

Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp