If you are an iPhone user, Apple CarPlay needs no introduction. Although the CarPlay setup process is a breeze, sometimes it acts weirdly and throws some annoying errors, making it tough to access and use.
One common problem that iPhone users face while using Apple CarPlay is the infamous black screen issue or error, whatever you call it. Now that you are here, we are aware that you are seeing a black screen when accessing Apple CarPlay.
We also know that you must be scratching your head, thinking, why is my CarPlay connected but the screen is black? Worry not, that’s what we are here for. Along with the fixes, you’ll also learn about the possible causes of the Apple CarPlay black screen issue. So, without wasting any further time, let’s jump right in. Shall we?
Why does my Apple CarPlay screen go black?
Honestly, it’s quite hard to pinpoint why exactly Apple CarPlay is showing a black screen. However, from our past experiences, we’ve listed some common reasons below that trigger this issue with Apple CarPlay.
- Your CarPlay screen could go black due to some compatibility issues with the iPhone model you’re using.
- In the case of wireless Apple CarPlay, a faulty Bluetooth connection is mostly the culprit.
- A minor software glitch can also result in your car screen going black with CarPlay.
- If you forget to enable CarPlay settings on your iPhone, the CarPlay is inaccessible on your car.
- While we don’t care much about the car infotainment system, its outdated firmware can cause CarPlay to show a black screen.
- In the case of the wired connection, a frayed, damaged, or incompatible USB-C cable can also trigger the issue.
- A faulty iOS update or an iPhone running an outdated iOS version could also cause your Apple CarPlay screen to go black.
Now that you are aware of the possible reasons why your Apple CarPlay screen is black, it’s time for you to try some tried and tested solutions to fix the issue.
Also read: iPhone Won’t Connect to Apple CarPlay? Here’s How to Fix
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Apple CarPlay Screen Black Issues
As we mentioned earlier, Apple CarPlay can be pretty handy when you are behind the wheel and looking for directions or simply want to enjoy your favorite playlist.
But, there’s always the possibility of things going south, which can be super annoying. If you are among those frustrated with the Apple CarPlay black screen issue, below are a few things to try so you can resolve it.
Note: The troubleshooting methods given below are in random order and sometimes may be unrelated to the reasons we mentioned above.
1. Compatibility is the key
While most modern-day iPhones work flawlessly with Apple CarPlay, we can’t say the same for all iPhones out there. In case you are trying to use Apple CarPlay with a tad-old iPhone, older than the iPhone 5, you should know that it’s not possible. You can visit this official page to check if your iPhone is compatible with CarPlay or not.
2. Reboot your iPhone when you see the black Apple CarPlay screen
Restarting your iPhone is the first and easiest method to resolve the issue where CarPlay is showing a black screen.
Here’s how to do it:
- Press the side button and either of the volume buttons together on your iPhone
- Now, slide the power button animation on the screen to shut down your iPhone
- Then, wait for a few seconds and power on your iPhone.
This method has been effective in resolving multiple CarPlay-related issues, so it’s best to give it a try.
Also read: How to Install Apple CarPlay in Older Cars – Tested Methods
3. Restart your car to fix CarPlay black screen
Similar to iPhones, restarting your car can freshly start up its infotainment system, eliminating any bugs, errors, or issues. These days, modern cars offer the option to restart the stereo system separately. So in that case, you don’t need to restart your car.
4. Update your iPhone
It’s possible that your iPhone with the current version of iOS may be throwing the CarPlay black screen error. Sometimes when the issue is widespread, Apple generally pushes an update to fix the issue. However, when the issue is limited to some users, which might be the case with you, it’s still recommended you update your device to the latest version of iOS. Here’s how you can do it.
- Head to Settings on your iPhone.
- Now, go to General and select Software Update.
- Then, wait for the system to scan for any new updates. If a new update pops up, make sure to install it as soon as possible.
5. Check Wired & Wireless Connection to Apple CarPlay
If updating the iPhone doesn’t fix CarPlay black screen, it’s time to check the connection between your car and iPhone. Let’s first look at troubleshooting the wired connection.
For wired connection:
- First, ensure that the USB cable that you are using is perfectly fine. In other words, it shouldn’t be loose or broken by any chance.
- Next, you need to make sure that the cable you are using to connect your iPhone to your car is properly plugged in. To ensure a secure connection, it’s always recommended to unplug the cable and replug it.
- If you’re still unable to get the CarPlay to work, you can try using a different cable to rule out the connection issue.
For wireless connection:
- If there is any issue related to their range, you might end up seeing the black Apple CarPlay screen. Therefore, you should keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled all the time.
- Sometimes faulty Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings can cause the CarPlay section of your car screen to go black. You can fix the faulty or corrupted settings by resetting the network settings on your iPhone. To do so, head to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- Finally, you should ensure that your car’s infotainment system is in Bluetooth or wireless mode for CarPlay to work as intended.
Also read: How to set up Apple CarPlay on Toyota Vehicles
6. Forget Your Car from iPhone CarPlay Settings
If you don’t find any issue with the connection to CarPlay, please make sure to forget your car from the CarPlay settings. Not only it will reset the connection between your iPhone and your car’s infotainment system, but it will also resolve underlying connection issues. It works similarly as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth reset. Here’s how to do it.
- Go to Settings on your iPhone
- Head to General and tap CarPlay
- Now, open CarPlay to select your car, and tap Forget this car option.
7. Check Privacy & Content Restriction settings on your iPhone
Although it’s unlikely, you may have disabled CarPlay from inside the Content & Privacy Restrictions settings, which why your CarPlay is not connecting and showing a black screen on the car’s infotainment screen.
To fix this, simply enable the toggle switch for the CarPlay option from that setting. To do so, head to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allows Apps & Features > toggle on the switch beside the CarPlay option as shown in the image below.
FAQs about Apple Carplay black screen issue
1. Why is my Apple CarPlay screen black?
There are multiple reasons why CarPlay remains connected but the screen is black. In most cases, software glitches, connection issues, and incompatibility are culprits behind this infamous problem.
2. How can I fix a black screen on Apple CarPlay?
As a simple trick, you can restart your iPhone, check CarPlay settings, and reset the network settings of your iPhone. If that doesn’t fix the problem, you may have to check for connection issues, and more.
3. How to prevent the Apple CarPlay screen from going black?
Well, you can keep your iPhone and car’s infotainment system updated, use high-quality USB cables for wired connections, and most importantly keep the CarPlay settings always enabled on your iPhone.
Summing up
As with every other app and service, Apple CarPlay is also prone to several issues that may give an iPhone user a headache. So, rather than being frustrated, it’s important to understand the underlying cause of the issue and act accordingly. Moreover, the above solutions are quite similar to most CarPlay-related problems, but these are the ones that might help you with the Apple CarPlay black screen issue.
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