Imagine driving without the stress of fumbling for your phone every time a call comes in. With Apple CarPlay, making and receiving phone calls becomes effortless and safer.
If you want to keep your focus on the road while staying connected, learning how to use phone calls on Apple CarPlay is a game-changer. You’ll discover simple steps to make your driving experience smoother and more enjoyable. Ready to transform the way you handle calls behind the wheel?
Let’s dive in.

Setting Up Phone Calls On Carplay
Setting up phone calls on Apple CarPlay lets you talk safely while driving. The process is simple and fast. You can connect your iPhone, allow phone access, and change call settings. This helps you use calls without touching your phone. Follow these steps to start making calls with CarPlay.
Connecting Iphone To Carplay
First, connect your iPhone to your car’s CarPlay system. Use a USB cable or Bluetooth, depending on your car model. Your iPhone screen will show the CarPlay icon. Tap it to open the CarPlay interface. Make sure your car is in park for the connection to work.
Allowing Phone Access
CarPlay needs permission to access your phone calls. On your iPhone, go to Settings, then tap General. Choose CarPlay and select your car. Turn on the option to allow phone access. This lets CarPlay use your contacts and call history. It also enables hands-free calling through your car’s speakers and microphone.
Customizing Call Settings
You can change call settings to fit your needs. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap Phone, then Call Audio Routing. Choose where call audio plays, like your car’s speakers or Bluetooth headset. You can also enable or disable features like call waiting and voicemail notifications. These settings make your calling experience smoother on CarPlay.
Making Calls With Carplay
Making calls with Apple CarPlay is simple and safe while driving. It lets you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. CarPlay connects your iPhone to your car’s display, giving easy access to your phone functions. This section explains how to make calls using CarPlay, so you stay connected without distractions.
Using Siri For Calls
Siri is your voice assistant on CarPlay. Just say, “Hey Siri, call Mom,” and it dials her number. You do not need to touch the screen or phone. Siri understands names in your contacts and phone numbers. This voice control helps you make calls quickly and safely.
Dialing From Contacts
CarPlay shows your contacts on the car screen. Tap the Phone app icon, then select Contacts. Scroll or search for the person you want to call. Tap their name, and CarPlay starts the call. This method is quick and easy for people you call often.
Redialing And Recent Calls
CarPlay keeps a list of recent calls. Open the Phone app and tap Recents. You will see your latest incoming and outgoing calls. Tap any number to call it again. This feature helps you return missed calls fast without typing numbers.
Receiving Calls Safely
Receiving calls safely while driving is important to keep your focus on the road. Apple CarPlay helps you handle calls with ease and without distractions. You can answer calls quickly and stay safe by using simple methods. These options let you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Answering Calls Via Touchscreen
The CarPlay touchscreen shows incoming calls clearly. You can tap the green button to answer a call. This method is quick and easy. The screen also shows the caller’s name or number. Tapping the red button rejects the call. This way, you stay in control without using your phone.
Using Voice Commands
Voice commands let you answer calls without touching the screen. Say “Hey Siri, answer the call” to pick up. You can also say “Hey Siri, decline the call” to reject it. This hands-free method keeps your focus on driving. It is safe and convenient, especially on busy roads.
Managing Incoming Calls
CarPlay lets you manage calls while driving. You can put a call on hold or switch to another call. Use the touchscreen or voice commands to do this. You can also send quick text replies if you cannot talk. Managing calls this way helps you stay safe and connected.

Advanced Call Features
Apple CarPlay offers several advanced call features to enhance your phone experience while driving. These features help you manage calls safely without taking your hands off the wheel. You can mute calls, put them on hold, or switch between multiple calls quickly. Using speakerphone lets you keep your focus on the road while talking. Understanding these options makes your driving safer and your calls clearer.
Mute And Hold Options
Muting a call lets you stop the other person from hearing background noise. You can mute the call by tapping the mute button on the CarPlay screen. Use hold to pause a call without ending it. Holding a call helps when you need to answer another call or check information. Both options work smoothly through the CarPlay interface for easy access.
Using Speakerphone
Speakerphone lets you talk without using earbuds or holding the phone. You can turn on speakerphone with a simple tap on the CarPlay display. This feature keeps your hands free and eyes on the road. The sound quality is clear, making conversations easy to hear. Speakerphone also helps when multiple people in the car want to join the call.
Switching Between Calls
CarPlay supports handling more than one call at a time. You can switch between calls by selecting the active call on the screen. This feature is useful during busy days with many incoming calls. Switching calls does not disconnect the other call. It lets you stay connected and manage conversations without stress.
Troubleshooting Call Issues
Phone calls on Apple CarPlay should be smooth and clear. Sometimes, issues can arise that disrupt calls. Troubleshooting these problems helps keep your calls reliable and safe while driving. Below are simple steps to fix common call problems in CarPlay.
Connection Problems
Check your iPhone’s Bluetooth connection first. CarPlay needs a strong, stable connection to work well. Restart your iPhone and your car’s system to refresh the link. Also, make sure your iPhone’s software is up to date. Outdated software can cause connection troubles.
Audio Quality Fixes
Clear audio is key for safe calls. If you hear static or low volume, check the car’s microphone and speakers. Clean any dust or dirt that may block sound. Adjust the volume directly from your car controls. Try calling in a quiet place to reduce background noise.
Resetting Carplay Settings
Resetting CarPlay can fix persistent issues. Go to your iPhone’s Settings, then General, and tap CarPlay. Select your car and choose “Forget This Car.” Reconnect your iPhone to the car system afterward. This resets the connection and often clears bugs.
Tips For Safe Calling While Driving
Using phone calls on Apple CarPlay can be very helpful on the road. Staying safe while making calls is very important. There are simple ways to keep your focus on driving and avoid distractions. These tips help you use CarPlay calls safely and smartly.
Follow these steps to protect yourself and others while driving with Apple CarPlay calls.
Minimizing Distractions
Keep your eyes on the road, not the screen. Use voice commands to make calls without touching the screen. Speak clearly and listen carefully. Avoid long or complicated conversations. Pause calls if the traffic gets heavy or tricky.
Using Do Not Disturb Mode
Turn on Do Not Disturb while driving. This blocks non-urgent calls and notifications. You can still answer important calls hands-free. It helps keep your attention on driving. Set it up in your iPhone settings before you start driving.
Setting Up Emergency Contacts
Add emergency contacts in your phone app. Apple CarPlay can call these numbers quickly in trouble. Keep your list short and updated. This helps you get help fast without searching. Make sure your family or close friends are on the list.

Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Make Calls Using Apple Carplay?
To make calls on Apple CarPlay, connect your iPhone to your car. Use Siri by saying “Call [contact name]” or tap the Phone app on the CarPlay screen. You can also dial numbers manually using the touchscreen.
Can I Answer Calls Hands-free On Carplay?
Yes, Apple CarPlay supports hands-free calls. When a call comes in, use the steering wheel controls or Siri to answer. This keeps you focused on driving while safely managing calls.
How To Access Recent Calls On Apple Carplay?
Open the Phone app on CarPlay and tap the “Recents” tab. This shows your recent call history, allowing you to quickly redial or return missed calls without using your iPhone.
Is It Possible To Use Carplay For Conference Calls?
Apple CarPlay supports basic call features but doesn’t have built-in conference call controls. Use your iPhone for advanced call handling, while CarPlay manages regular calls and hands-free operation.
Conclusion
Using phone calls on Apple CarPlay keeps you connected safely while driving. It helps you make and answer calls without taking your hands off the wheel. Voice commands make calling easier and reduce distractions. Remember to keep your focus on the road at all times.
Practice using the feature before driving in busy traffic. Staying safe and connected is simple with these easy steps. Enjoy clearer calls and safer trips with Apple CarPlay phone features.
