CarPlay Issues

Ok, so my CarPlay issues include:

1. phone calls are delayed. Once I speak, it takes a few seconds for my message to be relayed. So there are long gaps in conversations
2. Call recipient says it’s difficult to understand me. Lots of crackling.
3. During the call, the call timer will remain at 0:01. the Once I hang up, the call timer will go through the sequence until it hits the minute & second length of the call. No other features on CarPlay will work until it goes through this sequence

I just tried the software update and it didn’t help. Traditional Bluetooth calls and Siri voice command text work perfect. Any suggestions are appreciated. I use CarPlay phone & text for work as I spend some time in the truck. Local shop said they can install aftermarket for around $850. Thanks in advance for your knowledge & input!

 

Do you use any of the aftermarket wireless Apple carplay devices? I use one and assumed that the delay in my spoken messages were due to that device.

BTW, Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!

 

Morning, Bakershack. Thanks for the welcome words! I’m in north central WV (home of Nick Saban).

I’m not using any after market adapters. Mine is the original equipment in the truck.

I did have an f150 w carplay and it was flawless. The turbo engine however, was not flawless. But the tech in ford was way better.

Called the local audio shop and they rough quoted $850 for new in dash multimedia w CarPlay. I’m sure there’s other options, but the primary goal is to fix the one I have if possible.

 

The only issue I have had with my 2020 platinum is when using a non-Apple cable. Can’t remember exactly what it did, but I would definitely have issues with aftermarket cables

 

You said you did a software update, but didn’t specify:

1. Phone software update
2. Radio over-the-air update
3. Radio downloaded update using USB

Each of those is different. Also would be helpful to know if you have the JBL audio or not.

There were download/USB updates to specifically address several CarPlay issues, though I haven’t kept up on if there are any newer ones since I swapped to the Alpine. Over-the-air updates were not the same.

And there are times when new IOS updates will cause screwy behavior in CarPlay (though 18.1.1 has been solid for me)

 

My 2020 has CarPlay and I use one of the wireless dongles. No issues at all 99% of the time. OP issue is definitely an anomaly and not the norm

Teeran CarPlay Wireless Adapter...

Teeran CarPlay Wireless Adapter for Factory Wired CarPlay 2024 Upgrade Plug & Play Dongle Converts Wired to Wireless for Cars from 2015 & iPhone iOS 10+

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBG4QRPX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

For the past few months, I’ve been having issues with phone calls through Apple CarPlay. They’re choppy, just audio cutting out ever 1-3 seconds. When I finally unplug to take the call normally, the Tundra screen freezes for 10-30 seconds and then the whole system reboots.

For me, it’s just the phone calls, everything else works perfectly.

I’m using a nice Anker cord, but have been meaning to buy a genuine Apple one as I’ve tried everything (confirmed it wasn’t my phone or iOS, tried a radio update though none were available, tried another random cord) and it hasn’t help.

It’s driving me nuts.

@RainMan_PNW Is there a procedure for the radio update via USB? Download something from Toyota and DIY or dealership visit?
**found it**

https://www.toyota.com/firmware-updates#

Input vehicle information at the top of page and verify availability of updates. If updates are available, follow these instructions:



Will try (as soon as I find an old USB) and report back.

 

I had a lot of CarPlay issues as you've described when I updated to iOS 18. I checked for software updates on the head unit and it always said there were no new updates. However when I went to the Toyota site (https://www.toyota.com/firmware-updates/updates) to check on the latest versions of the Audio and Navigation systems I found that my radio was well out of date. I downloaded the updates to a flash drive and updated the head unit that way. I haven't had any issues with CarPlay since I updated it.

Also, I had to format the flash drive to Fat32 as the file system to get the vehicle to recognize the flash drive to perform the updates.

 

It can be done DIY.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/rainmans-2021-lunar-rock-trd-pro-build.77317/page-19#post-2704949

 

Why doesn’t Toyota push these updates?

 

Yeah this is the one I did last night and no luck.

 

Ive been having the same phone call issues. Everything else works great except calls. For what its worth I have a Anker cable also which I've used since the truck was new with no issues until past few months.

 

I’m using Apple cords. I always put the original cords in the vehicles because no one uses them at home.

though I’ve had issues sporadically in the past, it got really bad about a month ago. Looking back at iOS release dates, 18.1 was released Oct 28.

I installed 18.2 last night. I’ll try that in the truck today and see if it works.

all that being said, I’ve updated the Toyota software and I’m using an Apple cord.

 

Several of us have moved to a wireless CarPlay dongle/adapter... I think it has a $20 coupon as well, so only $59 right now....

$79 OTTOCAST Wireless CarPlay Adapter for iPhone - 2025 Upgrade Wired to Wireless Apple Carplay Dongle - 5GHz WiFi, Low Latency, Plug & Play, Online Update

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09Q176WHH?ie=UTF8

I have this installed on my '21 Pro and the wife has one in her '22 Forester (both vehicles came only w/wired CarPlay).

When I used the wired method in the past it would drop calls, have trouble re-connecting after turning off the vehicle, music cutting in and out, etc...

After we started using the dongle, its been a much more seamless experience; there is still the occassional connectivity issue (as w/any device), but it's only a fraction of what it used to be.

Might be a good alternative for you to try if you're wanting to avoid swapping out the head unit right now

Here's a link to a recent thread w/similar issues and feedback on the above unit. I believe the OP and a few others in their tried this unit and had good luck w/it...

Apple CarPlay Issues on Stock Head Unit

 

You need to try another phone all together and eliminate one of them. Could be the HU or the Phone or the cable.

 

What kind of iPhone do you have OP? Just wondering if it is a really old model that may causing some of your issues

 

I've been having the same problems with audio cutout and lag as described here in the OP. It drives me insane, becasue if I take a call and it's all messed up once I unplug my phone it is perfect if I'm only using the phone. I'm going to try to do an update on the headunit as I haven't ever done one.

 

I have an iPhone 14 and just downloaded 18.2 update. I’m thinking it could be related to the updates.

 

Interesting. I have the 16 and have not gone to 18.2 yet. Currently on 18.1.1. Makes me a little weary because I haven’t ever had any CarPlay issues with this phone or my 12 that I traded in

 

I have an iphone 15 pro max, IOS 18.2

 

I just installed the current update from the Toyota website and everything works exactly as it should. Easy fix for me.

 

I got to test mine today, after the update via USB, and am able to confirm it fixed my CarPlay call issues.

iOS 18.2 on a iPhone 13. My issues started at like the first version of iOS 18.

 

I would agree and say that's about when my issues started.

 

Had the exact same issues / Head Unit will not show available updates if flash drive not formatted to Fat32 / Everything operating smoothly since the software update- Thank You CementCrew20