Most manufacturers, and Apple, recommend starting your car before setting up CarPlay.

Before starting your car, double-check youre in a well-ventilated outdoor area.

Also, ensure your vehicle is in Park and the parking brake is activated.

CarPlay displayed on an iPhone with an infotainment system in the background.

Bence Bezeredy / iStock Editorial / Getty Images

If your vehicle only supports wireless connections, you must perform the initial pairing using a different procedure.

Heres how to set up Apple CarPlay with a wired connection:

Start your vehicle.

Connect a Lightning cable to your phone.

Connect the other end of the cable to the appropriate USB port in your vehicle.

The USB port may have a CarPlay or generic smartphone icon.

If you have multiple unmarked USB ports, try each until you establish a connection.

I find patience to be helpful here, as it takes a moment for the connection to happen.

Tap theCarPlay or Project iconon your infotainment screen if nothing happens.

Your vehicle is now set up to use CarPlay.

How to Set Up Wireless Apple CarPlay in Toyota Vehicles

Some Toyota models support wireless CarPlay.

After that initial connection, youll be able to connect wirelessly.

Selectyour iPhonefrom the list of devices.

On your iPhone, tapAllow,Yes, orUse.

Apple CarPlay is now connected wirelessly.

Heres how to set up wireless CarPlay in a compatible GM vehicle:

Tap thephone iconon the infotainment screen.

TapAdd Phone,Pair unit,Connect Phone, or+.

Selectyour phonefrom the list.

Verify the pairing code, and tapPair.

Heres how to set up wireless CarPlay in a BMW:

Start the vehicle.

Navigate toSettings>General>CarPlayon your iPhone.

Navigate toCom>Mobile Deviceson the iDrive screen in your BMW.

Tap+ New Devicein iDrive.

SelectPhone calls and audioin iDrive, then selectyour iPhone.

TapConfirm note and connect to Apple CarPlayin iDrive.

Sync 3 requires a wired connection, and you could use the basic connection procedure outlined above.

Sync 4 and 4a allow wireless connections, and you’re free to set them up wirelessly.

On your iPhone, tapSettings>Bluetooth, and select your vehicle from the list of devices.

Verify that the Sync screen’s PIN matches your iPhone’s PIN, and tapYes.

On the iPhone, tapPair>Allow>Use CarPlay.

TapEnableon the Sync display in your vehicle.

When you see the Connecting to Apple CarPlay message, youre done.

If you want to set up a wireless connection, follow these instructions:

OpenSettingson the infotainment screen.

This screen will display the name of your vehicles Bluetooth hardware, i.e., Subaru BT.

Make note of this, then switch to your phone.

On your phone, navigate toSettings>Bluetooth, and select your vehicle from the list of devices.

On your phone, tap theinext to your vehicle in the Bluetooth options.

Verify thatShow NotificationsandSync Contactsare turned on, and switch them on if they arent.

Your phone is now connected for wireless CarPlay.

To set up wireless CarPlay, pair your phone to the vehicleinfotainment system.

Heres how to set up wireless CarPlay in a compatible Mazda:

SelectApplicationson the infotainment screen.

On your phone, navigate toSettings>Bluetooth, and select your Mazda from the list of devices.

Verify the PIN thats displayed on your phone and infotainment screen, then tapYesandPair.

TapAllowandUse CarPlayon your phone.

TapAgreeon your infotainment display.

The wireless connection will be established, and you’re free to start using CarPlay.

Tapyour iPhonewhen it appears.

If you dont see your iPhone, make sureBluetooth is on and the phone is discoverable.

Check the PIN displayed on your phone, and tapYes>Pair.

If prompted, allow access to your contacts.

On the infotainment screen, tapAcceptandStart Apple CarPlay.

Your Mercedes is now set up to use wireless CarPlay with your iPhone.

you might open and control them from there without reaching for your phone.