Apple CarPlay has become an integral part of the driving experience for many iOS users. It allows you to seamlessly integrate your iPhone with your car’s infotainment system, providing access to a variety of apps and features right from your car’s display. While this is undoubtedly convenient, it can also be distracting when you’re receiving incoming calls while driving. Fortunately, you can easily turn off incoming calls on Apple CarPlay to minimize distractions and drive safely. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to accomplish this, along with some additional tips to enhance your CarPlay experience.
Understanding Apple CarPlay
Before we dive into disabling incoming calls on Apple CarPlay, let’s briefly explore what CarPlay is and how it functions. Apple CarPlay is a technology that allows you to mirror your iPhone’s interface on your car’s touchscreen display. It’s designed to be a safer way to use your iPhone while driving, as it provides a simplified and intuitive interface optimized for the road.
CarPlay offers features like navigation, music control, messaging, and phone calls. The phone call feature, while useful, can sometimes become distracting when you’re driving. If you want to disable incoming calls on CarPlay temporarily, follow these steps:
Method 1: Do Not Disturb
One of the easiest ways to stop incoming calls from interrupting your Apple CarPlay experience is by enabling the “Do Not Disturb While Driving” feature. This feature will automatically activate when your iPhone detects that you’re driving, but you can also turn it on manually. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open Settings
On your iPhone, tap on the “Settings” app. It’s the one with the gearwheel icon.
Step 2: Scroll Down and Tap on “Do Not Disturb”
In the Settings menu, scroll down to find “Do Not Disturb” and tap on it.
Step 3: Enable “Do Not Disturb While Driving”
In the “Do Not Disturb” settings, you’ll find an option called “Do Not Disturb While Driving.” Tap on it.
Step 4: Choose the Activation Method
You’ll have the option to set the activation method. You can choose between “Automatically,” “When Connected to Car Bluetooth,” and “Manually.” If you want to disable incoming calls whenever you’re driving, select “Automatically.”
Step 5: Customize the Auto-Reply
Under the “Auto-Reply” section, you can set up an auto-reply message to inform callers that you’re driving and can’t answer the phone at the moment.
Step 6: Save Your Settings
Once you’ve configured the options to your liking, make sure to save your settings.
Enabling “Do Not Disturb While Driving” will not only silence incoming calls but also prevent notifications from other apps. If someone calls you while this feature is active, they will receive your auto-reply message, and the call will go to voicemail.
Method 2: Disable CarPlay for Phone Calls
If you want to maintain the functionality of CarPlay but only disable phone calls, you can do so by customizing the CarPlay settings. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open CarPlay Settings
On your iPhone, go to the “Settings” app.
Step 2: Tap “CarPlay”
Scroll down the main Settings menu and tap on “CarPlay.”
Step 3: Select Your Car’s Interface
You will see a list of available cars and car interfaces. Select your car’s interface to access its settings.
Step 4: Disable Phone Calls
In the CarPlay interface settings, you will find an option labeled “Phone Calls.” Toggle this switch to disable phone calls while using CarPlay.
This method will allow you to continue using CarPlay for navigation, music, and other functions while preventing incoming calls from disturbing you. You can easily re-enable phone calls by reversing the toggle switch.
Method 3: Turn Off “Bluetooth”
Disabling Bluetooth on your iPhone will disconnect it from the car’s audio system and, consequently, prevent incoming calls from routing through CarPlay. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Access Control Center
Swipe down from the top right corner of your iPhone screen (on newer models) or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on older models) to access Control Center.
Step 2: Disable Bluetooth
In Control Center, locate the Bluetooth icon, which looks like a “B.” Tap on it to disable Bluetooth.
Keep in mind that turning off Bluetooth will disconnect your iPhone from any other Bluetooth devices it’s connected to, not just your car’s infotainment system. You’ll need to re-enable Bluetooth when you’re done driving if you want to use it with other devices.
Method 4: Enable “Airplane Mode”
Enabling “Airplane Mode” is another way to prevent incoming calls on CarPlay. Airplane Mode not only disables calls but also disconnects your phone from cellular and data networks. Here’s how to activate it:
Step 1: Open Control Center
Access Control Center as described in Method 3.
Step 2: Activate Airplane Mode
In Control Center, locate the airplane icon, which looks like an airplane silhouette. Tap on it to enable Airplane Mode.
Keep in mind that while in Airplane Mode, you won’t receive any calls or messages, and your access to the internet will be limited. This method is best suited for situations where you want to ensure complete silence while driving.
Additional Tips to Enhance Your CarPlay Experience
While disabling incoming calls on Apple CarPlay can help minimize distractions while driving, there are other ways to enhance your overall CarPlay experience:
1. Customize CarPlay Apps
You can choose which apps appear on your CarPlay interface, making it easier to access the ones you use most frequently. To customize your CarPlay apps, go to “Settings” > “General” > “CarPlay” on your iPhone and select your car’s interface. From there, you can edit the order and visibility of your apps.
2. Update Your CarPlay Apps
Regularly update the apps on your iPhone to ensure that they work seamlessly with CarPlay. App developers often release updates to improve compatibility and functionality with CarPlay.
3. Use Voice Commands
CarPlay supports Siri voice commands, allowing you to control various functions without taking your hands off the wheel. Activate Siri by pressing and holding the voice control button on your car’s steering wheel, or simply say, “Hey Siri.”
4. Set Up Favorites
CarPlay allows you to set up a list of your favorite contacts and destinations for quick access. Configure these in the CarPlay settings on your iPhone to make your daily commute more convenient.
5. Be Mindful of Distractions
While CarPlay is designed to minimize distractions, it’s crucial to remain mindful of your surroundings and not become too engrossed in the infotainment system. Keep your focus on the road and use CarPlay’s features responsibly.
6. Keep Your Car’s Software Up to Date
Just like your iPhone, your car’s infotainment system may receive software updates. Regularly check for and install these updates to ensure a smooth and secure CarPlay experience.
In conclusion, turning off incoming calls on Apple CarPlay is a straightforward process that can be done through various methods. Whether you choose to enable “Do Not Disturb,” disable phone calls through CarPlay settings, turn off Bluetooth, or activate “Airplane Mode,” the goal is to minimize distractions while driving and enhance safety.
Remember that safety should always be a top priority while using technology in your car. While Apple CarPlay is a valuable tool for integrating your iPhone with your vehicle, it should be used responsibly, and your focus should remain on the road. Customizing your CarPlay experience to suit your preferences and keeping your apps and software up to date can also contribute to a more enjoyable and safe driving experience.