Fix Spotify Not Working or Playing on Apple CarPlay Step by Step

Part 1. Fix Spotify Not Working on Apple CarPlay

Sometimes Spotify does not appear or connect properly when you start your car. This can happen because of connection settings, compatibility, or permissions on your iPhone. The following are some basic but important factors that help Spotify connect properly to CarPlay. Adjusting these settings usually fixes the most common loading or connection problems. Most of these steps will not affect any critical functions, but some, such as resetting iPhone network settings or the car's infotainment system, should be done with caution.

1. Verify Apple CarPlay Compatibility

Make sure both your car and region support CarPlay and Spotify. Not all cars or iPhone models support every CarPlay feature, and compatibility issues can prevent Spotify from appearing. If you are using CarPlay in a different region, try adjusting your Spotify profile to match. Updating your car's firmware can also help resolve hidden compatibility problems.

2. Check the Apple CarPlay Connection

Connection problems are a common reason Spotify fails to load. Whether you use a USB cable or wireless connection, make sure it is stable. A weak or interrupted connection can prevent Spotify from appearing or working properly.

3. Check CarPlay Permissions for Spotify

Spotify needs the correct permissions to run on CarPlay. On your iPhone, go to Settings → CarPlay, and make sure Spotify is enabled. Without these permissions, the app may not appear on your car's screen.

How to Check CarPlay Permissions for Spotify:

1. Go to the home screen of your iPhone and tap Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap General & Privacy.
3. Tap CarPlay.
4. Select your car from the list under MY CARS.
5. Look at the list of apps shown for CarPlay. If Spotify is not in the list or is toggled off, enable it so it can appear in CarPlay.

4. Allow CarPlay While iPhone is Locked

Some apps may not work when the iPhone is locked. Enabling CarPlay while locked lets Spotify start automatically and stay responsive even when your phone screen is off.

How to Allow for CarPlay When Locked:

1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone's home screen.
2. Scroll down and tap on "General."
3. Tap on "CarPlay" from the list of options.
4. Under the "MY CARS" section, select the name of your car's infotainment system.
5. Find the option labeled "Allow CarPlay While Locked" and ensure that it is toggled on (green). If it's already on, you can skip to the next step.
6. After making this adjustment, restart your iPhone to apply the changes effectively.

5. Restart Your Car and iPhone

A simple restart can solve many connection issues. Turn off both your iPhone and your car, wait a few seconds, and then turn them back on. This often clears temporary glitches.

How to Restart Your iPhone:

1. Locate the power button on your iPhone. It's typically located on the right side (iPhone 6 and later) or on the top (iPhone SE, 5s, and earlier).
2. Press and hold the power button until you see the "slide to power off" slider appear on the screen.
3. Once the slider appears, slide it from left to right to power off your iPhone.
4. Wait for your iPhone to shut down completely. This may take a few seconds.
5. After your iPhone has powered off, press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
6. Release the power button and wait for your iPhone to restart. This may take a few moments.
7. Once your iPhone has restarted, unlock it using your passcode or Touch ID.

How to Restart Your Car:

1. Park your car in a safe location.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the key (if applicable) or turn off the ignition.
3. Allow your car's infotainment system to power down completely. This may take a few moments.
4. Turn the ignition back on or start the engine, depending on your car's configuration.
5. Allow your car's infotainment system to reboot fully. This may take a few moments.
6. Once your car's infotainment system has restarted, reconnect your iPhone to Apple CarPlay.

6. Update Spotify and iOS

Keeping both Spotify and iOS updated fixes bugs and improves CarPlay performance. Updates may include enhancements that make the app more stable and responsive.

How to Update iOS:

1. Go to the home screen of your iPhone and tap on Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap on General.
3. Tap on Software Update to check for available updates.
4. If an update is available, tap on Download and Install to proceed with the installation.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

How to Update Spotify:

1. Navigate to the home screen of your iPhone and tap on the App Store icon.
2. Tap on the search icon and type "Spotify" in the search bar.
3. If an update is available for the Spotify app, you'll see an "Update" button next to it.
4. Tap on Update to download and install the latest version of the app.

7. Remove and Re-add Your Car in CarPlay Settings

Refreshing the CarPlay connection can help. Remove your car by selecting "Forget This Car" and then reconnect it. This clears lingering connection errors and resets permissions, allowing Spotify to load correctly.

How to Remove and Re‑add Your Car in CarPlay Settings:

1. Go to the home screen of your iPhone and tap Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap General & Privacy.
3. Tap CarPlay.
4. Tap your car’s name under MY CARS.
5. Tap Forget This Car and confirm the removal.
6. Reconnect your iPhone to your car (via USB or wireless).
7. Follow the setup instructions on your car’s display to reestablish the CarPlay connection.

8. Reset iPhone Network Settings (If Needed)

Network settings can interfere with Spotify on CarPlay. Resetting them clears any problematic configurations, though you will need to re-enter saved Wi-Fi passwords and reconnect Bluetooth devices afterward.

How to Reset Network Settings on iPhone:

1. Tap on the Settings app on your iPhone's home screen.
2. Scroll down and tap on "General."
3. Scroll to the bottom of the General settings and tap on "Reset."
4. Tap on "Reset Network Settings" from the list of reset options.
5. If prompted, enter your iPhone's passcode to proceed.
6. Confirm the action by tapping "Reset Network Settings" again when prompted.
7. Your iPhone will now reset its network settings. This process may take a few moments.
8. After the reset is complete, your iPhone will restart.
9. Once your iPhone restarts, reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and cellular data as needed.

9. Reset the Car's Infotainment System (If Needed)

If other steps fail, resetting the car's infotainment system restores default settings and can fix hidden software conflicts. After the reset, reconnect your iPhone and check that Spotify works properly.

How to Reset Infotainment System:

1. Consult your car's manual to locate the settings menu on your infotainment system.
2. Navigate through the settings menu to find the option for system reset or factory reset.
3. Select the reset option and confirm your decision to proceed with the reset.
4. Follow any on-screen instructions provided by your car's infotainment system to complete the reset process.
5. Allow your car's infotainment system to reset. This process may take a few moments.
6. Once the reset is complete, reconnect your iPhone to your car's infotainment system.

Part 2. Fix Spotify Not Playing on Apple CarPlay

Even when Spotify opens, playback may not start or songs may stop unexpectedly. App settings, restrictions, and power-saving features can affect music streaming. Reviewing and adjusting these settings often restores smooth and reliable playback.

1. Turn Off Offline Mode

Offline Mode only plays songs you've downloaded. If it's on, Spotify won't stream tracks while connected to CarPlay. Open the app and make sure Offline Mode is turned off. Sometimes tracks may appear available but aren't fully accessible if your device has limited storage or if a download was interrupted.

How to Turn Off Spotify Offline Mode

1. Open the Spotify app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top‑left corner of the screen.
3. Tap Settings and privacy.
4. Scroll down and tap Data‑saving and offline.
5. Find Offline Mode and toggle it off if it's enabled.
6. Return to your car and check if Spotify now loads correctly in CarPlay.

2. Disable Data Saver

Data Saver reduces streaming quality and can stop songs from playing unexpectedly. Turning it off lets Spotify stream normally and keeps your music playing smoothly while driving.

How to Disable Spotify Data Saver

1. Open the Spotify app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top‑left corner of the screen.
3. Tap Settings and privacy.
4. Scroll down and tap Data‑saving and offline.
5. Find Data Saver and toggle it off.
6. Try streaming Spotify through CarPlay again.

3. Allow Spotify to Use Cellular Data

Spotify needs internet access for tracks you haven't downloaded. Go to Settings → Cellular on your iPhone and make sure Spotify can use cellular data. If it's blocked, streaming may fail when Wi-Fi isn't available.

How to Allow Spotify to Use Cellular Data

1. Go to the home screen of your iPhone and tap Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Spotify.
3. Tap Mobile Data (or Cellular).
4. Make sure the switch next to Spotify is toggled on (green).
5. Return to the Spotify app or CarPlay and test whether streaming now works.

4. Turn Off Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode restricts background activity and can interrupt Spotify playback. Switch it off to ensure songs continue playing without stopping.

How to Turn Off Low Power Mode:

1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone's home screen.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Battery."
3. If Low Power Mode is currently enabled, you'll see the switch toggled to green.
4. Tap on the switch next to "Low Power Mode" to toggle it off. The switch should turn gray when it's off.
5. Confirm the action if prompted.
6. After turning off Low Power Mode, restart your iPhone to ensure that the changes take effect.

5. Enable Siri for CarPlay

Siri controls are essential for hands-free playback on CarPlay. Make sure Siri is enabled in Settings. This lets you play, skip, or switch playlists without touching your iPhone while driving.

How to Turn on Siri:

1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone's home screen.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Siri & Search."
3. Under the "Ask Siri" section, tap on "Listen for 'Hey Siri'."
4. Toggle the switch next to "Listen for 'Hey Siri'" to the on position (green). If it's already on, you can skip to the next step.
5. Confirm the action if prompted.
6. Use the voice command "Hey Siri" to test if Siri responds. Alternatively, if your device has a Home button, press it and make a request. If there's no Home button, press the Side button instead until a request is recognized.
7. After ensuring that Siri is enabled, restart your iPhone to apply any changes effectively.

6. Turn Off Screen Time Restrictions

Screen Time can block or limit apps, including Spotify. Check your settings and make sure Spotify isn't restricted. Otherwise, the app may not play music properly or may stop mid-playback.

How to Turn off Screen Time Settings (or for Spotify Only):

1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone's home screen.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Screen Time."
3. If Screen Time is currently enabled, you'll see a toggle switch next to it. Tap on the toggle switch to turn it off. You may be prompted to enter your Screen Time passcode or Apple ID password to confirm the change.
4. If you have set time limits for app usage, including CarPlay, you can adjust these limits. Go to Settings > Screen Time, then tap on "App Limits." Select "CarPlay" from the list and adjust the time limit accordingly.
5. Another option is to ensure that CarPlay is always allowed. Navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Always Allowed > CarPlay and make sure it is toggled on.
6. After making these adjustments, restart your iPhone to apply the changes effectively.

7. Turn Off Content & Privacy Restrictions

Disabling Content & Privacy Restrictions ensures Spotify can access all songs and functions while connected to CarPlay.

How to Turn off Content & Privacy (or for Spotify Only):

1. Launch the "Settings" app from your iPhone's home screen.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Screen Time."
3. Tap on "Content & Privacy Restrictions." You may need to enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted.
4. If Content & Privacy Restrictions are enabled, you'll see a toggle switch next to it. Tap on the toggle switch to turn it off. You may be prompted to enter your Screen Time passcode again to confirm the change.
5. Scroll down and locate "Spotify" in the list of apps under "ALLOWED APPS." Ensure that all restrictions for Spotify are turned off to grant the app full access.
6. After adjusting the Content & Privacy settings, restart your iPhone to apply the changes effectively.

8. Clear the Spotify Cache

Caches can become corrupted over time. Go to Spotify settings and clear the cache. This often restores smooth streaming and resolves minor glitches.

How to Clear the Spotify Cache

1. Open the Spotify app on your iPhone.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top‑left corner.
3. Tap Settings and privacy.
4. Scroll down and tap Data‑saving and offline.
5. Scroll to the bottom and tap Clear cache.
6. Confirm the action when prompted.
7. Relaunch Spotify and try using it with CarPlay again.

9. Reinstall Spotify

If nothing else works, delete and reinstall Spotify. This removes corrupted files and ensures you have the latest version. If a regular uninstall doesn't resolve the issues on CarPlay, a clean uninstall that removes all traces of the app from your iPhone before reinstalling may help.

How to Reinstall Spotify:

1. Press and hold the Spotify app icon on your iPhone's home screen until it starts shaking.
2. Tap the "x" icon on the Spotify app to delete it from your device.
3. Confirm the deletion if prompted.
4. Open the App Store on your iPhone.
5. Search for "Spotify" using the search bar.
6. Tap the download icon next to Spotify to reinstall the app.

How to Reinstall CarPlay:

1. Disconnect your iPhone from your car's infotainment system.
2. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay on your iPhone.
3. Tap on your car's name under "MY CARS" to forget the connection.
4. Confirm the removal if prompted.
5. Reconnect your iPhone to your car's infotainment system.
6. Follow the setup instructions on your car's display to reestablish the CarPlay connection.

How to Clean Uninstall Spotify:

1. Open the "Settings" app on your iOS device.
2. Tap on "General" and then select "iPhone Storage" (or "iPad Storage").
3. Scroll through the list of apps to find and tap on "Spotify."
4. Tap on "Offload App" to remove the app from your device while keeping its documents and data.
5. Confirm the offload action if prompted.
6. Return to the "Settings" app and navigate back to "General" > "iPhone Storage."
7. Tap on "Spotify" again.
8. This time, tap on "Delete App" to remove Spotify completely from your device.
9. After deleting Spotify, restart your iOS device to complete the uninstallation process.

Part 3. Fix No Sound from Spotify on Apple CarPlay

Sometimes Spotify plays, but no sound comes through the car speakers. Make sure the correct audio source and connection are selected. This usually brings the sound back without major changes.

1. Check the Car Audio Source

Sometimes Spotify is playing, but the sound doesn't come through the car speakers. Make sure your car audio system is set to the correct source, such as Bluetooth, USB, or CarPlay. If it's on a different input, you won't hear anything even though Spotify is running.

How to Use Spotify Volume Control:

1. While Spotify is active on Apple CarPlay, locate the volume controls within the Spotify interface.
2. Adjust the volume level using the on-screen controls or physical knobs/buttons if available.
3. Increase the volume to ensure that it's not muted or set too low.

How to Use Siri Voice Command:

1. Activate Siri using voice command ("Hey Siri" or pressing the voice control button on your steering wheel).
2. Issue a command to adjust the volume, such as "Hey Siri, increase the volume" or "Hey Siri, set Spotify volume to maximum."
3. Siri will respond and adjust the volume accordingly.

2. Check the Spotify Connect Device

Spotify Connect can automatically switch playback to another device, like another phone, tablet, or speaker. Open Spotify on your iPhone and check the playback device. Make sure it is set to your car so the sound routes correctly through CarPlay.

How to Check Your Spotify Device:

1. Locate and open the Spotify app on your iOS device.
2. Tap on the "Settings" option within the Spotify app.
3. Within the Settings menu, find and tap on "Devices."
4. In the Devices menu, locate your mobile device (e.g., "This iPhone") listed under the "Select a device" section.
5. If your device is already selected, you can skip to the next step.
6. If your device is not selected, tap on it to ensure it's chosen as the current device for playback.
7. After selecting your mobile device, ensure that it is listed as the "Current device" for Spotify playback.
8. Confirm the selection by checking for any visual indicators or prompts confirming the device selection.

3. Switch to a USB Connection for Apple CarPlay

If you are using wireless CarPlay and experiencing no sound, try switching to a USB connection. Wired connections are more stable and often resolve audio problems caused by wireless interference. Connect your iPhone with a certified Lightning cable and see if Spotify plays normally.

How to Switch to USB Connection (from Bluetooth Connection):

1. If you're using a wireless connection, ensure that your iPhone and your car's infotainment system are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Check that Bluetooth is enabled on both your iPhone and your car's infotainment system.
3. If you're currently using a wireless connection, disconnect it from your iPhone's settings menu.
4. Connect your iPhone to your car's USB port using a compatible USB cable.

How to Switch to Bluetooth Connection (from USB Connection):

1. If you're using a USB connection, check that the USB cable is securely plugged into both your iPhone and your car's USB port.
2. Inspect the cable for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If the cable is damaged, replace it with a new one.
3. If you're currently using a USB connection, disconnect it from your iPhone and your car's USB port.
4. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and ensure that Bluetooth is enabled.
5. Follow your car's instructions to pair your iPhone with the car's infotainment system via Bluetooth.

Part 4. Best Alternative Way to Fix Spotify Not Working on Apple CarPlay

Some users have reported that even if the issue has been fixed, the whole process is too complicate to finish the task. Then we'd like to introduce the best alternative to enable Spotify on Apple CarPlay without the Spotify not working on CarPlay issue - to keep Spotify music songs as MP3s.

Such Spotify not working on Apple CarPlay issue can't be fixed forever for a particular reason - DRM protection. Even there's an active Premium subscription, the downloaded music is still encoded in DRM, which prevent further use across device, including the car in use.

Thing You'll Need: ViWizard Spotify Music Converter

No worries. ViWizard Spotify Music Converter can help Spotify users to download and convert the music content into MP3s and more supported formats - no Premium subscriptions requires. Once the conversion completes, the DRM is also removed. Since ViWizard ensure users the full control over the converted music contents, there shouldn't be limits when it comes to transferring them to a USB drive on the device and later Bluetooth or USB connection.

11 Ways to Play Spotify in Your Car (Step-by-Step)

This post provides the 5 most popular and easiest ways for you to play Spotify music songs in your car via a cable, Bluetooth, Android Auto, CarPlay, or external drive/CD.

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