At some point in your usage of Apple CarPlay, you are bound to encounter the frustrating occurrence of the screen turning black.
This predicament ranks among the most exasperating challenges Apple CarPlay users face, where the car radio display plunges into darkness.
This issue was once believed to be isolated to specific car models, such as the Honda Civic. However, this assumption has been disproven, as numerous Hyundai, BMW, and Kia car owners have recently reported experiencing this problem.
Some effective remedies to combat this issue include resetting the car radio, restarting the iPhone, updating the iOS or radio firmware, utilizing different USB cables or ports, and employing other potential solutions. This article covers how to fix Apple CarPlay black screen.
What Causes Apple CarPlay Black Screen?
Accusations have been hurled towards wear and tear as the primary catalyst for the occurrence of the Apple CarPlay black screen.
While this assertion may hold some validity, it is essential to note that the problem of the CarPlay black screen does not discriminate.
It manifests as a snag that afflicts both new and old vehicles indiscriminately. Surprisingly, numerous car owners have voiced their grievances, reporting the emergence of this issue in their brand-new vehicles a mere two weeks into ownership.
This intriguing fact suggests that a software glitch or bug may play a significant role as one of the major culprits behind the problem.
The realm of software updates is notorious for its propensity to introduce bugs, and Apple devices are not exempt from this phenomenon.
Consequently, many car owners recounted their experiences of Apple CarPlay malfunctioning after an update, particularly with the advent of the iOS 16 update in 2022.
Various individuals have testified that, following the upgrade to iOS 16, CarPlay exhibits frequent and effortless disconnections within vehicles, contrary to its previously flawless performance.
Some have attempted to address the issue by swapping to a new cable, which provides a slightly snugger fit and brings about partial improvement. However, it fails to restore the functionality experienced before the update fully.
This frustrating predicament may instill a desire to downgrade the iOS version as a potential remedy.
Unfortunately, this avenue is not viable, leaving one with no choice but to patiently await an upcoming patch from Apple, promising a resolution to this persistent problem.
How To Fix Apple CarPlay Black Screen? 7 Options
The following are seven effective ways to fix Apple CarPlay black screen:
1. Replace the USB Cable and Port
Suppose you are utilizing the wired version of CarPlay and grapple with the persistent black screen issue. In that case, it is advisable to prioritize a thorough inspection of your USB cable.
Inspect the USB cable, ensuring it remains without visible damage or fraying. If any such impairments are detected, promptly replacing the cable with a new one is imperative.
When procuring a replacement USB cable, exercise caution to ensure it bears the Apple-certified lightning certification.
CarPlay heavily relies on a consistent and stable connection, making it crucial to steer clear of inexpensive, low-quality cables that may compromise performance.
While addressing this, testing the USB cable by connecting it to an alternative port within your vehicle is worthwhile.
USB ports can gradually accumulate dust or debris, leading to an unstable connection and ultimately contributing to the black screen issue.
2. Disable the WAZE Integration
Numerous CarPlay users have reported encountering a black screen quandary while utilizing the Spotify app while receiving navigation directions from Waze.
This issue primarily arises from a conflict that arises between these two applications. Despite their harmonious integration on an iPhone, it, unfortunately, gives rise to complications when utilized within the CarPlay ecosystem.
Consequently, to assess any potential changes, it is advisable to disable this integration. This can be accomplished by accessing the Settings menu within the Spotify app, navigating to the Social section, and locating the Waze Navigation option.
Subsequently, switch off or deactivate this option to halt the integration between the two apps.
3. Turn Off Low Power Mode on Your Iphone
IPhones have a low-power mode that diminishes power consumption to optimize battery life.
However, this mode also limits the power output of iPhones, which can result in the sluggish performance of certain features.
To ascertain if any changes occur, it is advised to disable this mode. Access the Settings menu, locate the Battery section, and deactivate the Low Power Mode option.
Subsequently, observe if there are any noticeable improvements in the device’s performance.
4. Straightforward Fixes
Apple CarPlay has garnered a reputation for experiencing inexplicable malfunctions without natural causes. However, in such predicaments, swift solutions can address the issue. These remedies include:
- Restarting your iPhone.
- Restarting your vehicle.
- Updating the firmware of your car’s radio system.
- Updating the iOS version on your iPhone.
- Activating the ‘Allow Carplay While Locked’ setting.
- Transitioning from wireless CarPlay mode to a wired connection.
- Resetting the network settings.
If you have diligently attempted all of these measures without resolving the problem, only then should you proceed to explore further alternatives.
5. Un-pair and Re-pair Your Device
One way to fix Apple CarPlay black screen is to un-pair your device. If you are utilizing wireless CarPlay, removing your vehicle from the iPhone’s Bluetooth and WiFi device roster is recommended.
Subsequently, re-establish the connection by pairing your phone anew to determine if any improvements ensue.
To undertake this process, follow the steps outlined below:
- Access the Settings menu on your iPhone and navigate to the Bluetooth section.
- Locate the icon adjacent to your vehicle’s device name and tap on it.
- Select “Forget This Device” to remove it from the Bluetooth list.
Likewise, proceed to the WiFi section in the Settings menu and choose “Forget This Network” to eliminate your vehicle from the WiFi connections.
Return to the Settings menu to re-establish the connection and access the Bluetooth or WiFi section, depending on the connection type.
Select your vehicle from the available device list and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the pairing process.
Remove your vehicle from the CarPlay devices list before adding it back as a final troubleshooting step.
To do so, adhere to the following instructions:
- Navigate to the Settings menu and select General.
- Within the General settings, locate and choose CarPlay.
- Identify your vehicle’s name in the CarPlay devices list and tap on it.
- Finally, select “Forget This Car” to remove it from the list.
Once done, set up CarPlay afresh by following the necessary steps.
6. Shut Down the Navigation Apps
If you find yourself confronted with the issue of a black screen, specifically when using navigation apps such as Google Maps, it is advisable to attempt force-closing these applications as a potential solution.
After exiting these apps after usage, iOS suspends their processes, resulting in a temporary pause.
Consequently, when reopening the app, iOS encounters difficulties in resuming these processes seamlessly, leading to the inadequate rendering of maps.
On the other hand, by force-closing these apps, iOS terminates their processes ultimately. Consequently, upon reopening the apps, their background processes initiate afresh, facilitating proper rendering and ensuring optimal functionality.
7. Reset the Entire Infotainment System
If all previous attempts to fix an Apple CarPlay black screen have proven ineffective, the sole recourse left is to perform a soft reset of your vehicle’s infotainment system.
The specific method for executing a soft reset can vary among car models. For example, in the case of a Ford F150, the procedure may involve pressing and holding the power button in conjunction with the skip forward button.
Similarly, a Chevy Malibu may entail pressing and holding the home button and skip ahead buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds.
Conversely, Mazda vehicles may require you to press and hold the Nav, back, and volume control buttons surrounding the commander knob for 10 seconds.
Hence, it is essential to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the precise procedure tailored to your car model.
It is essential to bear in mind that initiating a reset of the infotainment system will result in the erasure of all previously saved audio settings. Consequently, you will need to reconfigure these settings anew.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the possible causes of the Apple CarPlay black screen issue?
The black screen problem encountered with Apple CarPlay can arise from many factors, encompassing software conflicts, firmware glitches, and potential hardware malfunctions.
Identifying the precise root cause necessitates a systematic troubleshooting approach.
How can I effectively resolve the Apple CarPlay black screen problem?
Several potential remedies can be employed to tackle the Apple CarPlay black screen issue.
These include restarting the iPhone, resetting the car radio system, updating the iOS and radio firmware, verifying USB connections, and adjusting relevant settings like the “Allow CarPlay While Locked” option. Implementing these solutions systematically can contribute to resolving the problem.
What should I do if the black screen problem persists even after attempting initial fixes?
If the black screen problem persists despite employing the solutions mentioned earlier, it is recommended to explore further troubleshooting measures.
These may include checking for software updates on the iPhone and the car’s infotainment system, ensuring compatibility between CarPlay and the vehicle, and seeking guidance from Apple support or the car manufacturer for specialized assistance.
Is it possible for third-party apps or software conflicts to trigger the Apple CarPlay black screen problem?
Certainly, third-party apps or software conflicts can potentially instigate the black screen issue in Apple CarPlay. Incompatible apps or outdated software versions can disrupt the seamless functioning of CarPlay.
Updating apps, ensuring compatibility, and addressing any software conflicts can assist in mitigating this problem.
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