5 Apple CarPlay Tips Every Driver Should Know in 2021

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Since its debut in 2014, Apple CarPlay has grown exponentially. Part of its appeal lies in its simplicity and ease of use. Today, most manufacturers are incorporating CarPlay into their vehicles and are becoming more popular. Its functionality has also increased over time, enhancing multitasking.

You can now find EV charging stations on the map, do more with Siri, and add new calendar views. Whether you’re just getting started or have been using CarPlay for years, here are some Apple CarPlay tips you need to know.

  1. Easily find the nearest EV charging station
  2. Use silent mode to drive quietly
  3. Remember where you parked
  4. Do more with Siri
  5. Customize the CarPlay home screen

1. Easy to find the nearest EV charging station

If you own an electric car, you don’t have to look for a charging station when you’re on the go.

CarPlay is useful when it’s time to charge.Just open Apple map → go to Search bar → Type EV charger → Tap EV charger entry → A map showing the nearest charging station will be displayed.

Enter EV Charger in Apple Maps Search
Easily find your nearest EV charging station on Apple Maps

2. Drive peacefully using silent drive

Apple CarPlay settings have been improved more than ever. You can set the background color and automatically adjust it for daytime or nighttime driving. If you want to drive without distraction, you’ll love the features that don’t get in the way while you’re driving.

To turn on the feature:

  1. Move to Configuration
  2. Choose Do not disturb while driving..
  3. turn on Activate with CarPlay Silent mode is automatically triggered when you connect CarPlay.

    Turn on activation with CarPlay on iPhone

Note: You need to set how to receive notifications from iPhone.

3. Remember where you parked

Many iPhone drivers always use CarPlay to get directions, display speed limits, and check their estimated time of arrival. In iOS 14, CarPlay provides a more detailed map. You can see 3D buildings and businesses such as restaurants and gas stations.

CarPlay also helps you remember where you parked. To enable this feature Configurationmap → Displays the parking location. However, make sure you are connected to your car’s CarPlay dashboard before parking. CarPlay will display your parking location on Apple Maps.

4. Do more with Siri

With the latest version of CarPlay, Siri no longer blocks the screen. It also gives you a better, more specific direction.

Instead of “turn left at 500 feet,” Siri says “turn left at the next traffic light.” You can also use Siri to find the best car showrooms in your area. There are many different types of voice commands, so you don’t have to tap the screen while driving.

When you ask Siri something, the voice assistant will appear in a small swirling ball at the bottom. Siri can also send voice messages and share estimated time of arrival.

Use the shortcut app to configure customized voice control commands. For example, you can set up a Siri voice command to show directions on Google Maps in CarPlay.

5. Customize the CarPlay home screen

Here’s how to change the look of your CarPlay dashboard:

  1. Open iPhone Settings → General → CarPlay.

    Tap CarPlay under iPhone General

  2. Tap Connected car hit Customize..
    On the screen that pops up, you can select the CarPlay app to display on the dashboard.

    Customize the CarPlay home screen

Note: You can switch the order of apps to change how they are displayed on the dashboard.

I have! Improve your driving experience with these 5 Apple CarPlay tips. Any other tips? Share them in the comments below!