How to Use Audiobooks with Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay makes it easy to listen to your favorite audiobooks while driving. Whether you're commuting, on a road trip, or just running errands, CarPlay allows you to enjoy immersive stories hands-free. In this guide, we'll walk you through setting up audiobooks on CarPlay, connecting your favorite apps, troubleshooting issues, and using voice commands for a seamless experience.

Setting Up Audiobooks on Apple CarPlay

Before you start listening to audiobooks on CarPlay, follow these steps to ensure everything is set up properly.

1. Ensure Your iPhone is Compatible

CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later running iOS 7.1 or higher. However, for the best experience, make sure your device is updated to the latest iOS version.

2. Update iOS and CarPlay Settings

✓ On the iPhone, navigate to Settings and then General then Software Update.

✓ Install an update if one is available before moving forward.

 ✓ Open Settings > General > CarPlay to check if your car supports wireless or wired CarPlay.

3. Connect Your iPhone to CarPlay

✓ For wired CarPlay

Use a certified Lightning cable to connect your iPhone to your car’s USB port.

✓ For wireless CarPlay

enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, then pair your phone with your car.

Best Audiobook Apps for Apple CarPlay

Not all audiobook apps are compatible with CarPlay. Here are some of the best options:

✓ Apple Books

Apple’s built-in Books app lets you purchase and listen to audiobooks directly from your iPhone. It seamlessly integrates with CarPlay and Siri.

✓ Audible

As one of the most popular audiobook platforms, Audible offers a vast library of books, podcasts, and exclusive content. The software picks up where you left off by syncing between devices.

✓ Libby

Want free audiobooks? Libby lets you borrow digital audiobooks from your local library with just a library card. It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy CarPlay audiobooks.

✓ Google Play Books

Google Play Books is Google's dedicated audiobook service that allows you to purchase books without a subscription. The app is easy to use and supports CarPlay for a hands-free experience.

How to Sync Audiobooks Across Devices

If you listen to audiobooks on multiple devices—your iPhone, iPad, or even your computer—you’ll want to make sure your progress syncs seamlessly. Here’s how to do it for the most popular audiobook apps:

✓ Audible

Ensure Whispersync for Voice is enabled in the app settings. This lets you move between devices without missing your spot.

✓ Apple Books

Turn on iCloud Drive under Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Books. This will sync your audiobooks across all Apple devices.

✓ Google Play Books

Use the same Google account you sign in with on all devices. Your reading and listening progress will automatically sync.

✓ Libby

If you use Libby for borrowing audiobooks from your library, go to Settings > Devices and confirm that Sync Reading Progress Across Devices is turned on.

Before using CarPlay, make sure your audiobook app is updated and connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data so that your progress syncs properly.

How to Connect Audiobook Apps to CarPlay

Once you’ve installed your preferred audiobook app, follow these steps to connect it to CarPlay:

1. Download & Install the App

Visit the App Store and install your chosen audiobook app.

2. Grant Permissions

Open the app and allow access to CarPlay and notifications.

3. Ensure the App is Visible in CarPlay

Go to Settings > General > CarPlay and customize your home screen to include the audiobook app.

Controlling Audiobooks with Apple CarPlay

CarPlay offers several ways to control your audiobook playback while driving:

Using Siri for Hands-Free Control

✓ Say “Hey Siri, play my audiobook” to resume your latest book.

✓ Use commands like “Skip forward 30 seconds” or “Pause audiobook” to control playback without touching the screen.

Navigating with the CarPlay Touchscreen

Most audiobook apps will display a simple play/pause, skip, and rewind interface on your car’s touchscreen.

Steering Wheel Controls for Playback

If your car has steering wheel buttons, use them to play, pause, or skip chapters without taking your hands off the wheel.

Troubleshooting Audiobook Issues on CarPlay

CarPlay Not Showing Audiobook Apps

✓ Check if the app is enabled in Settings > General > CarPlay.

✓ Restart your iPhone and reconnect to CarPlay.

No Sound While Playing Audiobooks

✓ Ensure your car’s audio source is set to CarPlay.

✓ Check the volume settings on both your car and iPhone.

Audiobooks Skipping or Not Loading

✓ Try downloading the audiobook for offline playback

✓ Close background apps that may be using bandwidth.

Tips for the Best Audiobook Experience on CarPlay

✓ Download books beforehand to avoid buffering.

✓ Adjust audio settings in your car for better clarity.

✓ Use offline mode to save mobile data.

Battery and Data Usage Tips for CarPlay Audiobooks

Listening to audiobooks through CarPlay can drain your phone’s battery and consume mobile data if you’re not careful. Here are some tips to optimize usage:

✓ Download audiobooks in advance

Instead of streaming, download audiobooks over Wi-Fi to save mobile data and prevent buffering issues.

✓ Use Low Power Mode

Enable Low Power Mode in your iPhone’s settings to extend battery life while using CarPlay.

✓ Close unused apps

Background apps can drain battery and slow down performance. Before driving, close apps you’re not using.

✓ Reduce screen brightness

If you don’t need the screen on, dimming it can help preserve battery life during long drives.

✓ Use a car charger

If possible, keep your iPhone plugged in while using CarPlay to avoid battery drain.

By following these tips, you’ll get a smoother and uninterrupted audiobook experience without worrying about battery or data usage.

Conclusion

Apple CarPlay makes listening to audiobooks while driving effortless. By setting up CarPlay, connecting your favorite apps, and using hands-free controls, you can enjoy your favorite books on the road. Don’t forget to check out other audio apps for CarPlay in this guide for an even better experience!

FAQs

1. How do I add more audiobook apps to CarPlay?

Go to Settings > General > CarPlay and add any compatible apps from your iPhone.

2. Can I listen to audiobooks offline with CarPlay?

Yes! Download audiobooks in advance within the app to listen offline.

3. Why is my audiobook app not showing on CarPlay?

Ensure it’s installed, updated, and enabled in Settings > CarPlay. Restart your phone if needed.

4. How do I control playback without touching the screen?

Use Siri voice commands or steering wheel buttons for hands-free control.

5. Does CarPlay support audiobook bookmarks?

Yes, most apps like Audible and Apple Books save your progress automatically.