Best Messaging Apps for Use with Apple CarPlay
Let’s face it—texting while driving is one of the worst habits on the road. But let’s be real, sometimes you need to reply to a message, whether it’s your boss, spouse, or the group chat planning dinner. That’s where Apple CarPlay steps in like your tech-savvy co-pilot. It lets you text without taking your hands off the wheel, so you can keep your eyes on the road. In this guide, we're diving into the best messaging apps that work with Apple CarPlay and why they deserve a spot on your dashboard.
How Apple CarPlay Works with Messaging Apps
CarPlay is Apple’s way of making your iPhone play nice with your car’s infotainment system. Plug it in (or go wireless if your car allows), and suddenly your dashboard transforms into an iOS-friendly hub. You can control messaging apps using Siri voice commands, which means you don’t have to touch the screen—or your phone—while driving. Safe, smart, and super convenient.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Messaging Apps
Not every messaging app works smoothly with CarPlay. So, what makes a messaging app truly “CarPlay-friendly”? Here's what we look for:
✓ Full CarPlay integration (visible on-screen or Siri-compatible)
✓ Hands-free capabilities (Siri support is a must)
✓ Fast message delivery
✓ Clean voice dictation and playback
✓ Reliability, even with patchy internet on the road
Top Messaging Apps for Apple CarPlay
✓ iMessage
iMessage is the best app for CarPlay texting because it is the default message app for iPhones. It integrates perfectly, supports full voice control via Siri, and allows you to listen to and dictate messages on the fly.
Pros
Seamless use, fast response, no setup needed
Cons
Only works with other Apple users
Without a doubt, WhatsApp is one of the most famous apps that work with CarPlay. When you use Siri, you can listen to new texts and write answers. It even supports voice messages, which is great for long chats.
Pros
Cross-platform messaging, audio messages, encrypted
Cons
Requires setup in CarPlay settings
✓ Facebook Messenger
Messenger doesn’t natively support CarPlay yet, but you can still use Siri Shortcuts to send and receive basic messages. It’s not perfect, but it’s doable.
Pros
Wide user base
Cons
No built-in CarPlay support, clunky via Siri
✓ Telegram
Telegram is a privacy-first messaging app. While it lacks native CarPlay support, users can create Siri shortcuts to send messages or hear notifications read aloud.
Pros:
Privacy, feature-rich
Cons:
Workaround required for CarPlay usage
✓ Signal
Much like Telegram, Signal banks on privacy. Siri can send messages through Signal, but you'll need to enable permissions manually.
Pros
End-to-end encryption
Cons
No visual CarPlay interface
✓ Google Voice
Google Voice is great for professionals who want to keep work and personal messages separate. It works through Siri and allows basic message handling while driving.
Pros
Ideal for business, voicemail support
Cons
Limited features on CarPlay
Up-and-Coming Messaging Apps with Potential
Apps like Slack, Viber, and Line don’t yet have full CarPlay integration, but tech forums and beta tests show growing interest. Expect these names to pop up in future CarPlay updates.
Integration of Messaging Apps with Apple CarPlay
CarPlay integration happens in two ways:
1. Native Integration – Like iMessage and WhatsApp.
2. Siri Shortcuts – For apps like Messenger, Signal, and Telegram.
Apple’s tight control over CarPlay limits which apps get full access. But where there's a will, there's a Siri Shortcut.
User Reviews and Community Feedback
Drivers rave about iMessage and WhatsApp for their clean integration. Telegram and Signal users appreciate the added privacy, even if setup is more complex. Across Reddit, Apple forums, and App Store reviews, WhatsApp remains the fan favorite for cross-platform texting with Siri voice reply.
Setup Instructions for Messaging Apps on Apple CarPlay
Basic Setup Steps
1. You can either connect your iPhone wirelessly or plug it into your car.
2. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay.
3. Pick out your car, then add chat apps that work with CarPlay to the home screen.
Activating Siri for Messaging
1. Go to Settings > Siri & Search.
2. Do this for each chat app: "Use with Ask Siri."
3. Try asking Hey Siri, please use WhatsApp to send a message to [Say the Name of the contact]
Troubleshooting Tips
✓ App not showing? Check if it’s updated.
✓ Still invisible? Reboot your iPhone and car.
✓ CarPlay crashing? Update iOS and reinstall the app.
Tips for Using Messaging Apps Safely While Driving
✓ Let Siri do the work—avoid touching the screen
✓ Use auto-replies to let contacts know you’re on the road
✓ To avoid being distracted while driving, turn on "Do Not Disturb."
Best Communication Apps Beyond Messaging
While we focused on messaging here, many apps combine calls and texts in one smart package. If you're looking for a full communication suite that works with Apple CarPlay, check out this guide on the Best Communication Apps for Apple CarPlay.
Conclusion
Apple CarPlay is changing how we stay in touch while driving. From the rock-solid iMessage to the globally loved WhatsApp, there are plenty of safe, efficient, and Siri-friendly ways to message without ever taking your hands off the wheel. Whether you're all about privacy or just want to chat across platforms, there’s a messaging app for you. Just make sure it plays nice with CarPlay, and you’re golden.
FAQs
1. What messaging apps are fully supported on Apple CarPlay?
iMessage and WhatsApp are the only ones with full native CarPlay integration.
2. Can I use WhatsApp voice messages through CarPlay?
Siri can read and send WhatsApp voice texts, yes.
3. How do I get a message app to show up on the CarPlay screen?
Turn it on in your iPhone's settings by going to General then CarPlay and then dragging it to the home screen of CarPlay.
4. Is Facebook Messenger compatible with Apple CarPlay?
Not natively, but Siri Shortcuts can provide limited messaging functionality.
5. Are there any messaging apps not allowed on CarPlay?
Apple restricts some apps due to safety concerns, especially those requiring manual interaction or with complex interfaces.