How to Turn Off Apple CarPlay on Ford, Toyota, Honda and Other Cars
Last Updated: November 2025
Apple CarPlay is one of the most convenient in-car systems for iPhone users. It connects your iPhone to your vehicle’s infotainment screen, giving you hands-free access to Maps, Messages, Music, and Siri.
However, not everyone wants it enabled all the time. Some drivers prefer to turn it off—whether to reduce distractions, use the car’s built-in system, or simply stop automatic connections.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to turn off CarPlay across different car brands and systems—including iPhone settings, Ford SYNC, GM, Toyota, Honda, BMW, and aftermarket systems.
1. Quick Summary
✓ Disable CarPlay from iPhone under Screen Time or CarPlay settings
✓ Turn it off per vehicle (Ford, Toyota, Honda, etc.) via infotainment menus
✓ Use automation tools like Focus Mode or Shortcuts to stop auto-launch
✓ Prefer aftermarket control? Plug-and-play modules like MergeScreens let you toggle CarPlay on/off manually
2. Understanding How Apple CarPlay Works
Apple CarPlay bridges your iPhone with your car’s infotainment system using either:
● Wired CarPlay: via a USB cable
● Wireless CarPlay: using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
Once connected, your iPhone mirrors essential apps on the screen. This convenience, however, also means CarPlay can automatically start when your iPhone connects—sometimes when you don’t want it to.
3. Reasons to Turn Off CarPlay
Here are some common reasons why drivers choose to disable CarPlay:
✓ Distraction-free driving
Sometimes, drivers prefer a clean screen to focus on the road.
✓ Native infotainment preference
You may prefer your car’s default navigation or media system.
✓ Shared vehicles
If multiple drivers use the car, automatic CarPlay can become annoying.
✓ Privacy
CarPlay might show messages or notifications that you’d rather keep private.
4. How to Disable CarPlay from iPhone Settings
The easiest way to disable CarPlay is directly through your iPhone Settings:
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
3. Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions if it’s off.
4. Go to Allowed Apps.
5. Toggle CarPlay to Off.
This completely disables CarPlay across all vehicles.
Alternatively, if you just want to stop automatic connections:
1. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay.
2. Select your car from the list.
3. Tap Forget This Car.
Your iPhone will no longer connect automatically to that vehicle’s system.
Tech Tip (Tested on iPhone 15):
Disabling CarPlay via Screen Time is the most reliable method. Make sure "Content & Privacy Restrictions" is enabled, or the CarPlay toggle will not show.
5. How to Turn Off CarPlay for a Specific Car
Sometimes you only want to disable CarPlay in one specific car—like a company vehicle or rental.
To do this:
● Navigate to Settings > General > CarPlay.
● Tap on the car you wish to disable.
● Choose Forget This Car.
This will remove the connection without affecting others.
6. Disabling CarPlay in OEM Systems
Each manufacturer has a unique infotainment setup. Here’s how to disable CarPlay in some of the most common systems.
Ford SYNC 3 / SYNC 4
1. Tap Settings on your SYNC screen.
2. Go to Apple CarPlay Preferences.
3. Choose your phone and select Disable Apple CarPlay.
Ford SYNC User Insight
In SYNC 4, the “Apple CarPlay Preferences” menu is a few layers deep. Once disabled, the vehicle remembers the setting across restarts.
GM Infotainment 3 (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac)
1. Open the Settings menu on your infotainment screen.
2. Tap Apps > Apple CarPlay.
3. Turn Apple CarPlay to Off.
Toyota Entune / Audio+
1. Press Setup on the home screen.
2. Tap Projection Settings.
3. Turn off Apple CarPlay.
Toyota Entune Tip
After a Toyota firmware update, CarPlay may re-enable itself. Disabling Bluetooth on your iPhone before the car starts will prevent auto-launch.
Honda Display Audio
1. Tap Settings > Smartphone Connection.
2. Select Apple CarPlay.
3. Choose Disable.
BMW & Mercedes-Benz
1. Go to Communication or Connections.
2. Tap Mobile Devices.
3. Select your iPhone and choose Disconnect or Delete.
7. How to Turn Off CarPlay in Aftermarket Head Units
If you’ve upgraded to an aftermarket stereo or Tesla-style screen, the process depends on your system’s interface.
Most aftermarket systems like MergeScreens Tesla-style units or Android-based CarPlay modules include an option in their Settings > CarPlay > Disable.
These modules often let you switch between Android mode and Apple CarPlay mode manually, giving you total control over when CarPlay runs.
8. Promoting Custom CarPlay Modules
Disclosure: Some of the products mentioned below, including MergeScreens modules, may be part of an affiliate partnership. We only recommend technology we've tested and believe in based on real-world use.
Aftermarket modules like those from MergeScreens give you the freedom to manage CarPlay your way.
For example, if you want a more customizable experience, you can upgrade to a plug-and-play Ford, Chevy, Toyota, and other cars can get Tesla-style display.
These systems let you disable or re-enable CarPlay instantly—no need to dig into complex menus.
9. How to Disable Specific Apps on CarPlay
Sometimes, you don’t want to turn off CarPlay entirely—just certain apps.
To hide apps:
1. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay.
2. Select your car.
3. Tap Customize.
4. Tap the minus (-) icon beside apps you want to remove.
To restrict usage entirely:
● Select Screen Time > App Limits from the menu.
● Choose specific apps to block during driving.
10. Can You Turn Off CarPlay Automatically?
Yes — iPhone automation can help.
● Use Focus Mode
Create a “Driving” Focus mode that silences CarPlay notifications.
● Use Shortcuts App
Create an automation to disable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi when connecting to your car.
This method prevents CarPlay from auto-launching without fully disabling it.
11. Troubleshooting CarPlay Disable Issues
Sometimes, CarPlay re-enables itself after iOS updates or reconnecting your iPhone.
Here’s what to try:
● Re-check Settings > CarPlay and confirm the car is forgotten.
● By going to Settings > Siri & Search, you can turn off Siri Suggestions.
● Restart your iPhone and infotainment system.
● For aftermarket units, perform a factory reset if the CarPlay app keeps appearing.
Aftermarket Insight
On MergeScreens Tesla-style displays, switching between CarPlay and Android mode is instant. Just head to Settings > CarPlay and choose “Disable.”
12. Safety and Legal Considerations
While CarPlay helps reduce manual phone use, some drivers find it distracting. Turning it off is a personal choice.
Keep in mind that disabling CarPlay doesn’t affect your car’s safety systems, and you can always re-enable it later.
13. Expert Tips from MergeScreens
● Explore plug-and-play CarPlay modules
These allow manual CarPlay control.
● Use a dual-mode head unit
Switch between Android and Apple interfaces easily.
● Stay updated
Firmware updates often fix connection issues.
● Seek installer advice
Especially if your setup involves both CarPlay and Android Auto.
14. Conclusion
Turning off Apple CarPlay can help simplify your driving experience—whether you prefer your car’s native system or want to focus on the road without distractions.
From iPhone settings to brand-specific systems and aftermarket upgrades, you now know every method to manage or disable CarPlay easily.
And if you ever want full control and customization, an aftermarket MergeScreens Tesla-style display gives you the best of both worlds: CarPlay when you want it, and a clean interface when you don’t.
About the Author
MergeScreens is a leader in advanced infotainment upgrades, offering plug-and-play Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems for Ford, Toyota, Honda, BMW, and more. With hands-on experience across hundreds of head units, we help drivers take full control of their tech. Visit us at Mergescreens for expert advice, video guides, and premium modules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I turn off Apple CarPlay completely on my iPhone?
To disable Apple CarPlay entirely, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps, and toggle CarPlay off. This stops CarPlay from working on all connected vehicles.
2. How do I turn off CarPlay when my iPhone is plugged in?
Find your car in Settings > General > CarPlay. If CarPlay starts instantly when you plug in your iPhone, tap Forget This Car. This prevents automatic CarPlay activation when using a USB cable.
3. How do I temporarily turn off CarPlay without deleting it?
You can turn it off temporarily through your car’s infotainment screen. Go to the CarPlay or smartphone connection menu and choose Disable. Alternatively, switch off Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on your iPhone before starting your car.
4. How do I turn off wireless CarPlay on my car?
For wireless setups, open Settings > General > CarPlay > Your Car, then tap Forget This Car. Turning off Bluetooth or Wi-Fi also disconnects wireless CarPlay instantly.
5. How do I turn off CarPlay notifications?
To reduce distractions, go to Settings > Notifications, select the app (like Messages or WhatsApp), and turn off Show in CarPlay. This hides alerts while keeping CarPlay active.
6. How do I turn off Apple CarPlay on Ford SYNC?
On the SYNC screen, tap Settings > Apple CarPlay Preferences, select your iPhone, and choose Disable Apple CarPlay. This keeps your Ford system in SYNC mode without Apple integration.
7. How do I turn off Apple CarPlay on Toyota or Honda vehicles?
● Toyota: Go to Setup > Projection Settings, and toggle off Apple CarPlay.
● Honda: Open Settings > Smartphone Connection > Apple CarPlay, then choose Disable.
8. How can I turn off Apple CarPlay on BMW or Mercedes-Benz?
Open Communication > Mobile Devices in your iDrive or MBUX system, select your iPhone, and tap Delete or Disconnect Device.
9. How do I turn off specific apps like Google Maps on CarPlay?
To hide certain apps, go to Settings > General > CarPlay > Customize, and tap the minus (-) sign beside the app. This removes it from your CarPlay dashboard but keeps it on your iPhone.
10. How do I turn off CarPlay automatically when driving?
Enable Focus Mode > Driving on your iPhone to mute CarPlay notifications. You can also use the Shortcuts app to automate Bluetooth or Wi-Fi turning off when your car connects.
11. How do I turn off CarPlay on iPhone 15 or iPhone 14?
The process is the same: Settings > General > CarPlay, select your vehicle, and tap Forget This Car. CarPlay will stop launching automatically on that specific vehicle.
12. How do I disable Apple CarPlay when charging my phone?
If your iPhone starts CarPlay when charging, use a charge-only USB cable (without data transfer) or disable CarPlay in Settings > General > CarPlay.
13. Can I turn off CarPlay only in one car but keep it on others?
Yes. Go to Settings > General > CarPlay, select the car you want to disable, and choose Forget This Car. Other saved connections will remain active.
14. How do I turn off Apple CarPlay on my aftermarket screen or Tesla-style display?
On aftermarket systems like MergeScreens Tesla-style head units, go to Settings > CarPlay, then select Disable or Switch Mode. You can toggle between Android and Apple interfaces anytime.
15. How do I turn CarPlay back on if I disabled it by mistake?
Open Settings > General > CarPlay, reconnect your car, and approve the pairing prompt on your infotainment screen to re-enable CarPlay instantly.
16. Why does CarPlay keep turning on automatically even after I disable it?
CarPlay may reactivate after software updates or new connections. Re-forget the car under Settings > CarPlay, then restart both your iPhone and infotainment system.
17. Is there a way to stop CarPlay from using data or showing messages?
Yes. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > CarPlay, and disable Messages or Location Sharing. This prevents data and message syncing during drives.
18. Can I turn off Apple CarPlay for one driver profile only?
If your vehicle supports user profiles (like Ford SYNC 4 or BMW iDrive 8), you can disable CarPlay for specific driver accounts under Profile Settings > Connections.
19. How do I turn off Apple CarPlay on my phone without unplugging it?
For wireless CarPlay, swipe down to open Control Center, and toggle off Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. For wired setups, tap Disconnect on your vehicle’s CarPlay screen.
20. How do I turn off CarPlay screenshots or screen mirroring?
To protect your privacy, open Settings > Privacy & Security > CarPlay Permissions, and turn off Screen Recording or Display Capture if available.
Resources & Tools
- Apple CarPlay Official Guide
- Honda Smartphone Connection Settings
- Shortcuts App for Car Automations
- MergeScreens Official Website
📥 _Coming Soon: Downloadable PDF guide to disabling CarPlay by brand_