CarPlay is one of people's favorite Apple software. These are three underrated CarPlay features you should be using almost daily.



1. Customize Your CarPlay Home Screen


One of the most underrated features of CarPlay is the ability to customize your home screen. You can rearrange the icons to prioritize the apps you use most frequently. This can help you access your favorite apps with just a tap, making your driving experience more efficient and enjoyable.


Additionally, you can hide apps that you don't use often to declutter your home screen. To customize your CarPlay home screen, simply press and hold an icon until they start jiggling, then drag them around to rearrange or hide them.



2. Use Siri for Hands-Free Control


Siri integration is a powerful feature of CarPlay that often goes underutilized. By using voice commands, you can control various functions of your CarPlay system without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. Whether you want to send a message, make a call, or get directions, Siri can help you do it safely while driving.


To activate Siri, simply press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel or tap the Siri icon on the CarPlay display. You can then give your commands or ask questions, and Siri will respond accordingly, making CarPlay a truly hands-free experience.



3. Take Advantage of Third-Party Navigation Apps


While Apple Maps is the default navigation app on CarPlay, many users don't realize that they can also use third-party navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze. These apps offer additional features and real-time traffic updates that can enhance your driving experience.


To use third-party navigation apps on CarPlay, simply download them from the App Store on your iPhone. Once installed, you can launch them from the CarPlay interface and enjoy their advanced navigation capabilities while on the road.



4. Organize Your Notifications


Managing notifications while driving can be distracting, but CarPlay offers a convenient solution. You can customize which apps send notifications to your CarPlay display, allowing you to stay informed without being overwhelmed by constant alerts.


To manage your notifications on CarPlay, go to Settings > Notifications on your iPhone. From there, you can select which apps can send notifications to CarPlay, ensuring that only the most important alerts appear on your screen while driving.



5. Control Your Audio Playback


CarPlay not only integrates with your car's infotainment system but also allows you to control your audio playback seamlessly. Whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, CarPlay provides a user-friendly interface for managing your audio content while on the go.


You can use the Now Playing screen on CarPlay to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume without fumbling with your phone. This feature keeps you focused on the road while still enjoying your favorite audio content during your commute.



6. Discover Hidden Settings


CarPlay offers a range of hidden settings that can further enhance your user experience. From adjusting display settings to customizing app restrictions, these hidden features allow you to personalize CarPlay to suit your preferences and needs.


To access hidden settings on CarPlay, go to Settings > General > CarPlay on your iPhone. From there, you can explore additional options, such as changing the appearance of CarPlay, restricting certain apps, and enabling developer mode for advanced users.



7. Utilize Parking Spot Reminder


One handy CarPlay feature that often flies under the radar is the parking spot reminder. After parking your car, CarPlay can automatically drop a pin on the map, marking your parking location. This can save you time and frustration when trying to locate your vehicle later on.


To utilize the parking spot reminder on CarPlay, simply allow the system to access your location when you park. The next time you need to find your car, you can use the map on CarPlay to navigate back to your designated parking spot effortlessly.



8. Make the Most of Siri Shortcuts


Siri Shortcuts integration brings even more functionality to CarPlay by allowing you to create custom voice commands for specific actions. Whether you want to send a quick message, play a specific playlist, or get directions to a frequent destination, Siri Shortcuts can streamline these tasks while driving.


To set up Siri Shortcuts on CarPlay, navigate to the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. From there, you can create personalized shortcuts for your favorite apps and actions, making them easily accessible through Siri commands on CarPlay.

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