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CarPlay Not Working for Some iPhone 15 Users, Possibly Because of USB-C Cables
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I'm facing a problem that I'm no longer able to use Carplay and Android Auto. I'm using iPhone 15 Pro Max 17.0.2 since I first got it. I connected the phone to the car with the same USB C to A cable I have been using for 2-3 years. Initially it worked and able to get Carplay working for like 3 different days. But now it constantly says
"A charging error has occurred with the connect USB device. When safe please check the compatibility of the device and USB cable and try again"
whenever I connect the cable. It shows charging status for 5 seconds and than disconnects with the above message pop up and constantly on loop cycle while connected.
So I tried using the official cable that came in the box and since its C to C, needed an adapter to convert to A. But even with an adapter, this still didn't fix the problem. So I tried another 3 different C to C cable (iPad pro cable, USB C 3.1, thunderbolt 3). All of which didn't work.
So I thought, it might be the adapter that might be causing this to not work. So I decided to boot up the android phone that I have been using for the past 2-3 year using Android auto. Tried connecting using the original cable and now Android Auto is no longer connecting. I have tried all the other cables and all the same result. What ever apple did has seem to corrupted my infotainment or at least the port. The port itself doesn't appear to be damaged nor the cables.
Things I tried:
-Removing saved devices in car's settings.
-Disabled/Enabled Carplay in Content & Privacy Restrictions>Allowed Apps
-Removing connected car history in General>CarPlay
-Enable/Disable Accessories in Face ID & Passcode
-Turning car on and off
-Re-seating the infotainment's fuse in the cars fuse box
Car: 2017 Honda Civic Sedan
Phone 1: iPhone 15 Pro Max 256gb Natural Titanium
Phone 2: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra 512gb CN version (Global ROM installed)
"A charging error has occurred with the connect USB device. When safe please check the compatibility of the device and USB cable and try again"
whenever I connect the cable. It shows charging status for 5 seconds and than disconnects with the above message pop up and constantly on loop cycle while connected.
So I tried using the official cable that came in the box and since its C to C, needed an adapter to convert to A. But even with an adapter, this still didn't fix the problem. So I tried another 3 different C to C cable (iPad pro cable, USB C 3.1, thunderbolt 3). All of which didn't work.
So I thought, it might be the adapter that might be causing this to not work. So I decided to boot up the android phone that I have been using for the past 2-3 year using Android auto. Tried connecting using the original cable and now Android Auto is no longer connecting. I have tried all the other cables and all the same result. What ever apple did has seem to corrupted my infotainment or at least the port. The port itself doesn't appear to be damaged nor the cables.
Things I tried:
-Removing saved devices in car's settings.
-Disabled/Enabled Carplay in Content & Privacy Restrictions>Allowed Apps
-Removing connected car history in General>CarPlay
-Enable/Disable Accessories in Face ID & Passcode
-Turning car on and off
-Re-seating the infotainment's fuse in the cars fuse box
Car: 2017 Honda Civic Sedan
Phone 1: iPhone 15 Pro Max 256gb Natural Titanium
Phone 2: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra 512gb CN version (Global ROM installed)
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Just speculation on what may have caused it to do this after several days of working fine, by chance was your phone fully (or nearly so) charged those first several days, but then at a lower percentage when it stopped working? Perhaps those first several days the phone was not trying to draw much power, but then, with a lower battery prompting a higher charge rate, tried to pull more power than the port allows. Not sure if that's how that process works.
If that's not the case, have you tried rebooting the head unit? I think if you hold the power button down for 5-10 seconds, it will ask you if you want to do so.
I can't recall those exact numbers but I'm confident that the phone has always been above 50% charge. Morning around 85%-95% and after work hours 50%-70%.
I have indeed restarted the head unit and even pulled out the fuse that powers the head unit (have done this in the past when screen was stuck at the welcome screen). However restarting the head unit does not solve the problem.
Other major concerning issue is that now Android Auto no longer works. Bare in mind that it has always been working using the one cable for 2-3 years only until using Carplay which cease to function.
I read somewhere that the iPhone can fast-charge up to about 80% (so tries to draw more power?), then slows down beyond that. But it sounds like at least some of the times you've tried, it's been well above that.
I've tried several cables that I had on hand, with some of them working, and others doing the thing where it connects for a few seconds, disconnects, reconnects, disconnects, etc.
One possible explanation is that your cable that you've been using coincidentally stopped working (and the USB-A to C adapter you are trying with the other cables isn't cooperating with the iPhone's USB-C implementation, as a post on the previous page explained... "This is fundamentally a USB power delivery configuration issue that puts the phone into a Power delivery mode that the USB Host will not support. Cable's impact this because the USB-A to USB-C converters are not consistent.").
But a far more alarming possibility is, as you note, that the iPhone somehow damaged your head unit. I found a cable that works for my Honda, but now I'm hesitant to use it.
So there is a new update 17.0.3 which seems to be addressing the heating issues that I don't have. But I just updated the iPhone and re-tried and same result.
So I took all these cables along with that adapter and tried connecting to my windows desktop PC and also to my macbook pro to test if there is data transferring issues.
Windows: All three cables work completely fine with that C to A adapter. And of course the official apple cable that comes in the box is notably slower transfer speed compare to the other 2.
MacOS: Still with the same 3 cables and attached the adapter. I connected it to belkin USB C hub that I use for my Macbook in the A port and it also detects without a problem. Able to transfer/charge/backup etc. And if I remove the C to A adapter, it all works like normal as expected.
So to sum up all the info so far. The cable and adapter is definitely not faulty and is able to handshake together. The only thing I can think that is the potential problem for Carplay to not work is either:
-iPhone 15 Pro Max + software(17.0.3)
-Car's Faulty USB A port
While connecting Android to the car. The connection is stable but only charging works. Would be thoroughly disappointed owning the car for 6 years using Carplay(6S+, X, XS Max) & Android Auto (Mi 11 Ultra) only for the port to be destroyed by the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
There's still hope left until my roommate comes back from interstate in 4 days where I can try out her 12 Pro Max with Lightning to A. If that too doesn't work. F
I'm still holding out hope that there's another explanation, that the USB-A to USB-C cable you had been using with Android for 2-3 years and used fine with the iPhone for several days just happened to fail, AND that the configuration of the USB-A to USB-C adapter you are using when testing the USB-C cables is causing an issue.
See this post:
My layman's interpretation of that post is that some USB-A to USB-C cables and adapters are wired in such a way that the USB-C device erroneously believes more power is available than the USB-A port is able to supply, which causes the port to shut down when the device tries to draw that power.
You note that the cable/adapter combo works when plugged into a computer or USB hub, but could the reason for that be that those ports ARE able to supply the amount of power the device is requesting?
Maybe I'm grasping at straws, and admittedly I don't have enough knowledge about the technical details of the USB spec to know if that's a possible explanation. But other somewhat supporting bits of information are that the car's port is still working at least somewhat for data (since CarPlay does appear for a few seconds before the disconnect/reconnect cycle begins), and it is consistently supplying power (to the Android device with the original cable).
One other idea is to try that USB-A to USB-C cable (the one that's been working for several years) on the computer, to see if perhaps a data wire is broken (and just the charging wires are intact). If it's able to communicate (of course, making sure that you're not just seeing the iPhone via WiFi rather than the wired connection), that would indicate that it's actually not broken, and would largely disprove my hopeful theory. If it doesn't communicate, then that explains why even the Android is not able to connect to the car.
2021 Jeep Wrangler with 15 Pro Max. The Jeep has both USB A and USB C ports to connect to on the dash. Since I got the Jeep, I have been using an Amazon Basics Lighting to USB-C red braided cable for CarPlay and it's worked great. I have a variety of USB-C to USB-C that I carry for my MacBook Pro and iPad mini in my backpack, so when I got the 15PM, I grabbed one of those and that's when the issues popped up.
After much testing, even with Apple's included cable, at least with my Jeep, I can conclusively say that orientation matters. Between the cables I own and a few I've bought for testing, it always matters which way you plug the cable into the phone and the Jeep. In some cases, it even matters which end of the cable is in the phone vs. the Jeep.
I also tested my Amazon Basics Lighting to USB-A cable. That also works, as long as you have the USB-C end to the phone in the correct orientation.
I ordered a few cable, including some Thunderbolt ones from various reputable and rated manufacturers off Amazon - brand names I've used in the past. Some worked, some didn't. Some cables seem to be charge only. When I think about it, I have a mini usb dock for my MacBook Pro, so I would have never noticed this in the past when hooking up to a TV or moving data.
With USB-C on both ends, there are only 8 combinations of ways to plug it in, so it's pretty easy to test. The included Apple cable is the easiest to use for now as I placed a little sharpie dot on the side that needs to be up on both ends. With the Apple cable, it doesn't matter which end is in the phone vs. the Jeep.
I have a couple more cables coming so we'll see how those test out. I need to get in a friend's car that is not a newer Jeep/Dodge/RAM (MOPAR) product and see how it works. I also need to get in a 2024 Jeep that has the latest Connect (it changed in 2024) I have two theories:
1. This is a MOPAR software/port issue on UConnect, maybe up to 2024 and maybe across the line. I won't know until I test. (I am leaning this way as the ports on the dash work fine, but ever since I got the Jeep, if I try to use the USB-A connection inside the arm rest, it is unreliable for CarPlay. It's been tested and replaced and still behaves the same).
2. This is an issue that Apple will fix in software (just a guess - haven't taken the time to read and understand why/how this could be a thing).
After much testing, even with Apple's included cable, at least with my Jeep, I can conclusively say that orientation matters. Between the cables I own and a few I've bought for testing, it always matters which way you plug the cable into the phone and the Jeep. In some cases, it even matters which end of the cable is in the phone vs. the Jeep.
I also tested my Amazon Basics Lighting to USB-A cable. That also works, as long as you have the USB-C end to the phone in the correct orientation.
I ordered a few cable, including some Thunderbolt ones from various reputable and rated manufacturers off Amazon - brand names I've used in the past. Some worked, some didn't. Some cables seem to be charge only. When I think about it, I have a mini usb dock for my MacBook Pro, so I would have never noticed this in the past when hooking up to a TV or moving data.
With USB-C on both ends, there are only 8 combinations of ways to plug it in, so it's pretty easy to test. The included Apple cable is the easiest to use for now as I placed a little sharpie dot on the side that needs to be up on both ends. With the Apple cable, it doesn't matter which end is in the phone vs. the Jeep.
I have a couple more cables coming so we'll see how those test out. I need to get in a friend's car that is not a newer Jeep/Dodge/RAM (MOPAR) product and see how it works. I also need to get in a 2024 Jeep that has the latest Connect (it changed in 2024) I have two theories:
1. This is a MOPAR software/port issue on UConnect, maybe up to 2024 and maybe across the line. I won't know until I test. (I am leaning this way as the ports on the dash work fine, but ever since I got the Jeep, if I try to use the USB-A connection inside the arm rest, it is unreliable for CarPlay. It's been tested and replaced and still behaves the same).
2. This is an issue that Apple will fix in software (just a guess - haven't taken the time to read and understand why/how this could be a thing).
UPDATE: After applying iOS 17.0.3, in which I did not see CarPlay mentioned, nearly all of my USB-C to C cables and the USB-C to USB-A cable work in any orientation of the plug. I have tested the C to C cables with both ends swapped and in both orientations (all 8 possibilities) and all produce CarPlay and charging.
The only cable that didn't work in all positions was an off-brand right-angle USB-C to straight USB-C. That cable still needs to be oriented the right way on both ends to produce CarPlay.
The Amazon C to A cable works with the C end in either orientation.
It is absolutely charging. I did remove the car from the phone's knowledge, but have yet to try the other. I will. I did try to get a USB-A (male) to USB-C (female) adapter and use it with the Apple provided USB-C cable, but no joy yet.
I had that issue with my Lexus UX. I tried different cables and attachments, but the only cable I got to work was an Anker one.
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3LLzXKL
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3LLzXKL
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For those of you who have bought those wireless CarPlay adapters, how is the battery life? I want to get one, but they're not going to be very useful if they kill my battery life quickly.
I’ve driven 4+ hours to the beach using Google/Apple/Waze maps and while there is some battery drain, it’s not horrible.
This probably isn’t going to be a popular reply, but I’m a fan of the QuadLock line of products.
I have the QL Mag case, wireless charging head and mount, and wireless CarPlay adapter in 2018 and 2019 Honda CRV’s. It solves the 3 issues:
Wireless CarPlay
Wireless charging
Magnetic mount
I have it mounted next to the shifter as it keeps it low and out of the way but also easy to place when I get in and out of the car.
Yes, there are definitely less expensive products out there, but I’ve been using QL for years and never had any issues.
I have the QL Mag case, wireless charging head and mount, and wireless CarPlay adapter in 2018 and 2019 Honda CRV’s. It solves the 3 issues:
Wireless CarPlay
Wireless charging
Magnetic mount
I have it mounted next to the shifter as it keeps it low and out of the way but also easy to place when I get in and out of the car.
Yes, there are definitely less expensive products out there, but I’ve been using QL for years and never had any issues.
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Really? I’m going to have to look into that - where did you find out that info.
Does it apply to female USB-A to male USB-C adapters too? An example.
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Update. Roommate came from home interstate. I tested carplay with iPhone 12 Pro Max using official Lightning to A cable and confirm the car's port is still functional and carplay works.
This means its either the 15 Pro Max or the cable. Apple themselves don't sell C to A cable but they do list Belkin's C to A which I already ordered from them directly since at the time of this writing, apples eta is 8-10 weeks for delivery or 19th of December for in-store pickup.
Will write another update once I receive the cable and have done my testing.
Glad to hear the port isn't fried. If you don't want to wait until December for the new cable to arrive but also don't want to play cable roulette, this one worked for me:
Gar min Watch Charger Cable Right Angle [2-Pack,1.5ft]
USB C Cable Right Angle [2-Pack 1.5ft] sweguard Type C iPhone 15 Charger Nylon Braided Cord for iPhone 15 pro max plus, Samsung Galaxy S22 S21 S10 S9 S8 Plus/Ultra/FE, Note 20 10 9 8,LG,Moto,PS5-Grey
www.amazon.com
Been using it for about 4 days now. It's only 1.5ft (which is the right length for how I use it... long enough to be able to hold and use the phone near the shifter, but without a bunch of excess cable when it's stashed in the cubby), but longer versions are available as well on this separate listing:
sweguard USB C Cable Right Angle [3-Pack, 10FT+6.6FT+3.3FT], USB Type C iPhone 15 Charger Cable Nylon Braided Cord for iPhone 15 pro max Plus, Samsung Galaxy S22 S21 S10 S9 S8 Note 10 9 8,LG,Moto,PS5
USB C Cable Right Angle [3-Pack, 10FT+6.6FT+3.3FT], sweguard USB Type C iPhone 15 Charger Cable Nylon Braided Cord for iPhone 15 pro max plus, Samsung Galaxy S22 S21 S10 S9 S8 Note 10 9 8,LG,Moto,PS5
www.amazon.com
(Can't confirm with certainty that these longer cables will also work, as I have not yet received them.)
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All USB-A to USB-C adapters, regardless of the arrangement, are potentially a fire hazard.
The reason for this is that USB-C can carry very high current and/or voltage. The risk is true even for cable-based dongle and USB-C power adapters. Even brand names like Anker were recalled in the past for fire hazard. Hyper is another infamous example.
But the adapter form factor is particularly risky due to more compact form factor -- closer proximity to two devices transmitting electricity.
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I have a Logitech one for my mouse, and some Anker ones. Any idea as to where I can see what was recalled?
I, too, have spent a frustrating 45 minutes try to troubleshoot why CarPlay on the my new iphone 15 max pro doesn't find my car (2022 Toyota Sienna) and vice versa. Tried wireless, USB C to C, old USB to C. Phone charges. No car play. extremely frustrated.
The Chiron doesn't have CarPlay or AA. The Mac does, but, the plebs who use android auto are out of luck.
A month ago I purchased premium usb3 cables for £10. Unlike my wirh my other cables, wired usb worked instantly.
Dissapointingly, wired carplay now works intermittently for my 15 Pro.
When it does work the initial connection takes 6seconds. Wired connectivity for my 13mini was unfappable. I even stress tested it once by repeatedly by connecting and disconnect. On each occasion it connected in 3 seconds.
I cannot blame this on the cable as it's a premium one for £10. In comparison, my Oppo A54 which cost 10th of my 15 Pro connects to Android Auto using ANY of my usb c cables!
Therefore we can't keep blaming wired carplay issues on cables. I will certainly not buy another cable.
Dissapointingly, wired carplay now works intermittently for my 15 Pro.
When it does work the initial connection takes 6seconds. Wired connectivity for my 13mini was unfappable. I even stress tested it once by repeatedly by connecting and disconnect. On each occasion it connected in 3 seconds.
I cannot blame this on the cable as it's a premium one for £10. In comparison, my Oppo A54 which cost 10th of my 15 Pro connects to Android Auto using ANY of my usb c cables!
Therefore we can't keep blaming wired carplay issues on cables. I will certainly not buy another cable.