Apple CarPlay was introduced as a seamless way to integrate iPhone functionality with a car’s infotainment system, offering drivers an intuitive interface to access maps, music, messages, and more directly from their vehicle’s dashboard. Among the most anticipated features for many users is access to popular apps like YouTube. However, many CarPlay users have encountered a frustrating issue: YouTube is not showing up on CarPlay. This article explores the reasons behind this issue, dives into Apple and Google’s policies, and provides actionable steps to either resolve or work around the limitation.
Understanding the Basics: What Is Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay is a software framework that enables iPhone users to mirror key phone functions onto their vehicle’s built-in display. Available across hundreds of car models from leading manufacturers like Ford, Toyota, BMW, and Tesla, CarPlay supports major apps including Spotify, Apple Music, Apple Maps, and Waze.
The experience is designed to enhance driver safety by limiting distractions—Apple heavily curates which apps appear on CarPlay and how they function within the system.
Key Features of Apple CarPlay
- Voice-controlled Siri integration
- Touchscreen and steering-wheel controls
- Compatibility with iPhone models from iPhone 5 onwards (iOS 7.1 and newer)
- Wireless CarPlay support in newer models
- Deep app integrations for music, navigation, and communication apps
Despite YouTube’s popularity, it’s notably absent from the CarPlay interface.
Why YouTube Isn’t Available on CarPlay
The primary reason YouTube is not available on Apple CarPlay is a decision made by Apple, not YouTube or Google. While YouTube remains one of the most-watched video platforms in the world, Apple has chosen not to approve the YouTube app for CarPlay usage due to concerns around distracted driving.
Apple’s Restrictions on Video Streaming
Apple’s CarPlay Human Interface Guidelines explicitly encourage developers to focus on hands-free, eyes-on-the-road experiences. The company restricts video playback that is not strictly related to core driving functions like navigation (e.g., traffic camera footage may be allowed in some cases). Videos can only be played if the car is stationary and in “Park” mode—an unlikely scenario for YouTube.
YouTube App Certification
Apple controls the certification process for all apps that appear on CarPlay. While YouTube does offer a compatible interface, the certification process excludes apps that might encourage driver distraction. This isn’t limited to YouTube, either—popular video services like Netflix, TikTok, and even HBO Max are also blocked from CarPlay displays while the vehicle is in motion.
Alternative Video Playback in Cars
Some car manufacturers provide rear-seat entertainment systems with independent screens for passenger use, where video playback from YouTube may be accessible via a wired or wireless Apple CarPlay setup for passengers. These systems are often managed separately from the driver-focused CarPlay interface.
YouTube on CarPlay: The Technical Side
While Apple restricts the native YouTube app on CarPlay, many users expect that they can still access YouTube through other means—such as AirPlay mirroring or third-party apps. However, Apple tightly controls how media is displayed, especially while driving.
Using AirPlay to Stream YouTube to CarPlay
AirPlay is Apple’s wireless screen-mirroring protocol and allows iPhone users to stream content to smart displays, TVs, and even vehicles. Some users attempt to use AirPlay to send YouTube video to the CarPlay display.
However, AirPlay does not mirror all content to CarPlay while the vehicle is in motion. Apple disables AirPlay mirroring for video content on the central CarPlay screen unless the car is parked. This decision is rooted in legal and safety considerations.
Mirroring Limitations While Driving
Here’s a quick breakdown of what AirPlay supports on CarPlay:
| Content Type | Available During Driving | Available While Parked |
|---|---|---|
| Video (e.g., YouTube, Netflix) | No | Yes |
| Audio (e.g., Music playback) | Yes | Yes |
| Photos | No | Yes |
For rear-seat passengers, this limitation does not apply unless the vehicle’s infotainment system is also connected to the central CarPlay screen.
Why Google Doesn’t Bring YouTube to CarPlay
While Apple blocks video playback on CarPlay as part of its safety policy, Google—a company whose revenue model heavily depends on video ad impressions—may have little motivation to develop a custom interface that complies with Apple’s restrictions.
The Incentive Problem
YouTube’s business model relies on capturing user attention and ad views. CarPlay’s restrictions limit video playback and engagement, making the user experience unsatisfactory from a business perspective. Google has not prioritized creating a “Car Mode” for YouTube that would align with CarPlay’s user interface and restrictions.
In contrast, Google has actively promoted Android Automotive as an in-car operating system—especially in vehicles like Polestar and Renault—where YouTube operates natively. Apple likely encourages this competition by making in-car video playback challenging on its ecosystem.
An Official YouTube CarPlay Interface?
Theoretically, Google could develop a limited YouTube CarPlay interface featuring audio-only playback similar to CarCast or other audio-focused apps. However, there has been no such development from Google, and there are currently no indications this will change in the near future.
Workarounds and Alternatives for Watching YouTube on CarPlay
If you’re stuck with CarPlay and looking for YouTube, here are a few possible alternatives and workarounds—some practical, some not so much.
iTunes or Apple Music Alternatives
If your goal is to access YouTube audio (like podcasts or converted music), then Apple Music or third-party apps like CarCast may already integrate with CarPlay and support audio playback of YouTube content in a compliant way.
- CarCast offers podcasts and YouTube audio in a CarPlay-friendly, distraction-free interface.
- YouTube Music also offers an optimized version of music-based content from YouTube, but it’s region-restricted and not a full YouTube experience.
Use of Third-Party YouTube Players
There are third-party apps like “YouTube++” or “YouTube Enabler,” but most don’t appear on the App Store and are often distributed through jailbroken devices or enterprise provisioning profiles. This can void warranties and is not recommended for average users.
Android Auto as an Alternative
Unlike Apple CarPlay, Google’s Android Auto enables YouTube under some conditions via a connected display. If YouTube access is a priority for your in-car experience, switching to Android Auto (and an Android phone) might be a more viable long-term solution.
When Will YouTube Come to CarPlay?
The short answer is: possibly never. Given Apple’s longstanding stance and Google’s slow response to creating a formal solution, the prospects of YouTube coming to CarPlay are not high.
Potential Scenarios for YouTube on CarPlay
- Apple Changes CarPlay Media Policy. This would require a major shift in Apple’s safety-first approach.
- Google Develops an Audio-Only YouTube Player. This may not meet Google’s revenue or engagement goals.
- Laws or Regulators Interfere. If Apple and Google face pressure from regulators over limiting consumer options, changes may occur.
- Introduction of AV Mode in CarPlay. Rumors of a future Apple Car or autonomous vehicle may influence Apple to provide a separate, unrestricted screen mode.
Autonomous Vehicles and the Future of In-Car Entertainment
With the eventual rise of self-driving vehicles, traditional driver safety restrictions may become obsolete. Apple and Google are likely preparing for that future with enhanced in-car displays, but until then, CarPlay remains restricted to voice-driven and audio-only experiences for the driver.
Troubleshooting: Why is YouTube Not Showing on CarPlay When Others Are?
If YouTube isn’t showing up at all—no icon, no trace—it might not be due to Apple restrictions. Sometimes, user configuration, iOS version, or app settings can cause the app not to appear on the CarPlay home screen.
Step-by-Step CarPlay App Display Troubleshooting
-
Ensure iOS is Up-to-Date
YouTube CarPlay integration (where applicable) may depend on iOS updates. -
Check iPhone App Settings
Go to “Settings > General > CarPlay.” Select your connected car and check if YouTube is enabled. -
Restart the iPhone and Car System
A restart often clears up CarPlay interface issues. -
Reset CarPlay Settings
From your iPhone’s Settings, tap CarPlay, select your vehicle, and choose “Forget This Car.” Reconnect and reconfigure your settings. -
Reinstall the YouTube App
Though rare, corrupted app data may prevent discovery on CarPlay.
If YouTube does not appear after all these steps, it’s likely because Apple blocks the app for CarPlay display.
Understanding App Compatibility Updates
Some apps only appear on CarPlay after Apple officially approves them for a newer iPhone or iOS version. Older iPhone models, such as the iPhone 6 and 7, often have a more limited set of apps compared to newer versions like the iPhone 13 and 14, even running the same software.
Manufacturer Differences and CarPlay Customizations
It’s important to note that Apple licenses the CarPlay interface to third-party manufacturers, who can customize the UI. This sometimes leads to confusion.
Do Some Car Manufacturers Show YouTube on CarPlay?
Some automakers offer a “custom” version of CarPlay that gives access to apps not available on the standard CarPlay UI. However, Apple still controls app certification. If YouTube were somehow activated on one model, Apple would likely address it in a future OS update.
CarPlay is also implemented differently by manufacturers:
- Some offer “split-screen” capabilities while parked, but Apple restricts multi-tasking and third-party apps in active driving mode.
- Certain luxury brands offer independent apps running parallel to CarPlay. You might access YouTube separately via the car’s built-in browser or a third-party app store.
YouTube will not appear in standard or custom-UI CarPlay when the vehicle is in motion, regardless of brand.
The Legal Side: Distracted Driving Laws and YouTube Access
In many jurisdictions, watching video on a car’s dashboard display while driving is illegal. Apple’s CarPlay design decision aligns with these laws—especially in the United States, Canada, and the European Union.
How Apple Avoids Liability
By limiting app types and content available via CarPlay, Apple reduces the liability of enabling a distracting in-car experience. If drivers could access YouTube or TikTok through CarPlay while moving, Apple could face legal challenges if distracted driving led to accidents.
Global Legal Restrictions
Here are a few key countries’ policies regarding in-car video:
| Country | Is Rear Seat Viewing Allowed? | Is Front Seat Video Allowed? |
|---|---|---|
| United States (Federal) | Yes | No (except park-only mode) |
| Canada | Mixed | No |
| Germany | Yes | No |
| United Kingdom | Mixed | No |
Apple’s CarPlay design adheres to the strictest international interpretations.
Conclusion: The State of YouTube on CarPlay in 2025
For now, YouTube is not, and likely won’t be, available on Apple CarPlay for drivers while the car is in motion. Apple’s design policies prioritize safety and minimize driver distractions—though they can be frustrating for users who see driving as a time to consume content.
However, if you’re a passenger or using a CarPlay-connected display in a “parked” mode, you can still access YouTube from the central screen. As CarPlay evolves and self-driving technology progresses, Apple may introduce an AV-approved media mode for unrestricted entertainment access.
Until that time, users who need a native YouTube experience in the car can consider switching to Android Auto, using rear-seat tablets, or relying on audio-only alternatives like podcasts, audiobooks, or YouTube-based music apps like CarCast or YouTube Music.
Is Apple Missing Out?
Some industry analysts argue that Apple might be losing competitive ground by restricting video on CarPlay—especially as automakers like Tesla have built integrated web browsers and media players directly into their dashboards. However, for Apple, the current focus remains on refining the driving experience rather than transforming the dashboard into an entertainment console.
By understanding the technical, legal, and strategic limitations behind YouTube’s absence on Apple CarPlay, users can better navigate their infotainment options and find the right media integration for their travel needs.
Why is YouTube not showing up on CarPlay?
There are several reasons why YouTube might not appear on CarPlay, often related to compatibility or setup issues. CarPlay is designed to support specific apps that are optimized for the driving experience. While YouTube is available on iOS devices, it is not officially supported by Apple for CarPlay since the app does not offer a driving-optimized interface. Some users might have previously used workarounds or third-party methods to display YouTube on CarPlay, but with software updates from Apple or YouTube, those methods can become outdated or dysfunctional.
In addition to compatibility limitations, the issue may also stem from how your iPhone is set up to interact with CarPlay. If the YouTube app was not installed or properly recognized before connecting to CarPlay, or if restrictions have been enabled in the settings, it might prevent the app from appearing. It’s worth checking your CarPlay settings and ensuring your software is up to date, although it’s important to note that even under perfect conditions, YouTube may not consistently appear due to Apple’s restrictions on its availability through CarPlay.
Can I still use YouTube on CarPlay through other means?
While Apple does not officially allow the YouTube app to appear natively on CarPlay, some users have found workarounds to access it, such as using a video streaming app that allows for in-line video playback through CarPlay’s browser-like interface. Another method involves using Safari on CarPlay to load the mobile version of YouTube’s website. This approach may allow users to stream YouTube videos by manually navigating to the site and playing content through the browser, though this often comes with usability limitations, especially when driving.
These workarounds are also subject to change depending on Apple’s restrictions and updates to iOS or Safari functionality. Additionally, automakers may configure CarPlay access differently, which can further limit the success of alternative methods. While technically possible on certain iOS versions or car models, these approaches are not guaranteed to work across all systems and may be patched over time as Apple continues to refine CarPlay’s app compatibility.
Why did YouTube used to show on CarPlay but doesn’t anymore?
YouTube may have appeared on CarPlay in the past due to a vulnerability or loophole in earlier iOS versions that allowed unsupported apps to display. However, Apple frequently updates its operating system, often closing such loopholes in the name of safety and user experience. As CarPlay is designed to offer a simplified and driver-focused interface, Apple restricts apps like YouTube that may cause distractions or have not been adapted to CarPlay usability standards.
In addition to iOS updates, YouTube has also modified the way its app functions, potentially removing certain features that allowed integration with CarPlay. As both companies strive to enhance security and compliance with automotive interface guidelines, previously working methods of displaying YouTube via CarPlay may no longer function, leaving users with a legitimate question when the feature seems to disappear seemingly overnight.
Is there a way to get YouTube on CarPlay officially?
Currently, YouTube does not have an official CarPlay integration approved by Apple. Apple maintains strict criteria for which apps can be displayed within CarPlay, prioritizing tools for music, navigation, and communication to keep the interface safe and distraction-free for drivers. Until YouTube releases a version of its app that meets Apple’s requirements or Apple revises its CarPlay app guidelines, it is unlikely that the full YouTube experience will be supported directly within CarPlay.
However, Apple has allowed some streaming services such as Spotify or Podcasts to integrate deeply with CarPlay, suggesting a preference for audio-focused experiences. Users wishing to stream video content through CarPlay may have to rely on solutions outside of CarPlay, such as watching on their iPhone while parked, or using external video apps that have been designed for in-vehicle use and are compatible with CarPlay’s design principles.
What are the alternatives to YouTube on CarPlay?
Apple encourages users to make use of CarPlay-compatible apps that are designed to be safe and functional for use while driving. For video-like experiences, alternatives to YouTube could include audio-based platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other apps that provide voice-guided content or music streaming. These services integrate fully with CarPlay and provide a safer, less distracting way to enjoy media during your commute.
For passengers who wish to watch videos, Apple recommends using the iPhone or iPad directly, which can offer the full YouTube experience without the constraints of CarPlay. Third-party mounts or wireless display technologies like Apple AirPlay or Chromecast with a compatible car screen could also serve as workarounds for in-car entertainment, although these aren’t integrated into CarPlay directly and often require a parked vehicle for legal and safe viewing.
Will Apple allow YouTube on CarPlay in the future?
As of now, there are no official announcements from Apple or Google indicating that YouTube will become a supported app within CarPlay. Apple has not shown an inclination to integrate apps that encourage distracted driving, and YouTube—being primarily video-based—falls into that category. However, it’s possible that if a driving-optimized version of YouTube were developed, Apple might reconsider its stance in future updates.
Apple has opened CarPlay to more apps in recent iOS updates, particularly those centered around audio and voice content, but the company continues to prioritize safety in vehicle environments. Unless features such as CarPlay passenger mode become widespread or YouTube offers an audio-only CarPlay-specific version, widespread official availability seems unlikely in the near term.
What should I do if only certain apps, including YouTube, are missing on CarPlay?
If you are experiencing the issue where not only YouTube but also other apps are not showing up on CarPlay, the problem might lie with your device’s settings or its connection type. Begin by ensuring that CarPlay is configured correctly in your iPhone settings under General > CarPlay. From there, check that your allowed apps include those you wish to see. Restarting both your iPhone and car system can sometimes refresh the connection and restore missing app icons.
If the issue remains unresolved, try testing the USB connection or Bluetooth pairing process between your iPhone and your car. Some apps may not appear if the device loses a stable connection or if the iOS version on your iPhone lags behind the version supported by your car’s system. Updating your iPhone to the latest iOS release and consulting your car manufacturer’s support team can provide further insights into resolving app visibility issues on CarPlay.