Carplay won't always connect

[pgoelz]

I am using an old iPhone SE in my vehicle as a permanently connected wired carplay device. The idea is to let the SE do all the heavy processing and reduce battery drain on my actual phone. Trouble is, wired carplay does not always connect. I can't be sure but it might have something to do with how long it has been disconnected.

When it fails to connect, if I look at the SE it is telling me I have to "unlock to use USB accessories". Once I unlock the phone, everything works great.

I don't think it matters, but I have an automation on the SE set to switch to low power mode when USB power goes off and back to regular mode when USB power is on.

Anybody have any idea why sometimes..... but not always....... I have to unlock the iPhone SE (remember it is wired not wireless) to get CarPlay to connect?

TIA
Paul

 

[jcorbin]

Have you tried cleaning the port? I’ve recently been having issues with CarPlay and found a bunch of link and dust in my lightning port.

 

[pgoelz]

I can check but I don't think that's the issue. The issue is that the phone puts up a notification telling me that I have to unlock to use USB accessories. The puzzling thing is that it does not always do this. Sometimes it connects right away. When it fails to connect and I get the notification about USB accessories, as soon as I unlock the phone carplay connects immediately.

Paul

 

[jcorbin]

Ah then no probably not the port. Maybe it’s this. If your phone hasn’t been unlocked in the last hour it won’t connect without unlocking first.

 

[pgoelz]

Yes, that sounds like exactly what the problem is. I found the option and set it so that USB accessories could be used anytime. I have not tested it yet but the next time I get in the car I will.

I think that was the answer, thanks!

Paul

 

[jcorbin]

Happy to help!