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6 Ways Fix YouTube Music Not Working on Apple CarPlay

Whether you’re team Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, we’re all in for a long drive with blasting music. After the interface debate comes the YouTube Music vs. Apple Music wrangling. Contrary to the popular opinion, some users like pairing YouTube Music and Apple CarPlay. Well, if you’re one of them, there are reports of YouTube Music not working on Apple CarPlay.

YouTube Music Not Working on Apple CarPlay

Does this mean no more YouTube Music in your car? Absolutely not. Don’t fret. We understand how important music is when stuck in a traffic jam or while heading to work. So, with certain fixes, you can resolve this issue. But why does it occur? Let’s find out.

Why Is My YouTube Music Not Working on Apple CarPlay

Before delving into the fixes for this issue, let us understand why your YouTube Music may be having trouble playing songs on Apple CarPlay. For starters, there could be a faulty connection between your iPhone and Apple CarPlay. Or the YouTube Music app may not be functioning up to the mark.

Apps on Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto

Otherwise, it could also be possible that your car isn’t compatible with CarPlay. Or maybe your car has a problem as well. Either way, there are ways to fix when your YouTube Music isn’t working on Apple CarPlay.

How to Fix YouTube Music Not Playing on Apple CarPlay

Music is important for regular drivers. If your YouTube Music isn’t working on the CarPlay functionality, here are some fixes.

1. Use Background App Refresh

Background app refresh helps the apps on your iPhone refresh content regularly. That way, usage of the app becomes seamless. So, if your YouTube Music is acting, here’s how to perform background app refresh for YouTube Music.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone > General > Background App Refresh.

Step 2: If you haven’t enabled Background App Refresh, do it first. Then, scroll down to enable the option for YouTube Music. If the toggle is already enabled, turn it off and back on.

2. Disconnect and Re-Connect With CarPlay

If YouTube Music does not work with your CarPlay, there could be connectivity issues between your iPhone and Apple CarPlay. So, we suggest you first disconnect Apple CarPlay on your iPhone. You can then establish a fresh connection. That way, the new connection would recover should there be any connectivity issues. Here’s how to disconnect with CarPlay.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone > General > CarPlay.

Step 2: Now, tap on the car with which you’re facing the problem. Then, Forget This Car.

This removes your connection with Apple CarPlay. Then, repeat Step 1 and follow other on-screen instructions to pair Apple CarPlay with your iPhone.

3. Restart Your Car

Say you’re driving somewhere. You establish a connection with Apple CarPlay. When you try playing music using YouTube Music, there is no luck. What now? Just find a safe spot, pull over, and restart your car. Once restarted, try playing some music using YouTube Music. If music plays smoothly, you’ve fixed it. Otherwise, read on to see what works best to resolve the situation.

best Apple CarPlay head units

4. Check Car Compatibility

Did you know? Not every car supports Apple CarPlay. So, if you’re having trouble playing music via YouTube Music on your Apple CarPlay, your car may not even support Apple CarPlay. Apple has an exhaustive list of car brands and models that support Apple CarPlay.

Portable Apple CarPlay

If your car doesn’t feature in this list, that’s the reason YouTube Music won’t play. Should your car feature on the list, test by playing music on another music platform. If music plays, YouTube Music is a faulty program. Otherwise, it could possibly be that your car doesn’t support Apple CarPlay.

5. Update YouTube Music

Downloading apps isn’t sufficient. You need to keep updating them. So, if you’re having trouble playing some soundtracks on YouTube Music using Apple CarPlay, try updating the YouTube Music app on your iPhone. Here’s how to update the application.

Open App Store on your iPhone. Then, tap on your picture in the top-right corner. Now, scroll down to locate the relevant application and tap the Update button.

6. Update Your iPhone

Did you rule out your car, YouTube Music app, and CarPlay from the list of culprits? Well, your iPhone may be the root cause of YouTube Music not playing music when CarPlay is triggered. So, we suggest you update your iPhone. An updated iPhone means a bug-free iPhone. Here’s how you can update your iPhone.

Open the Settings app on the iPhone > General > Software Update. If there is any pending update, install the program. Then check if YouTube Music is playing music like it should.

Melodious Drives

Fixed your YouTube Music not working on Apple CarPlay issue? We’ve provided an all-rounder troubleshooting that can help you resolve the problem. Once you’ve fixed your YouTube Music, no more music-less drives.

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Last updated on 13 January, 2024

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