If you're reading this, you're probably in one of two camps: either you're thinking about leasing a car with smartphone connectivity, or you've got it but don't know how to use it!
Don't worry; we've all been there at one time or another! Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are fantastic technologies that bring the power of your phone to your car's infotainment system.
In this blog, we'll discuss what Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are, how to set them up, and tips for making the most of them.
We discuss:
Apple CarPlay allows you to connect your iPhone to your car's infotainment system. It mirrors your phone interface on the car's display, meaning you can answer calls, send messages, and see your directions hands-free.
No more having to pull over when you need to answer the phone!
- Navigation - By connecting your phone to your car, your directions appear on your infotainment display. With Apple CarPlay, this can be done through Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze.
- Music - You can stream your favourite artists from your phone and through your car speakers. You can also control the music through buttons on your steering wheel (most of the time), so if a song comes on you don't like, you don't have to move that much.
- Calls and Messages - Make calls and send texts without taking your hands off the wheel.
- Siri - Like with your iPhone, you can use Siri voice commands to control your phone.
Android Auto is essentially Google's answer to Apple CarPlay. It allows you to connect your Android to your car's infotainment system.
- Navigation - Your directions are projected through your infotainment system.
- Music - You can hook up your device and listen to your own music.
- Calls and Messages - You can make hands-free calls and send messages with Google Assistant.
- Google Assistant - Use voice commands to manage your phone and get information while on the go.
If you're struggling to connect your smartphone to your car's infotainment system, don't worry. Here's what you should do:
- Check compatibility - First, ensure your car and phone are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For iPhones, you need an iPhone 5 or later, and for Androids, you need Android 6.0 or later.
- Connect your phone - If your car doesn't support wireless connectivity, you'll need a cable to connect your phone. For iPhones, this is a lightning cable; for Androids, it's a USB cable. If your car supports wireless connection, iPhones can do this through Bluetooth settings; just make sure both the car and phones are on. For Androids, you'll need the Android Auto app.
- Enable connection - Once you've done the above, on-screen instructions will appear that will enable you to enable Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Simply follow these steps.
- Launch - Your car's infotainment system should switch to its Apple CarPlay or Android Auto interface once connected. If not, select the phone connectivity icon on your display.
Smartphone connectivity is revolutionising the way we interact with our cars. It makes it much easier to communicate with others while behind the wheel and is also hands-free, meaning you remain on the right side of the law.
So, whether you're team Apple or Android, ensure you follow the steps above for a stress-free driving experience.
Looking for more motoring content? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produces various blogs on a range of topics, such as The Latest In-Car Entertainment Technology and The Impact of Privacy Concerns on Connected Car Technology.
We are also one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. From our Fast Lease service to our Used Car Leasing, we've got a for everyone.
For more information, check out our latest leasing deals or call us on 0345 811 9595.
