2 iPhones, 1 CarPlay

CarPlay, introduced in 2014, allows multiple iPhone connections, but only one can be used at a time. To switch between two phones on CarPlay, users can manually switch the connection through their car's infotainment system, with the process varying by manufacturer.

Some car manufacturers, like Hyundai, let you switch CarPlay or Android Auto connections on the go. This means that if two people with CarPlay-paired iPhones get into the same car, the driver can manually switch the connection back to their own iPhone if the car automatically connects to the passenger's phone.

The process to pick a different iPhone for CarPlay varies by car manufacturer. Some infotainment systems let you pick a preferred or primary phone that gets priority whenever there are multiple paired iPhones in the vicinity. This can usually be found under the Bluetooth settings or device management menu on the car's infotainment system.

Another workaround is to use SharePlay, which was introduced with iOS 17, to let a passenger control music playback. This can be a convenient way to switch control of CarPlay without having to manually switch connections.

Manually turning off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on the other iPhone is also a quick-and-dirty fix to switch CarPlay connections. However, using a wired CarPlay connection may not force the car to prioritize the iPhone that's physically plugged in over another phone that's connected wirelessly.

## Why it matters CarPlay has become an essential feature for many iPhone users, allowing them to interact with their phone while driving safely. With the ability to connect multiple iPhones to CarPlay, it's important for users to know how to switch between them easily. Whether you're driving with a passenger who also has an iPhone or you need to switch between your own iPhones, knowing how to switch CarPlay connections can make a big difference in your driving experience.