As a tech enthusiast, I’m always looking for ways to enhance my driving experience. One of the latest innovations I’ve encountered is the ability to use Alexa with Apple CarPlay.
In this post, I’ll explain how this works and take you through the steps of setting it up in your car. I’ll also provide some tips for making the most of this powerful tool.
| Tips |
|---|
| You can use Alexa with Apple CarPlay, but there are limitations. |
| You can connect Alexa to your car using Bluetooth, USB, or the Echo Auto. |
| You can use Alexa to control Apple Music hands-free. |
| You can set Apple Music as your default provider and log into your account in the Alexa app. |
| You may need to provide an internet connection to your Echo Dot or Echo Auto to use Alexa with your vehicle. |
Table of Contents
Can You Use Alexa With Apple CarPlay?
You can ask Alexa to open the Apple CarPlay application. However, you may not get the functionality you’re looking for. It may be more productive for you to use Alexa to control Apple Music rather than Apple Carplay.
Alexa’s commands will work with various streaming services so you can have the hands-free experience you desire.
Apple and Amazon have not yet gotten together to create a program that will allow Alexa to integrate with Apple CarPlay flawlessly. You may want to explore the Amazon Echo Auto instead.
You can use Siri and Apple CarPlay or Alexa and the Echo Auto interface, but not both at the same time at full capacity. You’d have to use your hands at some point trying to cross the two technologies.
For example, you might get Alexa to open Apple CarPlay, but you may have to navigate Apple CarPlay with your hands. That’s counterproductive.
The Echo Auto was created for cars specifically. It’s capable of playing music from Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple music, etc.
You’ll only need to set Apple Music as your default provider and log into your account. You can then control your music hands-free with Alexa.
Read more: Can you use Alexa with Apple Carplay?
How Do I Connect Apple Play To Alexa?
The best thing to do is connect your Alexa device to your vehicle and then connect to Apple Music. Depending on what vehicle you have, you can use USB or Bluetooth to connect your device to the car. Some cars have little voice buttons you can press to start the pairing process via Bluetooth.
You’ll have to check to see if your car has the version of Bluetooth that works with your Alexa-enabled device.
If so, you’ll pair the unit to your vehicle using the pairing button on the car and the Bluetooth menu on your device.
Alternatively, you can connect your Alexa device with a USB or auxiliary connection. Setting up Apple Music as your primary streaming service can be done with the Alexa app.
Open the Alexa app and navigate to “Settings,” “Music,” “Account Settings,” and “Default Services.” You’ll then see Apple Music.
Select that and then tap “Enable,” “Settings,” and “Link Account.” Enter your Apple credentials to log into your account so that Alexa can play songs from your Apple Music collection. Enjoy your music when you’re finished.
Read more: Why does Alexa say “Front door doesn’t support that”?
Can I Connect Alexa To My Car?
You can connect Alexa to your car using several options. The first option is to connect your Alexa-enabled device via Bluetooth if your car has the feature. Any mobile phone capable of downloading the Alexa app will suffice. You could also connect an Amazon tablet.
However, you’ll need to provide an internet connection to your Amazon tablet to use Alexa with your vehicle. An Echo Dot will work in your vehicle if the car’s compatible, but you’ll still need to establish an internet connection for Alexa.
You can hook your Dot up to the USB port in your vehicle and then use the hotspot feature on your phone to give the Dot an internet connection if there’s some reason you can’t put the Alexa app on your phone.
Additionally, you have the Echo Auto option. The Echo Auto is a small voice assistant with Alexa technology. You can connect to your car using Bluetooth 4.0 or USB.
It does everything other Alexa devices do, and it also allows you to control your home units.
