You can add CarPlay to almost any car with a aftermarket head unit or a portable device

Apple CarPlay is not built into every car, but you can add it without replacing your entire dashboard. The most common route is installing an aftermarket head unit — a replacement stereo that includes CarPlay built in. If you do not want to install anything permanent, you can use a portable CarPlay adapter that sits on your dashboard or clips to your air vent, though these have limits on what they can do.

The choice between these two depends on your budget, how much work you want to do, and whether you want CarPlay to control your car's climate or steering wheel buttons. A head unit replacement costs $200 to $800 plus installation labor. A portable adapter costs $50 to $200 and needs no installation, but it only mirrors your phone's screen — it cannot integrate with your car's existing controls.

Key Takeaways

  • Aftermarket head units are the most permanent way to add CarPlay and can integrate with your steering wheel controls and existing speakers.
  • Portable CarPlay adapters are cheaper and require no installation, but they only display your phone's screen and do not connect to your car's built-in systems.
  • Before buying any head unit, check whether your car has a single-DIN or double-DIN opening, because the wrong size will not fit.
  • Installation of a head unit usually takes two to four hours at a car audio shop and costs $100 to $300 in labor, depending on your car's wiring.
  • Some newer cars can add CarPlay through a software update or a separate module from the manufacturer, which is worth checking before buying aftermarket equipment.

Aftermarket head units: the permanent solution

An aftermarket head unit is a replacement stereo that you install in place of your car's factory stereo. Most head units sold today include CarPlay as standard, along with Android Auto for non-Apple phones. Brands like Alpine, Kenwood, Sony, and Pioneer all make CarPlay-compatible models. When you connect your iPhone with a USB cable, CarPlay appears on the head unit's screen, and you can control it with the unit's buttons, touchscreen, or your steering wheel controls if the installer wires them in.

The main advantage is that CarPlay becomes part of your car's dashboard instead of sitting on top of it. You can use Siri voice control through your car's microphone, see navigation on a larger screen, and keep your hands on the wheel while changing songs or taking calls. The head unit also usually improves sound quality compared to factory stereos, because aftermarket units have better amplifiers and more speaker options.

The downside is cost and installation time. A decent head unit runs $300 to $600, and professional installation at a car audio shop adds another $100 to $300 in labor. The installer has to remove your dashboard trim, disconnect the factory stereo, and run new wiring. If your car has steering wheel controls or a backup camera, the installer needs to wire those into the new head unit, which takes longer and costs more. The whole job usually takes two to four hours.

Checking your car's dashboard opening size

Before you buy a head unit, you need to know whether your car has a single-DIN or double-DIN opening. DIN is a standard size for car stereos. A single-DIN opening is about 2 inches tall and 7 inches wide. A double-DIN opening is about 4 inches tall and 7 inches wide — twice the height. Most cars made after 2000 have double-DIN openings, but some compact or older cars have single-DIN.

You can find your car's opening size in your owner's manual, or you can measure the opening yourself by removing the trim around your stereo. If you buy a double-DIN head unit and your car only has a single-DIN opening, it will not fit. You can use an adapter bracket to fit a single-DIN unit into a double-DIN opening, but not the other way around.

Some cars also have custom-shaped openings or integrated climate controls and displays that make aftermarket head units difficult or impossible to install. If your car is very new or has a large integrated touchscreen, check with a car audio shop before buying anything — they can tell you whether a head unit will work in your specific car.

Portable CarPlay adapters: the no-installation option

A portable CarPlay adapter is a small device that connects to your iPhone and displays CarPlay on a screen that sits on your dashboard. You do not need to install anything or touch your car's wiring. Popular options include the Ottocast U2-X Pro, the Carlinkit Tbox, and various magnetic dashboard mounts that hold your phone in place.

These adapters work by mirroring your phone's screen wirelessly or through a USB connection. You mount the screen on your dashboard with a suction cup or adhesive pad, and your phone sits nearby or clips into a holder. When you open a navigation app or music app on your phone, it appears on the adapter's screen. You control it by tapping the screen or using voice commands on your phone.

The advantage is simplicity and cost. A portable adapter costs $50 to $200, requires no installation, and works in any car. You can take it with you if you rent a car or drive someone else's vehicle. If you change cars, you just move the adapter to the new one.

The limitation is that a portable adapter only shows your phone's screen — it does not connect to your car's steering wheel buttons, climate controls, or backup camera. You cannot use your car's microphone for voice commands; you have to use your phone's microphone. The screen is also smaller than a head unit screen, usually 7 to 10 inches compared to 6 to 10 inches on a head unit, but the head unit is integrated into your dashboard so it feels like part of the car.

Manufacturer CarPlay modules and software updates

Some car manufacturers offer their own way to add CarPlay without replacing the stereo. BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and others sell retrofit modules that add CarPlay to cars that did not have it from the factory. These modules usually cost $300 to $600 and require professional installation at a dealership, but they integrate with your car's existing systems the way an aftermarket head unit does.

Other manufacturers, including some Toyota, Honda, and Lexus models, have released software updates that add CarPlay to cars that previously did not have it. If your car is relatively new, check your manufacturer's website or ask your dealership whether a CarPlay update is available. This is the cheapest option if it applies to your car — usually free or a small fee.

Installation at a car audio shop versus doing it yourself

Most people have a professional car audio shop install a head unit because the job requires removing dashboard trim, disconnecting the factory stereo, and running new wiring. If you have experience with car electronics and the right tools, you can do it yourself and save the labor cost, but mistakes can damage your car's electrical system or leave CarPlay not working properly.

A car audio shop will also handle complications like steering wheel control integration, backup camera wiring, and factory amplifier bypass. They can test the installation before you leave and fix problems on the spot. The labor cost is worth it for most people because it ensures the job is done right and your car's other systems still work.

If you do decide to install a head unit yourself, watch installation videos for your specific car model first, buy the correct wiring harness and trim kit for your car, and have a friend help you. The process usually takes three to five hours if you are careful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will adding CarPlay void my car's warranty?

An aftermarket head unit may void the warranty on your car's audio system, but it should not affect the warranty on the rest of your car. Check your warranty paperwork or ask your dealership before installation. Manufacturer CarPlay modules and software updates will not void your warranty because they are made by the car company.

Can I use CarPlay wirelessly, or do I need a USB cable?

Most aftermarket head units require a USB cable to connect your iPhone to CarPlay, though some newer models support wireless CarPlay. Portable adapters usually work wirelessly. Check the product description before you buy to see whether wireless is supported — wireless CarPlay is more convenient but sometimes less reliable than a wired connection.

What if my car has a factory touchscreen I want to keep?

If your car has a large integrated touchscreen, you probably cannot replace it with an aftermarket head unit without major work. A portable adapter is your best option in this case. Some manufacturers also offer CarPlay integration modules that work alongside your factory screen, so ask your dealership whether that is available for your car.

Do I need a specific iPhone model or iOS version for CarPlay?

CarPlay works on iPhone 5 and newer with iOS 7.1 or later. Most people have a recent enough iPhone and iOS version, but if your phone is very old, check Apple's website to confirm your model supports CarPlay before you buy a head unit or adapter.

Can I add CarPlay to a car that already has it but I want a bigger screen?

Yes. You can replace your factory head unit with an aftermarket one that has a larger screen, even if your car already has CarPlay. This is common in older cars where the factory CarPlay screen is small or does not support all the features you want. A car audio shop can help you find a head unit that fits your car and has the screen size you prefer.