To forget a car, open Settings on your iPhone, tap General, then CarPlay, select the vehicle, and tap Forget This Car. Your iPhone removes that saved CarPlay connection; if the car reconnects later, remove the iPhone from the vehicle’s paired-device list as well.
- Before you start: Park safely and keep the iPhone unlocked.
- For one saved vehicle: Forget that car in iPhone settings.
- For repeated reconnection: Remove the iPhone from the car’s Bluetooth or device settings, too.
- To use CarPlay again: Pair the phone with the vehicle as a new connection.
These steps remove one vehicle from the iPhone’s saved CarPlay connections. You do not need to reset network settings or erase the phone.
- Park the vehicle. Do not work through phone settings while driving.
- On your iPhone, open Settings.
- Tap General, then CarPlay.
- Under My Cars, tap the vehicle you want to remove.
- Tap Forget This Car, then confirm if prompted.
The vehicle should no longer appear as a saved CarPlay connection on that iPhone. Menu wording or layout can vary slightly with iOS version. If you do not see the car, check that CarPlay is enabled and that the iPhone is the one previously paired with it.
What forgetting the car changes
Forgetting a car deletes that saved CarPlay relationship from the iPhone. It does not erase contacts, messages, or other phone data. It also does not necessarily remove the phone from the car’s separate Bluetooth or paired-device memory.
That distinction matters most with wireless CarPlay. The vehicle may recognize a phone through a saved Bluetooth pairing as part of its connection process. If the phone still reconnects, or the car continues to show it as paired, remove the phone from the vehicle’s own device list. The name of that menu differs by vehicle and infotainment system.
For wired CarPlay, forgetting the car still clears the iPhone’s saved CarPlay connection. Unplugging the USB cable alone does not remove that saved relationship.
Remove the iPhone from the vehicle too
If you are selling the car, using another driver’s phone, or trying to stop automatic reconnection, clear both sides of the pairing. Keep the vehicle parked while using its screen or controls.
- Open the vehicle’s phone, Bluetooth, or connected-devices menu.
- Find the iPhone in the paired-device list.
- Choose the option to remove, delete, or forget that phone. The exact label varies by vehicle.
- Check the vehicle’s CarPlay device list separately if it has one.
- Return to the iPhone’s Settings > General > CarPlay menu and remove the car there if it remains saved.
Vehicle controls and menu names depend on model year and infotainment software. Use the owner’s manual if the device-removal option is not clear. Do not delete other drivers’ profiles unless you intend to remove their saved settings too.
When should you forget and reconnect?
Forget and pair again when the iPhone keeps selecting the wrong vehicle, a previous pairing is corrupted, or you need to remove a car you no longer use. It can also help after a phone or infotainment-system change, but it will not repair every CarPlay problem.
| What you notice | What to try | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Old car appears under My Cars | Forget that car on the iPhone | Removes its saved CarPlay connection from the phone |
| Car reconnects after forgetting it | Remove the iPhone from the car’s paired-device list | The vehicle may still have a separate phone pairing |
| CarPlay does not start after pairing again | Check the vehicle’s CarPlay settings and connection method | Phone settings alone may not explain the problem |
| CarPlay option does not appear | Check whether the specific vehicle supports CarPlay | Support can vary by model, model year, trim, and installed system |
Pair the iPhone again
After forgetting the connection, follow the vehicle’s setup instructions. Depending on the car, first-time pairing may use a USB cable, wireless pairing, or either method. Wireless CarPlay is available only on supported vehicle systems, and steps vary by model year and infotainment software.
For wired setup, use the USB port designated for CarPlay in the vehicle manual. Some ports only charge a phone. For wireless setup, follow the car’s on-screen pairing process and accept the prompts on the iPhone. Do not assume every vehicle uses the same Bluetooth or Wi-Fi sequence.
Apple’s CarPlay available models list can help check vehicle support. A vehicle’s trim, region, model year, or aftermarket stereo can affect what is available. For more context on changing vehicle systems, see our CarPlay and Android Auto coverage and guide to aftermarket stereos with CarPlay and Android Auto.
If the car still reconnects
Work through these checks before resetting broader iPhone settings:
- Check the right iPhone: A different phone in the car may still have a saved connection.
- Clear both pairing lists: Forget the vehicle on the iPhone and remove the iPhone from the vehicle.
- Check multiple driver profiles: Some infotainment systems store devices by profile. Remove the phone from the profile that is active.
- Review the connection method: A cable, wireless pairing, or third-party adapter can affect how connection starts. Adapter compatibility is separate from native CarPlay support.
- Restart only if needed: Restart the iPhone and the infotainment system according to their instructions, then pair again.
Resetting iPhone network settings is a broader step. It can remove saved network information and other connection settings, so it is usually unnecessary for deleting one CarPlay pairing. Try it only if a qualified support source recommends it for your specific issue.
Common mistakes
- Removing the phone only from Bluetooth: This may not clear the separate CarPlay entry saved on the iPhone.
- Removing the car only from the iPhone: The vehicle may retain its own phone record and attempt to reconnect.
- Expecting a reset to fix unsupported hardware: Forgetting a connection cannot add CarPlay to a vehicle or stereo that does not support it.
- Assuming all USB ports support CarPlay: Some vehicle ports charge only. Check the manual for the correct port.
- Pairing while driving: Set up or remove devices while parked, not while the vehicle is moving.
When to get professional help
Contact the vehicle maker, dealer, or stereo installer if the CarPlay menu is missing despite confirmed support, the infotainment system repeatedly freezes, or the vehicle will not save any phone after following its pairing instructions. Ask for help specific to the vehicle’s model year and infotainment system.
If other drivers’ phones work but yours does not, Apple Support can help check iPhone settings and iOS behavior. If no compatible phone connects, the vehicle system, USB port, or installed stereo may need diagnosis. Do not assume deleting a pairing fixes a hardware or software fault.
Gear that can help
If you need wireless CarPlay adapters for this job, these picks already appear in our wireless CarPlay adapters guides. Check the full guide for fit and who should skip each one.
Pros
- Supports wireless CarPlay with access to navigation, music, calls, and compatible apps
- Offers USB drive playback for offline media
- Provides an HD media port for rear-seat entertainment setups
- Compact black enclosure measures 0.87 x 2.05 x 3.14 inches
Cons
- Requires a factory wired CarPlay or Android Auto system
- Not compatible with BMW or Tesla vehicles
- An HDMI cable, hotspot connection, and compatible vehicle system may be required for specific features
Specifications
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 0.87 x 2.05 x 3.14 inches |
| Weight | 0.2425084882 pounds |
| Product Group | Electronics |
| Binding | Unknown Binding |
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- Supports wireless CarPlay with access to navigation, music, calls, and compatible apps
- Offers USB drive playback for offline media
- Provides an HD media port for rear-seat entertainment setups
Consider another option if
- Requires a factory wired CarPlay or Android Auto system
- Not compatible with BMW or Tesla vehicles
- An HDMI cable, hotspot connection, and compatible vehicle system may be required for specific features
Pros
- Combines wireless CarPlay and Android Auto in one device
- Supports automatic reconnection after initial Bluetooth pairing
- Includes both USB-A and USB-C connection options
- Retains listed factory control functions, including touchscreen and steering-wheel controls
Cons
- Only compatible with vehicles that already support factory wired CarPlay or wired Android Auto
- Android compatibility requires Android 11 or above
Specifications
| Color | Silver |
|---|---|
| Size | Extra Mini |
| Dimensions | 1 x 0.4 x 1 inches |
| Product Group | Wireless |
| Binding | Electronics |
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- Combines wireless CarPlay and Android Auto in one device
- Supports automatic reconnection after initial Bluetooth pairing
- Includes both USB-A and USB-C connection options
Consider another option if
- Only compatible with vehicles that already support factory wired CarPlay or wired Android Auto
- Android compatibility requires Android 11 or above
Pros
- Combines wireless and wired CarPlay and Android Auto support
- Offers audio customization through built-in DSP and a 10-band EQ
- Includes dual subwoofer output and a listed 4×60W peak-power specification
- Provides steering-wheel-control integration and Bluetooth hands-free functionality
Cons
- A dash kit, wiring harness adapter, or radio antenna adapter may be required and is not included
- Mirror Link and wired CarPlay or Android Auto connections require the rear USB1 port; the Type-C port supports fast charging only
- Vehicle fit, installation, and required steering-wheel-control interface must be confirmed before purchase
Specifications
| Product Group | Wireless |
|---|
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- Combines wireless and wired CarPlay and Android Auto support
- Offers audio customization through built-in DSP and a 10-band EQ
- Includes dual subwoofer output and a listed 4×60W peak-power specification
Consider another option if
- A dash kit, wiring harness adapter, or radio antenna adapter may be required and is not included
- Mirror Link and wired CarPlay or Android Auto connections require the rear USB1 port; the Type-C port supports fast charging only
- Vehicle fit, installation, and required steering-wheel-control interface must be confirmed before purchase
Next step: How to Improve Wireless CarPlay Connection and How To Change CarPlay App Order on Your iPhone.
FAQ
Does forgetting a car delete anything from my iPhone?
No. It removes the saved CarPlay connection for that vehicle, not personal files, contacts, or messages.
Will my iPhone connect to the car again after I forget it?
It can connect again after you pair it again. If the car keeps reconnecting without a new setup, remove the iPhone from the vehicle’s paired-device list too.
Can I forget one car without removing other cars?
Yes. Select the specific vehicle under Settings > General > CarPlay and forget that entry. Other saved vehicles remain.
Do I need to forget Bluetooth as well?
Not always. Start by forgetting the car in CarPlay settings. If wireless reconnection continues or you want to clear the phone from the vehicle completely, remove its Bluetooth or paired-device entry in the car as well.
Does forgetting the connection disable CarPlay permanently?
No. It clears the saved pairing. You can set up CarPlay again if the iPhone and vehicle support it.
Sources and further reading
- CarPlay Available Models (Apple): Check which vehicle models Apple lists as supporting CarPlay.
