How to Fix Not Reading Text Messages on Apple CarPlay

Is your Siri not reading text messages on Apple CarPlay?

One of the greatest features of iPhones is CarPlay. With it, you can use Siri to make calls, play videos, or send texts while driving, ensuring your safety. In the latest update, you can even make Siri hang up the call. But you’ll only be able to take advantage of these features once you get the CarPlay working.

The most recent issue iPhone users are experiencing is Siri not reading text messages on Apple CarPlay. Although most messages can wait for your safety during transit, you’d have to pick up your iPhone and check notifications yourself if you’re expecting an important message.

In such a situation, it’s necessary to look into the issue and try to resolve it. Fortunately, you’ve found the right page for this purpose. We’ve covered all the possible ways you can fix the potential cause behind Siri not reading text messages on Apple CarPlay.

So let’s get started right away!

1. Restart CarPlay.

Whenever you encounter an issue with a service or a feature, the best way to fix it is by restarting it. When your car is connected to your iPhone via CarPlay, it will be displayed under Bluetooth connections. This is where you can restart the feature.

Follow the steps below to do it:

1. Begin by going to your iPhone’s Settings. 
   
2. From there, tap on Bluetooth.

3. Tap on the info icon next to your car’s name.

4. Now, turn the toggle off for CarPlay.

5. Wait for a few minutes before switching the toggle back on.

This should get your CarPlay back to normal functioning.

2. Ensure Correct Device Is Selected.

If your messages are not being read out loud on Apple CarPlay, you may not have set up your device correctly. For the feature to function properly, you need to ensure that the correct device type is selected for your car’s head unit.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app and go to Bluetooth connections.
   
2. Next, tap on the info icon next to your car’s name.
   
3. From there, tap on Device Type.

4. Finally, select Car Stereo from the options.

The not reading text messages on Apple CarPlay error should now be resolved.

3. Connect Your iPhone Using USB Cable.

If there’s any hindrance in the Bluetooth connectivity between your iPhone and your car, you will not be able to hear Siri reading out your messages. But Bluetooth is not the only way to connect your iPhone to the car’s head unit. You can also follow the old wired method and use a USB cable for the same reason.

4. Ensure You Have Network Connectivity.

Although CarPlay doesn’t require a connected network to work, it is mandatory for your messages to be delivered and notifications to come through. Sometimes you have a network connection, but its strength won’t be enough for Siri to announce your notifications. In such a situation, check to see if there’s an issue with your cellular data.

5. Disable Driving Focus.

Another instance when you’ll stop receiving notifications is when Focus mode is enabled on your iPhone. Apple introduced this feature in iOS 15 to avoid distractions when sleeping, working, and even driving. The Driving Focus will block all messages, calls, and other notifications so that your complete attention is on the road. 

Follow the steps below to disable Driving Focus:

1. Launch the Control Center on your iPhone by either swiping up from the bottom or swiping down from your screen’s top right corner, depending on your device model.
   
2. Then, tap on the car icon next to Driving to turn it off.

While this will turn off Focus mode on your iPhone, it can automatically turn back on if you’ve configured the settings so that it connects your Driving Focus with CarPlay. Here’s what you need to do in that case:

1. Launch the Control Center.
   
2. Long-press on the Focus toggle.
   
3. Tap on the three vertical dots icon next to Driving and select Settings.

4. Scroll down and go to While Driving under the Turn on Automatically section.

5. If Automatically is selected, change it to Manually. Also, disable Activate With CarPlay.

Your notifications should now arrive timely.

6. Update Your iOS.

For all widespread issues, Apple releases a fix through a version update. So in case the not reading text messages on Apple CarPlay error is due to an issue in your device’s software, immediately installing the pending version update is the best option you got.

Here’s how to check pending updates and install them if available:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
   
2. Then go to the General. 
   
3. Tap on Software Update.

4. If a new update is available, tap on Download & Install to begin the process.

If you have the latest iOS installed, move to the other methods listed in our guide.

7. Turn On Announce Notifications From Siri.

When you’re encountering an issue with Siri, like not reading text messages on Apple CarPlay, make sure you have enabled the Announce Notification option for Siri in the first place.

Follow the steps below to do so:

1. From the Settings app, go to Siri & Search.

2. Then, tap on Announce Notifications.

3. From there, turn on the toggle for Announce Notifications.

4. This will display more settings options. Go to CarPlay.

5. Lastly, turn the toggle on for Announce Notifications from there as well.

8. Restart the Automotive Head Unit.

The CarPlay unable to announce notifications issue is not always related to your iPhone. For all you know, your vehicle’s head unit or stereo system could also be malfunctioning. You could try restarting the head unit and see if that resolves the problem.

Below are the steps you need to follow:

1. Turn off the ignition. 

2. Wait for the head unit display to go black.
   
3. Turn the ignition back on.
   
4. Connect your iPhone and see if that works.
   
   

9. Forget Connection and Repair.

If you’re still unable to fix not reading text messages on Apple CarPlay, try forgetting the connected car and repairing it after a few moments. This can be done through CarPlay settings on your device.

Follow the steps below to do so:

1. From the Settings app, go to General.

2. Then, tap on CarPlay.

3. Choose the car you’re currently connected to.

4. Tap on the Forget This Car option.

Wait for a few minutes, then repair your car using Bluetooth or a USB cable.

This concludes our guide on how to fix not reading text messages on Apple CarPlay. For more queries, head over to the comment section. We’ll try to respond to you as soon as possible.

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