BOSS Audio Apple Carplay Not Working? (Quick Fix Guide!)

If you’re wondering why your BOSS Audio Apple CarPlay not working, this article will help!

Often, CarPlay may refuse to work if your iPhone’s iOS is outdated, there’s an issue with the “CarPlay” mode, or the stereo hasn’t been configured properly.

So, here we’ll explore all the possibilities in a step-by-step guide, and show you how to fix prevalent BOSS CarPlay issues.

If the BOSS stereo’s CarPlay is refusing to work, ensure the “CarPlay” mode is activated, refresh both Bluetooth features, and check if “CarPlay” is allowed on your iPhone.

If the fault persists, reset the network settings of both devices and test.

That’s only the tip of the iceberg, so continue reading!

Why is My BOSS Apple CarPlay Not Working?

Let’s find out what’s causing the CarPlay issues of the BOSS stereo:

That’s it, so let’s get into troubleshooting!

BOSS Audio Apple CarPlay Not Working – Here’s How to Fix!

1. Set the BOSS Stereo to “CarPlay” Mode

Like other CarPlay-activated stereos, all BOSS radios must be manually placed under “CarPlay” mode to recognize and connect with your iPhone.

You must also enable the “Bluetooth” feature on your iPhone, before placing the stereo under “CarPlay”, so that the discovery can work out.

Here’s how to activate the BOSS stereo’s “CarPlay” mode in easy steps:

1. Tap the “Home” or “Menu” button on the top-left of the display.
2. Press the “CarPlay” icon right next to the navigational taskbar.
3. Next, wait until the BOSS stereo searches for nearby devices.
4. Optional: Check if BOSS shows on the iPhone Bluetooth page.

By default, the stereo should be discoverable by all Bluetooth-enabled devices within a wireless range of the head unit.

However, connecting with your stereo over Bluetooth without setting up CarPlay will only enable the BOSS’s standard audio functions.

2. Re-activate the Bluetooth Feature

An underlying issue with the BOSS radio or iPhone’s Bluetooth will prevent your devices from discovering and connecting.

So, if you’ve made certain that the stereo is set to “CarPlay,” the next step is to re-activate the “Bluetooth” feature on your iPhone and then on the BOSS unit.

Let’s start with re-activating the Bluetooth on your iPhone!

How to Re-activate the Bluetooth Feature On iPhone?

1. Access the iPhone’s quick settings and tap the Bluetooth icon.
2. Open the “Settings” app and press on “Bluetooth” from the list.
3. Press the activation slider at the top to set “Bluetooth” to “OFF.”
4. Wait for 15 seconds and tap on the Bluetooth’s activation slider.

How to Re-activate the Bluetooth Feature On BOSS Radio?

1. Press the “power ( ) /SRC” button to power off your BOSS unit.
2. Wait for 10–15 seconds while the unit’s system is deactivated.
3. Press the “Power” or “SRC” button to turn on the radio and test.

Also, Unpair Other Bluetooth Devices!

Before attempting to reconnect your iPhone, you should check if there are any other Bluetooth devices connected to your iPhone or the BOSS stereo.

Well, you can check if there are existing connections in the iPhone’s “Bluetooth” tab or the stereo’s “CarPlay” or “Android Auto” section.

3. Allow the iPhone’s “CarPlay” Function

Well, if you have applied content and privacy restrictions to your iPhone recently, you may have accidentally prohibited the use of CarPlay.

Hence, deactivating the “CarPlay” function from your iPhone’s “Privacy & Restrictions” menu will restrict the CarPlay features unless re-enabled.

Here’s how to check if “CarPlay” is restricted in your iPhone’s menu:

1. Access the “Settings” application on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to the “Screen Time” menu from below.
3. Next, press on “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
4. Tap the “Content & Privacy Restrictions” button.
5. Ensure your feature is set to “ON” and exit the tab.
6. Locate the “CarPlay” tile from your iPhone’s menu.
7. Tap the arrow button and verify that “Allow” is selected.

Note: You can manage all restricted or allowed apps on the iPhone through this menu!

4. Forget & Re-add the BOSS CarPlay Profile

If BOSS has been successfully discovered and assigned by your iPhone once, the stereo will be automatically registered in the “CarPlay” menu of the iOS.

So, you can address issues with your stereo or iPhone’s CarPlay feature by unregistering the BOSS car radio and assigning it again.

Here’s how to forget and re-add the profile of the BOSS stereo from your iPhone:

1. Open the “Settings” app and access “General.”
2. Enter the “CarPlay” tab from the settings menu.
3. Tap and hold on the BOSS stereo’s connection.
4. Choose the “Remove this Car” option and wait.

How to “Forget” BOSS Radio Bluetooth Profile?

So, if you have connected to your BOSS  radio without using the CarPlay function, the iPhone will automatically register the radio’s connection. 

Here’s how to re-add the BOSS radio’s Bluetooth profile:

1. Open the iPhone’s “Settings” app and go to “Bluetooth.”
2. Next, find your BOSS radio under the “MY DEVICES” list.
3. Tap on the “Info (i)” button on the right of the connection.
4. Choose “Forget this Device” from your available options.

If the radio is connected already, you will have to disconnect it before forgetting the connection!

5. Set Up Over a Wired Connection (USB)

So, if your iPhone fails to discover the BOSS radio over Bluetooth connection, then you should establish a wired connection with the head unit.

After connecting physically, the iPhone’s iOS will automatically prompt you whether you wish to enable “Wireless CarPlay” for the BOSS unit.

How to Set Up BOSS CarPlay Over USB?

Connecting your iPhone to the radio requires accessing the rear panel of the radio, where the USB port is located.

Unlike other modern head units, the USB port on all BOSS car stereos is located on the rear panel, so you must eject the radio’s panel to establish the wired connection.

• The cable used by the BOSS unit for setting up CarPlay is a USB type-A to lightning or USB type-C if you have an iPhone 15 or later.

How to Allow “Wireless CarPlay” On iPhone?

After connecting your iPhone to the BOSS head unit physically, you will be prompted to activate the car radio’s “Wireless CarPlay” function.

If you wish to disconnect the USB cable and use the radio over Bluetooth, make sure to press “Allow” on the prompt and pair it with the BOSS radio.

Note: Your iPhone’s “Bluetooth” and “Wi-Fi” must be enabled to pair with BOSS wirelessly!

6. Update the iPhone’s iOS Version

Not updating the iOS version of your iPhone could cause issues with the CarPlay functions or prevent the BOSS stereo from connecting over Bluetooth.

So, Apple periodically releases newer firmware updates, so you must keep your iPhone up to date to support CarPlay’s functionality.

Here’s how to apply the latest iOS version available for your iPhone:

1. Launch the “Settings” app and navigate to “General.”
2. Press “Software Update” underneath the “About” tab.
3. Wait until the iPhone finalizes the check for updates.
4. Optional: Press on the “Install Now” button to begin.

If the system firmware update is already scheduled by the iPhone, it will be automatically set up overnight, as long as the device is connected to the internet.

If connected to cellular, you will be prompted to allow the device to use mobile data for the update’s installation.

Tip: You can allow the iPhone to schedule updates by setting “Automatic Updates” to “On.”

7. Reset the Device’s Network Settings

If you’re still unable to configure the BOSS vehicle stereo’s CarPlay feature, you must perform a complete network reset on both devices.

Well, keep in mind that erasing your Phone’s network settings will delete all existing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular options, without being able to revert.

How to Reset Network Settings On BOSS Stereo?

1. Ensure the BOSS Stereo is attached to the contact pins.
2. Carefully grip and remove the front touch-screen panel.
3. Locate the “RESET” button on the rear installation unit.
4. Hold the button for ~8 seconds to start your factory reset.
5. Wait for 30–40 seconds and reinstall your stereo’s panel.

How to Reset Network Settings On iPhone?

1. Open your “Settings” app and access “General.”
2. Next, scroll to the bottom of the “General” menu.
3. Press “Transfer or Reset iPhone” in the settings.
4. Tap “Reset” and select “Reset Network Settings.”
5. Follow the instructions to finalize the iPhone’s reset.

Reminder: The BOSS radio will lose all existing CarPlay or Android Auto settings, prompting you to complete the Initial Setup from scratch!

Quick Recap

Hence, if your BOSS Audio Apple CarPlay not working, start by reactivating the Bluetooth on both devices, checking for existing connections, and updating the iPhone’s iOS.

If your problem persists, factory reset the stereo and set it up over a USB connection.

We hope this guide was helpful, so follow us for more!