cannot setup carplay on Mazda CX9. Can link the phone via bluetooth but car not initiate carplay connection. Car connection does see any carplay devices. Any suggestions?

Hi scottsam1

welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community.

Wondering which CX-9 model ... 2019 - 2023 CX‑9 is listed as available for CarPlay

iOS - CarPlay - Available Models - Apple

Intro to CarPlay and iPhone – Apple Support

Note: CarPlay isn’t available in all countries or regions (see the iOS and iPadOS Feature Availability website).

2023:

"Australia   Austria   Belgium   Brazil   Canada   Chile   China mainland Denmark   Finland   France   Germany  Hong Kong  India.  Ireland. Israel Italy  Japan  Malaysia  Mexico  Netherlands  New Zealand  Norway  Russia  Saudi Arabia1  Singapore  South Africa  South Korea  Spain  Sweden  Switzerland  Taiwan  Thailand. Türkiye  United Arab Emirates. United Kingdom. United States"

Apple support has articles online that may help troubleshoot:

If CarPlay isn't working as you would expect it to, find out what to do:

What to do: If you need help with CarPlay – Apple Support

How to connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your car - Apple Support

Learn how to set up and use CarPlay. Use CarPlay with your iPhone – Apple Support

How to: Use your vehicle’s built-in controls to control CarPlay – Apple Support

How to: Change settings in CarPlay – Apple Support

All the best :-)