iPhone 17 Pro Max Carplay Keeps Disconnecting

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Level 1

6 points

iPhone 17 Pro Max Carplay Keeps Disconnecting

I just upgraded from the 15 Pro Max to the 17 Pro Max. My 15 rarely had any issues with CarPlay but my 17 I can barely keep CarPlay going for 2min before it disconnects and then refuses to reconnect. I’ve done all troubleshooting steps and nothing works.

Wireless Carplay

Troubleshooting done:

Reboot phone

Removed Car Connection

Factory Reset Infotainment System

Re-paired

Checked for updates

Disabled auto join of other WiFi networks.

It will connect but then shortly after disconnect and refuse to reconnect again.

This needs fixed as I use CarPlay everyday for my job.

iPhone 17 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Sep 21, 2025 5:52 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

lobsterghost1

Community+ 2025

Level 10

176,843 points

Sep 21, 2025 6:24 AM in response to Jowen825

Jowen825 wrote:

I do not have any type of VPN

OK. A couple things I've seen which cause issues with some CarPlay system are:

Not removing the previously paired phone from the infotainment system in the car.
Not giving the new phone a new name in Settings > General > About - Give the phone a different name from the previous phone.
See if there is an update for the cars infotainment system.
For more tips, read this --> If you need help with CarPlay - Apple Support

CarPlay is inherently tricky. Every car manufacturer has their own system and Apple has nothing to do with the cars system.

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Answer 2

Jowen825 Author

Level 1

6 points

Sep 22, 2025 5:29 AM in response to offdwall

Yea my 15 PM worked no problem for years as well and in multiple vehicles (wireless). I switch to the 17 PM and in 2 different vehicles now (wireless) it does the same thing just disconnects randomly. I have to turn on Airplane mode on and off to get it to reconnect.

I did just plug in (wired) this morning and no issues at all. I purposely got a wireless Carplay unit because I hate wires and now i'm being forced to use them. Extremely frustrating.

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Answer 3

Jowen825 Author

Level 1

6 points

Sep 21, 2025 7:11 AM in response to lobsterghost1

I’ve completely factory reset my infotainment system and cleared all previous connections. I’ve also renamed my phone and removed connection from phone as well. Checked for infotainment updates and nothing.

The fact it’s random on timeframe tells me it’s a CarPlay code issue. Sometimes I can be connected flawlessly for 20min plus but others within 2min of connecting to it. I’ve tested this while moving and while stationary. Phone is in a mount and right on top of stereo.

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Answer 4

offdwall

Level 1

4 points

Sep 21, 2025 3:59 PM in response to Jowen825

I’m having a similar issue with an Audi CarPlay unit and iPhone 17 Pro. Wireless CarPlay will disconnect and completely lock up the car’s audio system after about 5-10 min. Switching to wired CarPlay works fine. This same car has worked flawlessly with an iPhone 14 Pro Max for three years and with that 14 for four days with iOS26 wirelessly.

I’ve deleted the pairing on the car and phone, reset network. Nothing fixes it besides using a USB cable.

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Answer 5

Sep 21, 2025 5:56 AM in response to Jowen825

I'm not having any connection issues using CarPlay with my iPhone 17 Pro or 17 Pro Max in two cars. Do you by chance have a VPN installed on your phone (whether you use it or not)?

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Answer 6

J-Dunn

Level 1

8 points

Sep 22, 2025 4:06 AM in response to Jowen825

I have the 17 Pro and having the same issues. My 13 never had issues. This one drops at random times. I too have done every troubleshooting mentioned. I am close to returning this thing.

Another issue my wife and I see is on Facebook. We do not see photos when in buying pages like Beg, Barter, Buy ........Can see photos on old phone and Ipads.

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Answer 7

Jowen825 Author

Level 1

6 points

Sep 21, 2025 6:14 AM in response to lobsterghost1

I do not have any type of VPN

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Answer 8

upton927

Level 1

8 points

Sep 22, 2025 3:56 PM in response to Jowen825

I am having similar issues with IPhone 17 Pro. Did all recommended troubleshooting. Any help will be great appreciated. Note I had IPhone 16 Pro no issues with CarPlay.

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