Cable Cord keeps on Disconnecting with CarPlay/Apple Iphone16

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Level 1

8 points

Cable Cord keeps on Disconnecting with CarPlay/Apple Iphone16

I upgraded to an Apple iPhone 16 from having an Apple iPhone XR. Then I realized, I needed a new cable cord to plug in and connect into my CarPlay phone in my Honda Civic 2017, and at that time, it didn't matter if it was wired. So, I brought a USB A to USB C cord. It worked for about 6 months. I have it plugged in behind the console.

Well, now, it keeps on disconnecting. I would turn off the car, and restart my iPhone, and then turn on my car while my iPhone would be restarting to turn on, and it works, but as soon as I put it down on the seat or in a cup holder, it disconnects again, why? Then a friend of mine, says, why don't I do Bluetooth instead, well, what is the difference between CarPlay and Bluetooth, I am so very confused. I just need step by step directions, so I can print them out.

One site says, I should do a reset of settings. Then another site says to get a "data transfer" type cable cord, and another site says to get a "MFi Certified" cord. This is all overwhelming, exactly, so what type of cable cord do I need, please?

I have even tried using Siri in the car, well she isn't much help trying to connect. I usually don't use her.

Thank you.

iPhone 16, iOS 26

Posted on Dec 26, 2025 9:52 AM

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Answer 1

Tesserax

Level 10

157,980 points

Dec 26, 2025 3:21 PM in response to nancyb1121

To hopefully clear things up, there are two methods to connect an iPhone for CarPlay: 1) Via a USB cable, or 2) Via a wireless Bluetooth connection. The key is what the car manufacturer implemented in your particular Honda model. Based on what you provided it appears that they only implemented the former (via USB), and that is what you will be required to use for CarPlay connectivity.

Only the newest car models either implement the Bluetooth method, or both. Chances are your 2017 Honda did not. You can ask your car dealer or check with Honda online support to verify that.

MFi Certification only means that Apple supports these type of cables for their devices, especially for power delivery ... a MFi cable is not necessarily required for CarPlay.

Ref:

Going back to the cable. As you know your iPhone 16 has a USB-C type port. Whereas, your older XR had a Lightning one. It also came with a USB-C to USB-C charging/data cable.

Here is where you basically have two choices:

Use your existing USB-C cable with a USB-C (female) to USB-A (male) adapter. You would then plug the USB-A end of the adapter into the USB data port on your Honda. The other end of the cable would go into your phone.
Purchase a new cable that has a USB-A (male) connection on one end, and a USB-C (male) connector on the other end. Similar to the first option, you would plug the appropriate ends in their respective ports.

Having a cable that is MFi-certified would ensure that best chance that it will work. However, there are some potential limitations and that will depend on what exactly you want to use CarPlay for.

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Answer 2

nancyb1121 Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 26, 2025 6:50 PM in response to Tesserax

Thank you for replying.

I mainly was saying, it was time for me to upgrade, and I knew the USB was different from the older iPhone to the newer one. The USB-A that I had originally brought for my car where the other end plugs into my iPhone 16, it worked but only for less than 6 months for wired connection, but now when I have it plugged in for wired connection, it works but then again, it comes disconnected when I put the phone down on the seat and or in the cupholder, and I was wondering, why does this happen, after buying it and having it only for 6-months?

I have a 2017 Honda Civic in which I had brought new, and according to my manual which I know, it does get wired CarPlay, but also Bluetooth but I am having problems connecting to that one, IF we are talking wireless on that one, if it is the same?

I live in the states, and my phone is up to date with the latest IOS software.

I guess I have two questions here.

Thank you

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Answer 3

Tesserax

Level 10

157,980 points

Dec 26, 2025 8:58 PM in response to nancyb1121

As I mentioned, you can connect either way if your car's implementation of CarPlay supports it. If you are saying that it does support wireless (via Bluetooth), then you can forget using the USB connection all together. However, you will still need to initially connect your phone by USB before you can switch to a wireless connection going forward.

Here are a few other Apple Support articles you may find helpful:

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