Taking or making a phone call at the same time as using Maps in Car Play. PA has redefined "Hands Free".

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Level 7

30,274 points

Taking or making a phone call at the same time as using Maps in Car Play. PA has redefined "Hands Free".

In the state of Pennsylvania, it is now illegal for the driver to touch their phone while driving, even while idling at a stop light. Written warnings will be given for the next 12 months, after which there will be a $50 fine.

Since I love having Maps on the Toyota MFD screen, I won't be using Bluetooth because I need to be in USB connection Car Play mode for Maps to appear on the screen.

For reasons that I can't explain, when I make a phone call I hear ringing on the car speaker but as soon as the call is answered, audio switches to the phone speaker. Further, it seems (but who knows for sure) that the mic function goes to the phone too. What has been an annoyance is now a show stopper for using the phone in the car legally.

I'd be grateful if anyone could lead me out of this situation with some clear directions.

Thanks,

Jerry

iPhone 11, iOS 18

Posted on Jun 5, 2025 6:32 PM

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Answer 1

ChrisJ4203

Level 10

236,075 points

Jun 5, 2025 7:21 PM in response to Jerrold Green1

CarPlay can handle phone calls as well. It should be even if you are plugged in. I don't understand why the phone call goes back to your phone when you say you are connected both with Bluetooth and CarPlay.

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Answer 2

KiltedTim

Level 10

221,712 points

Jun 6, 2025 10:44 AM in response to Jerrold Green1

Toyota is notorious for taking shortcuts in the firmware for their head units, frequently resulting in compatibility problems when updates are released for iOS and for android os.

Dealers, whether Toyota or any other manufacturer, are also notorious for not being up to speed on things like this.

Contact your Toyota regional rep.

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Answer 3

KiltedTim

Level 10

221,712 points

Jun 5, 2025 6:37 PM in response to Jerrold Green1

You should probably check with your dealer to see if an update is available for the head unit in your car.

Toyota has a long history of compatibility problems with both iPhones and Android devices.

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Answer 4

KiltedTim

Level 10

221,712 points

Jun 6, 2025 11:40 AM in response to Jerrold Green1

It can't hurt to try. My wife had issues with Siri being able to understand her using a wired connection in her car. We got a wireless CarPlay dongle for her and the issue went away.

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Answer 5

Jerrold Green1 Author

Level 7

30,274 points

Jun 6, 2025 10:30 AM in response to KiltedTim

KT,

It hasn’t always been acting this way. There have been no changes to the Toyota software in my car, at least not that the Toyota dealer has told me about. There have, however, been several software upgrades to the phone. Further, it’s quite possible that I made a phone settings change without realizing that it would have this effect.

My hope is that someone reading this will recognize what phone setting, perhaps an adaptive feature, would cause this behavior.

Thanks,

Jerry

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Answer 6

Jerrold Green1 Author

Level 7

30,274 points

Jun 6, 2025 11:48 AM in response to KiltedTim

Tim,

Thanks for that additional information. Even if the adapter doesn't solve the phone call audio switching problem, it would at least allow me to use the wireless charger on the center console rather than the corded connection.

Jerry

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