SmartCarReport

Tips and Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Infotainment

3 min read

To truly master your car’s infotainment, here are some pro tips:

  • Customize Your Home Screen: On CarPlay, you can rearrange the app icons via your iPhone’s settings (Settings > General > CarPlay > [Your Car]). Put your most-used apps (Maps, Spotify, etc.) on the first page for easy access[55]. Likewise, some car systems let you customize shortcut buttons.
  • Use Split-Screen (if available): Many vehicles’ infotainment displays can show multiple things at once. For example, newer CarPlay supports a dashboard view with nav, audio, and Siri suggestions all on one screen[52]. If your car’s screen is large enough, make use of that to avoid constant app switching.
  • Enable Do Not Disturb While Driving: Both iPhone and Android have modes to silence notifications when driving (and auto-reply to texts that you’re driving). Using this can eliminate distractions. CarPlay will by default hide a lot of notifications (it won’t flash every email on screen, for instance) to keep the interface clean. Use focus settings to allow only urgent contacts if needed[56].
  • Keep Your Phone Updated: Since the infotainment relies on your phone’s OS, make sure you install the latest updates. New versions often bring improvements or new features to CarPlay/Android Auto. For instance, recent updates brought new app categories and better Siri/Assistant capabilities.
  • Offline Maps: If you’re going on a road trip through areas with poor signal, download offline maps on Google Maps or an offline nav app that works with CarPlay/AA. That way you won’t lose navigation if cell service drops.
  • Use Google Assistant Driving Mode (if no Android Auto): If your car doesn’t support Android Auto, Google has a “driving mode” in the Assistant that can somewhat mimic the experience on your phone screen. Similarly, Apple has an accessibility feature allowing Siri to announce messages. Not as good as full integration, but something to know.
  • Manufacturer’s Infotainment Features: Beyond CarPlay/AA, learn what your car’s native system offers. Many cars have built-in voice commands for car functions (like “tune to 90.7 FM” or “set temperature to 70”). Some have internal apps (weather, news) or unique features like driver profiles. You might find useful tools such as an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, or vehicle settings that can be adjusted through the screen (ambient lighting color, for instance).
  • Connection Tips: If wireless CarPlay/AA is flaky, consider using the cable for long trips to ensure stability (and to charge your phone). Also, investing in a quality phone mount or wireless charging pad (if your car has one) is wise – it keeps the phone secure and charged. Pro tip: Pair wireless CarPlay/AA with your car’s wireless charging pad, so your phone stays charged while connected without cables[57].
  • Multiple Phones: If you share the car, you can usually pair multiple devices. The car might default to the last phone connected or the driver profile. Know how to switch between them – often it’s as simple as selecting the device from a list on the screen. This avoids fights when both driver and passenger phones try to take over the system.