CarPlay getting disabled when VPN is connected

Finally had a chance to experiment and enjoy CarPlay - love it! That said, discovered that VPN prevents CarPlay from connecting. Bit irritated because this is a wired connection so not following how VPN would disconnect CarPlay. Three different VPN services were tried, and the issue is clearly VPN + CarPlay, not a VPN provider + CarPlay.

Before the discussion beings, please respect the rights to privacy and how people choose to protect, so we are not debating the merits and pitfalls of VPN technologies. This discussion is to be technical, specific to CarPlay getting disabled when VPN is connected.

Thank you.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Nov 18, 2024 4:12 AM

23 replies

PixelRogue1 Author

Level 1

36 points

Nov 18, 2024 7:59 AM in response to KiltedTim

VPN affects connections, known fact, and in many ways is the point of VPN. Saying don’t use VPN is not the solution.

Every time someone puts in a pair of Apple AirPods, Apple Music launches. Want that behavior to change? Stop using your AirPods. Not the solution. Use the other arm, not the solution.

This thread is not about VPN protection, not about should VPN be on or off - it is how to get airplay to work with VPN (regardless if one thinks vpn should be on or off.) I know VPN seems like a hated cursed tool and technology here on Apple support - not the first time responses immediately come back discouraging VPN.

Started the thread to discuss “VPN on iPhone is NOT providing the security you think it is.” where we can dive deeper on merits of VPN.

In the meantime, if the reader is of the mindset that VPN must be disabled for CarPlay, end of story - understand that has been noted and isn’t supportive for this wanting to know details on what interferes…(not not generalities that VPN interferes)..specifics.

Those frustrated by not accepting ‘don’t use VPN.’ feel free to move onto other topics. The point was heard, doesn’t lend itself to the topic and we are in several rounds already without any actual discussion on the specifics of Apple CarPlay with VPN; don’t use VPN is a non-starter.

PixelRogue1 Author

Level 1

36 points

Nov 18, 2024 8:23 AM in response to PixelRogue1

Not new to VPN - been successfully using VPN for years on iPhones.

Yes, it brings quirks to iron out - like ways to bank with vpn on, changing ports and forwards to access networks - not new to vpn. CarPlay is new, and certain there are ways to use both in harmony. It is about better understanding the relationship between the two and adjusting accordingly; not disable.

PixelRogue1 Author

Level 1

36 points

Nov 18, 2024 8:27 AM in response to PixelRogue1

From the first post, tried to avoid the debate of VPN and it only took seconds to spin up that topic up and discuss nothing else.

I will re-engage when there are responses that are not about disabling VPN to use CarPlay.

Than you everyone.

Jeff Donald

Level 7

25,659 points

Nov 18, 2024 4:49 AM in response to PixelRogue1

My first sentence is the operative one. VPNs change network settings on your iPhone. Try car play in a different manufacturer vehicle. Maybe it’s on their end. What kind of car is it?