CarPlay getting disabled when VPN is connected

VPN’s change network settings and some VPN’s seem more indiscriminate than others in their approach. Financial services such as banks, brokerage firms etc. are becoming increasingly aware of VPN’s and trying to block incoming traffic from VPN’s. Not sure about how card manufactures are approaching the subject.

PixelRogue1 wrote:

As stated, the discussion is to be a technical one, not about merits (either way) of VPN.

Yes, it is a technical one. And the right answer is to NOT use a VPN. VPN on iPhone is NOT providing the security you think it is. And VPN on iPhone causes all sorts of issues with Wifi and other connections. People are trying to tell that your technical issue is with using a VPN on your iPhone. If you want to continue using a VPN that is entirely up to you. But doing so is going to continue creating issues as you've already discovered. And that, no one here can solve for you.

PixelRogue1 wrote:

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.

If not turning off or removing the VPN on your iPhone is a non-starter, then this discussion is pointless. You many think this isn't about whether to use one or not. But the fact is VPN interrupts network connections. All we, as users on this user to user only forum can do is tell you that using a VPN on iPhone can cause the issues you're experiencing. And unless we weren't informed you bought the forum, you can't direct us to move along.

PixelRogue1 wrote:

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

It is absolutely the solution.

If you’re unhappy about it, I suggest you find a product that fits your particular needs, because it is extremely likely that this is going to change.

You’re welcome to send your feedback to Apple at https://apple.com/feedback

No one here can change it.

Any further discussion of the issue here is a waste of time.

Get rid of the VPN. It is serving virtually no purpose. It is not doing anything to protect your privacy or secure your data.

Have you tried split tunneling on your VPN? I found a Reddit post mentioning it, but seems no one tried it or if they did, didn’t post a reply.

I think you’ll need to do some leg work on this. I’ve never heard of or seen this issue reported recently. A Reddit post from a few months ago suggests this is an ongoing lockout. You might want to talk to your dealer and see if there’s any service bulletins on the issue.

Auto manufacturers are extremely concerned about hackers getting into their systems. I suspect this is an agreement between Apple and car manufacturers to prevent the connection. After all VPN is a hackers best friend.

I found old threads back to 2017, but newest was 2022. Numerous, I think it depends on your definition of numerous. Reddit was similar except for two in September this year and nothing since. I wonder if Android world is having same issue?

EDIT: Yes, this affects Android as well, which leads me to believe car manufacturers may be requiring this restriction.

PixelRogue1 wrote:

Man goes to the doctor and says “Doc, my arm hurts every time I lift it sideways.” Doctor replies”Well, just don’t do that anymore, use your other arm.”

Technical discussion is on what prevents Apple CarPlay from working with vpn and how to fix it.

—-

I am interested in the thoughts around perceived misunderstandings of vpn, to which I am creating a separate thread to discuss

The connection to CarPlay is a network connection. That’s how it works. The VPN is interfering with the ability of the device to connect properly to the head unit because it monkeys with the network connection.

Some VPNs will even interfere with the connection when they are turned off.

PixelRogue1 wrote:

Man goes to the doctor and says “Doc, my arm hurts every time I lift it sideways.” Doctor replies”Well, just don’t do that anymore, use your other arm.”

Technical discussion is on what prevents Apple CarPlay from working with vpn and how to fix it.

—-

I am interested in the thoughts around perceived misunderstandings of vpn, to which I am creating a separate thread to discuss

That's a really poor analogy. You've been given the answer. Like it or don't. If you are hoping someone here can fix your VPN connection issue, they can't. They cause issues like you're experiencing.

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.

The wired connection is a network connection. The VPN alters the network settings. That’s why it interferes.

Using a VPN to access the internet is NOT protecting your privacy. You are free to use one if you want, but don’t complain when it interferes with legitimate network connections.

This is the way it works. There is no ‘fix’ that is going to make CarPlay work with your VPN. I’m sorry if that makes you unhappy, but we can’t alter reality.