2022 Tacoma Stereo causing head scratching

Hello All,

I recently bought a 2022 Tacoma from a private seller. I recently was able to access the app and change it from the previous seller’s name. When I opened the app, it says the truck is equipped with Apple Car Play. I’ve tried about everything and can’t seem to find it on the stereo anywhere and it doesn’t automatically pick up on Bluetooth or when I plug into the USB port. I’m thinking it isn’t equipped. Am I missing something here?

Also, when I push the “Apps” button on the side of the screen, it takes me to a page for the apps, but there isn’t anything there, nor can I add any new apps. I guess I’m confused at the capabilities of the stereo relative to all the buttons on the stereo. Again, am I missing something here?

I have a 6 speed manual. Assuming this model does not support the auto start and remote unlock from the app?

If it’s a limited stereo model, I’m not too upset as I can make Bluetooth calls and listen to Spotify. Life is good. I just want to know what other capabilities I have at my disposal.

Thanks in advance.

 

An add to the thread…

I do have the stereo manual, but find it worthless to answer the questions above.

 

The apps being empty is relatively normal. My manual is the same.

the CarPlay is USB only and you might have to go into the settings and enable it. I forget the setting but there is one. Also make sure you’re using a good cable because it can be finicky.

be prepared to be underwhelmed. The fact that the map volume speaks into the music is ridiculous.

 

CarPlay is not wireless, you have to connect via cable and specifically the port under the headunit (not one of the two inside the center console). Make sure it is activated on your iPhone, not sure if you can disable it(?), but its under Settings > General > CarPlay.

There is a setting within the headunit itself to allow carplay/AA, make sure those are turned on. (This is probably your issue)

Make sure to use a genuine apple lightning cable, I have found some 3rd party lightning cables don't always support carplay (but most should). If you don't have a genuine available, try a few 3rd party ones to see if one connects better than others.

Once CarPlay is connected, I usually hit the "Maps" button next to the display to pull up carplay. (I think it is also listed under audio source's as well)

 

You can disable this in your maps settings (on your phone app itself), by turning off voice notifications entirely, or only allow important notifications. At least in Google maps you can, im sure apple maps has something similar.

 

when you plug the phone in it should recognize the phone, then there is a selection on the screen if you hit menu for projection, it will attempt to connect to the phone and then sort of tell you the issue, like maybe siri isn't enabled on the phone, etc.
my work iphone will not connect to carplay as it has some 3rd party manager on it that prevents data transfers.

 

I don’t want to turn the voice off, I want the music to turn down so the voice can speak and be heard. For whatever dumb reason, Toyota’s version of CarPlay doesn’t handle it this way. All the other vehicles with CarPlay do it the right way.

If I turn the voice off completely then I’ll zone out and miss turns because I’m focused on the road and not the screen.

 

In 2023, Toyota sunset one of their App Suites. Not sure which App you have but you might check this link.

https://support.toyota.com/s/article/Toyota-App-Suite-Retirement?language=en_US

 

welcome to Toyota "tech" it is lightyears behind in the Tacoma.

 

I have seen this recommendation. One of the problems I have now is i have many Apple lightning cords…but, they’re all USB-C …grrr.

 

Wow, this is the problem with tech nowadays. It’s useless the day it comes out.

 

I get no joy as far as any apple car play. It’s my personal phone, so there should be no back door blocking going on.

Car play seems to be working through the settings.

 

You can change the volume of the turn by turn direction feature, so it is louder than the music. But, when you do that, it does get annoying. Ski

 

Yes, did that because the default was almost inaudible ever. But like you said it definitely is too loud at times. If the music would turn itself down then the maps volume could always be at a reasonable volume. Oh well.

I’ll probably go back to my Kenwood eventually. Kenwood has its pros and cons too.

 

Update:
I ordered a new cord from Amazon that has good reviews for CarPlay. I couldn’t give apple what they want for a cord.

With the cords I have (all third party usb-a cords), it says iPod connected looking for music, then says there is none and the messaging goes away.

 

Oh I thought you wanted the opposite. My CarPlay pauses/mutes my music, gives directions, then resumes the music/podcast... exactly as you describe. I use google maps, are you using apple maps?

I think that must be a setting in your app/phone somewhere.

 

I use Apple Maps, but I want to say I tried Google and it was the same. I had a 2023 Tacoma TRD OR as a loaner for a couple weeks and it behaved the same as mine, so I assumed that is just how these trucks are. I haven’t used CarPlay on any other Tacomas.

All other vehicles and also my aftermarket Kenwood that I had installed for a while turn down or pause the music, even on Apple Maps. It is only the two Tacomas I’ve driven that done. I’ll probably go back to the Kenwood, I removed it because CarPlay kept constantly disconnecting, but I think that was an iOS 18 issue because the stock radio wasn’t any better about it. Only reason I haven’t swapped back to the Kenwood yet is because I like how dim the stock radio can go. The aftermarket ones are always so bright, even turned down to minimum.

 

did you read the manual?
page 53 of the nav and multimedia manual
it says "connect with usb cord"

 

Yes. I have tried a couple USB cords and they don’t seem to work. Did you read my post above that I ordered a different cord ?

 

you have to have your phone unlocked/opened to the home page
are you using the dash port that is a usb?