My dad has just bought a 2019 RAV4 GX and we’ve been trying ourselves and even went back to the dealer and we can’t work out how to get Apple Car Play working with his iPhone. Is it possible that Apple car play only works on 2020 models onwards? We are in South Africa. Any help would be great!
I have CarPlay working on my 2019. It is wired only, not wireless like the newer models. I think the 2019 only had wired Apple CarPlay, no Android Auto. Mine is an XLE trim, if that makes any difference.
https://www.toyotavacaville.com/blog/how-to-set-up-apple-carplay-in-2019-toyota-rav4/amp/
This article I found is a step by step on how to connect, hopefully it works for you!
I managed to update my rav4 2019 to apple carplay/ Android Auto. Easy, using a USB stick with te corre t
Files ( denso head unit)
I have Apple CarPlay in my 2019 RAV, pretty sure it was standard
I think back in 2019 …apple CarPlay’s availability differs from region to region
Try using an actual Apple cord from an Apple factory charger.
I have Apple CarPlay (wired only) on my 2019 RAV4 Adventure. I’m in the US.
In the UK myself and I was able to get Toyota to update the software on the headunit to enable both Android Auto and Carplay which wasn’t available stock on my 2019 model. So check with Toyota if your car/head unit is compatible for the upgrade.
In my case it also required a satnav update that Toyota performed at the same time but added to the cost. Worth checking with them if it is possible.
It isn’t a wireless upgrade though. You still need to be wired (technically) to get it working. Which I have got around by using WirelessAA which you plug into the car instead of your phone and connect wirelessly to that. Which essentially does the same thing. Fwiw, WirelessAA also supports Carplay.
https://www.tsbsearch.com/Toyota/T-SB-0113-20
This may be of some interest to you.
Have a 2019 XSE, CarPlay works fine, wired or with an aftermarket WiFi adapter. But I need to turn off my VPN. Kinda annoying, but maybe that?
I think it might be limited to newer ones. When I was looking it seemed only a few late 2020 had it, anything older didn’t.
The reason I heard was that the actual hardware (the head unit) wasn’t setup to work with the latest software that enables CarPlay or Android Auto.
The dealer should be able to type the cars details into a database and check for compatibility.
If it’s not possible I’ve heard of people replacing the head unit but not sure how viable that is.
If all else fails you are left with Bluetooth audio at least. Or get a good phone holder that clips into the centre console. Some of the MagSafe ones look very good.
IT WORKS! Ottocast Play2VideoPro Android Auto & Apple CarPlay now work wirelessly in my 2019 Toyota RAV XLE without JBL upgraded audio. Used a Prime Day coupon code; Total @ $101; Ordered Monday and arrived Friday in SC; Connected it with a USB A to C cord then bluetoothed to the Play2VideoPro adapter & hotspotted a wifi connection to update the apps (Netflix, YouTube & the system all needed updates); Both my Galaxy S23 and iPhone 16 connected wirelessly without ANY lagging! Installed & linked Spotify & Siri and Google Assistant voice work!! Navigation works on both CP and AA. I am so thrilled ! I had proved out over $1k for new head unit which requires 5 iDataLink adapters (antenna, steering wheel etc). But the Ottocast works for @ $100 bucks !! You can get just the CarPlay adapter for @ $79 but the Pro has both AA & CP and was @$100 with the coupon code. I am able to watch a Netflix movie on my RAV display screen with surround through my new speakers; it is awesome! I hope this helps someone bc this forum has really helped me. Happy to answer any questions; Now I need a good box sub to replace my new Kicker which is too small.
Ottocast Play2VideoPro was simple to make my 2019 RAV XLE wirelessly work Apple CarPlay and Android Auto! I am so thrilled after a lot of researching . No lagging on either for my S23 or my iPhone 16. Amazing !