Almost everyone is addicted to the streaming site Netflix, and who can blame them? Netflix is a haven for most, through which they ease boredom and put their minds away from the reality of life. Apple CarPlay, on the other hand, is a great design that safely allows you to use your iPhone while on the road. Unfortunately, while Apple CarPlay enables you to access various apps, Netflix is not included.
You can’t watch Netflix on Apple CarPlay. This is because Apple does not allow some visual apps like Netflix to be part of the default setup of CarPlay, most likely to prevent distracted driving. But with third-party apps like WheelPal, you can enjoy Netflix and other video apps while driving.
With Apple CarPlay, you get to control several default apps while driving. You can make calls, send messages, listen to music, navigate your way through maps, etc. while on the road. Furthermore, you can easily connect your iPhone to your CarPlay, either wirelessly or via a USB cord. There is much more to know about Netflix and Apple CarPlay, which will be further discussed below.
DISCLAIMER: Watching any video content on a built-in infotainment system or separate video monitor while driving is very dangerous and is illegal in certain States and countries. Don’t do it!
What is Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay is a model from Apple that has quite a history. It was initially released about seven years ago on March 10, 2014, but a more stable version came out earlier in 2021.
The model allows for control by an iOS device, although you can get access to it on an iPhone, starting from iPhone 5 (iOS 7.1) up to the latest versions. iPods and iPads are not compatible with the system because of the requirement of a cellular network connection, even though a few iPads support cellular networks.
Apps Compatible with Apple CarPlay
With CarPlay, you can access apps supported by Apple. All these allow you to be in control while enjoying your ride. These include:
- Phone
- Apple Music
- Apple Maps
- Calendar
- Messages
- Audiobooks
- Podcasts
- Settings
- News
Although developers can create other supportable apps, this would require permission from Apple. Such apps include:
- Other multimedia apps (Amazon Music, Google Play Music, Spotify, etc.)
- Navigation apps (Google Maps, AutoNavi, Waze, etc.)
- Messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.)
- Voice-over apps
Since CarPlay is designed to be hands-free, it mostly relies on Siri, Apple’s voice-based personal assistant. This allows you to command the apps into action by just speaking. Also, Siri can be activated before driving by tapping on the control units in the form of buttons or touch sensors on your dashboard.
While CarPlay allows you to use these apps, others are restricted. Non-default apps such as YouTube, Netflix, Facebook, Videos, etc. can only be accessed on CarPlay when they are set up using third-party applications. Such apps are referred to as non-default apps.
Apple CarPlay is available in several countries, including Australia, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, China, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, and France.
The Benefits of Using Apple CarPlay:
- It helps you focus on your driving and modify other CarPlay settings to suit you.
- You can multitask when driving.
- You can easily control your dashboard.
- Customizing the wallpaper of your car’s display unit becomes an easy task.
- You get to remain hands-free with Siri.
- With CarPlay, you can charge an electric vehicle.
- You can also add other apps.
- You get to view maps in detail, listen to music, and view your calendar appointments while on the road.
Why Would You Want Netflix in Your Car?
You may want Netflix in your car for a variety of reasons. Some of those reasons could be for entertainment, to keep yourself and the kids occupied during long trips, to ease boredom, to provide a form of relaxation when stuck in traffic, as well as to catch up on the latest movies.
How To Use Netflix on Apple CarPlay With ApowerMirror:
ApowerMirror is a screen mirroring app that allows you to mirror your iPhone screen to your car’s infotainment system. By using ApowerMirror, you can easily watch Netflix and other streaming services on your car’s display.
- Download ApowerMirror: First, you’ll need to download ApowerMirror on your iPhone and your car’s infotainment system. You can download the app from the App Store on your iPhone and from the manufacturer’s website for your car’s infotainment system.
- Connect your iPhone to your car: Next, connect your iPhone to your car using a USB cable or a wireless connection. Make sure that your car’s infotainment system is set to display the mirrored screen.
- Open Netflix on your iPhone: Once your iPhone is connected to your car’s infotainment system, open Netflix on your iPhone.
- Mirror your iPhone screen: Open ApowerMirror on your iPhone and select your car’s infotainment system as the target device. Your iPhone screen should now be mirrored on your car’s display.
- Start watching: With your iPhone screen mirrored to your car’s display, you can now start watching Netflix on Apple CarPlay. Use your iPhone to navigate through the Netflix app and select the content you want to watch.
Note that using ApowerMirror to watch Netflix on Apple CarPlay may not be legal in all jurisdictions, so be sure to check your local laws before using this method. This is more for when you are parked or otherwise in a uniquely non-driving situation. One other app, LetsView, can also add this functionality.
How to Install Netflix on Apple CarPlay Using More Advanced Options
Installing Netflix on Apple CarPlay doesn’t require much – all you need is an app called WheelPal. WheelPal is a completely free app run by iOS that allows you to gain access to any app of your choice, including streaming apps like Netflix.
You can’t find WheelPal on the App Store, but since CarPlay Hacks released it, you can get the app via their website.
As you now know, Netflix is a non-default app and cannot be used on CarPlay without certain applications. This is where WheelPal comes in.
With your iPhone and an uninterrupted internet connection in the car, you’re ready to install WheelPal.
Advanced: How to Install Netflix Using WheelPal (Jailbreak Required)
- Download WheelPal app.
- After downloading the app, you have to make the WheelPal developer a trusted one. You can do this by going to Settings on your phone. Go on to make the app a trusted one by selecting the WheelPal developer listed below “Enterprise app.” You can now click on it and make it a trusted one.
- The WheelPal app is now completely installed on your phone. You can open the app, select Netflix from the list shown, and click on Add to CarPlay.
- Finally, the app will ask for your jailbreak status. This will require a “Yes” or “No” response.
You’re probably wondering, “Why jailbreak?” Well, a jailbreak is one way you can overcome Apple restrictions for Apple CarPlay. So if your iPhone is a jailbroken one, you can install Netflix for CarPlay.
Although, if your iPhone isn’t jailbroken, then WheelPal will check it for jailbreak chances. If it needs to get jailbroken, the app will direct you to a suitable means. There are fully detailed and easy guides on the app that help with jailbreaking an iPhone.
After jailbreaking, you can then install Netflix on CarPlay. If your phone does not match any jailbreak tool, you will have to use alternative means, of which there are quite a few. An example of such a tool is the InCar app. Installing Netflix on CarPlay using this app is similar to the procedures stated above, except you will have to download the InCar app.
Note that it’s not all cases that your iPhone needs to be jailbroken when installing WheelPal. Jailbreak only applies to non-default apps, explained in detail above. Another app, CarBridge, offers similar functionality, and doesn’t technically require a jailbreak, but some users (forum) report it not working for them, and it’s close enough to jailbreaking that there isn’t exactly a tech support for you to call.
We don’t recommend either of these in favor of the non-jailbreak (easy) options in the previous section.
iPhone models the WheelPal app is compatible with
- iOS 15: There is no jailbreak tool available for this version to use the InCar app.
- iOS 14 to 14.7 (14.1,14.2, 14.3,14.4, 14.5, 14.6, 14.7): There are jailbreak tools available for this version. An example is the Checkra1n Jailbreak tool. Although, this tool is only accessible by iPhones below iPhone 11. There is no jailbreak tool available for devices higher than iPhone X and of iOS 14.
- iOS 13 to iOS 9: Several jailbreak tools are available for these versions, and the WheelPal app makes it easy for you to gain access to the tools that match your phone without breaking a sweat.
Safety Tips While Driving
It is very important to pay attention to the road when driving, especially if there is something playing right next to the wheel like Netflix, YouTube, etc. Whether you’re in traffic or not, or even if you have a long ride, you need always to have your eyes on the road to avoid accidents.
Furthermore, no matter how experienced you are, you still need a few safety tips for driving. Highlighted below are some:
- Pay attention to your driving and the actions of other road users.
- Don’t make assumptions about the activities of other road users – expect that they will make mistakes.
- Always use your indicators or turn signal when changing your lane or making a turn.
- Always wear your seat belt when driving.
- Be attentive to traffic signs and obey traffic rules and regulations.
- Do not text or call while you’re behind the wheel.
- Stick to the stipulated speed limits. This ensures not only your safety but also the safety of those living close to major roads.
- Be cautious when driving in different weather conditions, especially during winter and rainy seasons.
- Avoid distractions such as using your phone, eating, interacting, or watching something.
Is it Illegal to Watch Netflix and Drive?
There is no direct answer to this question because while it is illegal in some countries, it is legal in others. Some countries allow watching videos, provided that they are not noticeable.
However, the law in some provinces allows GPS systems, the status display of vehicles, and camera displays, as long as these don’t block the driver’s view while driving.
All the same, it is very unsafe to watch Netflix and drive simultaneously. Visual-based apps like Netflix are restricted by Apple on CarPlay because of distractions while driving, which can lead to fatal accidents.
Which Cars Support CarPlay?
Since 2015, Apple CarPlay has been built into several automobiles, but some existing models can get the system built into them. Based on findings from Apple’s website, the majority of the vehicle manufacturers use CarPlay, except Lada and Tesla.
So basically, over 600 cars support CarPlay at this point, and it’s becoming a standard feature in most cases. So, if you buy a car new, you should expect to see at least an Apple Carplay option at this point.