Curious about watching movies on Apple CarPlay? Although CarPlay doesn’t natively support video streaming, there are several ways to work around this limitation. This guide covers options for bringing movies to your CarPlay screen safely and effectively. Let’s explore!

Ways to Watch Movies on CarPlay

There are a few methods to explore to stream movies through CarPlay, from using specific apps to mirroring techniques. Here’s how each option works and what you need to get started.

Using Apps

To watch Netflix or YouTube on CarPlay using screen mirroring, you’ll need an iPhone, a stable internet connection, and a screen mirroring app or device that can project your phone’s content onto your car’s display.

Since CarPlay does not natively support streaming apps, this method relies on mirroring your iPhone screen, which displays the video content on CarPlay without direct app support.

It involves connecting your iPhone to a compatible screen mirroring tool. Then the tool captures your phone’s screen and send it to the car display, allowing you to view Netflix, YouTube, or other streaming apps on a larger screen.

Steps:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone, search for and download ApowerMirror or LetsView.

2. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your car’s CarPlay port. The CarPlay interface should appear on your car’s display.

3. Open ApowerMirror or LetsView on your iPhone.

4. On the app’s main screen, tap on “Connect” or “Mirror.”

5. In the list of available devices, select your car’s display (it may show up as your car’s name or “CarPlay Display”).

6. If any prompts for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections appear, allow them to complete the setup.

7. Return to your iPhone’s home screen and open the Netflix or YouTube app, selecting the video you want to play.

Watching Without Jailbreaking

If you prefer not to jailbreak your iPhone, there are still ways to enjoy video content on your car’s display. This method involves using non-jailbreak tools and external apps that offer limited mirroring capabilities. While Apple restricts certain streaming apps on CarPlay, these apps let you mirror your iPhone screen to your car display, allowing Netflix, YouTube, and other media to play safely on a larger screen.

Steps:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone, search for and download a non-jailbreak screen mirroring app, such as InCar or CarPlay Hacks.

2. Connect your iPhone to your car’s CarPlay port using a USB cable, which should bring up the CarPlay interface on the car’s display.

3. Launch the mirroring app (e.g., InCar) on your iPhone.

4. Follow the on-screen prompts to enable mirroring. Typically, you’ll select the “Start Mirroring” or similar option.

5. If prompted, allow Bluetooth or Wi-Fi access to complete the connection.

6. Return to the home screen on your iPhone, open Netflix or YouTube, and play the video you’d like to watch.

Jailbreaking Tools for Extended Functionality

For those comfortable with jailbreaking, this method can unlock restricted features on CarPlay, allowing unsupported iOS apps like Netflix and YouTube to run directly on your car’s display. By removing Apple’s restrictions, jailbreaking enables access to apps beyond CarPlay’s default options.

Steps:

1. Jailbreak your iPhone using a reliable jailbreaking tool like unc0ver or checkra1n. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure a successful jailbreak.

2. Once jailbroken, open the Cydia app (installed during the jailbreak process) and search for CarBridge or NGXPlay. Install one of these apps to enable unsupported apps on CarPlay.

3. Open CarBridge or NGXPlay, and select Netflix, YouTube, or any other streaming app you want to display on CarPlay.

4. Connect your iPhone to your car’s CarPlay port using a USB cable to activate CarPlay.

5. Launch the streaming app directly from the CarPlay interface, and select the video you’d like to watch.

Mirroring with a CarPlay Adapter

Using a CarPlay adapter is another straightforward way to mirror your iPhone screen onto your Apple Car Play screen, enabling you to watch Netflix, YouTube, or other video apps on a larger screen.This method relies on a wired or wireless adapter to connect your iPhone to the car’s display, bypassing CarPlay’s native limitations without requiring jailbreak.

Steps:

1. Purchase a compatible adapter for your iPhone, such as Apple’s Lightning Digital AV Adapter, or an adapter that supports Type-C or USB-A connections for greater flexibility, like the Carpuride H02 CarPlay or Android Auto Adapter.

2. If using an HDMI adapter, plug it into your iPhone’s Lightning or USB-C port, and connect an HDMI cable to the adapter and your car’s HDMI input.

3. For adapters like the Carpuride H02 that support Type-C to Type-C or USB-A to Type-C, connect directly from the adapter to your car’s display port without needing an HDMI cable.

4. On your car’s display, select the correct input source to activate the connection.

5. Open Netflix, YouTube, or another video app on your iPhone, and the video should now mirror onto your car’s screen.

Alternative Ways to Watch Movies on CarPlay

These alternative approaches don’t depend on CarPlay and offer easy access to video content without modifying your device or system.

USB or Other Playback Interface

Using a USB drive or other playback interfaces—such as HDMI ports or SD card slots, is a straightforward way to watch movies in your car without relying on CarPlay. This method allows you to play video files directly from a USB drive, which can be ideal for users who prefer a simple, offline viewing option.

For those with compatible devices like the Carpuride YT09s, you can connect via USB using Autolink, CarPlay, or Android Auto to seamlessly play movies on the car display.

Steps:

1. Save your movie files in a compatible format, such as MP4, on a USB drive or SD card.

2. Insert the storage device into your car’s USB port, SD card slot, or HDMI input (depending on your car’s available interfaces).

3. On your car’s display screen, navigate to the media or input section to locate the video file.

4. Select the video file to start playback, and use your car’s control panel to adjust volume and playback options as needed.

Portable Display (e.g., iPad or Mounted Screen)

For an alternative that doesn’t rely on CarPlay, using a motorcycle display or portable screen, such as an iPad, is a flexible option, allowing passengers to watch movies without disrupting the driver’s access to CarPlay functions.

Steps:

1. Secure the portable display (e.g., iPad) with a mount on the dashboard or back seat for stable, hands-free viewing.

2. If watching offline videos, open the device’s media player (such as the iPad’s Videos app or another video player) and select the downloaded video file.

3. If streaming, ensure the device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, then open the desired streaming app (e.g., Netflix or YouTube) and select the video.

4. Adjust volume, playback, and other settings directly on the device.

Is it Legal to Watch Movies on CarPlay or Android Auto?

In most regions, CarPlay and Android Auto are designed with restrictions to minimize driver distractions, in line with safety regulations that prohibit visual entertainment while driving. Although passengers may legally watch movies on rear-seat screens or portable devices, drivers are not allowed to view content that could divert their attention. To ensure safety and compliance, remember only watch movies or videos when the car is parked.

Conclusion

While CarPlay and Android Auto don’t natively support video streaming, there are several ways to watch movies responsibly when parked. Options like screen mirroring apps, adapters, USB playback, and portable displays let you bring entertainment into your vehicle within safety guidelines.

If you're looking for a high-quality, versatile CarPlay screen for your motorcycle or car, check out Carpuride’s portable car stereo. Visit Carpuride to find the perfect screen for your vehicle today!

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