Once your iPhone is connected to CarPlay, you can make and receive Aircall calls directly from your car's screen, without picking up your phone. This is especially useful for field teams, delivery agents, or anyone whose work takes them on the road regularly. This article explains what you can do from the CarPlay interface and how each feature works.

What you can do from the car screen

Aircall on CarPlay gives you two views, always accessible from the tab bar at the top of the screen. All interactions are designed to work with a single tap or with your steering wheel controls.

calls and contacts toggle
Note: On iOS versions earlier than iOS 26, each tab displays a maximum of 18 items instead of 24 (Calls) or 20 (Contacts).

Calls: your recent call history

The Calls tab shows your 24 most recent inbound, outbound, and missed calls. Each entry displays:

  • Contact name (or phone number if the caller is not in your contacts)
  • Phone number
  • Call type icon: incoming, outgoing, or missed

Missed calls are highlighted in red. To call someone back, tap their entry and the call starts immediately.

Note: Calling back from the Calls tab automatically uses the Aircall line attributed to the original call. Manual line selection is not available on CarPlay.

Contacts: your contact list

The Contacts tab shows your 20 most recent Aircall contacts so you can reach people directly without searching. Each contact displays:

  • Contact name
  • Contact avatar (if one exists)
  • Phone number

Tap any contact to start a call immediately.

Note: Calls made from the Contacts tab use your default Aircall line automatically. To change your default line, go to the Aircall mobile app on your iPhone.

Receiving and handling calls

When someone calls your Aircall number while you are connected to CarPlay, the incoming call screen appears on your car's display, even if you are not currently in the Aircall app.

You can answer or decline using:

  • The on-screen buttons
  • Your steering wheel controls (if supported by your vehicle)
Receiving calls

Missed calls

If you miss a call while connected to CarPlay, a notification appears on the display. Tap it to go directly to the Calls tab and call back quickly.

After the call

Every call made or received via CarPlay is automatically logged in Aircall with the full call details, recording, and associated conversation, exactly as it would be from the mobile app or desktop.

Messaging on CarPlay

Aircall does not currently support messaging inside the CarPlay framework. SMS and WhatsApp message notifications are not available on the CarPlay screen. If your team relies on Aircall messaging while on the road, Android Auto will be available soon.

FAQs

Why doesn't the Aircall app appear on my CarPlay screen?

CarPlay only shows apps that have been opened at least once on the iPhone. Open Aircall on your iPhone after installing the latest update, then reconnect to CarPlay.

Why do I see "Sign in required" on the CarPlay screen?

This means you are not currently logged in to Aircall on your iPhone. Open the Aircall app, sign in, and CarPlay will update automatically.

Why am I not receiving calls on CarPlay?

Check the following:

  • Your iPhone is properly connected to CarPlay (try reconnecting the cable or re-pairing via Bluetooth).
  • You have an active Aircall line assigned to your account.
  • Your availability status in Aircall is set to Available.

Why is there no audio through the car speakers during a call?

Your car's audio source may be set to media instead of phone audio. Some vehicles require you to switch this manually from the car's audio settings.

Why am I seeing a "Call cannot be started" error?

Check your internet connection on your iPhone and make sure your availability status in Aircall is set to Available.

Can I choose which Aircall line to use when making a call from CarPlay?

Not directly from CarPlay. Calls made from the Contacts tab use your default Aircall line, and calls made from the Calls tab use the line attributed to the original call. To change your default line, go to the Aircall mobile app on your iPhone.

Are calls made from CarPlay logged in Aircall?

Yes. Every call made or received via CarPlay is automatically logged with full details, including the recording and conversation history.

Can I send or receive messages from CarPlay?

No. Aircall does not currently support messaging inside the CarPlay framework. If you use an Android device, see Using Aircall with Android Auto for the messaging experience available on Android.

What happens if I miss a call while driving?

A missed call notification appears on the CarPlay display. Tap it to go directly to the Calls tab and call back. Missed calls are also highlighted in red in your Calls tab and logged in Aircall as normal.