How to Use Apple CarPlay on a Windows PC

TL;DR: Install AirMirroring on Windows. For USB, connect an unlocked iPhone with a data cable and select CarPlay on the USB connection page. For wireless, open Wireless CarPlay, complete Wi-Fi setup and Bluetooth pairing, select your iPhone, then click Enter CarPlay. Bluetooth pairing alone does not start the dashboard.

Prepare the Right Devices

Use the CarPlay for Windows page to reach AirMirroring's Microsoft Store listing. This is a Windows receiver for an iPhone session; the AirMirror Android TV app is a separate product.

Check the current listing for Windows requirements. The currently documented build uses x64 dependencies; ARM64 and emulation compatibility have not been established. No verified minimum iOS version is available here, so check your exact iPhone/iOS combination rather than treating a successful test on another phone as universal support.

Build scope: These instructions follow current build guidance and device reports; the Microsoft Store release may differ. Match the options to your installed version before proceeding.

Connection	Prepare
USB	Unlocked iPhone, data-capable USB cable, and a PC USB port
Wireless	Bluetooth adapter recognized by Windows, Bluetooth enabled on both devices, iPhone Wi-Fi enabled, and both devices on the same LAN

USB does not require a CarPlay dongle, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. Wireless can use a PC connected by Ethernet to the same router, provided the PC also has working Bluetooth. The app does not create a hotspot for you.

Connect with a USB Cable

1. Open AirMirroring on Windows.
2. Connect the iPhone with a data-capable USB cable and unlock it.
3. On the USB connection page that opens in the app, select CarPlay.
4. If Install USB driver appears, read the driver note below and follow the installation guidance.
5. Respond to the iPhone's actual prompts, such as Trust This Computer or permission to use CarPlay. If the app requests a PC restart, save your work and restart before retrying.

Driver note: This installation requires administrator privileges and replaces the USB driver associated with that connected device. Connect only one iPhone or iPad during installation. Do not treat it as a routine cable-permission prompt or install it on a managed PC without the appropriate administrator involvement.

Apple Devices and iTunes are not listed as prerequisites for this flow. Follow the app's driver guidance instead of adding unrelated packages.

Success means the CarPlay interface appears in the receiving window. A charging icon establishes power, not a complete data connection. Before switching between USB mirroring and USB CarPlay, end the current session.

Connect Wirelessly

Keep the PC and iPhone on the same local network. Have the Wi-Fi name and password used by the iPhone available, but do not put them in screenshots or support logs.

1. Open Wireless CarPlay on the AirMirroring home screen.
2. On first setup, save the name and password of the Wi-Fi network the iPhone uses.
3. On the iPhone, open Settings > Bluetooth and select the computer Bluetooth name shown in AirMirroring's dialog. Complete pairing and allow CarPlay when requested.
4. Return to AirMirroring, select the intended iPhone, and click Enter CarPlay.

Pairing does not automatically enter CarPlay. After ending a session or a failed attempt, select the phone and click Enter CarPlay again. For network and pairing checks, use the wireless setup guide.

Check What Works Before Finishing

First confirm that the CarPlay dashboard appears. Then use a supported app and test the functions you need:

• Controls: Mouse and touchscreen clicks and dragging operate the CarPlay interface, not the iPhone's entire operating system.
• Music: Music playback through the PC has device-test evidence. Start an actual track and confirm the intended Windows output.
• Navigation: Navigation audio output is implemented, but this does not establish that every navigation app has been verified.
• Voice: Keep Siri enabled for CarPlay setup. The currently documented build does not capture the PC microphone by default and provides no ordinary user control to enable it; do not expect PC-based Siri conversation or two-way calls.

Close the session normally and repeat your chosen connection method once. Record a function-specific failure rather than calling every part of the setup incompatible.

If You See the Wrong Screen or No Dashboard

CarPlay shows a separate interface for supported apps. If you wanted a website or an ordinary iPhone app walkthrough, use iPhone screen mirroring instead. Apple's CarPlay guide explains that only CarPlay-supported apps appear.

If the dashboard never starts, use CarPlay not connecting to Windows. If picture works and audio is silent, use the Windows CarPlay audio checks. Neither connection method guarantees protected-video playback.

CarPlay on Windows PC FAQ

Can I use CarPlay without a car?

Yes, a supported Windows receiver can provide the receiving display for the iPhone session. This PC arrangement does not establish compatibility with a particular vehicle or vehicle display.

Do I need an iPhone to use CarPlay on Windows?

Yes. The phone supplies the session; installing the Windows application does not create a standalone iOS environment or install iPhone apps on the PC.

Can I use an Android phone with this receiver feature?

This CarPlay feature receives from an iPhone. Android Auto is a separate system and is not included in this feature's stated phone compatibility.