Are you a fan of audiobooks and spend a lot of time driving? Imagine being able to enjoy your favorite books while commuting to work or on a long trip, without taking your eyes off the road. Well, thanks to Apple CarPlay, now you can Turn your car into an extension of your digital libraryThis feature allows you to access your audio apps directly from your vehicle's display, enhancing safety and comfort while driving. Let's take a look. How to play audiobooks with CarPlay on your iPhone.
Although it may seem like a technical task, playing audiobooks in your car with CarPlay is quite simple. Whether you use Audible, Storytel, or other digital audio services, integration with your car's infotainment system gives you a seamless, hands-free, customizable experienceIn this article, we explain step by step how to set it up, what alternative methods exist, and what to consider for optimal performance.
What do you need to use CarPlay with audiobooks?
Before you start, make sure your vehicle be compatible with Apple CarPlayMany models from 2016 onwards already include this option as standard, either via wired or wireless connection. It is also essential that your iPhone has iOS 13 or higher and that Siri is enabled. You can also learn more about navigating home using Siri and Maps with CarPlay to optimize your experience.
Another key thing is to have some audiobook player app installed that is compatible with CarPlay like Apple Books, Audible, Storytel or NextoryThese apps allow you to access your library, control playback, and navigate between chapters from the car's interface or via voice commands.
How to connect your iPhone to CarPlay to listen to audiobooks
The first step to listening to your audiobooks is to connect your iPhone to CarPlay. You have several options depending on your car's connection type:
- USB connectionIf your car supports wired CarPlay, connect your iPhone to your car's USB port (usually labeled with the CarPlay icon or a smartphone) using a Lightning or USB-C cable, as applicable.
- Wireless connectionIf your vehicle supports wireless CarPlay, press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel and follow the on-screen instructions. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay and select your vehicle from the list.
Once connected, compatible apps will appear on your car's screen. If you don't see the audiobook app you usually use, you can customize the order or add new ones from Settings > General > CarPlay on your iPhone.
Playing audiobooks with CarPlay: full control from your car
Using audiobooks with CarPlay is intuitive. From your car's touchscreen or using the steering wheel buttons, you can perform the following actions:
- Select an audiobook from your library.
- Resume playback from where you left off.
- Go back or forward chapters.
- Pause, resume, or bookmark.
Plus, you can use Siri to control your music with just your voice. For example, you can say, “Hey Siri, play the audiobook of The Pillars of the Earth” or “Pause the audiobook.” This allows you to stay focused on the road while still enjoying your content.
CarPlay-compatible apps for listening to audiobooks
There are several apps that work perfectly with CarPlay. Below are the most popular ones:
Audible
The Amazon app is one of the best-known and offers the option to listen to audiobooks (.aa or .aax) from your iPhone. To use it with CarPlay:
- Install Audible on your iPhone and make sure you're signed in.
- Connect your iPhone to your car via USB or wirelessly.
- Access the Audible app from the CarPlay interface.
- Select “My Library” and choose the audiobook you want to play.
You can also activate Audible's Car Mode, a simplified interface with large, essential buttons like play, pause, rewind 30 seconds, and add bookmarks. This feature is available on both iOS and Android, though it doesn't require CarPlay to work.
The application is no longer available in the App StoreApple books
Apple's native app allows you to play audiobooks purchased from the iTunes Store. Its integration with C It is complete, and is controlled just like other players: from the touch screen, the vehicle panel or using Siri.
The application is no longer available in the App StoreStorytel
These subscription platforms (like Netflix for audiobooks) also have CarPlay integration. Although their support pages don't have much information, the user experience is similar: you can navigate between titles, view recommendations, manage your library, and control playback from your car's touchscreen.
The application is no longer available in the App StoreAlternatives to CarPlay for listening to audiobooks in the car
If for some reason your car isn't compatible with Apple CarPlay, don't worry. There are other ways to enjoy your audiobooks while driving:
Bluetooth connection
It is one of the most common options. You just need pair the iPhone with your car's audio system via Bluetooth. Once paired, any audio you play from your iPhone will be heard through your car's speakers.
Using a USB drive
If your car has a USB port, you can transfer the audiobook (in MP3 format) to a USB flash drive. Then, simply plug it into your car and use the stereo's navigation system to find and play the file. Be careful with Audible's .aa or .aax formats., because they require conversion using tools such as DumpMedia Audible Converter.
SD card
A similar alternative to USB. If your car has an SD card reader, you can save files to the card and play them from there. Again, it's important that the files are in MP3 format or similar, since encrypted formats are not compatible with most stereo systems.
Auxiliary cable (Aux)
Does your car have an auxiliary input? Perfect. You just need a 3.5mm jack cable to connect your iPhone to your car stereo. Once connected, play the audiobook from the app of your choice and will be heard through the vehicle's speakers.
Extra features to enhance the experience: Announce messages and control with SharePlay
Since iOS 15, Apple incorporated the function “Announce messages” While using CarPlay, Siri can read incoming messages aloud, indicating who sent them and allowing you to respond hands-free. This is very useful for staying focused and not missing any important communications.
In iOS 17, the function of was also introduced SharePlay for carsIf you're traveling with other people who also use iPhones with iOS 17 or later, they can add songs or control what's playing from their own devices, as long as one of them has an active Apple Music subscription.
Additional tips and settings
- Customize the CarPlay screen: From Settings > General > CarPlay > Customize, you can choose which apps appear and in what order.
- Change the wallpaper: In the Settings app, within CarPlay, select the Wallpaper option and choose the one you like best.
- filter notificationsIf you don’t want distractions, you can turn on “Do Not Disturb While Driving” from your iPhone’s Control Center or settings.
- Voice control: In addition to “Hey Siri,” you can press and hold the steering wheel control button or the CarPlay home button to activate Siri.
Listening to audiobooks in the car is no longer a luxury, but an experience within everyone's reach. Whether you use Apple CarPlay or prefer other methods like Bluetooth or USB, the options for enjoying your favorite books during your commute are endless. numerous and simpleAll you need is the right device, a good audiobook app, and a little initial setup. From there, your car becomes your favorite reading spot without having to turn a single page.