Learn How to Install YouTube on CarPlay Without Jailbreaking Your iPhone

Installing YouTube on CarPlay without jailbreaking your iPhone can be a tricky process since Apple does not natively support third-party apps like YouTube for use with CarPlay. Apple’s CarPlay is designed to allow a limited set of apps, primarily those related to navigation, communication, and music, to ensure safety while driving. However, there are still ways to access YouTube on CarPlay in a way that complies with Apple’s guidelines. The first method is using the YouTube app itself, although it would not directly run on CarPlay. Instead, you can stream content via the Screen Mirroring feature. To do this, you will need a device such as an Apple TV or a compatible screen mirroring device. Here’s how you can set this up:

  1. Set Up Screen Mirroring: Make sure your iPhone and the CarPlay-compatible device e. g., Apple TV is connected to the same Wi-Fi network. On your iPhone, swipe into the Control Center by swiping down from the top-right corner on iPhone X and later or swiping up on older models, then tap the Screen Mirroring option. Select your device from the list.
  2. Use YouTube App: Once your screen is mirrored to your CarPlay screen, you can open the YouTube app on your iPhone and start playing videos. This method works because, despite CarPlay not allowing YouTube to run directly, you can still interact with the app through screen mirroring.

Another alternative is using the CarPlay-enabled third-party apps that allow access to YouTube videos indirectly. While you cannot get the actual YouTube app, there are apps designed to provide access to videos, such as web browser apps or specific apps with video streaming capabilities. Some of these apps let you search for YouTube content and watch videos without directly opening YouTube on CarPlay.

To use a third-party web browser app:

  1. Install a Compatible Web Browser: Some apps like Web Browser for CarPlay allow you to access websites through your CarPlay screen. You can search for and open YouTube’s website within the app. While this is not an ideal solution for easy navigation and playback, it can be a way to watch videos through CarPlay without jailbreaking your device.
  2. Use Voice Commands: If you are looking for a safer method, using Siri and voice commands can help. Though Siri does not support launching YouTube directly on CarPlay, it does help with browsing options like Play video title on YouTube. Siri can pull up the video within the app, and then you can mirror your phone’s screen to the youtube carplay unlock. This avoids the risk of manual distractions while driving.

While these solutions do not directly install YouTube on CarPlay, they do provide workarounds that can be useful in some situations. It is crucial to remember that Apple has strict guidelines for safety in the car, which is why the direct installation of YouTube or any other video-based apps is not allowed. Apple’s goal is to ensure drivers’ attention remains on the road, minimizing distractions. In conclusion, although there is not a direct way to install YouTube on CarPlay without jailbreaking your iPhone, using screen mirroring or third-party apps that stream videos can offer a reasonable workaround. However, always remember that using such features should be done responsibly, ensuring that you are not distracted while driving.