Can You Watch Videos on CarPlay? What You Need to Know

The first time you tried playing a video on CarPlay, you probably thought, Wait… why isn’t this working? 

Maybe you wanted to catch up on a podcast with video, play something for a passenger, or just test out your screen’s capabilities, only to realize Apple doesn’t allow it.

We constantly see people talk about this frustration on TikTok. Since in-car entertainment is our thing, we understand the struggle of wanting a more immersive driving experience while staying within safety limits.

So, can you watch videos on CarPlay? The short answer is no, not by default. Apple restricts video playback to keep drivers focused on the road. 

But if you’re curious about workarounds, the legal and safety implications, and the latest third-party tools, this guide has everything you need to know.

Official CarPlay Video Capabilities: Understanding the Limitations

The design of Apple CarPlay primarily addresses navigation and communication issues as well as audio playback. 

It aims to enhance driving safety by providing hands-free access to essential apps and features, including audio-enabled apps that make driving easier. 

Apple CarPlay does not natively support video playback features for entertainment. Instead, it's designed to work with audio-based apps, such as music streaming and podcast services like Spotify and Deezer. 

Video content is restricted to specific uses, such as rearview camera feeds or limited visual information for navigation apps. 

Apple enforces strict limitations on video playback in CarPlay to prevent driver distraction. For example, it does not allow full-motion video content from entertainment apps like YouTube or Netflix. 

These restrictions are built into the CarPlay framework and cannot be bypassed without using unofficial methods or third-party devices. 

The Technical Reality: Why Standard CarPlay Restricts Videos

CarPlay uses a single video stream from the iPhone to the car's display. It is geared for low-latency interactions like navigation and audio, and its architecture promotes real-time responsiveness over multimedia playback.

Hence, CarPlay supports limited video formats, such as H.264, for specific use cases, such as rear-view cameras. 

Adding other broader video compatibility would require additional processing power, which could disrupt CarPlay's seamless performance and the driver's focus.  The absence of video playback on CarPlay is to align with legal and safety standards worldwide. 

On the other hand, these limitations enable a distraction-free driving experience while reducing entertainment avenues. 

While passengers may prefer video playback, Apple's emphasis on safety offers a more regulated, purpose-driven user interface.

• Apple's restrictive approach to video content on CarPlay is rooted in safety concerns. By limiting visual distractions, Apple aims to keep drivers focused on the road. 

• This aligns with legal requirements and industry standards for in-car infotainment systems. 

• Since accidents are often caused by distraction, Apple CarPlay's limitations are meant to reduce road mishaps by prioritizing the driver's attentiveness.

Safety and Legal Considerations: The Important Context

It has even made headlines. Some reports on USAToday revealed that distracted driving is responsible for over 3,000 deaths annually in the U.S. 

• The data showed that texting is six times more likely to cause a crash than drunk driving. 

• Visual distractions remain the most common type of distraction. 

Therefore, the legal watch on defaulters prohibits drivers from viewing video content while driving. 

Regulations like the UK’s Construction and Use Regulations ban screens displaying entertainment within the driver’s eyeline to prevent distractions.

This makes it illegal for you as a driver to consume video content in transit but normal for your passengers. 

To ease the temptation of losing focus from video entertainment, some car brands now incorporate dual-view screens that divide driver navigation from passenger enjoyment to comply with safety laws. 

Video Content: Comparing CarPlay to Other Systems

Legitimate Use Cases for Video on CarPlay

When parked, you can legally watch videos using CarPlay video adapters, enjoying services like Netflix or YouTube. This is ideal for long trips during breaks. 

In some professional cases, like ride-hailing drivers, video playback adapters are not illegal once confirmed to enhance a customer's traveling experience, since they are placed on the car's passenger side.  

Alternative Workarounds for Watching Videos on CarPlay

Given the limitations of CarPlay, you may be wondering about possible CarPlay video workarounds. Well, we've got you. 

1. Apple CarPlay Screens that support screen mirroring

2. Third-party applications that allow video playback on CarPlay 

Mountable CarPlay Screens That Support Mirroring: CarTablet 

 

 

We provide mountable CarTablet CarPlay screens, which allow you to enjoy in-car entertainment with screen mirroring. 

Whether you go for the CarTablet Pro™ (7-inch screen) or CarTablet Pro Max™ (10-inch 4K screen), you can easily display your Android or Apple phone on the screen to watch your favorite videos and movies. 

Here’s how these tablets work:

You can watch videos on CarPlay using the CarTablet models. 

STEP 1: Stick it on your dashboard with the stand or to your windshield with the suction cup (both included).

STEP 2: Plug the cable into your cigarette lighter, 12V port, or car charger - it works in every car

STEP 3: Pair the screen with your phone via Bluetooth or connect using the cable - it works with both Apple & Android

STEP 4: Use the built-in speaker or connect to your car radio via the included AUX cable, Bluetooth, or the built-in FM transmitter.

STEP 5: Navigate to the "Mirroring" or "AirPlay" option within the tablet’s screen and select your iPhone.

We designed the CarTablet Pro Max™ to be a 10.26-inch screen that is large enough to offer an exceptional display, but you can still use it while allowing you to be on the road with ease and safely run applications that will enable video playback on CarPlay 

Third-party applications that allow video playback

Some of the best among multiple third-party applications that allow video playback on CarPlay, breaking through Apple's limitations, include 

1. CarBridge

2. NGXPlay

3. CarTube 

To use CarBridge and NGXPlay, you need to jailbreak your iPhone. Jailbreaking is removing Apple's software restrictions on an iPhone, which gives you more customization options.

It enables the duplication/screen mirroring of multiple applications, such as YouTube and Netflix, onto CarPlay. 

Meanwhile, using CarTube, you need not jailbreak your iPhone to enable YouTube streaming for CarPlay passenger entertainment. 

Connecting these third-party devices requires specific tools, devices, and apps. To facilitate video playback, users frequently depend on hardware options;

• Screen Mirroring: Using AirPlay or similar apps to display content from the iPhone on the vehicle's screen. 

Although using third-party devices to break into CarPlay's video playback feature works, it poses multiple risk factors, including security threats, safety issues, and compatibility problems. 

Some unofficial video playback fixes might fail to integrate seamlessly with the vehicle brand, leaving it vulnerable to malware and exposing incompatibility.  

However, since installing these third-party apps can still expose your iPhone to security risks, the best alternative is the mountable CarPlay screens that support mirroring. 

Essential Features to Consider for Screen Mirroring Devices

One of the major concerns people have about aftermarket CarPlay screens, even though they allow video watching, is the display quality. 

1. High-resolution display (preferably 4K).

2. Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto.

3. Reliable connectivity (specifically dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.3)

4. Broad compatibility. 

5. Safety features like a built-in dashcam and secure mounting

We have intentionally ensured our CarTablet models have these features so you know you’re getting the best. 

Optimal Solutions for Different Needs

At GetCarTablet, we provide high-quality aftermarket solutions that address the limitations of video entertainment in vehicles. These optimal solutions are ones you should trust to serve you in different forms. 

1. Best options for occasional video viewers 

The CarTablet Pro is ideal for occasional viewers due to its 7-inch 4K display and ease of installation. 

It balances cost and functionality for occasional video entertainment while parked.

Solutions for families with passengers 

The CarTablet Pro Max is excellent for families, featuring a larger 10.26-inch 4K display and built-in dashcam. 

Its extensive screen and wireless connectivity make it perfect for passenger entertainment during long travels. 

Professional driver setups 

The CarTablet Pro Max also provides added value for professional drivers with its combined 4K dashcam and loop recording, enhancing safety and security. It’s a safe, feature-infused solution for ride-hailing or delivery services. 

Since your passengers will most likely sit in the passenger seats, we also provide a CarTablet Headrest Mount. This mount securely holds tablets, phones, and gaming devices to keep passengers entertained, even in the back seat. 

FAQs

Can I legally watch videos on CarPlay while parked?

You can legally watch videos on CarPlay while parked, following local regulations. However, you need compatible apps or third-party adapters to do so.

Is there any way to watch Netflix/YouTube on CarPlay?

When parked, you can only stream Netflix and YouTube using third-party apps or adapters. 

Do aftermarket screens allow video that standard CarPlay doesn't?

Aftermarket screens can enable video playback on CarPlay through adapters or third-party solutions, bypassing standard limitations. Our CarTablet Pro Max and CarTablet Pro work great for this. 

Will future CarPlay updates include more video support?

Since safety during rides is a primary concern in vehicles' infotainment systems, there are no current indications of updates to support video entertainment on CarPlay.