Every year, it seems like a new feature is introduced to make the daily commute more entertaining and safe. It can be exciting to see what bells and whistles your new ride will come with. For Apple users, the experience has become even more personalized in recent years. Apple has partnered with various manufactures to support Carplay on more than 600 models. You may be wondering if your Buick Encore is one of these. We have researched this question in-depth and have found the answer for you.
Apple Carplay is available on the Buick Encore to iPhone users that have an iPhone 5 or later running iOS 7.1 or later. Carplay works by connecting to your vehicle's dash display through a connected iPhone. The display will then take on the appearance and function of your iPhone tailored for use while driving. To use, connect the cable that came with your device. This enables the features on the iPhone, such as Siri, to be controlled using the car's speakers and manual controls.
Apple Carplay is loaded with and compatible with a wide variety of features. Keep reading as we provide more details on how to use Carplay in your Buick. We'll discuss questions you may have about Apple's integration with Buick Encore and what in-ride features might be available to you.
Does Buick IntelliLink Have Apple CarPlay?
The Buick IntelliLink is the interface that links devices and apps to the Buick infotainment services. It supports many different links and applications. Among its portfolio of connected apps and services, Buick now has Apple Carplay compatibility with the Infotainment dashboard through Intellilink technology for the following models and years:
- Enclave: 2018-2021
- Encore: 2017-2021
- Envision: 2017-2021
- Excelle: 2016-2017
- GL6: 2018-2021
- GL8 Avenir, ES: 2020-2021
- GL8 Business Travel Edition
- GT, GT-MPV: 2020-2021
- Lacrosse: 2016-2021
- Regal: 2016-2021
- Velite 6: 2020-2021
What Services Are Available Through Buick IntelliLink?
In addition to cellphone integrations like Carplay and Android Auto, depending on the model and year of the car, there are a wide variety of services and features that will come standard. Many newer cars come with Bluetooth integration, music recognition through Gracenote, limited voice commands, and subscription services like OnStar and SiriusXM Satellite Radio. For a complete listing of what's available, consult your owner's manual or manufacturer's website.
Does 2020 Buick Encore Have Apple CarPlay?
Buick Encore rolled out compatibility with Apple Carplay in 2017, and it continues to come standard through 2021. If you have an earlier model that does not offer Apple Carplay, you may be able to install an after-market stereo for compatibility. Always read the specifications and make sure you are aware of how the device interacts with your vehicle's existing features before purchasing.
Click here to see an example of an aftermarket stereo for Apple Carplay on Amazon.
Does Buick Encore Support Wireless CarPlay?
Though instructions for earlier models only mention connecting via USB, Buick has released a video showing wireless compatibility for Apple Carplay in the 2021 Encore. Connect via your Bluetooth connection.
Go to the available vehicles section of the Carplay to select your vehicle. In some models, if wireless access to Carplay is available, once activated through USB, the dash will have a message asking if you would like to connect wirelessly next time. Tap "yes" to connect automatically in the future.
If wireless Carplay is not available, you may be able to use an adapter.
Click here to see a wireless Carplay dongle on Amazon.
How Do I Use Apple CarPlay In My Buick Encore?
Many apps and connected services can be a bit complicated to set up. This is not the case with Apple Carplay! Plugin your lightning to the USB cable and you are ready to go. If the Carplay doesn't launch right away, click on the icon or projection icon on the Infotainment screen to access the features.
To organize the apps and layout of the home screen, go to the settings in your iPhone and click on Carplay. From the Carplay screen in your phone, you are able to change the order, remove, and add apps on the home screen. For further customization, adjust the background, change from light to dark, or use the auto function to have the lighting change on its own depending on the time of day.
How Much Does Carplay Cost?
Carplay is free, and there is no subscription aside from what you already pay for various apps. You can incur extra charges through your service provider for data usage.
When using Apple Carplay on your Buick's system, it will be using the data from your service provider. Neither Apple nor Buick have control over the amount of data pulled through your device when in use by the system. You will need to be subscribed to a data plan through a cellular provider to use Carplay with your Infotainment center.
What iOS Should You Have For Carplay?
Though any iOS after 7.1 is compatible with Carplay, to access all current and coming features, we recommend running the latest iOS possible. The latest updates from iOS 14 and 15 have brought significant enhancements and have enhanced customization available.
To get the best performance, only use the Apple-approved lightning to USB cable to connect. Many Apple users keep a spare in their vehicle.
Click here to see an Apple-approved cable on Amazon.
How Do I Connect My iPhone To My Buick Encore 2019?
The 2019 Buick Encore is equipped with Bluetooth. From the home screen on your dashboard, choose "phone," then tap on "pair."
Switch to your iPhone and turn on the Bluetooth. Select "Buick Intellilink" from the list of available devices. When it asks to pair with the PIN, accept. Allow permissions for text and contacts.
Though connecting through Bluetooth will allow access to your phone calls and texts, in the 2019 Buick Encore to see your iPhone on your dash and have access to the other apps and features through Carplay, you will need to connect via the USB.
Use Apple Carplay For Messaging
Carplay will allow Siri to assist you with your messaging. Tap on messages, and Siri will take over from there! She'll ask you who you want to send it to and then what you want to say. She even reads back your message to avoid sending an incorrectly worded text. When Carplay is activated, incoming messages are announced and then read to you, so you don't have to pick up your phone to look to see who sent you a text.
Navigation With Apple Carplay
When Carplay is activated on your dash, you can use Siri with the iPhone Navigation App to get around. Users especially like this feature as it does not store the information in the vehicle itself but pulls from your recent destinations and favorites on your phone. Operating this way lends an extra layer of privacy that may not be available with other phone integration systems.
It also allows extra flexibility with which navigation app you choose. Are you more of a google maps user? No problem! Carplay has a compatible google maps app. It even allows it to run simultaneously with other apps if you wanted to compare routes.
Use Selected iPhone Apps With Carplay
Carplay enables different app developers to provide iPhone users with apps specifically for use while driving. When using apps such as Youtube Music or Audible through Carplay, in addition to giving Siri access to these apps, the control buttons will be intuitively located on the screen so that you can safely navigate both the app and the road at the same time. Many of the apps, when accessed through Carplay will have a bigger, easier-to-read display and larger action icons.
Scheduling With Apple Carplay
May users enjoy using Apple's calendar app with Carplay. Set the calendar to read the day's plans to you, set reminders, and even dial hands-free into meetings from the calendar app itself.
What To Do If CarPlay Won't Launch
If the app stops launching or isn't working correctly, try the following:
- Make sure the USB is secure in both the phone and the USB outlet in your vehicle.
- Try another lightning to USB cable.
- Turn Siri off then on.
- Restart your vehicle and iPhone.
- Go to settings, and on the Carplay menu in your phone, tap "Forget this Car" after selecting your vehicle. Reconnect the cable and relaunch.
- Check your iPhone for updates.
- Contact Apple Support.
Use Apple Carplay To Safely Use Your Favorite Apps
Now that you know which years Buick Encores have Apple Carplay, use this great feature to get the most out of your apps while driving. Use Carplay to stay on time, and stay connected while commuting and on road trips.
Though the app does have in-car recommendations and lowers distractions that would come from having to check your cellphone, always use your best judgment and follow local laws when allowing and disallowing app permissions.
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