CarPlay switches sources when using different apps

[bluecheese]

2021 1500 Laramie

As the title says, CarPlay will switch the audio source to the phone if I’m using an app that has a video; even if the video isn’t playing any sound.

So if I’m sitting in a drive through listening to SiriusXM, and I open my phone, and X happens to be open, CarPlay will switch the audio from XM to the phone.

Earlier I opened my weather app, and because it had video advertisements, it switch from XM to the phone.

I don’t know if the issue is with the Ram’s radios settings, or my iPhone’s CarPlay settings.

Any ideas?

 

[tron67j]

That sounds like a setting in the phone, possibly with your Bluetooth. I don't do much with Apple but in Android there are setting to prioritize which source of audio is used. Generally the phone pairing would automatically set these settings, for example when using maps on the phone and a turn is coming up it would prioritize the map audio over say Spotify. I would unpair the phone from the car and reset it, also check if the settings have a way to turn video priority off. If that doesn't work you can dig in your settings more and search the options, certain apps have their own settings. Are you using a wireless connection? If so try a wired connection to see if priority works better. You can also look for settings in your apps to turn off auto play from engaging when you open the offending app.

 

[SitKneelBend]

2021 1500 Laramie

As the title says, CarPlay will switch the audio source to the phone if I’m using an app that has a video; even if the video isn’t playing any sound.

So if I’m sitting in a drive through listening to SiriusXM, and I open my phone, and X happens to be open, CarPlay will switch the audio from XM to the phone.

Earlier I opened my weather app, and because it had video advertisements, it switch from XM to the phone.

I don’t know if the issue is with the Ram’s radios settings, or my iPhone’s CarPlay settings.

Any ideas?

It's normal behavior if connected to Bluetooth and/or streaming through Carplay.

 

[bluecheese]

The CarPlay in my truck uses a USB to connect. But, I’m using one of those Bluetooth modules that’s plugged into the usb that allows me to use CarPlay wireless. I’ll experiment with plugging my phone into the usb to see if that fixes it.

Or I’ll see if there’s a setting on my Bluetooth I can change.

 

[tron67j]

Those wireless adapters have their own technology and could be contributing to the issue, what kind do you have? AA Wireless' unit is currently testing CarPlay in beta so if it is that, or even if another brand, give a review about your issues, informing if switching to wired fixed or not. Someone may have had a similar issue and while it may not be the unit's problem there may be some help from that user community. Give an update when you test wired, and maybe try the AA unit, version 3, coming out soon which will have final CarPlay software installed. Not sure if the current version 2 of the unit will be updatable to final CarPlay software or not.

You could also try someone else's phone in your truck with same apps and see what happens. That could tell you more about it it is your phone, the dongle, or the truck radio. Good luck.

 

[SitKneelBend]

The CarPlay in my truck uses a USB to connect. But, I’m using one of those Bluetooth modules that’s plugged into the usb that allows me to use CarPlay wireless. I’ll experiment with plugging my phone into the usb to see if that fixes it.

Or I’ll see if there’s a setting on my Bluetooth I can change.

So even though it's using the adapter I believe the adapter still needs bluetooth AND WiFi to connect. As a test, try turning off bluetooth while CarPlay is connected. If it remains active try to play audio that you are having issues with.

 

[bluecheese]

Those wireless adapters have their own technology and could be contributing to the issue, what kind do you have? AA Wireless' unit is currently testing CarPlay in beta so if it is that, or even if another brand, give a review about your issues, informing if switching to wired fixed or not. Someone may have had a similar issue and while it may not be the unit's problem there may be some help from that user community. Give an update when you test wired, and maybe try the AA unit, version 3, coming out soon which will have final CarPlay software installed. Not sure if the current version 2 of the unit will be updatable to final CarPlay software or not.

You could also try someone else's phone in your truck with same apps and see what happens. That could tell you more about it it is your phone, the dongle, or the truck radio. Good luck.

The adapter is a SuperiorTek brand. A friend gave it to me when he got a new truck that had wireless carplay with the stock head unit. My guess is that it's at least 5 years old. I don't know much more than that about it.

I'll give what you said a try this weekend and report back.

 

[bluecheese]

So even though it's using the adapter I believe the adapter still needs bluetooth AND WiFi to connect. As a test, try turning off bluetooth while CarPlay is connected. If it remains active try to play audio that you are having issues with.

The adapter just needs bluetooth. No wifi required.

 

[SitKneelBend]

The adapter just needs bluetooth. No wifi required.

Which adapter are you using?

 

[bluecheese]

Which adapter are you using?

SuperiorTek brand. A friend gave it to me when he upgraded trucks.

 

[SitKneelBend]

SuperiorTek brand. A friend gave it to me when he upgraded trucks.

Ok, that adapter does use WiFi for the bandwidth requirements of CarPlay, it's probably not evident that this is what it does when setting it up because it creates the WiFi bridge after first connecting to your phones Bluetooth.