How to customize CarPlay in iOS 26
CarPlay in iOS 26 is more personal than ever. Here's everything you can change — and what's still locked.
Widgets on the Dashboard
Add widgets in iPhone Settings → General → CarPlay → your car → Widgets. With CarMood each widget can show your own design.
Wallpaper
On the car screen, open the CarPlay Settings app → Wallpaper and choose one of Apple's wallpapers. Your own photos can't be used as wallpaper — put them in a widget instead.
Do it in two taps with CarMoodApp icons
In iPhone Settings → General → CarPlay → your car → Customize you can reorder app icons and hide the ones you don't use.
Appearance
In the CarPlay Settings app → Appearance, choose light, dark or automatic.
Themes and sounds
CarMood themes change all your Car Widgets in one tap, and a Shortcuts automation plays your own sound whenever CarPlay connects.
What's still locked
- The built-in CarPlay chime can't be removed.
- Widgets can't be tapped to open apps in the car.
- Custom wallpaper images aren't supported by iOS.
CarPlay guides
- How to add widgets to CarPlay in iOS 26
- How to set a custom CarPlay startup sound (iOS 26)
- CarPlay widgets not showing? 7 fixes for iOS 26
- How to change the CarPlay wallpaper in iOS 26
- Does my car support CarPlay widgets? Check in one minute
- CarPlay Dashboard vs Home screen: where the widgets are
- How to put your own photo on the CarPlay screen
- CarPlay disconnect sound and “arrived home” automation
- What's new in CarPlay in iOS 26: widgets and more
- Wireless CarPlay adapters and widgets: what works
- How many CarPlay widgets fit your screen (1, 2 or 3)
- CarPlay widget ideas: couples, dog owners, faith, car lovers