Installing a CarPlay screen yourself: the 4-step guide
CarPlay Auto
Installing a CarPlay screen yourself is within reach for most drivers. Our screens plug into the vehicle's original connectors, without cutting a single wire. Plan for 30 to 45 minutes, a removal kit, and a methodical approach. This guide details the 4 installation steps, the errors to avoid, and what to do if you get stuck along the way.
What you need before installing your CarPlay screen
Check the screen part number
The same car model can exist in several versions depending on the year or trim level. The Renault Clio 4, for example, has a Type A screen for 2016-2019 and a Type B screen for 2012-2016. Before ordering, use the brand / year / model selector. If in doubt, send a photo of your original screen via WhatsApp to +33 7 80 96 56 50: we will confirm compatibility before shipment. If the product does not match your vehicle, it can be returned for a full refund.
The necessary equipment
- The removal kit for car radios (€12.90): its tools are used to unclip the trim and dashboard panels cleanly, without using a screwdriver that could damage the plastics.
- A set of screwdrivers, Phillips or Torx depending on the vehicle, for the screws holding the original radio in place.
- Your phone, fully charged, to photograph the connections and then pair CarPlay or Android Auto at the end.
- The manual provided with the screen, to be kept at hand throughout the installation.
Time and working conditions
Plan for 30 to 45 minutes, without rushing. Work during the day or in a well-lit area, with the ignition off and the key removed. And take a photo of each connector before unplugging it: it is the best insurance against a mistake during reassembly.
Step 1: remove the original radio
Removal is the most delicate step because it involves the dashboard plastics. Slide a tool from the kit into the joint between the trim and the dashboard. Pry gently to release the first clips, then move along the trim. Never force it: if a piece of trim resists, a clip or screw is still in place.
Once the trim is removed, unscrew the radio and pull it toward you. On some vehicles, a cover or console element must be removed first. Follow the provided manual and, if in any doubt, write to us on WhatsApp. Our installation page also summarizes the principles of the installation.
Step 2: unplug and then plug in the original connectors
Behind the radio, you will find the vehicle's connectors: power and speakers, radio antenna, and, depending on the equipment, the USB socket, microphone, backup camera, or steering wheel controls. Photograph everything. Then unplug each plug by pressing its tab, never by pulling on the cable.
Your screen comes with a wiring harness designed for your vehicle's original connectors. Plug each plug into its connector until it clicks, using the photo taken before removal as a guide. This is what makes the installation "plug and play": no wires to cut, no splicing, no electrical diagrams to read.
Depending on the model, the screen generally retains the backup camera, steering wheel controls, radio, Bluetooth, and climate control display on the screen. The product sheet specifies what is retained for your vehicle. If your car does not have a camera, a universal backup camera (€39) is available as an accessory.
Step 3: install the new screen
Before clipping anything into place, test it. Turn on the ignition, switch on the screen, and check in order: sound through the speakers, radio reception, steering wheel controls, then the camera by shifting into reverse. A test at this stage avoids having to dismantle everything for a forgotten connector.
If everything works, tuck the wiring harness behind the screen without pinching it, then position the screen in its housing. Secure it with the original screws and reassemble the trim by engaging the clips one by one. The result should be flush, with no gaps or plastic rattling.
Step 4: pair your phone with CarPlay or Android Auto
Our screens work wirelessly. On iPhone, activate Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, select the screen in the list of Bluetooth devices, and accept the CarPlay connection. On Android, open Android Auto settings, add a car, and confirm the pairing. The manual details the specific settings for your screen.
For calls, if the person on the other end has trouble hearing you, the wired microphone (€18.90) improves audio quality. It is offered as an accessory.
CarPlay screen or box: what changes during installation
| CarPlay screen | CarPlay box | |
|---|---|---|
| What you remove | The original radio, replaced by an Android touchscreen | Nothing is replaced: the original screen remains in place |
| Where the connection is made | On the original connectors, in place of the radio | Behind the original screen, invisible box |
| What you gain | Touchscreen, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto | Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto on the original screen |
| Original functions | Generally retained: camera, steering wheel controls, radio, Bluetooth, climate display depending on model | Original screen and functions retained |
| Installation time | 30 to 45 min | 30 to 45 min |
| Price | From €109 to €469 | From €179 to €579 |
| Catalog | View screens | View boxes |
Common mistakes during assembly
- Forcing a piece of trim that resists. A broken clip is difficult to replace. Look for the screw or clip that is holding it before insisting.
- Unplugging without taking photos. Ten seconds of taking photos saves long minutes of doubt during reassembly.
- Reassembling before testing. Sound, radio, steering wheel controls, camera: everything should be checked with the screen in hand, before clipping on the trim.
- Forgetting the radio antenna. A screen that does not pick up any stations almost always has an unplugged antenna.
- Pinching the wiring harness. A crushed cable behind the screen will eventually cause malfunctions. Tuck it to the side, without tension.
- Ordering without checking the version. Type A or Type B, year or trim: the selector and the photo sent via WhatsApp prevent the wrong part number.
When to call a partner installer (€69)
Installing it yourself is not mandatory. The professional installation option costs €69 and can be added to your order: the work is then entrusted to a partner installer. This is recommended if you do not want to touch the dashboard, if your vehicle requires removing an entire console, or if you do not have the time or space to work.
What to do if you get stuck during installation
Do not stay alone in front of an open dashboard. Our customer support, based in Martigues, answers on WhatsApp at +33 7 80 96 56 50, 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., including during installation. Send a photo of your connections and describe the symptom. We will guide you plug by plug.
Here are the most common blocks and the first reaction to have:
- The screen does not turn on: check the power connector, then make sure the ignition is properly turned on.
- No sound: the speaker connector is not fully inserted or the screen volume is at minimum.
- No radio: plug the antenna back in.
- No camera in reverse: check the camera connector, then the screen settings indicated in the manual.
- The phone does not connect: "forget" the device in the phone's Bluetooth settings and restart the pairing.
The FAQ brings together other common questions, and the contact form remains available outside of WhatsApp hours.
Installing a CarPlay box: 3-step installation
If you prefer to keep the original screen, the CarPlay box is the solution. It plugs in behind the original screen, remains invisible, and adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto while retaining the vehicle's original screen and functions. The installation boils down to 3 steps:
- Free the original screen. Using the removal kit, unclip the trim and pull out the original screen or unit just enough to access the connectors at the back.
- Insert the box. The provided wiring harness plugs in between the vehicle's connectors and the original screen, plug by plug, without cutting any wires.
- Reassemble and pair. Place the box behind the screen, reassemble the trim, then pair your phone as in step 4.
The box must match your car's multimedia system. On BMW, for example, CCC, CIC, NBT, NBT EVO or MGU depending on the model and year; on Peugeot 308, RNEG, SMEG, MRN or NAC depending on the year and trim; on Mercedes, NTG 4.0, 4.5, 5.0/5.1 or 5.5/6 depending on the year. These markers are indicative: the product sheet and the selector are authoritative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need electrical knowledge to install a CarPlay screen?
No. The screen plugs into the vehicle's original connectors with an adapted wiring harness. No wires are cut or stripped. You mainly need a methodical approach: photograph, unplug, plug back in, test.
How long does a CarPlay screen installation take?
Count on 30 to 45 minutes, with the removal kit in hand and the manual before your eyes. Take your time with the removal; that is the step that requires the most attention.
Do I keep the backup camera and steering wheel controls?
Generally, yes: backup camera, steering wheel controls, radio, Bluetooth, and climate display are retained depending on the model. Your vehicle's product sheet specifies the retained functions.
What happens if the screen does not match my car?
We verify compatibility before every shipment, and you can send us a photo of your screen on WhatsApp for confirmation. If, despite everything, the product does not match the vehicle, it can be returned for a full refund.
Can I get help during installation?
Yes. WhatsApp assistance at +33 7 80 96 56 50 is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Send a photo of the connections, and we will reply to you during installation.
What warranty is there on a self-installed screen?
The warranty is 2 years and you have 14 days to change your mind. The provided manual and WhatsApp assistance are there to ensure the installation goes well.
Find your vehicle's CarPlay screen
Select your brand, year, and model in the compatibility selector: more than 800 vehicles and 45 brands are covered, with screens from €109 to €469. Shipment within 24-48 hours from France, tracked delivery in 4 to 5 working days, free on orders over €199 (France, Belgium, Switzerland), 3-part payment with Klarna, 2-year warranty. A question before ordering? Write to us on WhatsApp with a photo of your current screen.
