CarPlay is one of the most convenient features for iPhone users who spend time driving. It gives you quick access to navigation, music, calls, and messages — all on your car’s built-in display. But did you know you can rearrange CarPlay apps directly from your iPhone 11 to customize the layout the way you like?

Whether you want your favorite navigation app on the first page, move rarely used apps to the bottom, or hide apps you never use, Apple makes it easy to personalize CarPlay.

This complete guide explains how to rearrange CarPlay apps on an iPhone 11, along with bonus tips to optimize your CarPlay experience.

⭐ Why Rearranging CarPlay Apps Matters

Before jumping into the steps, here’s why customizing CarPlay is useful:

Improves safety — Keeps frequently used apps visible and easy to tap.
Enhances navigation — Places essential apps like Maps, Music, and Messages up front.
Declutters your screen — Hide or reorder apps you don’t use.
Boosts driving efficiency — Spend less time searching for apps and more time focusing on the road.

🚗 How to Rearrange CarPlay Apps on an iPhone 11

Apple allows you to control your CarPlay app layout from the iPhone’s Settings app. Just follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings App

Unlock your iPhone 11 and launch the Settings app.

Step 2: Tap “General”

Scroll down and select General, where you’ll find CarPlay configuration options.

Step 3: Select “CarPlay”

Inside the General menu, tap on CarPlay.
You will see a list of vehicles you’ve connected your iPhone to.

Step 4: Choose Your Car

Tap the name of the vehicle you want to customize.
This opens the CarPlay dashboard editor.

Step 5: Tap “Customize”

Select Customize to enter the layout configuration section.

Here you’ll see:

Your active CarPlay apps
A list of apps you can add or remove
Handles for rearranging app order

Step 6: Rearrange Your Apps

You can now organize the apps in the order you prefer:

🔹 To Move an App

Hold the three-line icon next to the app’s name.
Drag it up or down to change its position.

This rearranges how apps appear on your CarPlay home screen.

Step 7: Hide Apps You Don’t Want to Use

Don’t want a certain app appearing in your car’s display?

Tap the red minus (–) button to remove it from CarPlay.
You can always re-add it later from the “More Apps” section.

🎯 Bonus Tips to Enhance Your CarPlay Experience

✔ Re-add hidden apps anytime

Scroll to the More Apps section and tap the green + icon to add them back.

✔ Use Siri for faster access

Even if apps are rearranged, saying “Hey Siri, open Maps” works instantly.

✔ Keep apps updated

Outdated apps may not appear in CarPlay or may behave unexpectedly.

✔ Restart CarPlay after editing

Some layouts refresh quicker if you unplug and reconnect your iPhone.

❓ Why Don’t Some Apps Appear in CarPlay?

If an app is missing:

It may not support CarPlay
It could be restricted in Screen Time
You might need to update the app
The app may be disabled in CarPlay settings

🧩 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does rearranging apps on my iPhone affect CarPlay?

Rearranging apps on the iPhone Home Screen does not affect CarPlay. Only the CarPlay customization menu changes its layout.

2. Can I rearrange apps directly from the car screen?

Most CarPlay systems do not support rearranging apps from the car display. You must use your iPhone.

3. Does the order sync across multiple vehicles?

You must set the layout per vehicle. Each car gets its own configuration.

📌 Final Thoughts

Knowing how to rearrange CarPlay apps on an iPhone 11 allows you to personalize your driving experience and make your daily commute safer and more efficient. With only a few taps, you can prioritize the apps that matter most — whether it’s navigation, music, or communication.

How to Rearrange CarPlay Apps on an iPhone 11 (Step-by-Step Guide)