You can set your Apple CarPlay to make a custom start-up sound and this is how you do it

Apple CarPlay has a hidden trick that lets you change the sound your car plays when it connects.

Instead of the usual silence, you can make it play a custom audio clip every time you start the car.

The hack uses Apple’s own Shortcuts app and works automatically the moment CarPlay connects.

Below is the step-by-step setup to create your own start-up sound in just a few minutes.

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Step 1: Open the Shortcuts app

This entire hack lives inside Shortcuts, which is already sitting on your iPhone. 

Therefore you won’t need to download anything new (yay!).

If you’ve never used Shortcuts before, don’t overthink it. 

You’re not building anything complicated. 

You’re just telling your phone to do one very specific thing at a very specific moment.

Open the app and get comfortable with it. That’s the hardest part, honestly.

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Step 2: Create a new CarPlay automation

Inside the Shortcuts app, tap the Automation tab along the bottom of the screen, then select Create Personal Automation.

Scroll until you see CarPlay and select it.

This tells your iPhone you want something to happen automatically when Apple CarPlay gets involved. 

Not when you tap a button, but the moment your car connects.

That’s the key.

Step 3: Set it to run the second CarPlay connects

Choose Connects, not Disconnects. 

Then make sure Run Immediately is switched on.

This skips the confirmation pop-ups and lets the sound play without asking permission every time. 

If you miss this step, the whole thing still works – it can just be a bit annoying.

This is what makes the audio feel like a true start-up sound, not a manual gimmick.

Step 4: Add your audio file

Tap Add Action, search for Get File, and select it. 

Then tap the blue ‘File’ link to browse your Files app.

You’ll need to have your audio clip saved ahead of time. 

Short MP3 or M4A files work best. 

Think quotes, or maybe your latest vocal stim – not full songs.

Once it’s selected, you’re halfway there.

See the clip below for some inspo.

@kjackson_91 How have I yet to see someone use this sound yet? It was the first to come to my mind and I’m keeping it for sure 👍 😂 #applecarplay #carplaysound #tech #cartok #fyp #foryoupage #viral #trend #carplay #carplayscreen #ethelcain #thx #theater #sound #cadillac #starwars #win #startup ♬ original sound – kjackson_91

Step 5: Tell it to play

Add another action and search for Play Sound. 

This connects the file you chose to actual audio output through Apple CarPlay.

This is the moment it all clicks. 

The automation now knows what to play and when to play it.

Step 6: Save it and test it

Tap Done, get in your car, and start it up.

There’s usually a short pause while CarPlay loads. 

Then the sound will start. 

Now you can enjoy!

Step 7: Pick wisely

Just be aware, there’s no skip button and no warning chime. 

Whatever you choose will play every time.

That’s why most people go short and funny – something guaranteed to get you in a good mood.

It’s a tiny change, but it gives every drive a custom intro. 

And that feels exactly like the kind of personalization modern cars should’ve had all along.

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