Why can't I make calls on my iPhone 16 Plus in the car?

"Why can't I make calls on my iPhone 16 Plus in the car?: iPhone 16Plus. In car I can listen to music fine, but I can’t make calls. I’m using a USB C to 3.5m adapter. Can anyone help me, please?!"

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Can you make calls elsewhere (when not driving)? If not, then you need to overview the following...

Troubleshooting Calling:

A. "No Service":

Is "No Service" shown on the top-left corner of your screen? If so, go here to fix that: If you See No Service or Searching on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

B. Calls: If you can't Make or Receive Calls on your iPhone - Apple Support

C. Whom to Contact:

Contact your Carrier, as they are the one who provide you with the service of Calling.

"Why can't I make calls on my iPhone 16 Plus in the car?: iPhone 16Plus. In car I can listen to music fine, but I can’t make calls. I’m using a USB C to 3.5m adapter. Can anyone help me, please?!"

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Troubleshooting CarPlay:

A. Driver's Manual:

Read your driver's manual to find out more about syncing this.

B. Re-Pair the iPhone:

Remove the iPhone from the car (if already paired), and then perform this paring session.

C. Try Being in Park:

For many, they must have their automobile in park to get this to all pair.

D. Visit this Link: If you need help with CarPlay - Apple Support

E. Note: Usually takes me three tries, being my automobile does not have a log of synced devices.

“Thank you but my car does not have CarPlay nor does it have Bluetooth that is why I have to use the USB-C to 3.5 adapter for listening to music from my phone and also to use my phone, but it’s not working for using my phone.”

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You are welcome.

See what Google AI Provides:

cant call don’t have carplay

And do the same for other Search Engines.

loreen33 wrote:

Thank you but my car does not have CarPlay nor does it have Bluetooth that is why I have to use the USB-C to 3.5 adapter for listening to music from my phone and also to use my phone, but it’s not working for using my phone.

Are you using headphones connected to your iPhone? If yes, do your headphones have a built in microphone? Are you asking Siri to make a call for you when driving? Can you explain what the 3.5mm connector is plugged into? It appears you have a very old sound system in your car, if it doesn't have Bluetooth or CarPlay.

That's an auxiliary audio connection. It's not supposed to let you 'make calls through the car's stereo system'.

You either need a bluetooth connection or CarPlay. If the head unit in your car doesn't support either one of those, then you can't make calls through the stereo.

KiltedTim wrote:

That's an auxiliary audio connection. It's not supposed to let you 'make calls through the car's stereo system'.

You either need a bluetooth connection or CarPlay. If the head unit in your car doesn't support either one of those, then you can't make calls through the stereo.

Agreed. If they are plugging the phone into an aux input in the car, it was never designed to handle phone calls and makes total sense why they can't make calls that way.

loreen33 wrote:

You’re absolutely correct I do have an older car, no CarPlay or Bluetooth. I plug into a AUX / USB C cord. No I’m not using corded headphones w/microphone talking to Siri. But I do have a new a iPhone 16 that I can’t make calls on when plugged into the above noted cord. I can however play music from my phone through my ‘old car’ stereo stereo. Any help you can provide will be appreciated.

I wish I had the knowledge to help you, but I have no clue about the car system you're using. I'd suggest you contact the auto manufacturer and see if they have any available help options for you.