Why don’t some apps open properly when connected to CarPlay?

When connected to CarPlay, iOS will open specific system apps on the CarPlay display instead rather than on your iPhone, such as Phone and Messages.

How can I stop this behavior?

You can link CarPlay with Dumb Phone via Apple Shortcuts to stop this behavior, by creating the following two automations;

Connecting to CarPlay

1. Open Apple Shortcuts → Automations tab → Create Automation
2. Select the CarPlay automation, and ensure Connects and Run Immediately are checked
3. Select New Blank Automation and add Dumb Phone’s Set App Open Behavior action
4. Set the Prefer parameter to Always Through Dumb Phone, then tap Done

Disconnecting from CarPlay

1. Open Apple Shortcuts → Automations tab → Create Automation
2. Select the CarPlay automation, select Disconnects and Run Immediately
3. Select New Blank Automation and add Dumb Phone’s Set App Open Behavior action
4. Set the Prefer parameter to Open Directly If Possible, then tap Done

Step-by-step video