What is Reddit's opinion of CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2015 to 2022), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay…?

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Posted this in another thread the other day to generally positive comments:

I have used the Carlinkit 2.0 adapter for about a year and overall love it. Once or twice it has frozen up and restarted itself while driving, but no big deal in the grand scheme of things. The 2 big reasons I went with this over Cplay2air are: • I saw many more reviews of extreme audio lag during phone calls regarding the Cplay2air. I also saw a lot of people saying that the updating and settings pages were needlessly complex • I could get the Carlinkit on Amazon, who I know has good customer service. There are a ton of bad reviews about the customer service at Cplay2air and I didn’t want to be stuck with a $150 that potentially didn’t work. For what it’s worth, this is the one I have. Just a differing opinion I thought you may be interested in: https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

I got one of these — it plugs into the standard USB port and then bridges to your phone wirelessly. Just make sure you get the one that matches your car's model year.

It isn't perfect, but it works well enough, especially since most of the time that I drive is for ~15 minutes or less.

Limited-time deal: CarlinKit 2.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_dl_JXYK1QNA7GD37305618D

The reason I got this one, is it uses a separate USB to USB-C cable, because if you get the one with the connected cable and the cable gets worn and doesn’t work, your whole unit is toast. With this one, just get a new usb c cable and you’ll be good

Carlinkit 2.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9FBBKZEPHXHHNQE0HP23?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Here is the one I use!

I don’t mean to one up, but what if you could get in the truck and not take anything out of our pockets..keys, wallet, or phone…

If you have a Carplay Uconnect headunit, this is irreplaceable.

Plug in the center console and done. If you let your wife connect to it, it can get contentious sometimes though.

CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I've been using the Carlinkit 3 for a few months now with no issues. You just plug it into the USB port that you normally use for wired Carplay. It takes maybe 20-30 seconds to connect, but by the time I'm pulling out it's already connected and good to go.

https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB

Have you thought about going with a wirelessCarPlay adapter? Best $100 bucks I’ve spent on a piece of technology. And I would say it works about 99% as good as stock wireless car play or even wired car play.

I have an aftermarket qi charger from Amazon that works well, and use a wireless CarPlay adapter.

CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2021), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DXYEY3J5DPJA88863CBF

There are several models but this works well.

CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2021), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GECBKS4P0VJKGK538E4X

If you’re willing to risk it if you have Amazon prime, you could always try this one and if it doesn’t work, just return it. There’s a box to click that saves $30 at the moment. Otherwise the 2022 one is $120 right now

I used one of these to ditch the wired CarPlay and couldn’t go back at this point.

CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2021), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZMPK1GQQVTFA10XG43F5

I’ve got an iPhone 13 pro max. I’ve used the car link 2.0 and haven’t had any major issues. Just an occasional takes too long to connect, but works fantastic. I’ll drop the link.

Carlinkit 2.0 Wireless CarPlay... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Don’t have that head unit but I’ve been using this with my factory stereo for over a year with basically no issues. The only small hiccup I’ve had is that occasionally my phone doesn’t auto connect, if I quickly unplug and reply in the adapter my phone connects in about 15 seconds when that happens.

https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=Carlinkit&qid=1647996613&sr=8-3&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18ed3cb5-28d5-4975-8bc7-93deae8f9840

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I bought this for my Honda Fit and it works well! It does take an extra 5-10 seconds to start up with the car vs wired and is not good for phone calls due to the audio delay, but otherwise works well! It works perfectly for my use for audiobooks, music, etc.

There’s a lightning deal on Amazon right now for something that says it does the same thing: Limited-time deal: CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_dl_GMHVD4REGCVGSN7WGSDQ

You can get an adapter that lets you use CarPlay wirelessly. I just got this one and it works pretty well. The only gripe I have is that it sometimes doesn't start up correctly and I have to unplug it and replug it in (or restart the radio) to get it going. But as far as responsiveness, or works as well as wired for me.

Also those who prefer Android Auto, there are similar adapters from AAWireless and one that just came out from Motorola, though they're hard to find right now.

Rav4 Prime doesn’t come standard with “wireless” CarPlay. I did buy a wireless adapter that I keep plugged in and tucked out of site with 3M double sided tape. Takes about 10 seconds to automatically connect each time I turn on my vehicle and works flawlessly.

Limited-time deal: CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_dl_SMK7Z5ESA82MSYY1Q4TT

Yeah. This is the one I got. CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I ended up getting command strip and taping it to the wall near the wireless charger so the cord and adapter are completely out of the way.

I don't mind this at all personally because using navigation from your phone via CarPlay or Android Auto is vastly superior to the built-in ones that they put into these infotainment systems. Unlike those, the navigation from your phone is always up to date and doesn't require a subscription fee (as Toyota will make you pay one after 10 yrs if you want to keep that going).

Pro tip: if you have an iPhone and don't want to have to plug in a lightning cord to use CarPlay, there are a ton of those wireless CarPlay adapters you can get; I have a Carlinkit one myself and aside from the occasional freezing up it does, it works pretty well (available here)

Limited-time deal: CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_dl_GM3RD0JP99NVKKY4C3KG

I second this! I got myself a Carlinkit wireless CarPlay adapter ( which you can get here) for my 2021 RAV4 hybrid I picked up last week before Christmas and I'll never go back to wired.

I found it having some odd problems where it would randomly drop out its connection, but I found that mounting it outside of the center dash has made this problem practically go away.

Along with that, I'd say get a dash/windshield mountable wireless charger too.

I got the carplay2air couple years ago for my accord, had issues and then a firmware update bricked it and I just can't be bothered to do the 84 screen long procedure to resurrect it.

Then ordered the new Carlinkit from Amazon for my CRV and it's been great, no real complaints. Seems more stable.

The 2022 GT does not have wireless carplay. I'm going to try out one of these adapters from Amazon though and see if it works tomorrow. https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=sr_1_3?crid=QR7D0SXXA8WR&keywords=wireless+apple+carplay&qid=1640393460&smid=A1EE5VCGDAEB07&sprefix=wireless+apple+carplay%2Caps%2C328&sr=8-3

I’ve been using the CarLinkIt 2.0 for over a year now and it works great. No connection issues whatsoever. The 2.0 is no longer available but I found the 3.0 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KRYW9XH37KNQBB7P136J

You could use something like this: Limited-time deal: CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_dl_PRYEZ99PYE51V5P0181V?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I use a CarlinKit 3.0 adapter in my Civic now. I take a lot of short trips and it seems to work good enough for me without insane battery drain.

I do plug in on longer trips but it is nice to just get in and get out for the shorter trips.

Really depends on what you’re looking for. But don’t expect an OTA update to enable it in the Maverick. It’s not solely a software thing. If it was, it would already be setup.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4T8WBCT9QTTA2NZA6T68?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Get the wireless carplay adapter for it. CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_C0HJGP5MXRFK8DMBGG13?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1. If you have android this won’t work but if you have iphone you can just use the wireless phone charger and keep it there. I’ve had this since march on my 2021 XSE and it’s worked really well. It’s a little expensive but i believe it’s worth it in the long run.

I just got this for my Civic and it works pretty good:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_dl_WY02RWRYYFK0BJ33VJ8Y?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Pretty much just plug in and initiate the connection the first time and then it’s automatic from then on.

On my Mav, I’m going to just put a 3M pad on the underside of where the USB ports are and loop a short USB cable to it to hide it as much as possible.

Have had a couple hiccups here and there that a quick unplug and plug back in resolved immediately. Otherwise works great.

I haven’t had any disconnection issues recently so I am going to keep it. Here’s the link of the one I bought

CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_WSGVkgG2EjmXe

Yeah, not yet at least

And speaking of wireless CarPlay, here's a good one that I've tried out myself: https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=sr\_1\_3?dchild=1&keywords=carlinkit+carplay&qid=1633488424&sr=8-3

CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_G8F40W0YNFQ8JERBJ3MS

Direct Amazon link for those who don’t want to watch the video. Standard #1 search result on Amazon.

Maybe this? CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6HYKANNECPCCXRHAKKXP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1]

It still uses the existing USB port.

I made CarPlay wireless with this adapter:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08P1GWQDB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It’s worked great and problem free so far. I don’t have to mess with the USB cable because the wireless device is plugged in all the time and I never touch it.

Sorry on the delayed response, but this is the one I got. I didn't even have to do a firmware update that you see people about, but YMMV.

https://smile.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=carlinkit&qid=1631622959&sr=8-3

Carlinkit 2.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_l6tpgvkbzckpu

I’ve had this one for about 7 months with no issue!

>but you have to plug in your phone to use it.

They have wireless carplay adapters to solve this very problem.

Link

CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to I have had it for about 3 months and it’s worked pretty great so far.

Wireless CarPlay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_EHXQBZ2NH3F6H2280BRF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This but it’s kinda pricey. Can’t vouch that it works for sure but I’ve seen articles on it. I think it’s a different model from the previous link posted

https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

I have used the Carlinkit 2.0 adapter for about a year and overall love it. Once or twice it has frozen up and reset itself while driving, but no big deal in the grand scheme of things.

The 2 big reasons I went with this over Cplay2air are:

• I saw many more reviews of extreme audio lag during phone calls regarding the Cplay2air. I also saw a lot of people saying that the updating and settings pages were needlessly complex
• I could get the Carlinkit on Amazon, who I know has good customer service. There are a ton of bad reviews about the customer service at Cplay2air and I didn’t want to be stuck with a $150 that potentially didn’t work.

For what it’s worth, this is the one I have. Just a differing opinion I thought you may be interested in: https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1

I got this one after a rec on this sub CarlinKit 2.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_93Q6Q6V93R6JPR5NFJSW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Not perfect but gets the job done. Only issue I’ve found with it is when you want to just listen to the radio when you first start the car, you have to go to Media then back to Radio or Carplay will try to always grab the signal.

CarlinKit 2.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BBYTPD0BK2YZSYRE3108

I got this one. Works great. Only had an issue a handful of times. Majority of the time I get into car and my Apple car play is hooked up. I throw my phone on the wireless charging pad and don’t have to think about it.

on amazon there are two options for the Carlinkit 2.0. 2017-2018 model and 2019-2020 model. does anyone know which model to buy? i also have a Sony AX100.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_C3VCX996H74XF1VXYEQ3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

thanks for this post by the way! excited to get this

Carlinkit 2.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter USB for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars (Model Year: 2019 to 2020), Wireless CarPlay Dongle Convert Wired to Wireless CarPlay https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_56GFK11V18HW1J96P2VH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Carlinkit 2.0 Wireless CarPlay... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

In the pic it’s the little green lit box. Quick little Velcro to the side of the storage area 👀

Conversely, a wireless Carplay adapter works great too. I use the below with a magsafe vent holder for my phone and I love it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08P1GWQDB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Works just fine:

Carlinkit 2.0 Wireless CarPlay... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Ima link you bro. This takes about 10-15 seconds to fully connect each time you get in and there is about 2 second sound delay. The trade off is worth it for me. Just toss the dongle in the glove box and forget about it. Really love this thing.

CarPlay dongle

Right angle usb

Don't sweat about wireless android auto/ carplay

Android: https://www.aawireless.io/

Carplay: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_dl_EN90013FGJPXVA1DBMHQ_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

We are using these two on our 22 gas xle since we are a mixed family. Both have worked pretty good. Not perfect, but really good and convenient.

There's supposed to be some 2in1 solutions, but some comments made it seem those were more of a hazle.

CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share.

Works like a charm. Every time. Takes about 30 seconds to boot up. But that’s as much as it takes to plug in and show up on screen.

I love my Carlinkit. I even take it on trips to use in rental cars.

Here's the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08P1GWQDB

The price fluctuates like crazy, but there's currently a $43 off coupon.

Once you've got it connected, be sure to update the firmware. You can do that by opening http://192.168.50.2 on your phone while connected to the device. You may need to repeat the update process until there's no more updates to apply.

I got this model based on rec's here:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08P1GWQDB/

Plugged it right in, took about 3 min to pair to my phone for the first time and now it automatically pairs without issue.

I got this one on AZ and it’s been great. Tucks nicely into the little shelf above the power sockets too, you don’t even know it’s there.

I got this one on AZ for $85, takes a few seconds to connect once you start the car but overall it’s been great.

I have a 2021 calligraphy and had to buy this:

Carlinkit 2.0 Wireless CarPlay... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share this is the one I have just make sure you get the correct year. Standard ymmv disclaimer

this is what I got my dad for Father’s Day

I used this one and it works great!

CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I'm not familiar with NTG model in your car - NTG6 or MBUX?

Either way -> if you have wired carplay then perhaps this will do?

https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB/

If you don't have carplay functionality and cannot activate it via software, you will need a box (aliexpress - cheapest).

No but you can buy this to make the wired carplay into wireless carplay. works great

Amazon, this is the one I got

This has been working well in my '22 GT2 with the 10.25" touchscreen. Connects pretty quickly without having to push any buttons too. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_0SPJGWK135VW59XWDD9R

Yes

CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And if you wanna get fancy

CarQiWireless Wireless Car... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CGJP1XB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I just bought this one for my ‘22 tuscon limited. Works well.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dl_Q8EV3CEX8NB9H97VHABA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I use the Carlinkit 3.0 (https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB) and mount my phone with this magsafe charging puck attached to the leftmost vent: https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB.

As everyone points out, there is lag associated with the Carlinkit but it's not horrendous. Using this setup I can get in my car, stick it to the magnetic charger, and Carplay will automatically load and connect to the phone (iPhone 13 Pro Max) within about 20 s while simultaneously charging the phone wirelessly via Magsafe. No cable plugging needed once everything is set up.

Note that these Carplay dongles are essentially hacks, and I occasionally have to reboot the device after about 2 - 4 hours on the road (I do frequent long trips, NorCal - SoCal and back, ~6.5 hrs).

I have the Pioneer W4500NEX in one of my vehicles

I use this in my newer Ford truck: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08P1GWQDB

I got the CarlinKit CarPlay Adapter ($120 on (Amazon)[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB]) to enable wireless CarPlay in my new EV6.

TLDR:
It has worked excellently, it’s fast to boot up, and I haven’t had any failure or glitches yet. For the few drives I’ve done my music is playing by the time I’ve backed out of my parking spot and started to pull forward. I will likely continue using this until Kia enables native wireless CarPlay.

Pros:
- Fast bootup ~40secs - Automatically connects to your phone - No glitches in audio on highest quality - Easy to change settings - Works just like it should - WIRELESS CHARGER IS ACTUALLY USEFUL NOW

Cons:
- Slight input lag - Slight audio lag - Slow to disconnect when leaving car (seems to be due to the car) - Flashing green light when connected

Mounting:
I mounted it between the two USB ports using a Command picture hanging strip (sort of like velcro but better). The bit is nice and small, and the provided short usb cable works well for this location, though an even shorter cable might be better. The cable is long enough for the box to sit in the bucket under the center console but I prefer the mounted solution. However in this location the light on the unit is annoying. The red when disconnected isn’t bad but the flashing green light is distracting, especially at night. You could mount it reversed from how I did it, or put a bit of electrical tape over the light.

Connection:
Connection to the phone works automatically, as long as your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled. Connection is initiated via Bluetooth and then Wi-Fi details are shared to make the full data connection. At this point the phone’s Wi-Fi switch in control center will go white and you will be disconnected from any network you were previously on. Clicking the Wi-Fi switch will cause your phone to ask you if you would like to disconnect from CarPlay.
You can set up multiple phones and the device will have them listed in a simple interface when it boots up. This interface can be disabled in the device settings and it will just show a black screen while it auto connects. Auto connection can also be turned off.

Performance: I’ve only ever used wired CarPlay in the past so I can only compare to that - I’m not sure how much of what I describe here also applies to native wireless CarPlay. Input lag is slight, but manageable. Pressing buttons is responsive enough but when swiping on the Home Screen or panning the map the screen lags behind the finger a bit. I find this to be a reasonable compromise to be able to use CarPlay wirelessly.
There is audio lag, the default is 1 sec. This seems to be so that the car can hold a buffer of audio so you don’t get glitches. You can adjust it in the device’s settings and it seems to work fine at the minimum of 300ms.

Timed measurements:
Bootup:
- 16 seconds until the light on the unit comes on. - 8 seconds later the head unit on the car says “Usb Connected” - 16 seconds later music is playing This adds up to a total bootup time of 40 secs which I’ve found to be plenty fast enough in real life usage (it feels slower when you’re timing it). Unplugging/replugging the unit brings CarPlay back in 24 seconds so I think the fist 16 seconds are due to the car booting up. Plugging in wired car play takes about 4 seconds so it seems that this unit only adds about 20 seconds of delay total.

Shutdown:
It takes just over 3 minutes from when you open the car to when the device powers off and your phone reconnects to home Wi-Fi. This seems to be a limitation of the car cutting power to the socket. At about the 3 minute mark you get the notification that you left doors unlocked, then you hear the motor closing the air vent in the front grill, then it cuts power to the CarPlay USB port. I’ve found that walking into my house can be far enough to break the connection (I park right outside my door) otherwise you can hit the Wi-Fi switch in control center and disconnect manually. I personally don’t find this to be a huge deal, but I think native CarPlay from Kia should probably disconnect instantly.

Conclusion: Overall I find this product to be amazing and well worth the money to be able to use the wireless charger or leave your phone in your pocket. There are minor compromises but none of them are deal breakers for me. I hope that Kia enables this natively (it definitely has the hardware), but for now I’m perfectly happy with this solution.

I also have another unit that runs a full Android OS (full google play store available) that I will give a try, but I think I’ll probably stick with the CarlinKit.

I have this adapter coming tomorrow, will make a post with how well it works.

This is a good substitute for wireless CarPlay. I have been using for almost two months and it works well. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB

Just bought one of these on a recommendation on an Australian Kona EV site - says he has had this brand (not sure of the model) for a couple of years with no dramas. I also read that there were issues every time the iOS had an update and he replied that he had not experienced any problems at all. Still waiting for mine, so can't give you personal recommendation, but I have ordered it.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1ZBMZ9M512OJN&keywords=garlin%2Bwireless%2BCarPlay&qid=1644128503&sprefix=garlin%2Bwireless%2Bcarplay%2Caps%2C241&sr=8-5&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=zg\_bs\_319595011\_1?\_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=X6096PAMV76HYCBQMSR7

The box says Carlin Kit and as suspected it's the best selling on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=zg\_bs\_319595011\_1?\_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=X6096PAMV76HYCBQMSR7

Ended up getting this one! Got it tonight from Amazon and it works like a charm. Thanks for your help!! And everyone else’s.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Got this in September, few little hiccups.....but unplug and plug back in fixes it 99% of the time.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB

Got this in September, few little hiccups.....but unplug and plug back in fixes it 99% of the time.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB

Got this in September, few little hiccups.....but unplug and plug back in fixes it 99% of the time.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB

 

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With this dongle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_dl_DSK3TZSQBYGDXH81XZZW

 

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I have this it works great, as an alternative

FWIW I use this adapter and have had little to no issues in the last year or so: https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wireless-CarPlay-Adapter-Factory/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=Carlinkit&qid=1637662685&sr=8-3

 

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Got it straight from amazon. Theres also a $26 coupon on them right now. Just make sure to choose a model relevant to your car

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08P1GWQDB/

Yes. Its likely your cable.

I haven't had any issues since I switched over to this wireless module:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08P1GWQDB/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o02\_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You mean like this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P1GWQDB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_HFF9Q7XSG5YDNPZYJ2FQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1