I do the Annual Upgrade Program. Newest phone every fall. I don't worry about wear and tear, plus I have AppleCare.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
CarPlay CarPlay adapter to convert to wireless CarPlay?
- Thread starter MrMister111
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
So I took the plunge and decided to try the other brand of adapter. I had (still have) a Carplay2Air device. I was mostly happy with it, But it had massive voice lag in both directions that made calls difficult for both me and my caller. And of course the 5 min. music bug.
Amazon had a steal of a deal on the Carlinkit USB-C adapter. I think it was around $100 delivered (I am a prime customer, so I got it in 2 days)
Impressions: Those who say the devices are the same thing are wrong. The new Carlinkit is MUCH better. I understand that their support is much better as well. The audio on both phone calls and Music is much better as well. I don't notice the delays like with the Carplay2Air. All in All a much better product.
Only one problem- I still have the music bug.
I think it's way past time for us as a group to use our collective power as a group, to get this bug fixed once and for all.
They fixed it before in the 3/6 software only to break it again with every following release after that. If they did it once they can do it again.
But it's going to take pressure to make it a priority, we can bring that pressure.
I'm going to start. I will contact Carlinkit support and raise this issue. I will point them to our forum. I'm going to tell them that our owners who have this issue are sick and tired of a bug that we have lived with now for many months, that impacts a major function of the product.I'm going to let them know that I have asked and encouraged those other owners to contact them themselves, even if they have contacted them before.
That's where all of you can help. Please if you are suffering the 5 min. music bug contact them and reference our group. Please do this even if you have done it before. It's this kind of pressure that gets software developers to fix issues, if for no other reason other than they get sick and tired of hearing about it.
Once we contact them, we can't stop. We have to keep bring up the issue regularly over and over until it's fixed. We have to make them just want this all to go away.
For me the product is perfect, except for this one issue. I we can pressure a fix, I will be totally happy with it. If you feel that way too, let them know!
I feel confident that we can get this issue fixed and I can enjoy my adapter until it's time for my next car. A 2021 Cadillac Escalade. It comes with factory wireless CarPlay.
Amazon had a steal of a deal on the Carlinkit USB-C adapter. I think it was around $100 delivered (I am a prime customer, so I got it in 2 days)
Impressions: Those who say the devices are the same thing are wrong. The new Carlinkit is MUCH better. I understand that their support is much better as well. The audio on both phone calls and Music is much better as well. I don't notice the delays like with the Carplay2Air. All in All a much better product.
Only one problem- I still have the music bug.
I think it's way past time for us as a group to use our collective power as a group, to get this bug fixed once and for all.
They fixed it before in the 3/6 software only to break it again with every following release after that. If they did it once they can do it again.
But it's going to take pressure to make it a priority, we can bring that pressure.
I'm going to start. I will contact Carlinkit support and raise this issue. I will point them to our forum. I'm going to tell them that our owners who have this issue are sick and tired of a bug that we have lived with now for many months, that impacts a major function of the product.I'm going to let them know that I have asked and encouraged those other owners to contact them themselves, even if they have contacted them before.
That's where all of you can help. Please if you are suffering the 5 min. music bug contact them and reference our group. Please do this even if you have done it before. It's this kind of pressure that gets software developers to fix issues, if for no other reason other than they get sick and tired of hearing about it.
Once we contact them, we can't stop. We have to keep bring up the issue regularly over and over until it's fixed. We have to make them just want this all to go away.
For me the product is perfect, except for this one issue. I we can pressure a fix, I will be totally happy with it. If you feel that way too, let them know!
I feel confident that we can get this issue fixed and I can enjoy my adapter until it's time for my next car. A 2021 Cadillac Escalade. It comes with factory wireless CarPlay.
Last edited:
Just an FYI I have a US 2019 Chevy Blazer with MyLink3. I have CPLAY2AIR and do not have the 5 min audio glitch when it connects but I don’t know what firmware I have.
What firmware did your Carlinkit ship with? And do you mind linking the one you got on Amazon?
My suggestion is that in addition to emailing them, all of you who experience this bug should shoot a video (with audio) that shows this problem exactly. Film the carplay display showing the elapsed time on the music so that Carlinkit can see that it always happens ~5 minutes in.
Part of the problem is the language barrier. When people say the audio "glitches", Carlinkit engineers may not know exactly what that means. But if they can see/hear it (especially if they get videos from several different people that show the same thing) it would probably help them figure out where to look. I think 2018 Denali already shot a video (unsure if he sent it to them, but if so it might be worth sending it again).
As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
I don't think anyone is saying anymore that the USB-A (either company) is the same as the USB-C's. Pretty sure anyone who had an A and got a C supports that the C is much better in many ways, including me.
Interesting to hear - I have a usb a cplay2air- it works ok but do have lag wonder if it’s worth trying to return it and getting the usb c version
Worth is subjective, but it was worth it to me. My initial takeaways when moving from A to C:
- much faster boot times
- no intermittent music distortion
- improved lag in changing tracks
- improved touch screen performance
- just faster overall in every way.
USB-C combined with ios14:
- zero track change lag
- zero touch screen lag
- no intermittent audio song distortion
Intermittent audio distortion not to be confused with the 5 minute thing some of you guys have.
You could sell the CarPlay2Air on ebay for over $150, don't ask me why, but I got $165. USB-C = $100 Amazon Prime plus you can swap out the cable to your liking.
I just tried the CarlinKit on a 2020 GMC Sierra AT4 and it's so-so. Perhaps it's expected behavior, or this vehicle isn't supported yet, but this is what I experienced. Pretty sure I'm going to return it. I was able to get it setup/updated without issue.
1) CarlinKit will not engage automatically when the vehicle is started if the unit is already plugged in.
2) If I wait for the truck to start up, then plug in the CarlinKit, it will connect.
Once it boots up, as soon as the phone connects, it forces the system into Carplay. Carplay seems to function okay, nav was fine, podcast ran without any skips/pauses except for the nav, didn't try a phone call. Perhaps just a bit slower than plugging the phone in but not bad at all. I thought it would simply allow Carplay to be selected from the GM Infotainment system on demand, keeping it "on tap" so to speak, as it does when you plug the phone in directly. I didn't realize it would force the use of Carplay.
Where things really go wonky is if I try and leave CarPlay and go back to the GM Infotainment system home screen. At that point it appears CarPlay is still operating in the background (still get nav and podcast audio, phone is not connected to the truck by bluetooth/wifi) but you lose the CarPlay display, the CarlinKit still flashes green. If you try to go back to CarPlay on the Infotainment screen (which is no longer colored green), you just get the popup that you have to plug something in to use the CarPlay feature.
This is an absolute deal killer for me, it basically means I have to wait for the car to start, then plug in CarlinKit, and I can't use any other vehicle options, or I have to go through the unplug/plug process again.
1) CarlinKit will not engage automatically when the vehicle is started if the unit is already plugged in.
2) If I wait for the truck to start up, then plug in the CarlinKit, it will connect.
Once it boots up, as soon as the phone connects, it forces the system into Carplay. Carplay seems to function okay, nav was fine, podcast ran without any skips/pauses except for the nav, didn't try a phone call. Perhaps just a bit slower than plugging the phone in but not bad at all. I thought it would simply allow Carplay to be selected from the GM Infotainment system on demand, keeping it "on tap" so to speak, as it does when you plug the phone in directly. I didn't realize it would force the use of Carplay.
Where things really go wonky is if I try and leave CarPlay and go back to the GM Infotainment system home screen. At that point it appears CarPlay is still operating in the background (still get nav and podcast audio, phone is not connected to the truck by bluetooth/wifi) but you lose the CarPlay display, the CarlinKit still flashes green. If you try to go back to CarPlay on the Infotainment screen (which is no longer colored green), you just get the popup that you have to plug something in to use the CarPlay feature.
This is an absolute deal killer for me, it basically means I have to wait for the car to start, then plug in CarlinKit, and I can't use any other vehicle options, or I have to go through the unplug/plug process again.
Yeah I figured it was a gamble, esp. with a 2020, but thankfully I bought through Amazon for an easy return.
I have CarLinkIt v1 with integrated cable, never worked on my Vauxhall, search for my problems.
Is the USB-C version any different for cars that haven’t worked? As in anyone who’s had not work on original CarLinkIt, and now does on USB-C version?
Is it a risk to buy (from Amazon UK) to see if the CarLinkIt USB-C would work on mine?
On Amazon UK it’s on Prime, but “fulfilled by Amazon”, so if didn’t work would it be a simple return and refund even though not sold directly from Amazon?
*edit*
On a side note. Mine tries to connect but just keeps dropping and goes in a loop. Could it be a power issue? It works fine on wired connection? Is there some way with an adapter I could provide more power for a test? Something like this maybe, to connect a ciggy lighter forever extra power?
Thanks
Is the USB-C version any different for cars that haven’t worked? As in anyone who’s had not work on original CarLinkIt, and now does on USB-C version?
Is it a risk to buy (from Amazon UK) to see if the CarLinkIt USB-C would work on mine?
On Amazon UK it’s on Prime, but “fulfilled by Amazon”, so if didn’t work would it be a simple return and refund even though not sold directly from Amazon?
*edit*
On a side note. Mine tries to connect but just keeps dropping and goes in a loop. Could it be a power issue? It works fine on wired connection? Is there some way with an adapter I could provide more power for a test? Something like this maybe, to connect a ciggy lighter forever extra power?
HUHANGGod 14290581 Tomost USB 3.0 Cable Dual Power Cables Y Adapter Type A Lead Male to Female Extension Code 30cm,Black
HUHANGGod 14290581 Tomost USB 3.0 Cable Dual Power Cables Y Adapter Type A Lead Male to Female Extension Code 30cm,Black
www.amazon.co.uk
Thanks
Last edited:
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Not 100% sure if Amazon UK differs, but if it's anything like in the USA then all that matters re: the easy return policy is that the item is "fulfilled" by Amazon and has the Prime logo.
Just asked. Have to pay for return....
Now do I risk buying to see if works? Wonder if anyone who v1 didn’t work and the v2 (USB-C) did...
Or is a power issue....
Well again YMMV but in the US, if the reason you're returning it is "defective or did not work properly" then amazon pays for the return. But even if Amazon UK is different, the shipping cost and hassle will be minimal compared to buying via other avenues, where you're made to return it all the way to China. Anything sold via Prime just needs to go back to an amazon warehouse in your locale.
I don't recall anyone who reported buying the USB-C saying that it worked in the same vehicle a USB-A version did not work in. Mainly the reports have been about minor differences in functionality, such as steering wheel buttons that didn't previously work, faster boot times, less lag, etc.
I don't recall anyone who reported buying the USB-C saying that it worked in the same vehicle a USB-A version did not work in. Mainly the reports have been about minor differences in functionality, such as steering wheel buttons that didn't previously work, faster boot times, less lag, etc.
Ah ok thanks, I’m maybe grasping at straws in the hope it maybe would!
I’ll have a think, Amazon UK maybe different policy.
Maybe worth the power issue though? It definitely connects now and then as I’ve now has the 192.168 safari page up, but drops and LEDs are not on solid (should be solid blue?) keep cycling.
Thanks you convinced me! Am in U.K. so will check out how much they are going for on eBay here and go from there!
I find it really interesting that iOS 14 improves the lag on these devices, Apple must be pretty aware of them and what they are doing and how and seem happy for them to continue - I guess the ultimate dream is an official apple solution!
Last edited:
So after reading most of the pages in this thread, here's my experience and problems.
I bought the CarPlay2Air adapter in December of 2019. The beginning was rough in terms of speed, bugs, and audio problems. Since March however, haven't had any problems till this 6.17 and 7.17 update.
The biggest problem I'm having right now is when I start my car, my aftermarket Pioneer MVH1400-NEX goes blank after the adapter connects to my phone. This takes about 30 seconds from engine start up to happen. My head unit stays on the "iPod" screen until going blank (See picture below.) This only started happening after I updated to the 6.17 update OTA. The problem is fixed when I hit the home button or multi media button on my headunit, but this is a pain to do everytime I start my car. Has anyone else experienced this issue? If so, is there anyway to fix it?
I've tried downgrading as far as I can and have had the same results as everyone here.... You can't downgrade further than the June updates, or at least thats what I can't go past. Now I'm on the 7.17 update, and its noticeably faster connecting to carplay than 6.17 or earlier releases (20-30 seconds from 30-40). But this silly blank screen bug is driving me crazy. Everytime I start my vehicle, I get this issue. It is not intermittent, it reliably happens upon engine start up. I'd appreciate if anyone has similar findings or fixes for this blank screen bug.
I have not experienced the 5 min audio degradation as many have noted. I may just not be paying attention, but I've noticed no quality problems, I stream my music from spotify at maxed out quality and am happy. I DO however have a weird crackle or noise when using navigation and music playing. It doesn't happen often, and seems random. May just be a bug since updating to IOS 13.5-13.6. I also have audio lag from navigation and music when I start up a new route in maps. I'm not too mad about this because I understand a lot of data is going to the adapter from my phone (Very high quality audio, navigation, and the screen.)
Overall, I have been a happy owner of the Carplay2air adapter, despite horrific support and the last month of broken updates.
I bought the CarPlay2Air adapter in December of 2019. The beginning was rough in terms of speed, bugs, and audio problems. Since March however, haven't had any problems till this 6.17 and 7.17 update.
The biggest problem I'm having right now is when I start my car, my aftermarket Pioneer MVH1400-NEX goes blank after the adapter connects to my phone. This takes about 30 seconds from engine start up to happen. My head unit stays on the "iPod" screen until going blank (See picture below.) This only started happening after I updated to the 6.17 update OTA. The problem is fixed when I hit the home button or multi media button on my headunit, but this is a pain to do everytime I start my car. Has anyone else experienced this issue? If so, is there anyway to fix it?
I've tried downgrading as far as I can and have had the same results as everyone here.... You can't downgrade further than the June updates, or at least thats what I can't go past. Now I'm on the 7.17 update, and its noticeably faster connecting to carplay than 6.17 or earlier releases (20-30 seconds from 30-40). But this silly blank screen bug is driving me crazy. Everytime I start my vehicle, I get this issue. It is not intermittent, it reliably happens upon engine start up. I'd appreciate if anyone has similar findings or fixes for this blank screen bug.
I have not experienced the 5 min audio degradation as many have noted. I may just not be paying attention, but I've noticed no quality problems, I stream my music from spotify at maxed out quality and am happy. I DO however have a weird crackle or noise when using navigation and music playing. It doesn't happen often, and seems random. May just be a bug since updating to IOS 13.5-13.6. I also have audio lag from navigation and music when I start up a new route in maps. I'm not too mad about this because I understand a lot of data is going to the adapter from my phone (Very high quality audio, navigation, and the screen.)
Overall, I have been a happy owner of the Carplay2air adapter, despite horrific support and the last month of broken updates.
Attachments
I’m not sure Apple is aware of the dongles and is making a conscious effort to improve them. What I think is that CarPlay itself in iOS 14 has been enhanced or reworked a bit internally and not just the fancy new backgrounds.
So this works in your MyLink3? You might be the first example of it working.
If anyone has any advice on how I can get it to at least show the led lights, it hasn’t turned back on since I did a USB firmware update.
Preamble... I don't use wireless ONLY because I do not want to take my phone out of my pocket. I have found that the lightening port tightness can be compromised over time 6 months, 2 years etc. depending on how much you use the port. Charge your phone wired 10 times a day, charge it while playing games that cause the plugged in cable to be torqued.. Its going to wear to the point where cables may fall out even if touched slightly or be non-reliable to initiate charging. In short I try to do as much wireless as I can. Charging, car play etc. My son set the record wearing out his port in 6 months. I usually could make it too at least 1.5 years or so.
Historically, using my Phone as my Nav system in a windshield mount rips through the battery like crazy. Naturally with the screen going to sleep during wirless car play this would be less so. I still would recommend the following compromise.. Wireless charger like below unless you already have wireless charging in your car.
Anker Wireless Charger, PowerWave Base Pad, Qi-Certified, 7.5W for iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, X, Xs, Xr, Xs Max, 8, 8 Plus, 10W for Galaxy S10, S9, S8, Note 10 Note 9 (No AC Adapter)
PowerWave Base Pad The Easy-Align Wireless Charging Pad Optimized Design The slimline design takes up minimal space on your desk or bedside table while the rectangular shape makes wireless charging more intuitive than ever—simply line up your phone with the pad for stable high-speed charging Supe...www.amazon.com
Naturally you will also want to perhaps add a 3rd /4th USB port to the front without using the ones in center arm rest compartment. Somthing like this.. Cars with Data ports dont always come with enough charge ports. In a palisade for example you might not have noticed the accessory outlet on the left lower side of center console (in addition to the 2nd center console usb port).
USB C Car Charger, AUKEY 21W Car Charger Compatible with iPhone 12 Mini/12 Pro/12 Pro Max with Power Delivery 3.0,Cigarette Lighter USB Charger,Samsung,AirPods, iPad, Google Pixel 5, Nintendo Switch
USB C Car Charger, AUKEY 21W Car Charger Compatible with iPhone 12 Mini/12 Pro/12 Pro Max with Power Delivery 3.0,Cigarette Lighter USB Charger,Samsung,AirPods, iPad, Google Pixel 5, Nintendo Switchwww.amazon.com
If you share your car with your spouse the additional front charge ports are helpful. Charging wirelessly also comes up on the display so your know which phone "picked up" car play when your not alone.
Long story short if your going for a quick trip you can leave your phone in your pocket with wireless carplay. If your going for longer drives I would rather keep my phone charged/charging while I drive.
One thing I have not tested extensively is the speed of bluetooth/wifi hand shake and speed of carplay operations when phone is in pocket versus sitting virtually on top of the wireless carplay adapter. It works when in pocket too. I just imagine it works better/faster when virtually on top of it. Only down side of taking out of pocket is i not too infrequently leave it in my car and have to go back and get it
Did you or anybody else try this with the Anker PowerWave Base Pad:
Anker PowerWave Base Pad Wireless Ladegerät, Qi-Zertifiziert, 7.5W für iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, X, Xs, Xr, Xs Max, 8, sowie 10W für Galaxy S10, S9, S8, Note 10, 9 https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07WV1J8QL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_r-yiFbYDXSGAV using for wireless loading in car during wireless CarPlay?
It works and fits well, Smartphone holds on it during driving?
How fast is loading?
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I have the exact same problem, and haven't yet found a solution for this problem