Recommendation for Wireless CarPlay dongle

[boira]

Hello,

I am currently searching for a good and reliable wireless CarPlay adapter (e.g. that works correctly with the ZS EV).
I've already searched the forum for opinions, but only found some answers that I will talk about below. To clarify, I just need the wireless CarPlay function, the adapter doesn't need to have an entertainment system integrated, and ideally between $20-$50.

I've already bought one called "Hikity-Adapter Carplay" for $20, but this does not work so well, it often disconnects and gives black screen while in use.

Based on my researches, I've seen this one, and it seems promising: "CarlinKit 4.0" for $40, anyone here has it and can comment?

Thanks!!

 

[Gadget Geek]

Lots of threads on this subject. Have a search and you'll find lots of recommendations.

I have AA Wireless for my Android, but I don't think it works on CarPlay

 

[Susanna]

I have the Carlinkit 3, which works fine. It’s just for CarPlay, whereas I think the Carlinkit 4 does AA as well.
I did have a bit of an issue when it became a bit unreliable, but deleting the Bluetooth link to the car sorted that.

 

[aserraric]

Since MG has both Android Auto and CarPlay, the Carlinkit 5.0 (aka 2Air) is currently the best choice out of the Carlinkit lineup. The 4.0 does both as well, but routes Android Auto through CarPlay, which works, but is less than ideal.
I switched from 4.0 to 5.0 some months back, and it's been working well both with my Android as well as my wife's iPhone.

 

[boira]

Thanks everyone for the answers!! I think I will stick with Carlinkit 3.0/4.0/5.0

 

[JCFlippen]

Jerry Pan on YouTube reviews a unit that works perfectly with ZS EV.

 

[Susanna]

If that is the AI Box Lite - it’s expensive, and I couldn’t get it to connect to my car. Quite a faff (and costly) to return, either to China or California. Thank heavens for PayPal!!
It’s an android box which can convert to apple CarPlay, not ideal for me anyway.

When I found out the issue with my carlinkit 3 was my phone’s Bluetooth connection to the car, problem solved.

 

[mystreet]

Look in the for sale section. Someone has a 4 for sale.

For Sale - Carlink kit for sale

Hi all, Looking to sell my Carlink 4 kit. This allows you to connect wirelessly to Apple CarPlay and android auto. I had it stuck under the the shelf so it was tucked out the way I have reverted back to a cable for ease as often swapping between phones Cost £60 new but appreciate prices have...

www.mgevs.com

 

[crispyjay]

Since MG has both Android Auto and CarPlay, the Carlinkit 5.0 (aka 2Air) is currently the best choice out of the Carlinkit lineup. The 4.0 does both as well, but routes Android Auto through CarPlay, which works, but is less than ideal.
I switched from 4.0 to 5.0 some months back, and it's been working well both with my Android as well as my wife's iPhone.

I’ve been using Carlinkit 5.0 in my FL5 and it works well both AA and CarPlay. A few glitches - tends to be when I park car, lock up for a few minutes then set off again. Usually solved by long press home and rebooting infotainment.

Overall I’d say more reliable than wired connection + wife doesn’t keep unplugging my iPhone cable.

 

[aserraric]

I’ve been using Carlinkit 5.0 in my FL5 and it works well both AA and CarPlay. A few glitches - tends to be when I park car, lock up for a few minutes then set off again. Usually solved by long press home and rebooting infotainment.

Make sure you have the latest firmware installed on the Carlinkit. I've had some random hangups with the initial firmware that have all disappeared with the latest updates.

 

[CoolDudePT]

Jerry Pan on YouTube reviews a unit that works perfectly with ZS EV.

Bought this one, happy so far.

 

[profdraper]

Personally, I'd just plug in it with a short cable. Still:

 

[boira]

Since MG has both Android Auto and CarPlay, the Carlinkit 5.0 (aka 2Air) is currently the best choice out of the Carlinkit lineup. The 4.0 does both as well, but routes Android Auto through CarPlay, which works, but is less than ideal.
I switched from 4.0 to 5.0 some months back, and it's been working well both with my Android as well as my wife's iPhone.

Hi, can you confirm to me the software version of your Carlinkit 5.0?

I've been using it for around two weeks now, and overall its great, but it sometimes and totally random gives black screens that last less than a minute. This happened with mine and my wife's iPhone (13 and 15).

Its quite rare though, for example in a 3-ish hour roadtrip it was perfect but then on a 10min ride it happened twice... I was wondering if it could be a cable issue (I'm using the one that came with the Carlinkit), or the usb port itself...

 

[aserraric]

Hi, can you confirm to me the software version of your Carlinkit 5.0?

My Carlinkit 5.0 is running version 2024.01.18.1053, which is the latest available right now.

I'm also using the included cable (Type A). A black screen that goes away by itself doesn't sound like a cable problem, and more like a software issue. Whether it's the software on the MG, the Carlinkit or iOS is anyone's guess, though.

 

[fred12345]

Bought a USB stick size one on AliExpress, connecting to my phone with Bluetooth for about £15 and works perfectly on Android Auto, apparently good for iPhone too but not tested that ... I think all it really does is mimic cable connection between the car and the phone.

 

[RudeYute]

Mine randomly stops allowing music to be played after a few hours, until I disconnect and reconnect it. Anyone else get that issue? AA and Maps work fine, but Spotify not.

 

[Whiskery]

Having had poor results with AAWireless, I decided to try the Motorola MA1. Setting up was a cinch and it has been faultless in the month i have been using it.

 

[fred12345]

Mine randomly stops allowing music to be played after a few hours, until I disconnect and reconnect it. Anyone else get that issue? AA and Maps work fine, but Spotify not.

Yours is wireless connection?
I think I might have the same problem on my wireless Bluetooth AA dongle but I used it only twice so far and couldn't fiddle with it whilst driving...
There might be a conflict between the car and phone Bluetooth, check that the car Bluetooth is switched off, one problem I had was that when you connect to the AA dongle Bluetooth, the car keeps trying to connect to your phone and interrupts the audio playing... However, it seems the car turns it's Bluetooth back on eventually...

 

[boira]

I've given up on any wireless adapter, since all of them had this quick "black screen problem" which is not ideal when you are driving and need directions. I have returned to the good and old cable.

It may be related to the car's software, in October I will go through our first year revision so I'll comment on that.

 

[CoolDudePT]

I've given up on any wireless adapter, since all of them had this quick "black screen problem" which is not ideal when you are a driving and need directions. I have returned to the good and old cable.

It may be related to the car's software, in October I will go through our first year revision so I'll comment on that.

Yeah that black screen happens to me too. I quickly reconnect the dongle and it usually works. I have the latest updates on the car afaik (had the car in the shop for updates a couple of weeks ago).