USB Cable for Android Auto/CarPlay

ScottishRoss · Oct 10, 2023

Hey all,

What USB cables are you using for Android Auto/CarPlay? I'm trying to find one that's short enough without dangling all the excess wires and ideally one that actually makes the phone fit on the platform. If it's a standard straight USB, the phone takes up the whole platform and with a big phone like mine, it can overlap the edge. With a right angle cable, it just doesn't fit.

I've been looking at getting a 360 degree cable and I was wondering if anyone has had any better luck with that? I can't find one small enough though.

siteguru · Oct 10, 2023

I have a 1m magnetic type cable, and I have the excess coiled underneath the shelf. (If I can be bothered I might get a stick Velcro strap to fix it to the under-base of the shelf. The phone end is pushed up through the shelf, coiled so that it lies flat, and then the phone just needs to be put on the shelf and it effectively auto-connects.

(My phone is in a gel case so doesn't move about).

http://www.siteguru.co.uk/MG4/Under_Shelf.jpg

http://www.siteguru.co.uk/MG4/Shelf_No_Phone.jpg

http://www.siteguru.co.uk/MG4/Shelf_Phone.jpg

However my phone isn't huge so fits the shelf easily.

JonnyG · Oct 10, 2023

I think more importantly you need to choose a cable that is Apple MFi Certified or the Android equivalent for it to work best (or at all !). I have a black Apple MFi Certified data nylon braided cord and I don't bother using the phone tray at all as i don't fancy seing my phone go flying every launch control ?. I curl the black cord up neatly and sit the phone in the centre console.

ElBobo · Oct 10, 2023

ScottishRoss said:
Hey all,

What USB cables are you using for Android Auto/CarPlay? I'm trying to find one that's short enough without dangling all the excess wires and ideally one that actually makes the phone fit on the platform. If it's a standard straight USB, the phone takes up the whole platform and with a big phone like mine, it can overlap the edge. With a right angle cable, it just doesn't fit.

I've been looking at getting a 360 degree cable and I was wondering if anyone has had any better luck with that? I can't find one small enough though.

I use a standard Apple cable that came with the phone, so far (touch wood) It's been working fine.

fnegroni · Oct 10, 2023

Bought a half meter cable at an Apple Store and had been working fine.
I have an iPhone 14 Plus with a quad lock case and it fits nicely on the shelf without sliding off.
Was thinking of getting a quad lock mount but not sure where to fit it

Rip Van · Oct 10, 2023

30cm cables are available on Amazon and elsewhere.?

ukslim · Oct 10, 2023

Anker is a reliable brand.

Rolfe · Oct 10, 2023

I bought this from Amazon and it's been absolutely fine with my new Android phone. Very pleased with it. 50 cm seems about right to stretch easily and not have trailing hanks of cable.

Amazon product ASIN B098DTBP29

Ian Key · Oct 11, 2023

Rolfe said:
I bought this from Amazon and it's been absolutely fine with my new Android phone. Very pleased with it. 50 cm seems about right to stretch easily and not have trailing hanks of cable.

Amazon product ASIN B098DTBP29

If you have an Amazon Prime account there is a couple of pounds off in their Prime Big Deal Days sale which ends today (11th October)

MGFour · Oct 11, 2023

Just bought them and 20% voucher on top of prime day too

CaptJurassic · Oct 14, 2023

I use Aawireless in my mg5, cost a bit more than a USB cable admittedly but so worth it.

Took about 5 minutes to set up initially and now by the time I've turned on the car and put on the seat belt Android Auto is up and running and my Spotify playlist is already playing.

I've also put a wireless charging mat in the console to keep the phone charged while I drive about - perfect

STJ73 · Oct 14, 2023

My 2021 VW T-roc had wireless android auto so I've bought a android auto wireless box form eBay and now my week old trophy long range has wireless android auto!! Anti slip matt on the charging pad to stop my phone from flying into the foot well...

Troyseph · Feb 28, 2025

Can I use the USB-C port for android auto, or is it only the old style USB slot that will work? (not got the car yet, but want to buy a cable in advance) thanks

siteguru · Feb 28, 2025

Only the front USB A port supports mirroring ... i.e. Android Auto / Apple CarPlay

USB Cable for Android Auto/CarPlay

ScottishRoss

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siteguru

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JonnyG

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ElBobo

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fnegroni

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Rip Van

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ukslim

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Rolfe

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Ian Key

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MGFour

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CaptJurassic

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STJ73

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Troyseph

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siteguru

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