Recommend me a wireless Android Auto dongle for a FL MG5

[Scoob101]

Looking through the forums, It seems that plenty of MG EV owners have played around with Android Auto wireless dongles, with varying levels of success.



What I`m not seeing, is many reports of long term reliability of dongles attached to an MG5.



Would those with some experience be able to recommend a reliable dongle? The Mrs isn’t going to tolerate something which is temperamental. Would be pairing with two phones (mine and the Mrs) both modern Samsung S series Android smartphones.



Thanks in advance..

 

[rjb1970]

I use one called "AA Wireless", I got it in 2021 when it was a crowdfunder, but I think it might be mainstream now. It comes with an app for connecting instructions, but basically you connect the same way you would to any Bluetooth device. It still recognises the car software and works well with the touch screen. Only reliability issue would be if there's no Bluetooth signal, but that's probably a Bluetooth issue rather than a device or dongle issue. Also occasionally doesn't connect if the phone battery is low, but again that's not an issue with the device itself. You can leave it in the data socket and forget about it, but be aware it does use more phone battery as it isn't plugged in.

 

[dragon2611]

Now I use Carplay and a pre facelift MG5 so things may behave differently for you

I've had a carlinkit mini (v3 so carplay only), 2 android AI boxes (Force car into carplay then boot full andorid) and a generic Carplay/AA dongle.

It's the latter Carplay/AA dongle that's been the most reliable, occasionally my phone decides to be a pain about connecting to it but otherwise it seems to "just work".

One thing I note about it is the power draw is rated at only 300ma where as the older one and the android AI boxes were a lot more power hungry, I wonder if the lower power draw is what helps with the stablity (I don't believe the USB ports on the MG5 give out that much power).

It's a generic looking dongle off aliexpress and was about £13.

For the AA mode (tested it briefly with a 2nd phone) it boots into carplay to be able to display the (connect phone XXX) message then it will switch into AA mode once the phone connects.

So might be worth trying one of the cheap ones that look a bit like a USB stick first.

 

[Scoob101]

I use one called "AA Wireless", I got it in 2021 when it was a crowdfunder, but I think it might be mainstream now. It comes with an app for connecting instructions, but basically you connect the same way you would to any Bluetooth device. It still recognises the car software and works well with the touch screen. Only reliability issue would be if there's no Bluetooth signal, but that's probably a Bluetooth issue rather than a device or dongle issue. Also occasionally doesn't connect if the phone battery is low, but again that's not an issue with the device itself. You can leave it in the data socket and forget about it, but be aware it does use more phone battery as it isn't plugged in.

Is this the one??

Amazon.co.uk: AAWireless

If it is, no longer available, which is a bummer.

 

[emmrecs]

I bought this one from Ali Express. I leave it permanently plugged in and it just works; every time I get into the car and have my phone with me, I hear the phone "ping" to say it has connected and the AA screen (usually showing google Maps) opens on the screen. Mine is a Pre-Facelift model but I don't think that should be any different for you!

 

[Scoob101]

I bought this one from Ali Express. I leave it permanently plugged in and it just works; every time I get into the car and have my phone with me, I hear the phone "ping" to say it has connected and the AA screen (usually showing google Maps) opens on the screen. Mine is a Pre-Facelift model but I don't think that should be any different for you!

Cheers, given it's dirt cheap I've just ordered. Haven't even got the car yet, but when I do I'll update this thread for others.

 

[Gomev]

I use one called "AA Wireless", I got it in 2021 when it was a crowdfunder, but I think it might be mainstream now. It comes with an app for connecting instructions, but basically you connect the same way you would to any Bluetooth device. It still recognises the car software and works well with the touch screen. Only reliability issue would be if there's no Bluetooth signal, but that's probably a Bluetooth issue rather than a device or dongle issue. Also occasionally doesn't connect if the phone battery is low, but again that's not an issue with the device itself. You can leave it in the data socket and forget about it, but be aware it does use more phone battery as it isn't plugged in.

Is this the one??

Amazon.co.uk: AAWireless

If it is, no longer available, which is a bummer.

Same here for AA Wireless, works flawlessly and it receives updates so is always up to date. Your link is to the old model which I have, it has been replaced by AA Wireless 2 which is an upgrade/improvement. Available currently on their own website AAWireless TWO - Wireless Android Auto Adapter
One thing to be aware of of regardless of what you get is to make sure your Android Auto settings (search in Settings) are correct. Many simple things are set here.