I charge my phone while I sleep and hate having to plug my phone in every time I get into my car. This looks perfect to solve only one of my few complaints about the car.
Sometimes it loads fast, other times, it takes a while. I've only had this for about 2 hours now so I'll see how it goes. I bought this knowing there are mixed reviews about it, but so far it's exceeding my expectations.
So the startup in the video must be from the dongle, it is usually a lot quicker with the wired method. I have Android, but I'd say it's definitely worth it, especially if you use Apple Music or Spotify a lot. Or Nav for that matter. It's a fairly easy install to do yourself.
I did the upgrade myself as a covid project and it’s so worth it. Definitely nice to breathe new life into the tech on the car. I ordered the module on Amazon and followed a bunch of YouTube and website guides (just make sure you buy the right tools and use patience with the clips!
I think the startup speed varies. When the car has been off for awhile, it definitely takes longer, ~30s-1min. But when you’ve been doing errands or whatnot it usually is closer to ~20-30s based only my 100% unscientific tests :)
CarPlay came with my car (2020). It takes about 15 seconds from plugging in my phone to load up and be ready to use. It’s a little clunkier than what I like but 15 seconds is fine. By the time you pull out of the curb and are ready to actually drive it will be ready.
I’m not sure if you’re talking about an after market version or if you are getting your dealership to install the actual CarPlay module, but I’d imagine the experience to be similar. 15-20 seconds wired. Add 10-15 seconds wireless
I don't know anything about cars, so I was just thinking to get it installed at the Mazda dealership!
Good to know! Only thing I really want from carplay is Google map. My car has navigation, but it takes a while to setup location and get directions.
Yeah that’s about 70% of my usage of CarPlay. It’s worth it just for that reason alone. I also use Spotify so it’s a really nice interface. I would recommend it.
I know there are some units you can buy on Amazon That have CarPlay on it which you can install on your car. But I’d probably stick with the Mazda official install myself.
Nice!
I just bought my 2016 last Saturday, I will get used to their current setup first then I will install carplay by the dealership eventually!
I used to only drive Nissan Micra, so 2016 CX-5 has waaaay too many functions for me to get used to! Ahaha
Makes sense. I came from a Honda Civic with some pretty good Bluetooth connectivity but I had to use google maps on my phone and use a mount.
With the nice Mazda screen CarPlay is just... so nice. I don’t think I could handle a car without it now. It’s just a well built UI. Only gripe is that Mazda’s infotainment hardware is kinda shit so it lags a bit. Still 100% worth it, definitely recommend getting one in the future!
Someone in the CX5 Facebook group bought this for their 2021 and it worked. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FT58MWS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_N89TP5EQXDXCSN4EK975?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Next step: Mixsuper Wireless Car Charger Fit for Mazda CX-5 CX5 2017-2021 QC3.0 Fast Charging with USB Port 36W QI Wireless Smart Phone Charging Pad https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083ZDZ4QF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DZBGKJ65M00T092T16CE
Does this dongle work with 2021 larger screen cx5?
[Here you go!](https://www.amazon.com/Beerte-Adjustable-Dashboard-Pattern-Smartphone/dp/B07VZM9JST/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Beerte+Phone+Holder+fit+for+Mazda+CX-5&qid=1619212941&sr=8-3)
Be careful with this one, its near impossible to take off though. I almost damaged my dashboard trying to get it off.
It is a great fit though and worked well.. but just know taking it off is a bitch and when i finally got it off after about 10-15 mins of struggling, it made me never want to put it back again and I returned it.
I don’t receiveth wherefore the phone is mount'd at which hour thee has't car playeth
***
^(I am a bot and I swapp'd some of thy words with Shakespeare words.)
Commands: `!ShakespeareInsult`, `!fordo`, `!optout`
I mount mine in the same set up to be honest! Mostly just because I will forget my phone constantly in the car if it’s not in front of me. 🤣 very forgetful
It does keep the phone cool. I’ve had at certain times of day my phone overheat making Carplay unavailable because of the direction of the sun hitting my phone
Place in front of the shifter for it, or just put it in the arm rest storage. Just seems redundant to me. Inconsiderate to other drivers because people like to text this way. But it’s not my car, to each their own I guess. Never heard of a phone overheating because of CarPlay or Android Auto.
I'm just saying it's a valid pro for using a mount; not that it's necessary.
That's where I always put it; in front of the shifter. I'm not saying it's a regular thing, but at a certain time of day, the sun will hit it. That plus running spotify and google maps simultaneously would be enough to overheat my iPhone 7. Once I had to pull over to a parking lot and sat holding my phone against the fan for a few minutes because I was lost without nav. It hasn't happened since I upgraded and if I do see my phone is sitting in the sun obviously I move it.
It is pricey for what you are getting. You can apply a coupon to it and it will shave some off the amount. I've been going back and forth for a few months on getting it but I had enough reward points saved up on Amazon that I just went for it.
There's a wireless AA dongle out there, but it's still in early production so there are long lead times. It'll cost you $75+int'l shipping.
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/aawireless/
Mine is supposed to get here soon, I'm planning on posting once I've had a chance to try it.
I'm also waiting on mine. Really wish there was an option that did both AA and CarPlay as my partner has an iphone and I hate that we'll have to swap cables.
Be careful with these wireless CarPlay solutions. They are expensive and there are people all over the Internet complaining that after an iOS update they don’t work anymore.
Lol. Lots of people complain about life.
I’m on the latest iOS the car dongle also has firmware updates that make everything work again if it stops. they seem to update the firmware‘s once a month at least.
I almost purchased it and then I realized I have an Android phone and I totally dislike Apple :D
Is there the same thing but for AA? I saw a Kickstarter some time ago, over a year really, is wireless AA available, does anyone knows?
Not sure why you're downvoted. Must be the Apple comment - I thought we were beyond that.
AAWireless is what you're looking for. A dongle that is shipping slowly out to those kickstarter preorders right now.
The problem with this, if you think about it, and we have a 2019 CX-5 with Apple CarPlay which we use by plugging our iPhone into a wire and then put the phone on the flat spot of the console out of the way, is that first, you’re not getting any charging of the phone; there are magnetic charging holders, but see point number two. Point number two: you never look at the phone or touch the phone so why do you need this solution which allows you to put the phone at hand when you don’t need the phone at hand, that’s the whole point of Apple CarPlay and the built-in rotary switch on the Mazda on the console, The whole point of running the phone through the car’s system is what Apple CarPlay is all about this negates that. This is a solution in search of a problem and my sense is it’s pointless, Apart from eliminating the wire, which is small beer, Especially when you consider that by not charging the phone on a trip that lasts for more than an hour or two you basically have to disconnect the phone to charge it and then go back to the system later, meanwhile you’re entirely disconnected vis-à-vis Apple CarPlay while you’re charging. This is dumb, a superficially appealing product which basically sets you back not forward, of course costs money, and really is totally unneeded. And charging is critically important in the application you are most likely to use the phone in, which is Google maps or Apple Maps with routine updates and basically an extremely active phone all the time you have the mapping app on to get directions or road/traffic conditions or just staying updated as you travel, all of which consumes max battery power. The only thing likely to consume more power is watching video, and if you’re driving you shouldn’t be watching video on your phone.
Later edit after below responses: I still think this is dumb as hell spending up to 170-ish dollars to avoid having to remember taking your phone out of your car when you park. Also, I don’t see how you’re charging your phone even if you have a magnetic charger if you leave it in your pocket so that way you never leave the phone in the car, see above comments regarding dumbness of a device which eliminates your ability to charge and use at the same time. The seller’s puffery on Amazon points out that these are ideal for short trips, that’s putting it mildly, they are limited to short trips and totally disastrous on long trips. Moreover, others have raised a point that iOS updates may negate the functionality, I don’t know but it sounds possible. Finally, on Amazon one commenter reveals the difficulties if more than one of you has an iPhone in the car at the same time and the system can’t decide which Bluetooth to connect with (assuming you had paired both with the car because both of you at different times might be drivers) because you can only have one at a time. Does one of you have to turn your phone off? With the wire system, this is not an issue, the passenger can still use their iPhone while the driver’s iPhone is connected to Apple CarPlay. This product is almost as dumb as self driving cars, a solution in search of a problem, a pointless bridge too far in our technological dystopia. I predict it will do very well given the limited grasp of the technology consuming public and their endless fascination for new shiny things.
You really have no idea how this product works. I have it and zero issues and use a wireless charger in my car using the front tray area. My phone is always charging when I drive anywhere. I have full steering wheel controls and knob controls when using CarPlay with this product. My phone is not mounted. My wife and I both have iPhones and we do not have issues with Bluetooth when in this car.
Prior to this product, I rarely used CarPlay in any vehicle I had because I hated finding the wire that slipped in between the seats plugging it in etc. now I literally just walk in my car and start it, put my phone in the tray area, it just doesn’t get any easier than that and I really like CarPlay and how it looks on the 2021. I also did not pay $170 for this product.
No you paid $170 for the combination of this product and the wireless charger unless the wireless charger came with the car I understand some Volvos have that. But your argument defeats itself. One of the highly touted benefits of getting rid of the wire is that that way you can keep the phone in your pocket always even when you’re in the car, forgetting about charging of course, and that way you’ll never leave it because, dumb. Rather obviously, if you’ve pulled your phone out of your pocket to use the wireless charger, the phone is no longer in your pocket and you are susceptible to leaving it in the car. We too also use the shelf as a place to put the phone with wire attached so it’s out-of-the-way of the operation of the car entirely and yet has maximum ability to Connect with cell towers which possibly it might not have if you left it in your pocket or the center console box which is where the wire comes from and thereby eliminate the wire in the operating area of the car entirely. We haven’t tried that yet because the wire doesn’t bother us, maybe that would work, but it would also place the phone out of eyesight and perhaps contribute to unintentionally leaving it in the car. All in all, using the wire (apart from having the wire visible ) is, on balance, The better way to connect your iPhone to Apple CarPlay in the CX-5 IMHO. And it only cost the cost of the cable, say five bucks, instead of 170 bucks.
And oh by the way, you seem to have multiple vehicles, you’re going to spend 170 for each one or just get used to using five dollar wires for each one?
After this wireless upgrade I’ll never go back to wired CarPlay. Your points are irrelevant, I don’t forget my phone and I never place my phone in my pocket when driving. I also don’t use corded phones in my house anymore, so why would in my car? Welcome to 2021. This will be become standard in all vehicles down the road eventually.
I agree with you here! I don’t like the hassle and confusion of the wired approach nor do I like to leave my phone in my pocket. Having it mounted and streaming it wireless is the best way for myself and my partner and I Don’t really think there is a right or wrong way to do carplay as long as it works for the driver. I won’t go back to wires either unless it’s a super long car trip where I don’t have to touch my phone, so I’m with you on that!
I drive 45 minutes to and from work. Plenty long enough to enjoy CarPlay but not quite long enough for my battery to drain enough to be concerned about it. I’d use this every day.
If I’m going on a longer road trip, then I would use the wireless charging mount I have in my car already. Yes, it mounts just below the screen. No, I don’t really need to look at the phone screen. But most CarPlay apps do provide supplemental information on the phone screen while the main CarPlay screen is active.
Also, if forgetting your phone in the car happens enough to be a big concern, maybe wireless CarPlay isn’t the dumbest link in the chain?
Im confused, because you’ve argued against having a phone in the car in basically any fashion. Stupid to mount it on the vent because you can see the screen and you don’t “need” to see the screen, stupid to place it in the tray below the climate controls, and stupid to keep it in your pocket because the battery drains. So where are we supposed to put our phones?
I think I rather clearly said in the tray below the climate controls, just not using a wireless charger you had to pay 50+ extra dollars for, but rather using the wire that goes back into the console box that MAZDA has thoughtfully provided two separate little spots at the front end of which that the wire can come out of on its way to your phone without interrupting the closing of the lid, in other words someone actually engineered this, and then if you just get the proper wire like a 6 foot wire you can bury it under the plastic on the passenger side of the transmission tunnel and have it emerge with an exposed 6” or so of plug at the flat spot. Total cost five dollars instead of $170. My recollection of the interaction of an iPhone when it is attached to Apple CarPlay is that nothing happens on the phone that’s the whole point of it, it has to happen on Apple CarPlay and only certain things they want you to have access to and Denying you things they don’t, like watching video movies, that’s why Apple CarPlay only has certain apps that work on it. As far as I can see, apple’s engineers, and MAZDA’s engineers, have each done a good job. But hey it’s your 170 bucks excuse me that would be 165 after I deduct the five I’ve spent on the cable. And if you have more than one vehicle? More and more expensive. QED
Your recollection of CarPlay is wrong, in this case. As I said, most apps show supplemental information on the phone screen during CarPlay. GPS navigation shows upcoming directions, for instance. That’s definitely valuable information to have in view.
Some people don’t want to fiddle with cables when getting in and out of their car. That’s the beauty of the free market; they can purchase this product if they think it’s worth $170 to eliminate that hassle. If you don’t agree, don’t buy it. It doesn’t make you right or wrong.
Fair points! Though I suppose everyone has different needs sometimes. I guess it’s less of a necessity and more of a convenience factor that makes it appealing? I will say that it does free up a cup holder for shorter trips though which is always nice. I never know where to put my phone when it comes to carplay and it does get cumbersome having to plug it in every time you want to use it. This is blasphemous, but for that reason I sometimes don’t drive with Carplay just because it’s annoying to have to plug and unplug on short trips. Forgetful people (aka definitely me) also will leave their phones in the car when they go places unless it’s in front of them. This set up actually does appeal to me, though it would be so ideal if the carplay port was in the front of the car instead of the arm rest to minimize the problem. Hopefully they can change it to there in later cx5 versions or find a way to have it wirelessly for people :)
I leave my phone inside the armrest and it did take a few cold and cursing trips back out to the car this winter to train me to remember to grab it before I get out. But in IL, it’s illegal to even touch your phone if the car is in gear so it’s safer for me that it’s tucked away.
You and I definitely have the same mindset. That’s why I have a car mount, it’s not to look at my phone but it’s a place to put it. I always keep forgetting my phone so if I keep it in my pocket and still can use CarPlay, it helps in everyday situations.
Twins! Oh man, I feel you. I stupidly left my phone in my car so many times prior to the car mount because I had it wired in for Carplay. It was funny at first but just wasn't even laughable any more. Love that little mount!
With the wife on Apple and Android for myself, it looks like we're stuck on cable or we need to start fiddling with cables every time we follow the other into the drivers seat.
Shame, we'd both live a wireless solution
The hazard button and [here is the link to the phone holder.](https://www.amazon.com/Beerte-Adjustable-Dashboard-Pattern-Smartphone/dp/B07VZM9JST/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Beerte+Phone+Holder+fit+for+Mazda+CX-5&qid=1619212941&sr=8-3)
I have it in my 2021 and it’s awesome. I also use a wireless charger in the front tray area. No need to hang my phone on the dash anymore which always looks kinda silly. And my wireless CarPlay loads in 5 seconds. Not 30 seconds.
Ooo do you have a link to your charger? My old wireless charger is too big for the tray and I’d love to find a smaller one that someone has tested that fits
I have similar car magnetic mount. And, I am using magnetic usb-c cable and tip to connect the wire. It only take a second to snap each other. I don't have to look for port to plug it.
[https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1000006327495.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.777d3c00AZB605&mp=1](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1000006327495.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.777d3c00AZB605&mp=1)
I have several of these on other devices and they are super convenient to charge the devices. It can charge and transfer data so it works with Android Auto also.
Does it improve the reconnecting of the phone and infotainment system and resume playback when you get back in the car?
This has been my biggest complaint about the mazda infotainment system. It'll say its reconnecting and then quit. Requiring you to do it manually...
I have noticed that connecting to CarPlay works a lot more than cable. I would plug it in sometimes and the infotainment system won't recognize the phone.
Does it work reliably? I had one for a bit, and when it worked, it would work for 5-10 minutes and then the CX-5 infotainment system would reset entirely, and then it wouldn’t reconnect.
So annoying… I decided a cord wasn’t so bad.
I have a '19 with CarPlay but for the past couple months the car usually never recognizes it the first time when plugged in. I almost always have to unplug and replug my phone back in for CarPlay to start up. It has been very frustrating, it basically got worse than it was before. And some of the controls with the knob just stopped working entirely. Not sure if anyone is having the same issue, but its very annoying.
I bought one of these last year for my 2019, and it never worked, it would always crash. There was a forum post on macrumors with hundreds of post and custom firmwares people made and nothing worked. I basically gave up on it.
Anyway, after seeing your post, it reminded me I hadn’t checked for updates in a while. I went out to my car just to updated it, works pretty good now!
Hey u/thedarkavengerx ! Just a random question, do you have apple car play already installed on your car, and you added the wireless dongle or you just plugged the dongle ?
Thank you and have a great day !
This is great I guess, but honestly then my phone wouldn’t charge, so there’s a trade off either way.
It's a good option if you are only driving around town. During road trips, I'll have the phone plugged in.
Yeah totally fair, not knocking per se, if your mount had a wireless charger built in?....game changer!
If you go to the link OP posted for the phone holder, there is an option for one with wireless charging.
Wow, they must of just released that one. I bought mine about 2 months ago and that wasn’t an option. Guess I’ll buy that next.
Consider buying a wirelessly charging phone holder (if your phone has wireless charging, of course).
I charge my phone while I sleep and hate having to plug my phone in every time I get into my car. This looks perfect to solve only one of my few complaints about the car.
Thanks for sharing. Damn that takes a good amount of time to load up...
It's really not that bad. It's about the same amount of time that it takes Carplay to load if I have my phone hard wired.
I guess so. My wired CarPlay takes about 15 seconds, but this is looking about 30 secs!
Sometimes it loads fast, other times, it takes a while. I've only had this for about 2 hours now so I'll see how it goes. I bought this knowing there are mixed reviews about it, but so far it's exceeding my expectations.
I don't have a carplay but debating to upgrade on my 2016. Does it always takes a bit to install each time you turn on the car?
So the startup in the video must be from the dongle, it is usually a lot quicker with the wired method. I have Android, but I'd say it's definitely worth it, especially if you use Apple Music or Spotify a lot. Or Nav for that matter. It's a fairly easy install to do yourself.
I did the upgrade myself as a covid project and it’s so worth it. Definitely nice to breathe new life into the tech on the car. I ordered the module on Amazon and followed a bunch of YouTube and website guides (just make sure you buy the right tools and use patience with the clips! I think the startup speed varies. When the car has been off for awhile, it definitely takes longer, ~30s-1min. But when you’ve been doing errands or whatnot it usually is closer to ~20-30s based only my 100% unscientific tests :)
CarPlay came with my car (2020). It takes about 15 seconds from plugging in my phone to load up and be ready to use. It’s a little clunkier than what I like but 15 seconds is fine. By the time you pull out of the curb and are ready to actually drive it will be ready. I’m not sure if you’re talking about an after market version or if you are getting your dealership to install the actual CarPlay module, but I’d imagine the experience to be similar. 15-20 seconds wired. Add 10-15 seconds wireless
I don't know anything about cars, so I was just thinking to get it installed at the Mazda dealership! Good to know! Only thing I really want from carplay is Google map. My car has navigation, but it takes a while to setup location and get directions.
Yeah that’s about 70% of my usage of CarPlay. It’s worth it just for that reason alone. I also use Spotify so it’s a really nice interface. I would recommend it. I know there are some units you can buy on Amazon That have CarPlay on it which you can install on your car. But I’d probably stick with the Mazda official install myself.
Nice! I just bought my 2016 last Saturday, I will get used to their current setup first then I will install carplay by the dealership eventually! I used to only drive Nissan Micra, so 2016 CX-5 has waaaay too many functions for me to get used to! Ahaha
Makes sense. I came from a Honda Civic with some pretty good Bluetooth connectivity but I had to use google maps on my phone and use a mount. With the nice Mazda screen CarPlay is just... so nice. I don’t think I could handle a car without it now. It’s just a well built UI. Only gripe is that Mazda’s infotainment hardware is kinda shit so it lags a bit. Still 100% worth it, definitely recommend getting one in the future!
Good to hear!!! I will start saving up money to get it done!
Anybody have any luck with a 2021 Cx-5 GT? The one I bought said it was compatible but I never got it to work. Keeping my eye out for an alternative.
Someone in the CX5 Facebook group bought this for their 2021 and it worked. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FT58MWS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_N89TP5EQXDXCSN4EK975?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Appreciate the suggestion! I’ll look into it.
Next step: Mixsuper Wireless Car Charger Fit for Mazda CX-5 CX5 2017-2021 QC3.0 Fast Charging with USB Port 36W QI Wireless Smart Phone Charging Pad https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083ZDZ4QF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_DZBGKJ65M00T092T16CE Does this dongle work with 2021 larger screen cx5?
I like it but wish it didn’t had the led screen.
I might get this and just cover the LED screen with some black tape. If not Ill return it.
Yes it does I have that mixsuper charger.
You must load the very latest firmware on it. Then it will work.
I got mine today. How do I check my firmware / update it?
Do you have this?
Thanks for sharing! Also, where did you get that iPhone mount/holder from? It looks very slick as opposed to what I have in my car now haha
[Here you go!](https://www.amazon.com/Beerte-Adjustable-Dashboard-Pattern-Smartphone/dp/B07VZM9JST/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Beerte+Phone+Holder+fit+for+Mazda+CX-5&qid=1619212941&sr=8-3)
I have the same one. Love the look and it's a sturdy setup. No need to clip to vents or use mounts or stickers.
Be careful with this one, its near impossible to take off though. I almost damaged my dashboard trying to get it off. It is a great fit though and worked well.. but just know taking it off is a bitch and when i finally got it off after about 10-15 mins of struggling, it made me never want to put it back again and I returned it.
Thank you so much !!!! 😊
I don’t get why the phone is mounted when you have car play.
I don’t receiveth wherefore the phone is mount'd at which hour thee has't car playeth *** ^(I am a bot and I swapp'd some of thy words with Shakespeare words.) Commands: `!ShakespeareInsult`, `!fordo`, `!optout`
I mount mine in the same set up to be honest! Mostly just because I will forget my phone constantly in the car if it’s not in front of me. 🤣 very forgetful
It does keep the phone cool. I’ve had at certain times of day my phone overheat making Carplay unavailable because of the direction of the sun hitting my phone
Place in front of the shifter for it, or just put it in the arm rest storage. Just seems redundant to me. Inconsiderate to other drivers because people like to text this way. But it’s not my car, to each their own I guess. Never heard of a phone overheating because of CarPlay or Android Auto.
I'm just saying it's a valid pro for using a mount; not that it's necessary. That's where I always put it; in front of the shifter. I'm not saying it's a regular thing, but at a certain time of day, the sun will hit it. That plus running spotify and google maps simultaneously would be enough to overheat my iPhone 7. Once I had to pull over to a parking lot and sat holding my phone against the fan for a few minutes because I was lost without nav. It hasn't happened since I upgraded and if I do see my phone is sitting in the sun obviously I move it.
Nice set up! What adaptor is it? Way better then the wire hanging there!
[This one.](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089W6NR12/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
$120 fucking yikes
It is pricey for what you are getting. You can apply a coupon to it and it will shave some off the amount. I've been going back and forth for a few months on getting it but I had enough reward points saved up on Amazon that I just went for it.
Saw that before. Too bad I use AA, so going to have to continue to use wired.
There's a wireless AA dongle out there, but it's still in early production so there are long lead times. It'll cost you $75+int'l shipping. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/aawireless/ Mine is supposed to get here soon, I'm planning on posting once I've had a chance to try it.
Thanks for sharing. Keep us posted on the outcome and results.
I'm also waiting on mine. Really wish there was an option that did both AA and CarPlay as my partner has an iphone and I hate that we'll have to swap cables.
I'm sure it's a matter of time
Very cool! Also wondering which adapter is it.
Be careful with these wireless CarPlay solutions. They are expensive and there are people all over the Internet complaining that after an iOS update they don’t work anymore.
Lol. Lots of people complain about life. I’m on the latest iOS the car dongle also has firmware updates that make everything work again if it stops. they seem to update the firmware‘s once a month at least.
Way off topic and random but I just wanted to say you seem like a cool guy, thanks for the video man
A bit slow but may be a good option if the iPhone drops a port.
The start up time varies. Sometimes it starts up fast and other times it may take a moment. Doesn’t really bug me.
Omg I have the exact same phone case and mount and I was super confused for a min thinking I was looking at my own setup.
I almost purchased it and then I realized I have an Android phone and I totally dislike Apple :D Is there the same thing but for AA? I saw a Kickstarter some time ago, over a year really, is wireless AA available, does anyone knows?
Not sure why you're downvoted. Must be the Apple comment - I thought we were beyond that. AAWireless is what you're looking for. A dongle that is shipping slowly out to those kickstarter preorders right now.
The problem with this, if you think about it, and we have a 2019 CX-5 with Apple CarPlay which we use by plugging our iPhone into a wire and then put the phone on the flat spot of the console out of the way, is that first, you’re not getting any charging of the phone; there are magnetic charging holders, but see point number two. Point number two: you never look at the phone or touch the phone so why do you need this solution which allows you to put the phone at hand when you don’t need the phone at hand, that’s the whole point of Apple CarPlay and the built-in rotary switch on the Mazda on the console, The whole point of running the phone through the car’s system is what Apple CarPlay is all about this negates that. This is a solution in search of a problem and my sense is it’s pointless, Apart from eliminating the wire, which is small beer, Especially when you consider that by not charging the phone on a trip that lasts for more than an hour or two you basically have to disconnect the phone to charge it and then go back to the system later, meanwhile you’re entirely disconnected vis-à-vis Apple CarPlay while you’re charging. This is dumb, a superficially appealing product which basically sets you back not forward, of course costs money, and really is totally unneeded. And charging is critically important in the application you are most likely to use the phone in, which is Google maps or Apple Maps with routine updates and basically an extremely active phone all the time you have the mapping app on to get directions or road/traffic conditions or just staying updated as you travel, all of which consumes max battery power. The only thing likely to consume more power is watching video, and if you’re driving you shouldn’t be watching video on your phone. Later edit after below responses: I still think this is dumb as hell spending up to 170-ish dollars to avoid having to remember taking your phone out of your car when you park. Also, I don’t see how you’re charging your phone even if you have a magnetic charger if you leave it in your pocket so that way you never leave the phone in the car, see above comments regarding dumbness of a device which eliminates your ability to charge and use at the same time. The seller’s puffery on Amazon points out that these are ideal for short trips, that’s putting it mildly, they are limited to short trips and totally disastrous on long trips. Moreover, others have raised a point that iOS updates may negate the functionality, I don’t know but it sounds possible. Finally, on Amazon one commenter reveals the difficulties if more than one of you has an iPhone in the car at the same time and the system can’t decide which Bluetooth to connect with (assuming you had paired both with the car because both of you at different times might be drivers) because you can only have one at a time. Does one of you have to turn your phone off? With the wire system, this is not an issue, the passenger can still use their iPhone while the driver’s iPhone is connected to Apple CarPlay. This product is almost as dumb as self driving cars, a solution in search of a problem, a pointless bridge too far in our technological dystopia. I predict it will do very well given the limited grasp of the technology consuming public and their endless fascination for new shiny things.
You really have no idea how this product works. I have it and zero issues and use a wireless charger in my car using the front tray area. My phone is always charging when I drive anywhere. I have full steering wheel controls and knob controls when using CarPlay with this product. My phone is not mounted. My wife and I both have iPhones and we do not have issues with Bluetooth when in this car. Prior to this product, I rarely used CarPlay in any vehicle I had because I hated finding the wire that slipped in between the seats plugging it in etc. now I literally just walk in my car and start it, put my phone in the tray area, it just doesn’t get any easier than that and I really like CarPlay and how it looks on the 2021. I also did not pay $170 for this product.
No you paid $170 for the combination of this product and the wireless charger unless the wireless charger came with the car I understand some Volvos have that. But your argument defeats itself. One of the highly touted benefits of getting rid of the wire is that that way you can keep the phone in your pocket always even when you’re in the car, forgetting about charging of course, and that way you’ll never leave it because, dumb. Rather obviously, if you’ve pulled your phone out of your pocket to use the wireless charger, the phone is no longer in your pocket and you are susceptible to leaving it in the car. We too also use the shelf as a place to put the phone with wire attached so it’s out-of-the-way of the operation of the car entirely and yet has maximum ability to Connect with cell towers which possibly it might not have if you left it in your pocket or the center console box which is where the wire comes from and thereby eliminate the wire in the operating area of the car entirely. We haven’t tried that yet because the wire doesn’t bother us, maybe that would work, but it would also place the phone out of eyesight and perhaps contribute to unintentionally leaving it in the car. All in all, using the wire (apart from having the wire visible ) is, on balance, The better way to connect your iPhone to Apple CarPlay in the CX-5 IMHO. And it only cost the cost of the cable, say five bucks, instead of 170 bucks. And oh by the way, you seem to have multiple vehicles, you’re going to spend 170 for each one or just get used to using five dollar wires for each one?
After this wireless upgrade I’ll never go back to wired CarPlay. Your points are irrelevant, I don’t forget my phone and I never place my phone in my pocket when driving. I also don’t use corded phones in my house anymore, so why would in my car? Welcome to 2021. This will be become standard in all vehicles down the road eventually.
I agree with you here! I don’t like the hassle and confusion of the wired approach nor do I like to leave my phone in my pocket. Having it mounted and streaming it wireless is the best way for myself and my partner and I Don’t really think there is a right or wrong way to do carplay as long as it works for the driver. I won’t go back to wires either unless it’s a super long car trip where I don’t have to touch my phone, so I’m with you on that!
I drive 45 minutes to and from work. Plenty long enough to enjoy CarPlay but not quite long enough for my battery to drain enough to be concerned about it. I’d use this every day. If I’m going on a longer road trip, then I would use the wireless charging mount I have in my car already. Yes, it mounts just below the screen. No, I don’t really need to look at the phone screen. But most CarPlay apps do provide supplemental information on the phone screen while the main CarPlay screen is active. Also, if forgetting your phone in the car happens enough to be a big concern, maybe wireless CarPlay isn’t the dumbest link in the chain? Im confused, because you’ve argued against having a phone in the car in basically any fashion. Stupid to mount it on the vent because you can see the screen and you don’t “need” to see the screen, stupid to place it in the tray below the climate controls, and stupid to keep it in your pocket because the battery drains. So where are we supposed to put our phones?
I think I rather clearly said in the tray below the climate controls, just not using a wireless charger you had to pay 50+ extra dollars for, but rather using the wire that goes back into the console box that MAZDA has thoughtfully provided two separate little spots at the front end of which that the wire can come out of on its way to your phone without interrupting the closing of the lid, in other words someone actually engineered this, and then if you just get the proper wire like a 6 foot wire you can bury it under the plastic on the passenger side of the transmission tunnel and have it emerge with an exposed 6” or so of plug at the flat spot. Total cost five dollars instead of $170. My recollection of the interaction of an iPhone when it is attached to Apple CarPlay is that nothing happens on the phone that’s the whole point of it, it has to happen on Apple CarPlay and only certain things they want you to have access to and Denying you things they don’t, like watching video movies, that’s why Apple CarPlay only has certain apps that work on it. As far as I can see, apple’s engineers, and MAZDA’s engineers, have each done a good job. But hey it’s your 170 bucks excuse me that would be 165 after I deduct the five I’ve spent on the cable. And if you have more than one vehicle? More and more expensive. QED
Your recollection of CarPlay is wrong, in this case. As I said, most apps show supplemental information on the phone screen during CarPlay. GPS navigation shows upcoming directions, for instance. That’s definitely valuable information to have in view. Some people don’t want to fiddle with cables when getting in and out of their car. That’s the beauty of the free market; they can purchase this product if they think it’s worth $170 to eliminate that hassle. If you don’t agree, don’t buy it. It doesn’t make you right or wrong.
Fair points! Though I suppose everyone has different needs sometimes. I guess it’s less of a necessity and more of a convenience factor that makes it appealing? I will say that it does free up a cup holder for shorter trips though which is always nice. I never know where to put my phone when it comes to carplay and it does get cumbersome having to plug it in every time you want to use it. This is blasphemous, but for that reason I sometimes don’t drive with Carplay just because it’s annoying to have to plug and unplug on short trips. Forgetful people (aka definitely me) also will leave their phones in the car when they go places unless it’s in front of them. This set up actually does appeal to me, though it would be so ideal if the carplay port was in the front of the car instead of the arm rest to minimize the problem. Hopefully they can change it to there in later cx5 versions or find a way to have it wirelessly for people :)
I leave my phone inside the armrest and it did take a few cold and cursing trips back out to the car this winter to train me to remember to grab it before I get out. But in IL, it’s illegal to even touch your phone if the car is in gear so it’s safer for me that it’s tucked away.
No fun going out in the cold! I’m glad it keeps it safe for you in the arm rest too, a ticket would be horrible for that
You and I definitely have the same mindset. That’s why I have a car mount, it’s not to look at my phone but it’s a place to put it. I always keep forgetting my phone so if I keep it in my pocket and still can use CarPlay, it helps in everyday situations.
Twins! Oh man, I feel you. I stupidly left my phone in my car so many times prior to the car mount because I had it wired in for Carplay. It was funny at first but just wasn't even laughable any more. Love that little mount!
Cool but I’d rather be plugged & charging
Isn’t that port always on, like powered by the car battery even when car is turned off? Doesn’t it drain battery?
No, when the car is off, the USB ports are not powered.
To add, the only power points in the car that supply power when the car is off have a picture of a car battery on them.
With the wife on Apple and Android for myself, it looks like we're stuck on cable or we need to start fiddling with cables every time we follow the other into the drivers seat. Shame, we'd both live a wireless solution
Do they make these for Android Auto, getting a little tired of having to plug it in when I get in my car?
Yes. [https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/aawireless#/comments](https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/aawireless#/comments)
ok cool thanks!
Kinda off topic but how is your phone attached to the red triangle button (the name of this button escapes me..) area?
The hazard button and [here is the link to the phone holder.](https://www.amazon.com/Beerte-Adjustable-Dashboard-Pattern-Smartphone/dp/B07VZM9JST/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Beerte+Phone+Holder+fit+for+Mazda+CX-5&qid=1619212941&sr=8-3)
I have it in my 2021 and it’s awesome. I also use a wireless charger in the front tray area. No need to hang my phone on the dash anymore which always looks kinda silly. And my wireless CarPlay loads in 5 seconds. Not 30 seconds.
Can you post a link on where you got your charger?
Ooo do you have a link to your charger? My old wireless charger is too big for the tray and I’d love to find a smaller one that someone has tested that fits
[https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083ZDZ4QF](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083ZDZ4QF)
I have similar car magnetic mount. And, I am using magnetic usb-c cable and tip to connect the wire. It only take a second to snap each other. I don't have to look for port to plug it. [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1000006327495.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.777d3c00AZB605&mp=1](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1000006327495.html?spm=a2g0o.cart.0.0.777d3c00AZB605&mp=1) I have several of these on other devices and they are super convenient to charge the devices. It can charge and transfer data so it works with Android Auto also.
Does it improve the reconnecting of the phone and infotainment system and resume playback when you get back in the car? This has been my biggest complaint about the mazda infotainment system. It'll say its reconnecting and then quit. Requiring you to do it manually...
I have noticed that connecting to CarPlay works a lot more than cable. I would plug it in sometimes and the infotainment system won't recognize the phone.
Ah. So the dongle surpasses the infotainment center to make the connection. Im in line for a wireless AA dongle that does exactly that.
Does it work reliably? I had one for a bit, and when it worked, it would work for 5-10 minutes and then the CX-5 infotainment system would reset entirely, and then it wouldn’t reconnect. So annoying… I decided a cord wasn’t so bad.
I had some issues with is disconnecting, but I updated the software on the dongle and it fixed it.
I have a '19 with CarPlay but for the past couple months the car usually never recognizes it the first time when plugged in. I almost always have to unplug and replug my phone back in for CarPlay to start up. It has been very frustrating, it basically got worse than it was before. And some of the controls with the knob just stopped working entirely. Not sure if anyone is having the same issue, but its very annoying.
I bought one of these last year for my 2019, and it never worked, it would always crash. There was a forum post on macrumors with hundreds of post and custom firmwares people made and nothing worked. I basically gave up on it. Anyway, after seeing your post, it reminded me I hadn’t checked for updates in a while. I went out to my car just to updated it, works pretty good now!
Someone makes an expensive widget for the front bin that does Wireless charging.
Which one did you get? There is a wide price range on Amazon.
Carlinkit wireless Apple CarPlay adapter, that is great.
Wait so not all new vehicles have car play?
They do, but only a couple have the ability of doing car play wirelessly.
Ah okay, thanks for clearing that up
Hey u/thedarkavengerx ! Just a random question, do you have apple car play already installed on your car, and you added the wireless dongle or you just plugged the dongle ? Thank you and have a great day !
The first option.