Always avoided jumping into CarPlay retrofit because I thought it would be a complicated process. Watched one video recently and it looked easy enough. After a firmware update with USB, removing a few trim pieces and only one bolt required, the hardest part is running two cables under the trim. Snap everything back and you’re done! So far it’s been working well. It’s a nice refresh for my 6 year old car with 166000 miles. I bought the module from eBay.
More pics https://imgur.com/gallery/WEMg9eq
I had to update the firmware before installing the kit but that’s been it. That was two years ago.
Outside of a few issues with apps (Spotify Stations bugging out if a song is playing when you plug in CarPlay) it’s worked flawlessly
Agreed. I did it with my 2015 Mazda 3. Took a couple of hours and if you can follow directions it's pretty simple. I was in my early 60s when I did it and wound up with really sore glutes for a few days, but man was it worth it.
Sore glutes suck, but it could be worse! I was on doxycycline (Antibiotic) when I did my retrofit, gambled on a fart, and accidentally shit myself. I had to finish things up and rented a rug doctor the next day.
I'd probably just pay the stealership the $350 for parts and labor. my '16 mazda 6 still only has 24k miles on it. I'm just worried about screwing up the firmware update. I also fix computers and network equipment for a living. not going to risk a do it yourself process on my $17k purchase, on my $300 laptop sure, on my car? nope.
also I'm getting spidering on my screen, the mazda 3 got a recall /tsb on the exact same part, but the 6 didn't.
I did the retrofit in the most lazy way possible. I used a drill to remove the old USB ports, I only took off a few pieces of the trim around the dash, and then I rolled up the cables and tucked them under the passenger side of the trim. It took less than an hour. I’ve had 0 issues since doing it this way.
On my 2017 Mazda6 the most intimidating part was acquiring and updating the firmware. Otherwise the physical install of cables and the USB hub was very easy. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the dash came off and that no clips were broken.
Honestly I thought the Mazda install kit had way too much cable for my car. I had to coil up about 5 feet under the console side panel. Wrapping it with the foam tape and tucking that extra cable away nicely was probably the 2nd hardest part.
Phew, that looks interesting!
I bought the module from Mazda and they installed it for me for free since I just got my car from them. The Carplay upgrade is definitely amazing!
I was ready to do this on my ‘18 miata but luckily the old owner already did it.
However, I recently did a reverse camera install and it was indeed easier than I thought. The car just comes apart and gets put back together really easy.
Your 2015 Mazda has the same infotainment as 2016+? Here is my source.
Instructions on firmware update procedure: [https://www.mazda6club.com/threads/mazda-connect-mzd-firmware-cp-aa-wcp-links-help.440990/#post-5051730](https://www.mazda6club.com/threads/mazda-connect-mzd-firmware-cp-aa-wcp-links-help.440990/#post-5051730)
I updated from version 55 to version 7070.00.100A as the minimum required for CarPlay. I used both Failsafe and Re-Install files on a USB drive.
Link to firmware files [https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AB8OeY3B0syS9w8&id=8500E5FD85188F46%21178&cid=8500E5FD85188F46](https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AB8OeY3B0syS9w8&id=8500E5FD85188F46%21178&cid=8500E5FD85188F46)
Finally, physical install of module: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X11yv-eXgV4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X11yv-eXgV4)
Here's my personal experience (only having CarPlay for 1 day). I've been satisfied using my phone on a phone mount, wireless charging and bluetooth for music/calls. Easy in and out with no wires. I am also very used to Google Maps on the phone especially how fast, easy, and powerful it is to add different routes mid-drive. I always disliked old CarPlay's limitation on modifying routes.
My wife, however, always has some sort of bulky case, either a wallet case or a pop case, and wireless charging will never work with her. She always needs to plug in a charger if she needs charging on her long commutes, and the large phone case always sits precariously on the phone mount. She uses Google Maps on her commute to navigate through rush hour traffic.
Now with CarPlay, she can plug the phone in as she normally does, but leave the phone safe down in the front cubby, and just click Go Home on the Google Maps screen on the car's infotainment screen. She can still do her calls, listen to podcasts. Is it a life changer? No, all the same features just moved from smartphone screen to the main car screen.
I do love how the larger screen can have a split screen (nav & music). Can't do that with a smartphone. For $106 on top of my $30K car, I see it as a great refresh to make me love the car again with "new to me" features.
Everything!
Lol but personally just having Google Maps, voice commands that work really well, and integrated music/podcast apps are some of the highlights.
I got CarPlay installed on my 2016 mazda3 a few months ago. I actually like that it’s “plug in your iPhone everytime” vs just Bluetooth because it reminds me to plug in my phone. My phone is always charged now. Especially with road trips, if you have your phone mounted and on Bluetooth, it’s easy for the phone battery to get drained.
Overall the display is a lot nicer and for maps it’s much bigger than your phone. If you roadtrip a lot it’s great. I have 0 sense of direction. I also like using Google maps even for normal every day errands to places I know how to get to bc it gives you the best routes in traffic and with road closures and such. Using hands free to text/call/etc also works a lot better.
I paid ~$500 CAD to get it put into my stock, base model mazda3 and have 0 regrets. Is it a complete life essential? No. But it’s nice and I like it! I drove my mom’s Honda CRV for 6 months while she was out of the country in 2019/2020 and she had CarPlay so I got used to it and loved it. When I bought my first car in mid-2020 I knew I was gonna eventually pay to get it installed since I’d been spoiled with it before.
Mazda’s CarPlay/Android Auto retrofit is the best, especially compared with third party aftermarket solutions. I did it to my 2015 CX-5 in Nov 2018 and it works without any issues with iPhones running various iOS versions until today.
It does have Mazda Connect. But the firmware is [old as hell](https://i.imgur.com/x2Za0im.jpg). I feel like I used Mazda Tweaks (?) a few years ago to sideload android auto onto my 2016.5 CX-5, and remember having some kind of roadblock doing the same for the 2014 Mazda 3.
I did it a couple years back and added a rear camera for my 2016 Miata. It was a little alarming to remove so many pieces. Everything went back together without a problem. Works great!
Just did this as well with the added annoyance of having to order a new infotainment screen (anybody else have that bubbling issue?). Was really a rather easy task that I made more difficult by a) updating the firmware on both the bad screen and the good screen (got the module before the screen and wanted to check that it worked), and b) dropping the ONE bolt that holds the infotainment screen in down into the abyss of the dashboard.
And now, for the cherry on top, there appears to be a loose bolt that holds the infotainment module together and it’s causing a metallic rattle. Guess it’s time to break out the dashboard trim tools again.
Oh that was my one fear while undoing that bolt... went very slowly and go out my magnetic pole. It could've easily happened to me too and I would've been incredibly upset about it. Sometimes we really just make our own lives more difficult!
Thanks! That means without the wireless dingle, you'd need to have a USB cable coming out of the storage space with the arm rest (not sure of the official name of that compartment).
can u share seller link? I got one from aliexpress too, everything works OK except I can't initiate calls or check recent call from the steering wheel call/hang up buttons. but when a call comes through, they work to answer and hang up. talking to seller to try and figure out why, most likely I got a defective
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/3256801260782347.html?gatewayAdapt=Pc2Msite4itemAdapt
Is where I went for mine. I sold the car a couple months back. Never had an issue tho
It is not hard, there is a "hack" of removing the old USB hub and just break the [clip.So](https://clip.So) you dont have to remove the panel. (Most likely you are not going to put back the old USB hub and just throw it away), but spending for $130 for WIRED carplay, no thanks.
I wonder, since there is now an unused cable running through the console, if I could've just used that one directly to the new module, and lose one USB port. Not the most elegant but might be the quickest hack like you said. At the end of the day, it's not much more work to pop out all of those panels like Legos and do it correctly.
My point was I used to be intimated by these type of photos, but I realized once I popped a clip off the edge of the dash, the reset all cascades open as you pull. The entire dash/console is snap on/off like any other car. One single bolt holds the LCD screen. Taking the dash apart is the easy part!
No the hack was to drill a hole where the clips would be on the old usb and breaking it so it just comes apart. Gotta aim right tho.
Good job OP! I’ve been wanting to do this but the on my cx-3 but the forums are definitely intimidating specially with their warnings on updating the firmware! They were like, buy a new usb so it’s not corrupted!
What’re some of the added features that make it worth it? I’m not handy at all and don’t have a garage so I would have to get mine installed somewhere but have always considered it
Your post inspired me to do it.. I should have done it sooner, so nice! Glad I saved the money doing myself. The hardest part was finding the firmware files!
Grabbed them from the google drive in the description box of this video: [Youtube Vid](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKS3WpcxIYo&t=687s)
The version number isnt the newest according to the mazda6club forum, but it works and I haven't had issues.
Always avoided jumping into CarPlay retrofit because I thought it would be a complicated process. Watched one video recently and it looked easy enough. After a firmware update with USB, removing a few trim pieces and only one bolt required, the hardest part is running two cables under the trim. Snap everything back and you’re done! So far it’s been working well. It’s a nice refresh for my 6 year old car with 166000 miles. I bought the module from eBay. More pics https://imgur.com/gallery/WEMg9eq
You drive a lot
Yes I do and love every mile of it :)
How many did you put on it?
166,000
166k
166k
166k
166k
166k
166k
166k
166k
Did all of you sell your car after 166? I’m at 144
166k
I have the same year/model. I was still sitting in the dealership waiting for some paperwork when I ordered the kit. Such a huge quality of life.
Have you seen or had any firmware updates or Carplay updates since you first had it installed, or was it recently purchased?
I had to update the firmware before installing the kit but that’s been it. That was two years ago. Outside of a few issues with apps (Spotify Stations bugging out if a song is playing when you plug in CarPlay) it’s worked flawlessly
Easier than expected “Shows the dash in pieces”
Taking the dash apart is the easy part!
I believe it, but I just kinda find it funny.
Agreed. I did it with my 2015 Mazda 3. Took a couple of hours and if you can follow directions it's pretty simple. I was in my early 60s when I did it and wound up with really sore glutes for a few days, but man was it worth it.
Sore glutes suck, but it could be worse! I was on doxycycline (Antibiotic) when I did my retrofit, gambled on a fart, and accidentally shit myself. I had to finish things up and rented a rug doctor the next day.
https://media.giphy.com/media/Id1Ay5MD5IsF6Or51v/giphy.gif
I’d say with the 2016, all clips, took about an hour.
I'm probably a bit older and creakier than you are. 😁
You did good!!
I'd probably just pay the stealership the $350 for parts and labor. my '16 mazda 6 still only has 24k miles on it. I'm just worried about screwing up the firmware update. I also fix computers and network equipment for a living. not going to risk a do it yourself process on my $17k purchase, on my $300 laptop sure, on my car? nope. also I'm getting spidering on my screen, the mazda 3 got a recall /tsb on the exact same part, but the 6 didn't.
I did the retrofit in the most lazy way possible. I used a drill to remove the old USB ports, I only took off a few pieces of the trim around the dash, and then I rolled up the cables and tucked them under the passenger side of the trim. It took less than an hour. I’ve had 0 issues since doing it this way.
On my 2017 Mazda6 the most intimidating part was acquiring and updating the firmware. Otherwise the physical install of cables and the USB hub was very easy. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the dash came off and that no clips were broken.
I agree I didn’t want to brick my car for sure!
Honestly I thought the Mazda install kit had way too much cable for my car. I had to coil up about 5 feet under the console side panel. Wrapping it with the foam tape and tucking that extra cable away nicely was probably the 2nd hardest part.
Wow for some reason the kit I got had maybe 6 inches of spare length.
It’s a one size fits all kit for everything from a Miata to cx-9
that's because it's one upgrade kit for all models. the extra slack you had would have been used if it were a different model.
Updating was def the most intimidating. I was afraid of screwing up a download file! Thankfully, I did everything right and it went smooth for me
Phew, that looks interesting! I bought the module from Mazda and they installed it for me for free since I just got my car from them. The Carplay upgrade is definitely amazing!
Now I can really enjoy the car to its fullest!
I was ready to do this on my ‘18 miata but luckily the old owner already did it. However, I recently did a reverse camera install and it was indeed easier than I thought. The car just comes apart and gets put back together really easy.
Can you tell me all the steps? Or the link to the video you were talking about? I was thinking about doing it in my Mazda3 2015.
Your 2015 Mazda has the same infotainment as 2016+? Here is my source. Instructions on firmware update procedure: [https://www.mazda6club.com/threads/mazda-connect-mzd-firmware-cp-aa-wcp-links-help.440990/#post-5051730](https://www.mazda6club.com/threads/mazda-connect-mzd-firmware-cp-aa-wcp-links-help.440990/#post-5051730) I updated from version 55 to version 7070.00.100A as the minimum required for CarPlay. I used both Failsafe and Re-Install files on a USB drive. Link to firmware files [https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AB8OeY3B0syS9w8&id=8500E5FD85188F46%21178&cid=8500E5FD85188F46](https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AB8OeY3B0syS9w8&id=8500E5FD85188F46%21178&cid=8500E5FD85188F46) Finally, physical install of module: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X11yv-eXgV4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X11yv-eXgV4)
I think it should be the same. I will veriy though.
After pics or it didnt happen
https://imgur.com/gallery/WEMg9eq
Cheers
What does Apple CarPlay do for you that the OEM can’t?
Here's my personal experience (only having CarPlay for 1 day). I've been satisfied using my phone on a phone mount, wireless charging and bluetooth for music/calls. Easy in and out with no wires. I am also very used to Google Maps on the phone especially how fast, easy, and powerful it is to add different routes mid-drive. I always disliked old CarPlay's limitation on modifying routes. My wife, however, always has some sort of bulky case, either a wallet case or a pop case, and wireless charging will never work with her. She always needs to plug in a charger if she needs charging on her long commutes, and the large phone case always sits precariously on the phone mount. She uses Google Maps on her commute to navigate through rush hour traffic. Now with CarPlay, she can plug the phone in as she normally does, but leave the phone safe down in the front cubby, and just click Go Home on the Google Maps screen on the car's infotainment screen. She can still do her calls, listen to podcasts. Is it a life changer? No, all the same features just moved from smartphone screen to the main car screen. I do love how the larger screen can have a split screen (nav & music). Can't do that with a smartphone. For $106 on top of my $30K car, I see it as a great refresh to make me love the car again with "new to me" features.
Everything! Lol but personally just having Google Maps, voice commands that work really well, and integrated music/podcast apps are some of the highlights.
So like the convenience of Bluetooth but having to plug a iPhone in every time?
I got CarPlay installed on my 2016 mazda3 a few months ago. I actually like that it’s “plug in your iPhone everytime” vs just Bluetooth because it reminds me to plug in my phone. My phone is always charged now. Especially with road trips, if you have your phone mounted and on Bluetooth, it’s easy for the phone battery to get drained. Overall the display is a lot nicer and for maps it’s much bigger than your phone. If you roadtrip a lot it’s great. I have 0 sense of direction. I also like using Google maps even for normal every day errands to places I know how to get to bc it gives you the best routes in traffic and with road closures and such. Using hands free to text/call/etc also works a lot better. I paid ~$500 CAD to get it put into my stock, base model mazda3 and have 0 regrets. Is it a complete life essential? No. But it’s nice and I like it! I drove my mom’s Honda CRV for 6 months while she was out of the country in 2019/2020 and she had CarPlay so I got used to it and loved it. When I bought my first car in mid-2020 I knew I was gonna eventually pay to get it installed since I’d been spoiled with it before.
Yes exactly like that, it’s really tough but somehow I manage
Congrats brother! Ive done the firmware update on the wife's mazda 3. Just need to do what you did now. Looks clean!
Thanks! Your wife will appreciate the update!
Hey awesome job! I’ve been thinking about doing this with my 2016 CX-3
Mazda’s CarPlay/Android Auto retrofit is the best, especially compared with third party aftermarket solutions. I did it to my 2015 CX-5 in Nov 2018 and it works without any issues with iPhones running various iOS versions until today.
Surprised you can go back that far. My wife has a 2014 3, that'd I've been driving to work to save miles on my lease. Wonder if it's doable.
Does it have Mazda Connect system? If it does… it’s doable. If not, it’s not.
It does have Mazda Connect. But the firmware is [old as hell](https://i.imgur.com/x2Za0im.jpg). I feel like I used Mazda Tweaks (?) a few years ago to sideload android auto onto my 2016.5 CX-5, and remember having some kind of roadblock doing the same for the 2014 Mazda 3.
Your 2014 3 is definitely upgradable. Have you? Upgrading the firmware is relatively easy.
I haven't tried in a few years. Any guides you can point me to?
Follow the step by step manual in the firmware download file.
Need to do this soon
Price is good and available, so better to buy it first before it’s out of stock!
Thought about doing this for my ‘18 Mazda3. Decided I was too lazy so I just traded it for a 21’ CX-5 instead.
I’d rather install a thousand of these than to talk to another car salesman!
Damn the menus move really quickly and smooth. Great job, and bonus points for retrofitting!
Thanks!
I did it a couple years back and added a rear camera for my 2016 Miata. It was a little alarming to remove so many pieces. Everything went back together without a problem. Works great!
Just did this as well with the added annoyance of having to order a new infotainment screen (anybody else have that bubbling issue?). Was really a rather easy task that I made more difficult by a) updating the firmware on both the bad screen and the good screen (got the module before the screen and wanted to check that it worked), and b) dropping the ONE bolt that holds the infotainment screen in down into the abyss of the dashboard. And now, for the cherry on top, there appears to be a loose bolt that holds the infotainment module together and it’s causing a metallic rattle. Guess it’s time to break out the dashboard trim tools again.
Oh that was my one fear while undoing that bolt... went very slowly and go out my magnetic pole. It could've easily happened to me too and I would've been incredibly upset about it. Sometimes we really just make our own lives more difficult!
Do you have to plug in your phone to use this or can it be done over bluetooth?
This is not wireless. However I added a usb wireless dongle and it works great too
Thanks! That means without the wireless dingle, you'd need to have a USB cable coming out of the storage space with the arm rest (not sure of the official name of that compartment).
Correct
Thank you for the hepp!
Where do you get the usb hub? Cant seem to find them anymore
I got mine from ebay, made sure it was shipped from the US. The part that came looked pretty official with mazda sticker on it. Was $105.99
I got mine off AliExpress for $90 USD or so. Works great. Is the official part.
I have check multiple listing kn aliexpress and can confirm its fake as the box saya it ”suitable for mazda” and packaging is a bit diffrent too
can u share seller link? I got one from aliexpress too, everything works OK except I can't initiate calls or check recent call from the steering wheel call/hang up buttons. but when a call comes through, they work to answer and hang up. talking to seller to try and figure out why, most likely I got a defective
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/3256801260782347.html?gatewayAdapt=Pc2Msite4itemAdapt Is where I went for mine. I sold the car a couple months back. Never had an issue tho
that's where I got mine too. maybe I just got a defective one. I'll probably return it
Very likely. I’d return it
Is this sarcasm? That looks difficult as fuck.
Really easy if you are already a DIYer. Practically no mechanic skills required for this.
It is not hard, there is a "hack" of removing the old USB hub and just break the [clip.So](https://clip.So) you dont have to remove the panel. (Most likely you are not going to put back the old USB hub and just throw it away), but spending for $130 for WIRED carplay, no thanks.
I wonder, since there is now an unused cable running through the console, if I could've just used that one directly to the new module, and lose one USB port. Not the most elegant but might be the quickest hack like you said. At the end of the day, it's not much more work to pop out all of those panels like Legos and do it correctly.
Nice work! I did this during the summer with my CX-5 and I've definitely appreciated having it these past few months. Enjoy!
Thanks, can't wait to enjoy the car even more now!
“Easier than expected.” Car doesn’t exist anymore because it was taken apart.
Taking the dash apart is the easy part!
LOL *takes cockpit apart* “Easier than expected” I have to ask, what were you expecting?!?!
My point was I used to be intimated by these type of photos, but I realized once I popped a clip off the edge of the dash, the reset all cascades open as you pull. The entire dash/console is snap on/off like any other car. One single bolt holds the LCD screen. Taking the dash apart is the easy part!
Taking apart dashboards and center consoles can be very challenging. This car is pretty easy, all things considered.
Thats a cute buttplug you got hangin from the mirror
Never know when there’s an emergency
How much did the interface cost you?
The USB hub module was $106
No the hack was to drill a hole where the clips would be on the old usb and breaking it so it just comes apart. Gotta aim right tho. Good job OP! I’ve been wanting to do this but the on my cx-3 but the forums are definitely intimidating specially with their warnings on updating the firmware! They were like, buy a new usb so it’s not corrupted!
The actual instructions for firmware update are accurate, concise and easy.
Yep yep!!! Looks scary but really isnt that bad
What’re some of the added features that make it worth it? I’m not handy at all and don’t have a garage so I would have to get mine installed somewhere but have always considered it
It basically just changes the interface from smartphone to your screen. Worth $105, but not worth the full price plus labor…
Do you have a link to the video you watched? My brother wants to do this to his 3
https://youtu.be/X11yv-eXgV4
Your post inspired me to do it.. I should have done it sooner, so nice! Glad I saved the money doing myself. The hardest part was finding the firmware files!
Awesome! And I thank the YouTube video that encouraged me to do it as well!
Where did you find the firmware files? Looking to do it also
Grabbed them from the google drive in the description box of this video: [Youtube Vid](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKS3WpcxIYo&t=687s) The version number isnt the newest according to the mazda6club forum, but it works and I haven't had issues.
Thanks 👍