Most in-car infotainment systems are frustrating—even something as simple as hanging up a call can feel like a challenge. That’s why getting a car with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay felt like a game-changer.
But there’s a catch: most cars require you to plug in your phone every single time to use these features. Fishing it out of your pocket or bag is a hassle, and constant plugging and unplugging wears down the charging port. If you have an older iPhone, you already know how fragile the Lightning port can be. Mine got so unreliable that connecting it felt like a gamble—no matter how many cables I tried.
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto Adapters
I found out about wireless CarPlay dongles—small devices that plug into your car’s USB-A or USB-C port. Normally, you have to plug your phone into the dashboard for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to work. But these dongles connect your phone wirelessly using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Just get in, start driving, and your phone connects automatically—no cables needed.
Many of these adapters look the same, meaning only a few companies actually make them. The rest just rebrand the same design. A quick Amazon search shows many unknown brands like Drimfly, Zeteade, Teeran, Vrriis, Binize, and Loadkey. You may have also seen ads on TikTok or Instagram for brands like CarlinKit and Pairr. Some don’t even sell on Amazon, shipping directly from overseas, which can take days or even weeks.
We tested several of these adapters, and they all worked about the same. Once connected, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are super convenient. The only downside? A slight delay when tapping buttons, like pausing a song, compared to a direct wired connection.
Important Warnings About Wireless Dongles
Using a wireless dongle in your car is usually straightforward. Just plug the adapter into the car’s USB-A port using the provided cable, and you’re ready to go.
However, setting it up can be tricky. To ensure a smooth connection, your phone must not be paired with any other Bluetooth devices—including your car’s built-in hands-free system. Additionally, it shouldn’t be connected to another Wi-Fi network, which can be a challenge if your home Wi-Fi signal extends to your driveway.
Once connected, the device’s interface should appear on your car’s dashboard screen. From there, you’ll need to search for the dongle’s Bluetooth name on your phone and pair it. This process will also establish the necessary Wi-Fi connection. Some models allow you to rename the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection, but it’s best to leave the settings as they are. Many of these adapters come from overseas, and their software menus aren’t always updated. Changing settings could lead to issues that are difficult—or even impossible—to fix.
Another common drawback of these dongles is the delay. Wireless connections take longer to start, and there’s a slight lag when using your car’s touchscreen. The response time is noticeably slower compared to a wired CarPlay or Android Auto connection. Whether that delay is a minor inconvenience or a major frustration depends on your personal preference.
Apple CarPlay Wireless Adapters
Most_Stylish Wireles_Adapter
Ottocast U2-Air
Ottocast U2-Air: A Simple & Reliable Wireless CarPlay Adapter
The Ottocast U2-Air works with 600+ car models (2016 and newer), except for some Sony aftermarket head units. It boots in 18 seconds and uses a fast 5GHz Wi-Fi connection. This adapter is only for iPhones running iOS 10 or later. While Ottocast has offices in the U.S., shipping times aren’t necessarily faster.
Easy to Set Up
Setting up the U2-Air is quick and simple. It comes with a USB-A to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-C cable, making it compatible with different car ports. Once you pair your iPhone via Bluetooth, CarPlay takes over your infotainment screen. The adapter also supports multiple iPhones. If you need to change settings, you can access them through a web browser on your phone.
Firmware Warning: Don’t Update Unless Needed
One of the best things about the U2-Air is that it works right out of the box—no firmware update needed. The manual even warns:
🚨 “Updating is NOT recommended when every function works well.”
I decided to update it anyway… and immediately lost connection with the dashboard. While I could still access the dongle’s Wi-Fi, the settings page wouldn’t let me reset it. Luckily, Ottocast includes a physical reset button, which you can press using a paperclip—a rare but useful feature.
Final Verdict
The Ottocast U2-Air is a fast, easy-to-use wireless CarPlay adapter. It’s reliable, supports multiple devices, and doesn’t require extra setup. Just remember: if it’s working fine, don’t update the firmware! 🚗📱
$55.99
Best_for Fans_of Big_LEDs
The Magic Link
The Magic Link from The Magic Brand works with any iPhone from the 5 and up in cars that support wired CarPlay. It’s a bit larger than some other options at 3.2 inches and has a bright status LED on the front.
The device has two ports—one USB-C on top and one USB-A on the bottom—allowing you to connect your iPhone with a cable for wired CarPlay.
Setting it up is simple: plug it in, wait for the interface to appear on the screen, find the Bluetooth connection on your iPhone, connect, and CarPlay is ready. Some lag is expected. The package includes a 12-inch USB-A to USB-C cable.
I didn’t update the firmware but decided to change the Wi-Fi name using Safari on my iPhone. That was a mistake. After restarting, the LED started blinking red. The device still connected to my car’s display and Bluetooth, but the Wi-Fi network disappeared. There was no reset button and no instructions online. I emailed the vendor but never got a response.
Lesson learned: once these devices are working, don’t change the settings unless you have to. You might end up with a device that won’t work.
$99.00
Android Auto Wireless Adapters
"Best_Ways to Save_Money"
Carsifi
Setting up Android Auto dongles can be frustrating, and the Carsifi was no different. One challenge I faced was using a Google Pixel 4 without a cellular data plan.
This made firmware updates and accessing help files through the Carsifi app harder. Even after updating, I had to adjust several settings. It only worked in my 2018 Honda after I turned off Carsifi’s “Intercept AA protocol.”
The main difference between an Android Auto dongle and a CarPlay dongle is that Android Auto versions need an app from the Google Play Store and a firmware update through the app. Carsifi makes this easier by including a QR code inside the box lid to help you find the right app. More support is also available on the company’s website.
Once installed, Android Auto worked well on my car’s screen. Restarting the car or unplugging the dongle didn’t break the connection. It even seemed to load a bit faster than CarPlay. I also liked that Carsifi includes useful accessories: a 9-inch USB-A to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-C cable, and double-sided tape for mounting.
However, these dongles aren’t for people who dislike troubleshooting. That might explain why Android Auto wireless dongles are usually among the cheapest options available.
$89.99
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