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Has anyone found a bluetooth carplay adapter that actually survives? (self.apple_enthusiast)

submitted 3 weeks ago by benfell to c/apple_enthusiast

23 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I have the misfortune of being stuck doing DoorDash. It means I'm constantly plugging in and unplugging my phone from my car, at least once at the beginning and and again at the end of each and every delivery. Even with USB-C (it's an iPhone 15 Pro Max), that makes me nervous. It's also inefficient, having to fumble with the cord and the plug and the phone each and every time. And of course it's a problem when it's pouring down rain and the USB outlet gets wet.

So I've been trying bluetooth adapters for my 2021 Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium Hybrid. I've gone through three of them, now. They each worked great for the first day or so, then died. A message appears on the screen that the device could not be started in "advanced mode" and "normal mode" means the device doesn't work.

The dealer informs me that the head units which support CarPlay over bluetooth are only available in model years 2023 and newer and cannot be retrofitted to a 2021.

I'm not even seeing the problem acknowledge in a web search. But for me, it's consistent.

Does anyone know a solution?

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (3 children)

If you’re willing to shop on Amazon (I use Amazon only if I have to) they have a wireless CarPlay adapter that work pretty flawlessly I got mine for $100. All the steering wheel control works in my car (2017 Audi A3). There is an audio delay while watching videos but I believe that’s with all wireless CarPlay applications. I’ll link to the exact one I got. However they have one that says “upgrade” for cheaper but I do not have that one so I can’t say if it’s any better.

(TLDR) The adapter linked works just like plugging in regular CarPlay.

https://a.co/d/2evBZwn

(Edit) a few added details

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago

I have an older version of this one too, the 3.0. Had it for a couple years now and it’s only happened a couple times that it wouldn’t connect until power cycled or took a long time to connect. Other than that it’s been reliable.

[–] benfell 2 points 3 weeks ago

I'm not proud of it by any stretch but I do shop Amazon. There's a lot to say about that but the bottom line for me is that I simply don't have time to do anything else.

I've tried units from Amazon, Best Buy, and now, a fourth, CPLAY2Air.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 weeks ago

I use one of these as well. Works great! As another comment said, it can sometimes take a moment to connect, other times it’s nearly instant. Paired with a wireless charger for long trips, I never have to plug anything into my jack.