Nowadays there are wireless CarPlay systems based on Bluetooth, but not every car manufacturer has this option available yet. With the Carlinkit 5.0 wireless carplay adapter, you can turn USB CarPlay into a wireless Bluetooth version. The condition for using Carlinkit 5.0 is, of course, that your car's media system is equipped with CarPlay or Android Auto (via cable ).
Carlinkit 5.0 Operation
The Carlinkit 5.0 can be connected to the USB port (USB A or C) of your car, after which the dongle streams Apple Carplay from your iPhone to the media system via a wireless Bluetooth connection. All the functionalities and conveniences of Apple CarPlay are retained without having to use a cable. As a result, the Carlinkit 5.0 only works if your car actually has CarPlay.After inserting the dongle, connect the iPhone via Bluetooth to the Carlinkit 5.0. When the connection has been established, CarPlay will be automatically activated on the audio system.
It is possible to connect multiple iPhones with the adapter, making it easy to use with different drivers. If there are several paired iPhones in the car, the connection will be made with the most recently used iPhone. After starting the car, you can also manually choose via the audio system which iPhone to connect to or simply switch.
You can also continue to use the USB port to which the Carlinkit is connected, as the dongle is equipped with its own (pass-through) USB port. Other USB devices can be connected to this and you can possibly charge another mobile phone.
Wireless CarPlay in Practice
The Carlinkit 5.0 works fine and automatically connects the iPhone to the CarPlay system of our KIA Sportage (2022) after the first pairing.Wireless CarPlay has several advantages. For example, the battery life of your iPhone is displayed in the CarPlay interface and annoying cables are a thing of the past. The biggest advantage is that CarPlay always works, without this dongle you always have to physically connect your iPhone, this extra step is skipped with Bluetooth.
A button is automatically created in the CarPlay home screen with which you can return to the media system of your car, in my case KIA Connect.
The dongle itself has a size of 7.6 cm by 4.3 cm and is 1.25 cm thick. Together with the adapter, two USB cables are supplied with a USB-A and USB-C connection. The cable is long enough so that you still have room to neatly store the dongle. You can also use a different USB-C cable so that it better suits your connection.
The Carlinkit dongle is a smart device that does what it promises. Thanks to an LED, you know that the dongle is active and functioning. The dongle is compatible with all cars equipped with CarPlay. In addition, the aftermarket systems from Pioneer, Alpine, and Kenwood are also supported.
Also suitable for Android Auto
In addition to CarPlay, Carlinkit 5.0 (2air) also supports the Android variant 'Android Auto'. The operation is exactly the same, you can use an Android device to connect wirelessly to an Android car via Bluetooth.
Not an Official Apple Solution
In the past, it has regularly happened that charging cables do not comply with the MFI program (Made for iPhone). These cables can suddenly stop working after an iOS update. The Carlinkit 5.0 emulates a legitimate CarPlay system. This will prevent Apple from blocking its operation in a future iOS update.
Dongle Update and Manage
In addition to a Bluetooth signal, the dongle also sends out a WiFi signal. This will allow you to connect to your iPhone. After you have made a WiFi connection, you can access the dongle's internal webpage in Safari via the address: 192.168.50.2. With the help of this page you can provide the Carlinkit 5.0 dongle with firmware updates and you can adjust settings.
The Wi-Fi connection can only be used to perform firmware updates and adjust settings. You can manage already connected devices, enable or disable auto-connection and change the language.
You can update via the 'Infos' tab. The manual states that you should only update the Carlinkit 5.0 if it is not functioning properly. If it works properly, it is recommended not to perform the update.
Only for CarPlay and Android Auto
The Carlinkit 5.0 makes it possible to expand the existing CarPlay or Android auto functionality with Bluetooth if it does not have it. So if your car supports CarPlay, but only wired, you can use the Carlinkit 5.0. This allows you to easily connect Bluetooth and always use CarPlay without hassle.It is therefore not the case that you can add CarPlay or Android auto to a car system that does not support the function thanks to this adapter.
Conclusion: Carlinkit 5.0 (2air)
The Carlinkit 5.0 (2air) does exactly what it should do: convert your car's wired CarPlay system into a wireless solution. You can use CarPlay via Bluetooth and you will no longer be bothered by cables. It's a solution to a luxury problem, but it works easier because CarPlay is always and automatically connected to your car. Ideal during a long trip on holiday or when you often travel by car.
The Carlinkit 5.0 is fast and offers the possibility to connect multiple iPhones so that everyone in the family can use the dongle. Unfortunately no official Apple MFI support, but thanks to the possibility of updates this does not seem to cause any problems.
Please note, you cannot add CarPlay to your car system with this adapter. It only ensures that you can connect wirelessly to the existing CarPlay/ Android Auto system that normally only works via cable.
- Works with CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Suitable for USB A and C (depending on the type of car).
- Compact size dongle.
- The connection between iPhone and the dongle is very stable and connects quickly.
Thanks: Guest written by Richard IJzermans
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