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One of the best features of iOS is CarPlay, this function allows us to connect our iPhone to the screen or car radio. The interface adapts to be able to use the maps, the telephone or our music application behind the wheel. CarPlay works in a very simple way: you just have to connect your iPhone to the compatible radio. Unfortunately the iPhone has to be connected with a cable. There is an option to use CarPlay wirelessly. So you can use it without any kind of cable between the radio and the iPhone.
In order to use Apple CarPlay with the iPhone wirelessly, you need to have the following devices. On the one hand, an Android radio with a screen that allows access to the browser. This is very important, since in order to connect the iPhone wirelessly we will need to download a file to the device. There are a lot of 2 Din car radio models . It is also necessary to purchase a receiver accessory, to serve as a bridge between the iPhone and the display radio.
Of course, these receivers are not cheap. At Amazon we can find different options, and they are usually around 90 euros. On Aliexpress there are also similar devices with a cheaper price. The most recommended is this one from Carlinkit. It can be purchased for 70 euros on Amazon or for 50 euros on Aliexpress.
Installing the wireless receiver in our car radio
This adapter connects to the car radio via USB. Once connected, enter the browser and enter this link: http://121.40.123.198:8080/AutoKit/AutoKit.apk. Download and install the application. Next, pair the receiver with your iPhone via Bluetooth. It is recommended that you deactivate the radio in case it is connected to your iPhone. Once the iPhone is connected to the receiver, the system will detect the device and launch CarPlay to the car screen. This process will be done automatically every time we start the car. Of course, as long as the device is activated and the Bluetooth synchronized.
The two steps you have to do to synchronize the receiver with your iPhone and activate CarPlay.
The CarPlay interface is the official one, so we can have all the compatible applications of our iPhone, as well as the contacts and messages. In the iPhone settings, in the CarPlay section, we can make different settings.
Are there other cheaper options for using CarPlay in the car? The Carlinkit brand adapter is the most recommended, although if you want to buy it on Amazon to have more guarantee, it has a very high price. The truth is that these devices have a fairly high price, and the cost is lower in those models that connect to the iPhone through a cable. In this online store we can also find other models, such as this receiver with a price of 100 euros, which also works with Android Auto. On Aliexpress there are also other options, such as this model, which is priced at 53 euros.
Works with Android Auto, but not wireless
If you don't have an iPhone, you should know that these devices also work with Android Auto, the Android car system. However, there is no option to connect them wirelessly. It has to be through a USB to USB C cable, like the one that comes in the box of our mobile. This cable connects to the bottom of the receiver and launches Android Auto on the car radio.
