Update: after two updates my mini is pretty fine and running w/o any issues. The airvents and new os leads to absolutely no overheat and always stable connection.
Yes, it’s not an upgrade. More of a low cost version of the original 3.0. And that’s their words not mine. Odd thing is it is being priced so close to the older version, for some regions it’s not cheaper at all.
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Which opel test it? I want to buy carlinkit 3.0 for my astra 2019 with navi pro and I want to know if works in my car
To improves sound latency, scans the QR code in the manual to go to the update page. Then click on setting and change the latency to 300 instead of 1000. The audio and video will be in sync.
The white plastic is aimed to make people think of Apple for sure (it is shaped like and AirPods case indeed). I think this is a mistake. Pretty much all car interiors are dark or even black, so you want such kind of component to be concealed or as discreet as possible, not to pop out of the tray saying "Whoohooo look at me guys I am a super little tiny box but very stylish, please notice me!"
Thank you for this review and your other reviews. I tried this one and wondering if you knew which audio setting is higher quality CD or DVD? I would assume CD quality is the best for audio but not sure how the manufacturer is thinking about it.
Hi please can you tell me if.i can plug the doggie in a power lead.instead of into the stereo? Will it get Bluetooth from doggie.been plugged in with power lead.
Thanks for watching. There has been a big update that updates it’s Web UI. The extra options are mostly to do with submitting your data to them for extra support. Otherwise they config options are much the same just differently laid out. You don’t need to alter any of the default settings, until you run in to performance or compatibility issues. Otherwise I would leave them alone.
You’ll hear/read way more negative reviews than positive on Amazon. I’m sure many ‘don’t work’ reviews are from cars that don’t have CarPlay as many people still think if they plug this is into any usb charging port, they get CarPlay. 🤷🏻♂️
Any idea on how to prevent the connection of my phone to this from disconnecting when I pass by a cell tower? I noticed this issue when I drove pass a cell tower many times.
That’s news to me. The dongle shouldn’t disconnect unless the tower is conflicting with your BT or WiFi signal. is it very cell tower or only specific ones. Have you tried testing a different iPhone?
@@CarPlayLife I do not have an extra iPhone but what I noticed is when I always pass through that road with a cell tower, my CarPlay connection is always interfered. I have not come close to any other towers. When I always pass that part of the road, I always say to myself “here we go again” 😄
@@ichanmrg That's such a shame. That tower must be emitting some powerful signals to knock out the wifi from your phone to the dongle. Maybe cook some eggs whilst you're at it. 😂
Yes, I was thinking about this recently. I do think it is something to do with the system or how CarPlay functions, rather than these dongles. If it was head related it would be so variable between cars and conditions. It's like this period is a timeout built into wireless CarPlay or Wi-Fi in general on the iPhone, or how the system it plugs into handles this. I honestly have no idea really
I think that would be unacceptable. So if it’s fine for factory it’s likely how these dongles function with the wired systems that’s plugged into them. Kinda like a system timeout 🤷🏻♂️
@@CarPlayLife I have an Alpine ILX-700, which is a 3rd-party although official CarPlay head unit in my car (wired) and I never experience any disconnection or system timeout in CarPlay.
@@fluxcapacitor I remember that system well, had it in my Audi TT. If you mean no crashing when using a wireless dongle with this system. Then that’s interesting. If wired then that has always been stable for me.
Hi! I just got one of these Calrlinkit Mini 3.0 and am wondering if you know if I can swap out the cable that comes with it for a USB-C to USB-C cable - and if so what the min USB type I should get would be for speeds?
Hi. I think anything will be better than what it comes with. Is it because you want a longer lead? Try looking for a 3.1 usb c lead if you want the best. Making sure it does data as well as charging. Usually this is mentioned in the images or description.
Nice review ! I have a Skoda Karoq 2020 with a wired CarPlay. I believe it’s for the MIB2 System. I see that the CarPlay cuts after 1 hour or so into the journey and the only way to get it to work is to restart the car. Wondering if it’s something you experienced too with your alpine ?
Do you need to have wifi on to connect? I have the Cairplay2 and I have to keep wifi on. Hoping this is just Bluetooth. Also how is the phone calls, mine has a bad delay.
Both BT and WiFi is require for CarPlay to operate with your iPhone. Call delay is also a trait of WiFi lag and there isn’t much you can do about that unfortunately. 😔
If I have the Baidu carlife system in my car, can it be linked with the carlinkit 3.0? I am from Ecuador also used to configure it and thus be able to use apple car play because I have an iphone?
I am not sure about these working on carlife systems. Maybe look around online to see if anyone else has used a dongle like this with a similar system.
Hi Anthony, happy 2022. I recently bought this device from Amazon. Do you have any idea why most of the times my audio from Spotify is not going through CarPlay to fix it sometimes have to unpaid from my car and then works fine. Or sometimes if Spotify is waiting to play the screen remains black? I have a seat Leon 2021 with wired CarPlay.
That’s an odd issue you have there. I would chalk that down as a compatibility issue with your vehicle. See if you can test the dongle on another CarPlay system and also try another iPhone running Spotify. I’ve never had this issue other than realising I had playback running on a remote device than using the iPhone setting on the playback panel (on the iPhone app, not on CarPlay).
Hey! Have the problem that after few minutes laying any music (independent if Spotify, Apple Music etc) the sound „jumps“ to mono … I have to reconnect to get again stereo sound …. Anyone same experience or good advice?
Are you able to connect to wireless carplay on these & the 3.0's for maps and still be able to output audio thru aux?? if yes, do the carplay music commands and screen still show the now playing and what not & you can control the music fully thru the car screen? Hope im explaining that correctly.
These need to be plugged into a CarPlay USB port. Not Aux or any other kind of connection. The car stereo system has to have an existing wired CarPlay compatibly for these to work with it.
Yes you do need CarPlay for mostly all dongles. To mirror your phone it depends on your existing stereo system and if it can be done natively without bolt ons. It’s likely it’s not possible without upgrading the stereo.
I guess on the mini it might. Wireless CarPlay only hits hard if your doing many things on the iPhone too. Such as navigation and streaming audio. The iPhone has to work harder alongside sending and receiving data to and from the iPhone. So wireless is good for short journeys of a couple of hours. Unless you use a wireless charger to get the best of both worlds.
Hi, i like your videos you post. Just wanna ask whats the best car apple player of all of them. As i wanna buy. And im confused about them. Let me know thanks
@@CarPlayLife Hi thank you for for replying yes I have factory stereo carplay Mercedes Benz Just I want to know what is the best one of them please thanks
In that case you’re out of luck because there is no dongle that magically turns an existing system into a CarPlay enabled one. You’ll have to replace the stereo or try a standalone display like these th-cam.com/play/PLysOHeJ5BkMjtEOXRVeCE3fruLXqmPr9B.html
Hi! Just got mine but I have a problem, The first time I sync my cell phone it works great, but after I turn off my vehicle and turn it back on, the carlinkit connects but the music applications do not play any sound u can see the song is reproducing but without any sound, I have to delete the iphone from carlinkit or reset it and re-sync the cell phone to make it work, do you know how to fix it? I currently have the latest firmware installed.
Hello! Could you test this with the iPhone 13 pro? 😄 Would be cool to see before i get the 13 pro in the mail. Haven't ordered a carplay thing yet. Got a 2021 Yaris GR. Any carplay recomendations? Would be cool to have Android so i can install tourque pro for live performance data via obd 2
Tested, works perfectly fine. Sorry I don't know about the Yaris. If you get it from Amazon you'll get easy returns if it doesn't work out for you. Android is nice, but its so very clunky in its operation IMO.
This Dongle is recommended for the Medias that are already compatible with wired carplay? Or the Medias that are Android and are not compatible with Carplay at all? I do need a dongle for the second option. Could you point out which one would be the best option?
So I have only one CarPlay dongle for Android OS head units from BROxiongdi - th-cam.com/video/CgRY4aZuQrs/w-d-xo.html - it works well. I hope to have a few new videos coming in a few weeks/months for Android Auto head units and possibly one more for Android OS units. But they have not turned up yet so I don't know when I'll have my review on these yet.
Buongiorno, provando a fare la procedura di aggiornamento da cell sull indirizzo ip 192.168.50.2 quando vado a cliccare check for update, mi restituisce un errore di rete. Sapete come risolvere? Ovviamente uso iphone, safari, con cell connesso a carplay con connessione 4g sul cell attiva.
No, you need one of the Android OS boxes to do that. Check out my MMB 9 and ApplePie Mini reviews. Have the new CarlinKit AI box review coming soon too.
It’s not that different. It’s just made to be sold cheaper so there are limitations of it over it’s bigger older brother. I recommend the 3.0 over the mini.
@@CarPlayLife got it. I was in an assumption that mini is more advanced in terms of manufacturing being able to fit same capabilities into smaller form factor with same performance if not better
@@ram-s-77 their words to me were it is basically a cheaper to manufacture product. Due to its size it might run different parts, but I can’t really tell any quality or speed differences.
No dongle will turn a non CarPlay system into one, unless the system runs an Android OS that can install apps like ZLink or AutoLink. The easiest option is something like the Coral Vision Pro Complete Console, shown here th-cam.com/video/wIJhNygov0o/w-d-xo.html Otherwise it’s installing a module unit for your existing modern touch input stereo (something I am not that knowledgable on) or installing an aftermarket unit or compatible OEM carplay stereo. The Coral system is plug and play and uses FM stereo or AUX for audio. Doesn’t need messy or costly installation.
It is not normal, but it is common. So I don't know if it is fixable, other than giving it as much ventilation as possible so it doesn't overheat.. You could also try going into the IP settings on the dongle.and adjusting the timings, you will get more lag in audio but it might be more stable and overheat less > last longer than 1hr before crashing.
@@CarPlayLife I am not really sure what cause this issue but I tried two different phones and after ~1h of use (Google Maps+Spotify) both of the phones became laggy to such an extent that I had to restart them. Not sure if a combination of wireless charging and wireless carplay or GG Maps (somebody had previously reported GG Maps use on wireless carplay freezes their iphones). But in short, the dongle is not meant to be used for trip longer than 1h.
@@sonnguyentang8558 That's pretty much these dongles and wireless carplay in a nutshell. It's great for those short journeys but beyond you can't beat a cable for stability and charging.
Hi, thanks for this review. I'm looking for a wireless dongle so between CarlinKit Mini 3.0 and the CarlinKit 3.0, I have to choose which one ? It's very similar ? The fiability will be same between both ? I don't want to buy it and have some issues after few months. Thanks again for your reviews
The mini can’t be updated as easily as the other 3.0 so I would go with the non mini version so you can use the USB port on it to update it should you be unable to connect to the dongle after a bad update. Quality has been very similar for me.
Yesterday I updated the mini, and when it was rebooting got stuck. Now it does not turn on with my 2 cars and changing the type c cable. Anyone knows how to flash it or do a hard reset to downgrade? i haven’t found anything on Google.
@@JST99 there is no way to do a hard reset with these dongles. There isn’t a fallback firmware. When you update, its flashing/replacing the original code on the chip with a new software. Interrupt this process and the dongle gets corrupt and now becomes an expensive paperweight. This is why updating is a risky process for these dongles.
Hi, thanks for the videos. I have a couple questions. Once setup, will this pair with a phone that is already on a home WiFi network? If two phones are setup and both phones are in the car at the same time, is there a way to select which phone to pair?
It will overtake from your home WiFi once BT is connected it will switch to WiFi for CarPlay from your iPhone. This particular dongle has a menu setting that you can tell it not to pair automatically. So instead you will see a list of paired iPhones that you can select to connect. This means your boot up will be longer as the dongle will be sitting there waiting for your choice of iPhone to connect to.
@@CarPlayLife my replacement worked and updated fine. Don’t know if it is just me but the quality sounds better and it’s more responsive I have the bang and olufsen sound system. No skips or anything.
Bought one of those on Aliexpress. My car is a Hyundai HB20 and I’m having problems using it. I think it was a waste of money because sometimes it works, sometimes not, there’s no solution on the internet and I’ve tried many ways to make it work. I think I can’t return because it’s been more than 15 days that I got it.
@@CarPlayLife yes, have also tried downgrading, resetting and changing settings. I decided not to change any settings again because it seems to get even worse.
@@MohamedAbdulkhalek none of these work unless you have a wired CarPlay system already. If it’s android system that can install android apk apps then you have an option with a similar dongle that’s for android head units.
The pro is the price! Agree! I wonder how we’ll be able to unbrick these without a USB port? Everything else is similar. They did release a firmware update at the end of august to deal with overheating of the mini and 3.0. Wonder if that helps with anything.
It turns out that very early batches of this dongle isn’t able to update to this august firmware. I tried it. Luckily I took enough boot up footage before I did, as my update failed and I could not connect to its WiFi SSID to activate the update. Resulting in a bricked dongle, that could have easily been rolled back if it had a USB port to flash it. Speaking with CarLinkit about this they said: “A small part of Mini dongle will encounter this problem and cannot be activated by uploading the log for the time being; this should not happen again in the future; Because what you received is the first batch of brand-new products produced, the product has not been verified by a large amount of market data, but now this problem will not appear in subsequent products” So I am being sent another one, as this first sample isn’t fixable 🤦🏻♂️ I asked if there is a way to tell if anyone has one of these early dongles but I didn’t get a response. If anyone reads this and has the same issue I suggest you return it if you can or contact them to replace it. It’s a known issue. TLDR: if you bought this mini a few weeks ago or first batch off Amazon. Don’t update.
I subscribed to your channel but I feel like to understand your review it takes ages for you to highlight key features and if you structured your videos to have the main parts of the review up front it would be much better For example: Runs on only Android screens or all OEM screens Does it have wifi 5ghz? Is it wireless carplay only or also Android system This is just my feedback so your videos will be much more informative
@@CarPlayLife thanks bro love your videos but knowing that information is key because I don't have an Android screens in my car and I'm waiting for the perfect Android box that works on my OEM screen with wireless carplay that works on 5ghz and has Netflix and the whole 9 yards because most these boxes aren't cheap and I want one that works perfecyly
@@CarPlayLife Thanks, I've contacted the support and the advice was to reset the car's entertainment unit fixed it. Seems to be working, for now. Now to figure out the firmware update.
I’ve seen a few of your review of these dongles so far, and basically they all have huge limitations. They will crash after ~ 1hr, you can’t use them for phone calls, they all take over 20 seconds to connect. So really not worth the money !? In that way thanks for doing the videos! Are you sponsored by the companies to review the products?
No none of these dongles have been sponsored. If they are, you’ll know about it with the product placement flag. Product samples are usually supplied for free, and I earn affiliate commission on all links in my videos, not just these dongles. This does not cost anyone more $ for clicking on them and buying something, but it does help a lot in allowing me to keep reviewing products on this channel and telling you what I think of them. These dongles are great for the more common shorter journey. Unless you live in the car or are a seasoned traveler you will rarely notice the crashing of these dongles and a large portion of at least my journeys are less than the time it takes for these to crash out on me. So for short trips, wireless CarPlay is a great convenience device. Worth the money? Probably not for the price they cost to make, unless you can get one for
@@CarPlayLife everything it's an app today :D so my question is, if this dungle has their own application or is actually using the software from apple, because I see that you can use more apps than the regular apple carplay.
I think your mixing this wireless dongle with the AI Box dongles that run Android OS on a CarPlay system. These allow you to run android apps on the display. They are basically tiny android os computers.
do not buy this model without extra usb input, after updating it damages the product and there is no way to reverse firmware !!! technical support is also not willing to solve the problem !!!
Android какой-то урезанный не даёт возможности подстроить под свои потребности. Интерфейс только английский. GPS слабенький часто теряется. Быстро загружается и это хорошо.
Update: after two updates my mini is pretty fine and running w/o any issues. The airvents and new os leads to absolutely no overheat and always stable connection.
Yes, it’s not an upgrade. More of a low cost version of the original 3.0. And that’s their words not mine. Odd thing is it is being priced so close to the older version, for some regions it’s not cheaper at all.
Which opel test it? I want to buy carlinkit 3.0 for my astra 2019 with navi pro and I want to know if works in my car
@ i do have an opel astra k 2018 with navi 900. both are working, but i would prefer the older, bigger Carlinkit 3.0
@@CarPlayLife which one shall i get the mini or the original ? porsche cayenne 2020
@@6shaker6 try the original. It has more options to update it etc.
To improves sound latency, scans the QR code in the manual to go to the update page. Then click on setting and change the latency to 300 instead of 1000. The audio and video will be in sync.
Usually that low brings out audio stuttering, but I’ll try it with this dongle and see. Thanks
Did it really work for u?
Thank You. You pointed out something important because I have a Alpine radio an I thought it was an issue with Alpine or the Carlink. Thanks Again
Glad it helped and thanks for watching
The white plastic is aimed to make people think of Apple for sure (it is shaped like and AirPods case indeed). I think this is a mistake. Pretty much all car interiors are dark or even black, so you want such kind of component to be concealed or as discreet as possible, not to pop out of the tray saying "Whoohooo look at me guys I am a super little tiny box but very stylish, please notice me!"
As long as they won't killing the "normal" Carlinkit it's just an neat addon.
Good point. Most ports are in center consoles, but there are many that done and for that reason, yes, white will stand out in the car interior.
Any idea why Carlinkit is promoting a "new" 2022 version which looks pretty same?
Their usual marketing antics 🤦🏻♂️
@@CarPlayLife ok, same as i thought. Thanks.
Thank you for this review and your other reviews. I tried this one and wondering if you knew which audio setting is higher quality CD or DVD? I would assume CD quality is the best for audio but not sure how the manufacturer is thinking about it.
Thanks for watching. DVD is the higher quality setting, apparently :)
Hi please can you tell me if.i can plug the doggie in a power lead.instead of into the stereo? Will it get Bluetooth from doggie.been plugged in with power lead.
It needs to communicate via a CarPlay port. If you don’t have CarPlay it won’t work on your system.
Great video did you change any of the settings ? There’s a lot after update
Thanks for watching. There has been a big update that updates it’s Web UI. The extra options are mostly to do with submitting your data to them for extra support. Otherwise they config options are much the same just differently laid out. You don’t need to alter any of the default settings, until you run in to performance or compatibility issues. Otherwise I would leave them alone.
I was about to buy this based on this video, but the reviews on Amazon are terrible
You’ll hear/read way more negative reviews than positive on Amazon. I’m sure many ‘don’t work’ reviews are from cars that don’t have CarPlay as many people still think if they plug this is into any usb charging port, they get CarPlay. 🤷🏻♂️
Any idea on how to prevent the connection of my phone to this from disconnecting when I pass by a cell tower? I noticed this issue when I drove pass a cell tower many times.
That’s news to me. The dongle shouldn’t disconnect unless the tower is conflicting with your BT or WiFi signal. is it very cell tower or only specific ones. Have you tried testing a different iPhone?
@@CarPlayLife I do not have an extra iPhone but what I noticed is when I always pass through that road with a cell tower, my CarPlay connection is always interfered. I have not come close to any other towers. When I always pass that part of the road, I always say to myself “here we go again” 😄
@@ichanmrg That's such a shame. That tower must be emitting some powerful signals to knock out the wifi from your phone to the dongle. Maybe cook some eggs whilst you're at it. 😂
Is there any wireless CarPlay dongle that would NOT reboot after 1.5 hours? I really do hate when it does that?
Yes, I was thinking about this recently.
I do think it is something to do with the system or how CarPlay functions, rather than these dongles. If it was head related it would be so variable between cars and conditions. It's like this period is a timeout built into wireless CarPlay or Wi-Fi in general on the iPhone, or how the system it plugs into handles this. I honestly have no idea really
@@CarPlayLife Wait… does the system disconnects and reboots after 1.5 hour for cars that have built-in Wireless CarPlay too?
I think that would be unacceptable. So if it’s fine for factory it’s likely how these dongles function with the wired systems that’s plugged into them. Kinda like a system timeout 🤷🏻♂️
@@CarPlayLife I have an Alpine ILX-700, which is a 3rd-party although official CarPlay head unit in my car (wired) and I never experience any disconnection or system timeout in CarPlay.
@@fluxcapacitor I remember that system well, had it in my Audi TT. If you mean no crashing when using a wireless dongle with this system. Then that’s interesting. If wired then that has always been stable for me.
Hi! I just got one of these Calrlinkit Mini 3.0 and am wondering if you know if I can swap out the cable that comes with it for a USB-C to USB-C cable - and if so what the min USB type I should get would be for speeds?
Hi. I think anything will be better than what it comes with. Is it because you want a longer lead? Try looking for a 3.1 usb c lead if you want the best. Making sure it does data as well as charging. Usually this is mentioned in the images or description.
@@CarPlayLife will do. Thanks for the reply!
Nice review !
I have a Skoda Karoq 2020 with a wired CarPlay.
I believe it’s for the MIB2 System. I see that the CarPlay cuts after 1 hour or so into the journey and the only way to get it to work is to restart the car. Wondering if it’s something you experienced too with your alpine ?
Yup. Pretty much all the dongles last around 1-2 hours before crashing 🤷🏻♂️
@@CarPlayLife hi thanks for getting back.
I meant the wired version. For it usually crashes after an hour.
Hi carplaylife, for heat management is thr original 3.0 or mini better?
The original with its bigger casing should run cooler than the mini. The mini did get some updates to make it run less hot.
Do you need to have wifi on to connect? I have the Cairplay2 and I have to keep wifi on. Hoping this is just Bluetooth. Also how is the phone calls, mine has a bad delay.
Both BT and WiFi is require for CarPlay to operate with your iPhone. Call delay is also a trait of WiFi lag and there isn’t much you can do about that unfortunately. 😔
Anyone using this (or any other wireless carplay adapter) with a Volvo with the Sensus screen? Mine's a 2020 XC90 fwiw.
If I have the Baidu carlife system in my car, can it be linked with the carlinkit 3.0? I am from Ecuador also used to configure it and thus be able to use apple car play because I have an iphone?
I am not sure about these working on carlife systems. Maybe look around online to see if anyone else has used a dongle like this with a similar system.
I updated sw to may release in Europe and it stopped connecting automatically
I reverted sw back to Jan one and now it does not even connect
Sorry to hear that. Best reach out to their support team for help on this.
does your radio unit need apple carplay compatibility for this to work? my current radio unit has a usb port..
Yes you need CarPlay enabled on your system
Have you tried the mini2?
It’s the same as the first one apparently just in a different casing. Nothing is different I’ve been told.
@@CarPlayLife ahh okay, thanks.
Hi Anthony, happy 2022. I recently bought this device from Amazon. Do you have any idea why most of the times my audio from Spotify is not going through CarPlay to fix it sometimes have to unpaid from my car and then works fine. Or sometimes if Spotify is waiting to play the screen remains black? I have a seat Leon 2021 with wired CarPlay.
That’s an odd issue you have there. I would chalk that down as a compatibility issue with your vehicle. See if you can test the dongle on another CarPlay system and also try another iPhone running Spotify. I’ve never had this issue other than realising I had playback running on a remote device than using the iPhone setting on the playback panel (on the iPhone app, not on CarPlay).
Hi, I am unable to use HondaLink while using the dongle. Is that standard or am I doing something wrong?
Honda Civic Sport 2019
Carlinkit 3.0
Sorry I do not know anything about this in Hondas
Hey! Have the problem that after few minutes laying any music (independent if Spotify, Apple Music etc) the sound „jumps“ to mono … I have to reconnect to get again stereo sound …. Anyone same experience or good advice?
Are you able to connect to wireless carplay on these & the 3.0's for maps and still be able to output audio thru aux?? if yes, do the carplay music commands and screen still show the now playing and what not & you can control the music fully thru the car screen? Hope im explaining that correctly.
These need to be plugged into a CarPlay USB port. Not Aux or any other kind of connection. The car stereo system has to have an existing wired CarPlay compatibly for these to work with it.
@@CarPlayLife you’re not able to plug them into android tablets & install the existing app by scanning that qr code on the red menu???
@@gster109 no it needs CarPlay system to work with it. For tablet use you’ll need an android specific dongle that works with an installed app.
Did the regular 3.0 check out after an hour as well?
Yes that one tops out around 2-3hours, or less if you’re unlucky
hey what about airplay is it allowed to send Netflix or TH-cam video to screen on car?
No video streaming on this dongle. Only android dongles allow this.
Do you need apple car play to use this? If its yes what can i use to able to mirror my phone to my car?
Yes you do need CarPlay for mostly all dongles. To mirror your phone it depends on your existing stereo system and if it can be done natively without bolt ons. It’s likely it’s not possible without upgrading the stereo.
Any idea on how to fix the hardware error for this device? There is no USB-A port for this device so how to flash a firmware for this?
You will have to contact support or try plugging it into a powered wall socket and see if a WiFi profile comes up for the dongle.
does it drain the iphones battery fast when in use ? Im on 12 mini and i heard that the wireless option hits hard on the battery.
I guess on the mini it might. Wireless CarPlay only hits hard if your doing many things on the iPhone too. Such as navigation and streaming audio. The iPhone has to work harder alongside sending and receiving data to and from the iPhone. So wireless is good for short journeys of a couple of hours. Unless you use a wireless charger to get the best of both worlds.
What’s the point in these wireless dongles if they ALL crash due to heat after 90 minutes? Some of my journeys are 3 or 4 hours long.
Some don’t crash as frequently, some crash due to conflicting signals nearby that also knock out the wireless RF connection.
Hi, i like your videos you post. Just wanna ask whats the best car apple player of all of them. As i wanna buy. And im confused about them. Let me know thanks
Do you have a wired CarPlay enabled stereo? You need that first for these to work with it.
@@CarPlayLife Hi thank you for for replying yes I have factory stereo carplay Mercedes Benz Just I want to know what is the best one of them please thanks
I’d try the Ottocast U2-now from Amazon and see if that works first amzn.to/3f3LzZl easy returns if it does not work.
@@CarPlayLife thank you very much
Hi have a 2016 xf jaguar ,can you tell me the best dongle to buy please,I get that one and it didn’t work
I assume the jag has CarPlay already?
No ,it doesn’t have CarPlay, am looking for dongle what can work for my jaguar
In that case you’re out of luck because there is no dongle that magically turns an existing system into a CarPlay enabled one. You’ll have to replace the stereo or try a standalone display like these th-cam.com/play/PLysOHeJ5BkMjtEOXRVeCE3fruLXqmPr9B.html
Hi! Just got mine but I have a problem, The first time I sync my cell phone it works great, but after I turn off my vehicle and turn it back on, the carlinkit connects but the music applications do not play any sound u can see the song is reproducing but without any sound, I have to delete the iphone from carlinkit or reset it and re-sync the cell phone to make it work, do you know how to fix it? I currently have the latest firmware installed.
Not sure on that one. Try the browser based settings menu and play with the start up delay. It might be initialising to fast.
Hello! Could you test this with the iPhone 13 pro? 😄 Would be cool to see before i get the 13 pro in the mail. Haven't ordered a carplay thing yet.
Got a 2021 Yaris GR. Any carplay recomendations?
Would be cool to have Android so i can install tourque pro for live performance data via obd 2
Tested, works perfectly fine. Sorry I don't know about the Yaris. If you get it from Amazon you'll get easy returns if it doesn't work out for you. Android is nice, but its so very clunky in its operation IMO.
This Dongle is recommended for the Medias that are already compatible with wired carplay? Or the Medias that are Android and are not compatible with Carplay at all? I do need a dongle for the second option. Could you point out which one would be the best option?
Sounds like you need a wireless CarPlay dongle for Android OS headunits. Or do you mean wired android auto only head unit?
@@CarPlayLife Exactly, a dongle for Android head units. Do you have a video review of one of those? Thank you very much
So I have only one CarPlay dongle for Android OS head units from BROxiongdi - th-cam.com/video/CgRY4aZuQrs/w-d-xo.html - it works well. I hope to have a few new videos coming in a few weeks/months for Android Auto head units and possibly one more for Android OS units. But they have not turned up yet so I don't know when I'll have my review on these yet.
Will it work in a 2020 f 150 ford with wired CarPlay?
I thing it should, but best check with them directly, or take the punt, buy from Amazon, and if it doesn't work you have easy returns.
Hi, i ve just got one, and it doesn’t let the microphone use siri and calls can some one help?
Are their any OTA updates for the dongle?
does it work on porsche cayene coupe 2020 ?
possibly, as long as it has a wired CarPlay system.
I’ve had two of the 2.0’s and both of them crapped out after two months. How nuts would I be to buy this?
A little crazy considering you can’t update it manually. I would go with the 3.0 for that ability should an update tank on you.
Buongiorno, provando a fare la procedura di aggiornamento da cell sull indirizzo ip 192.168.50.2 quando vado a cliccare check for update, mi restituisce un errore di rete. Sapete come risolvere? Ovviamente uso iphone, safari, con cell connesso a carplay con connessione 4g sul cell attiva.
My car dosnt have usb port connected to the headunit do i need one or only usb to power the device and it connects to headunit via Bluetooth?
These only work with wired Apple CarPlay afterwords/systems. So if you don’t have a CarPlay USB port to plug it into these dongles will not work.
@@CarPlayLife thanks for the fast reply , you sure saved me money i was just gonna buy it hehe
@@Iza90bela 😂 glad to have helped
Do you think now it's the best time to get carlinkit mini3.0? On amazon it's 58.99 and the original carlinkit 3.0 is 70
If you are happy to only have updates OTA and have no way to recover the dongle if it has an error, the mini is the one to pick up.
@@CarPlayLife got my hands on it yesterday, the music would randomly stopped and the screen would start to fade away, any idea of what’s going on
Dongle price
In the video 😉
My car Honda Civic EX 2003 but I changed the stereo to a pioneer touch 7 inches screen
IT THIS PRODUCT HORKS ON MY STEREO
As long as it does wired CarPlay it should work with the pioneer.
does this version release access to youtube and netflix on carplay?
No, you need one of the Android OS boxes to do that. Check out my MMB 9 and ApplePie Mini reviews. Have the new CarlinKit AI box review coming soon too.
so generally it is no use for android phones .. right??
Nope. CarPlay and iPhone only
How do you compare this to the 3.0 regular size one. How fast is this comparing to the other
It’s not that different. It’s just made to be sold cheaper so there are limitations of it over it’s bigger older brother. I recommend the 3.0 over the mini.
@@CarPlayLife got it. I was in an assumption that mini is more advanced in terms of manufacturing being able to fit same capabilities into smaller form factor with same performance if not better
@@ram-s-77 their words to me were it is basically a cheaper to manufacture product. Due to its size it might run different parts, but I can’t really tell any quality or speed differences.
Will this work on a 2014 Mercedes E350?
Sorry I can’t say but as it can be bought from Amazon you get easy returns if it doesn’t work.
What is the best product if you car absolutly no have any factory carplay system ? I mean this product not work right ?
No dongle will turn a non CarPlay system into one, unless the system runs an Android OS that can install apps like ZLink or AutoLink.
The easiest option is something like the Coral Vision Pro Complete Console, shown here th-cam.com/video/wIJhNygov0o/w-d-xo.html
Otherwise it’s installing a module unit for your existing modern touch input stereo (something I am not that knowledgable on) or installing an aftermarket unit or compatible OEM carplay stereo.
The Coral system is plug and play and uses FM stereo or AUX for audio. Doesn’t need messy or costly installation.
@@CarPlayLife and what is my option if my system not an Android OS head unit ?
@@CarPlayLife Thank you so much for your quick answer !
Helped a lot !
can it share screen via AirDrop?
No just CarPlay
Will the CarlinKit Mini 3.0 work with Android CarPlay?
If you mean though a CarPlay app on android headunit, it could be possible
Hi, is it normal that the iphone freezes after ~ 1h use with this dongle? If it is so, how to fix this? Many thanks
It is not normal, but it is common. So I don't know if it is fixable, other than giving it as much ventilation as possible so it doesn't overheat.. You could also try going into the IP settings on the dongle.and adjusting the timings, you will get more lag in audio but it might be more stable and overheat less > last longer than 1hr before crashing.
@@CarPlayLife I am not really sure what cause this issue but I tried two different phones and after ~1h of use (Google Maps+Spotify) both of the phones became laggy to such an extent that I had to restart them. Not sure if a combination of wireless charging and wireless carplay or GG Maps (somebody had previously reported GG Maps use on wireless carplay freezes their iphones). But in short, the dongle is not meant to be used for trip longer than 1h.
@@sonnguyentang8558 That's pretty much these dongles and wireless carplay in a nutshell. It's great for those short journeys but beyond you can't beat a cable for stability and charging.
Hi, thanks for this review.
I'm looking for a wireless dongle so between CarlinKit Mini 3.0 and the CarlinKit 3.0, I have to choose which one ? It's very similar ? The fiability will be same between both ?
I don't want to buy it and have some issues after few months. Thanks again for your reviews
The mini can’t be updated as easily as the other 3.0 so I would go with the non mini version so you can use the USB port on it to update it should you be unable to connect to the dongle after a bad update.
Quality has been very similar for me.
@@CarPlayLife the mini can be updated only over the air thats right ?
@@ilyessm6720 yes that correct, and it will only do that if you can get connected to it.
Yesterday I updated the mini, and when it was rebooting got stuck. Now it does not turn on with my 2 cars and changing the type c cable. Anyone knows how to flash it or do a hard reset to downgrade? i haven’t found anything on Google.
Do any lights come up on the dongle when it’s plugged into a powered USB port? If not it might not be possible
@@CarPlayLife NO. Does not turn on any lights when it’s plugged. How to do a hard reset?
@@JST99 there is no way to do a hard reset with these dongles. There isn’t a fallback firmware. When you update, its flashing/replacing the original code on the chip with a new software. Interrupt this process and the dongle gets corrupt and now becomes an expensive paperweight. This is why updating is a risky process for these dongles.
Can you find and do a video on a android auto unit.
Do you mean carplay for android auto only systems?
@@CarPlayLife probably he want to connect android phone on his unit - like me ;) i have VW and android phone
@@CarPlayLife yes I have a 2019 mustang and use an android phone and love the android auto but hate the cable.
Will this unit work with android auto
No this is CarPlay only
Hi, thanks for the videos. I have a couple questions.
Once setup, will this pair with a phone that is already on a home WiFi network?
If two phones are setup and both phones are in the car at the same time, is there a way to select which phone to pair?
It will overtake from your home WiFi once BT is connected it will switch to WiFi for CarPlay from your iPhone.
This particular dongle has a menu setting that you can tell it not to pair automatically. So instead you will see a list of paired iPhones that you can select to connect. This means your boot up will be longer as the dongle will be sitting there waiting for your choice of iPhone to connect to.
@@CarPlayLife thanks!
You can take a look at our link, with few video: www.amazon.com/dp/B099DD2GMW?ref=myi_title_dp
I can’t update mine, there is only a white screen. I had to return mine
A white screen? That’s new to me. What vehicle was this in?
@@CarPlayLife my replacement worked and updated fine. Don’t know if it is just me but the quality sounds better and it’s more responsive I have the bang and olufsen sound system. No skips or anything.
@@DanielGuzman83 That's great news! Glad it all worked out well for you.
Bought one of those on Aliexpress. My car is a Hyundai HB20 and I’m having problems using it. I think it was a waste of money because sometimes it works, sometimes not, there’s no solution on the internet and I’ve tried many ways to make it work. I think I can’t return because it’s been more than 15 days that I got it.
Have you tried updating it when it works?
@@CarPlayLife yes, have also tried downgrading, resetting and changing settings. I decided not to change any settings again because it seems to get even worse.
@@thiaggosouza870 oh ok. Sorry to hear that. It looks like you’ve tried all that I would have suggested. 😔
@@CarPlayLifeThank you, I hope they fix it in some update soon.
Does it need you to have an android unit installed on the screen
No but you need a CarPlay headunit or factory system
@@CarPlayLife i dont have carplay from the factory but i have the factory system
@@MohamedAbdulkhalek none of these work unless you have a wired CarPlay system already. If it’s android system that can install android apk apps then you have an option with a similar dongle that’s for android head units.
@@CarPlayLife so if bought the carlinkit android box the i can have apple carplay right ?
@@MohamedAbdulkhalek yes it also does wireless CarPlay and android auto through an android app
The pro is the price! Agree! I wonder how we’ll be able to unbrick these without a USB port? Everything else is similar. They did release a firmware update at the end of august to deal with overheating of the mini and 3.0. Wonder if that helps with anything.
It turns out that very early batches of this dongle isn’t able to update to this august firmware. I tried it. Luckily I took enough boot up footage before I did, as my update failed and I could not connect to its WiFi SSID to activate the update. Resulting in a bricked dongle, that could have easily been rolled back if it had a USB port to flash it.
Speaking with CarLinkit about this they said:
“A small part of Mini dongle will encounter this problem and cannot be activated by uploading the log for the time being; this should not happen again in the future;
Because what you received is the first batch of brand-new products produced, the product has not been verified by a large amount of market data, but now this problem will not appear in subsequent products”
So I am being sent another one, as this first sample isn’t fixable 🤦🏻♂️ I asked if there is a way to tell if anyone has one of these early dongles but I didn’t get a response. If anyone reads this and has the same issue I suggest you return it if you can or contact them to replace it. It’s a known issue.
TLDR: if you bought this mini a few weeks ago or first batch off Amazon. Don’t update.
@@CarPlayLife thanks for sharing that info.
I subscribed to your channel but I feel like to understand your review it takes ages for you to highlight key features and if you structured your videos to have the main parts of the review up front it would be much better
For example:
Runs on only Android screens or all OEM screens
Does it have wifi 5ghz? Is it wireless carplay only or also Android system
This is just my feedback so your videos will be much more informative
Thanks for watching and subscribing. I’ll take this feedback onboard 😊
@@CarPlayLife thanks bro love your videos but knowing that information is key because I don't have an Android screens in my car and I'm waiting for the perfect Android box that works on my OEM screen with wireless carplay that works on 5ghz and has Netflix and the whole 9 yards because most these boxes aren't cheap and I want one that works perfecyly
It doesn't seem to work with an Hyundai Ioniq 5. Just get a red light with nothing happening on the screen.
Does it have a wired CarPlay stereo already? If so best contact their support for any next steps. Or if in your return window, return it.
@@CarPlayLife Thanks, I've contacted the support and the advice was to reset the car's entertainment unit fixed it. Seems to be working, for now. Now to figure out the firmware update.
Glad to hear it
Where can I buy it?
Link to buy is in the video description above
I’ve seen a few of your review of these dongles so far, and basically they all have huge limitations. They will crash after ~ 1hr, you can’t use them for phone calls, they all take over 20 seconds to connect. So really not worth the money !? In that way thanks for doing the videos! Are you sponsored by the companies to review the products?
No none of these dongles have been sponsored. If they are, you’ll know about it with the product placement flag.
Product samples are usually supplied for free, and I earn affiliate commission on all links in my videos, not just these dongles. This does not cost anyone more $ for clicking on them and buying something, but it does help a lot in allowing me to keep reviewing products on this channel and telling you what I think of them.
These dongles are great for the more common shorter journey. Unless you live in the car or are a seasoned traveler you will rarely notice the crashing of these dongles and a large portion of at least my journeys are less than the time it takes for these to crash out on me.
So for short trips, wireless CarPlay is a great convenience device. Worth the money? Probably not for the price they cost to make, unless you can get one for
The carplay app it's something generic created by this guys?
No idea what you mean. Sorry. There is no CarPlay app.
@@CarPlayLife everything it's an app today :D so my question is, if this dungle has their own application or is actually using the software from apple, because I see that you can use more apps than the regular apple carplay.
I think your mixing this wireless dongle with the AI Box dongles that run Android OS on a CarPlay system. These allow you to run android apps on the display. They are basically tiny android os computers.
@@CarPlayLife oohh, that response my question, thanks!
Countdown to Black Friday!!!
The lowest price of the year!!!
do not buy this model without extra usb input, after updating it damages the product and there is no way to reverse firmware !!! technical support is also not willing to solve the problem !!!
Sorry to hear that. Yes this is a major flaw with most dongles without a second USB port
Android какой-то урезанный не даёт возможности подстроить под свои потребности. Интерфейс только английский. GPS слабенький часто теряется. Быстро загружается и это хорошо.
Yes it is fast, but there are better adapters out there now.
Its just garbage does not work and connect properly. Just bought from amazon 1 month ago.
That’s unfortunate. What vehicle make and model please?