Wireless Android Auto – in 2024, it’s finally easy

For decades, automakers and audio-video developers working with automakers have been developing their own styles of devices and their interfaces. Especially in the “button” era, it was hard to confuse Alpine with Blaupunkt or Pioneer. But the fashion for large screens reached cars even faster than phones, so in the 2000s, “radios” turned into “infotainment” systems that physically look just like a screen on a torpedo. All the magic happens inside, and here reviewers and buyers have long since come across the fact that even vast experience in developing cars or traditional multimedia systems does not help to create a high-quality computer system. There are many questions about both the interfaces and functionality of infotainment systems of various brands, especially in more complex features such as navigation. Not to mention the fact that when you move from one car to another, you need to learn all this all over again. And that’s where classic big tech came in.

In the 2010s, when smartphones became the main device in a modern person’s life through which information is consumed, and Apple and Google accounts began to be used en masse to access popular services, both companies almost simultaneously offered to connect smartphones and cars in the “right” way using Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto. However, the actual connection was made via a USB cable. On the one hand, this is convenient, because the smartphone is simultaneously charging and can work indefinitely in this mode. But, on the other hand, it requires conscious manipulations every time to get Android Auto to work. And, for example, disconnecting the phone (and, accordingly, the entire system) if you need to pay via NFC in a McDrive… It gets absurd: many cars are equipped with wireless chargers, but there’s no point in using them because the smartphone is connected via USB for CarPlay or Android Auto.

As of 2024, this problem has already begun to be solved at the level of the cars themselves, which are being updated to support the wireless version of Android Auto – but the list is still small and includes primarily premium cars of recent years. For everyone else, whose car only supports the traditional wired connection of a smartphone, third-party adapters should help. The author has been following the topic since 2018, but for a very long time, such adapters brought more complications than convenience. And now, finally, we can state that it has become easy and cheap to get wireless Android Auto! But let’s take everything in order.

What is Android Auto?

Android Auto is an interface developed by Google that allows you to display information from an Android smartphone on a car’s display. It does not project the screen directly, but in a form optimized for use while driving. This allows drivers to use navigation, listen to music, respond to messages, and make calls with minimal distraction from the road. The system was introduced in 2014 and has been continuously improved since then.

Android Auto works on the principle of projection: all calculations are performed on the smartphone, and a specially adapted interface is displayed on the car screen. This means that the driver gets access to their apps and data (allowed in the car). For example, you no longer need to copy music to listen to in the car via a USB drive if you have a Spotify or YouTube Music account. One of the key features of Android Auto is integration with Google Assistant. This allows drivers to control many functions using voice commands, which significantly increases safety on the road. You can ask the assistant to plot a route, send a message, make a call, or even control your smart home without taking your hands off the wheel. The system supports a wide range of applications optimized for use in a car. Among them are navigation services (Google Maps, Waze), music applications (Spotify, YouTube Music), messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), and many others. All of these apps have a simplified interface with large buttons and clear fonts, making them easy to use while driving.

Another advantage of Android Auto is that after a single introduction to the system, it provides a familiar and intuitive interface, regardless of the car brand. This means that a driver can move from one car to another and immediately start using familiar applications and functions. In addition, Android Auto is constantly updated, adding new features and improving existing ones, unlike built-in car systems that often become outdated after a few years. It is important to note that Android Auto does not replace the standard car infotainment system, but complements it. The driver can always switch back to the standard car interface if the need arises. This makes the system flexible and convenient for different usage scenarios. With each update, Android Auto becomes more functional and convenient. For example, the latest versions support a split screen, which allows you to see the navigation map and control music at the same time. Also, support for wireless connection in some car models has been added, which makes using the system even more comfortable.

Wireless Android Auto: freedom without cables

Wireless Android Auto is the next step in the evolution of this technology. It allows you to connect your smartphone to the car system without using a USB cable, using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth instead. The initial connection is established via Bluetooth, which is used to “wake up” the Wi-Fi module in the car. After that, all data is transmitted via Wi-Fi, which provides sufficient bandwidth to transmit audio, video, and other data without delays. The main advantage of Wireless Android Auto (the official name of the technology) is convenience. You don’t need to take out your phone and connect it with a cable every time – the system automatically establishes a connection when the driver gets into the car. This is especially useful for short trips when constantly connecting and disconnecting the cable can be inconvenient. In addition, a wireless connection reduces wear and tear on the USB port of your phone and car, which can extend their lifespan. It also allows you to keep your phone in a more convenient location, such as a wireless charger if your car has one.

For Android Auto wireless to work, the car must have a built-in Wi-Fi module, as Bluetooth does not have enough bandwidth to transmit all the necessary data. It is important to note that a wireless connection consumes more power than a wired connection. This can be a problem on long trips, especially if you don’t have a wireless charger in your car. Therefore, for long trips, it may still be advisable to use a wired connection that charges your phone at the same time. Another caveat is that the quality of the connection may depend on various factors, such as the phone model, Android version, the presence of other active Bluetooth devices in the car, etc. In some cases, there may be delays or interruptions in the connection, although stability improves with each system update. Despite these limitations, Android Auto Wireless is becoming increasingly popular. Many car manufacturers are including support for this feature in their new models, and Google is constantly working to improve the stability and functionality of the system.

Alternatives for organizing wireless Android Auto

Just because your car doesn’t support Android Auto wireless doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of this technology. There are special adapters on the market that allow you to add wireless connectivity to any car that supports wired Android Auto. These devices connect to the car’s USB port and create a wireless bridge between the smartphone and the infotainment system. The principle of operation of such adapters is quite simple: from the car’s point of view, they emulate a smartphone connection via USB, but instead of a physical connection from the smartphone’s point of view, they use Wi-Fi. This allows you to circumvent the limitations of car systems that do not have built-in support for Android Auto Wireless.

One of the first and most popular devices in this category was AAWireless. This compact adapter, developed by enthusiasts and funded through crowdfunding, quickly gained popularity among Android Auto users. AAWireless is characterized by high compatibility with various car and smartphone models, as well as constantly updated software that improves stability and adds new features.

Another well-known option is the Motorola MA1. This adapter, developed by Motorola, has received official certification from Google.

In addition to these two most well-known options, there are more and more alternative adapters from different manufacturers on the market. Some of them offer additional features, such as support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, or the ability to configure them through a special app on your smartphone. The adapters are universal, meaning they are compatible with a wide range of cars and smartphones. This makes them a good solution for those who frequently change cars, for example, rent them. Another advantage is the ease of installation. They can be easily connected and disconnected as needed. It’s also important to note that many adapters support software updates, which allows you to improve their performance and add new features over time. However, it’s worth noting that using third-party adapters can have some disadvantages. For example, they can create an additional delay when connecting or consume power even when the car is turned off (although most modern adapters have an automatic shutdown function). In addition, some users report problems with compatibility with certain car models or smartphones – everything needs to be tested individually, as it is impossible to describe all possible combinations.

CarlinKit Carbon Pro review

One of the cheapest devices available in Ukraine for adding wireless connectivity is the CarlinKit Carbon Pro, a universal adapter for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. To be honest, it’s not even clear whether this is an official CarlinKit product or some kind of even more Chinese folk art, because there is no mention of it on the manufacturer’s official website. Nevertheless, it is available in Rozetka (and not from third-party sellers on the Rozetka marketplace) and the author decided to risk 1499 hryvnias to check and report whether it works at all – after all, both AAWireless and Motorola MA1 are much more expensive…

CarlinKit Carbon Pro stands out among its competitors for its versatility. Unlike many other adapters that support only one protocol, this device works with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This already makes it an interesting choice for families using different types of smartphones or for those who change their mobile devices frequently. The adapter is compatible with a wide range of devices. It works with smartphones based on Android 11 and later, as well as iOS 10 and later. This means that even users with not the newest smartphones will be able to use the wireless connection. CarlinKit Carbon Pro is equipped with the BCM8335 Wi-Fi module, which provides a wireless connection for navigation and music playback. Bluetooth 5.0 support allows you to establish an initial connection between your smartphone and the adapter.

The design of CarlinKit Carbon Pro is developed with the automotive environment in mind. The case is made of a combination of ABS and PC materials, which should provide sufficient strength to protect internal components from vibrations and temperature fluctuations. The built-in FPC antenna with 3 dbi gain should provide stable signal reception. The set includes 20 cm Type-C to USB-A and Type-C to Type-C cables.

How to connect wireless Android Auto

The process of setting up CarlinKit Carbon Pro is quite simple, but for the convenience of users, the kit includes detailed instructions on how to connect and update the firmware. This is especially useful for those who are new to such devices.

1. Turn on the ignition of the car while it is parked;
2. On your phone, go to settings and find “Android Auto”;
3. Click on the “Connect car” button;
4. Select the “Connect with Android Auto wireless” option;
5. Select “Connect via Bluetooth” and “Connect vehicle”;
6. Connect your phone to the adapter (not to the car!) via Bluetooth;
7. Once connected, the phone will automatically start the Android Auto setup process on the car screen;
8. Next time you enter the car, simply press the Android Auto button on the screen and select your phone. The connection will be established automatically.

The testing was conducted with two smartphones, Google Pixel 5 and Google Pixel 8A, and two cars (both 2016 model year) – Cadillac ATS Coupe with CUE infotainment and Chevrolet Silverado with Chevrolet MyLink infotainment. Both support wired Android Auto. Unfortunately, there was nothing to test Apple CarPlay with… The first pairing of the adapter with the phone took 5 minutes. By default, the infotainment sees the CarlinKit Carbon Pro connected to the USB port as a CarPlay device, but after setting up the connection of the Android phone, the icon changes to the corresponding one. All functions work the same as in the original wired version. And if you connect the already configured adapter to another car, the system does not require additional configuration – “it just works”. Of course, the author does not guarantee that this adapter will work as well with other smartphones or cars, because even in official Android Auto solutions, due to the huge range of possible combinations, not everything is always perfectly compatible with each other… However, for 1499 UAH, you can take a chance – at least no one has canceled the 14-day return period according to Ukrainian law.

Wireless Android Auto (like Apple CarPlay) is a significant step forward in the integration of smartphones and cars. With the development of technology, we can expect this feature to become a standard in most new cars. In the meantime, you can bring the future closer with adapters that are now widely available on the market, work well, and are relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of this option offered by automakers and car dealers.