Wireless CarPlay

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Carplay is an Apple system that allows you to connect your iPhone to your vehicle. Once connected, CarPlay will allow you to use a range of apps, allowing you to make calls, text, listen to music, get directions, and more without having to touch your phone.

Wireless CarPlay, on the other hand, is the ability to connect to your  system without having to use the conventual CarPlay lighting cable. This way, you can hop into your vehicle and drive off while your phone automatically connects and wireless CarPlay is launched for you. 

Wireless CarPlay - Phone

In a hurry? Our top picks for wireless adapters and apple approved head units are:

How Do I Get Wireless CarPlay?

Table of Contents

To get wireless carplay, you’ll have three main options, which include:

  1. Already installed in the vehicle
  2. Use an adapter/dongle (If compatible)
  3. Install a brand new compatible Wireless CarPlay compatible head unit or MMI unit
  4. External Wireless Carplay Display

 

Deciding which method to use will entirely depend on which car model you have and your budget, along with the hassle you are willing to go through to make it CarPlay wireless. 

Before we dive into how to make it possible, we want to discuss whether wireless Carplay is the right option for you.

Is wireless CarPlay right for you?

Wireless carplay can be a pain and a hassle to set up, so we’ve outlined the pros and cons of the technology. 

Some of the methods we outline will result in a better integration than others as some are Apple-approved while others aren’t.   

Pro’s 

Con’s

Drive off and keep your phone in your pocket

It can take time to launch

No jiggly disconnecting wire 

Quality can be less consistent or lower

Never forget your phone in the car again 

It can be expensive to integrate

 

Will drain your battery without charging

Some caveats to this are if you have an unlimited budget (probably not) or are looking to upgrade your head unit anyway and just want to make sure the one you’re buying is wireless carplay compatible.  

After using wireless CarPlay for months at this point, we would give this frank recommendation:

If you already have CarPlay enabled in your vehicle or are going to use an Apple-approved system, I would 100% recommend setting it up. However, if you’re going to use a 3rd party dongle, I recommend you consider it wisely. 

If you regularly use your car to commute on long journeys, for instance, it’s probably best to just stick to wired CarPlay as it’ll keep your iPhone charged and work flawlessly. 

But if you are using your car frequently, hopping in and out on short trips, then wireless CarPlay would be a great decision, so you won’t have to be plugging your phone in all the time. 

What cars support wireless Apple CarPlay?

Practically all cars can be set up to use wireless CarPlay, but a few lucky car owners will have wireless CarPlay as standard. 

Generally, from 2019 onwards, certain car manufacturers have wireless CarPlay as standard. This wasn’t a default feature when CarPlay first came out. However, if you are unsure, you can check your car manufacturer’s website, which should outline which models come with wireless CarPlay or if it comes as an extra.

The following models have wired carplay (some are also wireless), which means, for the most part, you’ll be able to convert them with a third-party adapter such as the Carlinkit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter

  • 2017 – 2021 Abarth 595
  • 2017 – 2021 Abarth 695
  • 2017 – 2021 NSX
  • 2018 – 2022 MDX
  • 2018 – 2021 TLX
  • 2019 – 2021 ILX
  • 2019 – 2020 RDX
  • 2018 – 2021 Giulia
  • 2018 – 2021 Stelvio
  • 2017 DB9 Volante
  • 2017 V8 Vantage
  • 2017 V12 Vantage
  • 2017 – 2018 Vanquish
  • 2017 – 2018 Rapide
  • 2021 DBX
  • 2017 – 2020 A3
  • 2017 – 2021 A4
  • 2017 – 2021 A5
  • 2017 – 2021 A6
  • 2017 – 2021 A7
  • 2017 – 2021 Q2
  • 2017 – 2021 Q7
  • 2017 – 2021 R8
  • 2017 – 2021 TT
  • 2018 – 2021 Q5
  • 2019 – 2021 e-tron
  • 2019 – 2021 Q8
  • 2020 – 2021 Q3
  • 2021 e-tron Sportback
  • 2022 e-tron GT
  • 2022 Q4 e-tron
  • 2022 Q4 Sportback e-tron
  • 2018 – 2021 310
  • 2018 – 2021 310W
  • 2018 – 2021 510
  • 2020 – 2021 730
  • 2017 – 2021 Bentayga
  • 2019 – 2021 Continental
  • 2020 – 2021 Flying Spur
  • 2017 – 2021 1 Series
  • 2017 – 2019 6 Series
  • 2017 – 2021 2 Series
  • 2017 – 2021 4 Series
  • 2017 – 2021 5 Series
  • 2017 – 2021 7 Series
  • 2018 – 2021 8 Series
  • 2017 – 2021 X3
  • 2017 – 2021 X4
  • 2017 – 2021 X5
  • 2017 – 2021 X6
  • 2018 – 2021 X7
  • 2017 – 2021 3 Series
  • 2018 – 2021 X1
  • 2018 – 2021 X2
  • 2018 – 2021 i3
  • 2019 – 2020 i8
  • 2019 – 2021 Z4
  • 2021 1 Series
  • 2021 2 Series
  • 2021 3 Series
  • 2021 4 Series
  • 2021 5 Series
  • 2021 6 Series
  • 2021 8 Series
  • 2021 X5
  • 2021 X6
  • 2021 X7
  • 2021 X5 M
  • 2021 X6 M
  • 2021 Z4
  • 2022 i4
  • 2022 iX
  • 2017 – 2021 BX3
  • 2017 – 2021 BX4
  • 2017 – 2021 BX5
  • 2017 – 2021 BX6
  • 2016 – 2017 Excelle
  • 2016 – 2021 LaCrosse
  • 2016 – 2021 Regal
  • 2017 – 2021 Encore
  • 2017 – 2021 Envision
  • 2018 – 2021 Enclave
  • 2018 – 2021 GT
  • 2018 – 2021 GT-MPV
  • 2018 – 2021 GL6
  • 2020 – 2021 VELITE 6
  • 2020 – 2021 GL8 Avenir
  • 2020 – 2021 GL8 ES
  • 2021 GL8 Business Travel Edition
  • 2016 ELR
  • 2016 – 2019 ATS
  • 2016 – 2019 ATS-V
  • 2016 – 2019 CTS
  • 2016 – 2019 CTS-V
  • 2016 – 2021 CT6
  • 2016 – 2021 CT6-V
  • 2016 – 2019 XTS
  • 2017 – 2021 XT5
  • 2019 – 2021 XT4
  • 2020 – 2021 CT4
  • 2020 – 2021 CT4-V
  • 2020 – 2021 CT5
  • 2020 – 2021 CT5-V
  • 2020 – 2021 XT6
  • 2016 – 2021 Escalade / ESV
  • 2022 CT4-V Blackwing
  • 2022 CT5-V Blackwing
  • 2023 LYRIQ
  • 2017 – 2021 Arrizo 5
  • 2017 – 2021 Arrizo 7
  • 2017 – 2021 Tiggo 3
  • 2017 – 2021 Tiggo 3X
  • 2017 – 2021 Tiggo 5X
  • 2018 – 2021 Tiggo 2
  • 2018 – 2021 Tiggo 4
  • 2018 – 2021 Tiggo 8
  • 2020 – 2021 Arrizo 6
  • 2016 – 2017 Cavalier
  • 2016 – 2019 Volt
  • 2016 – 2021 Camaro
  • 2016 – 2021 Camaro Convertible
  • 2016 – 2021 Colorado
  • 2016 – 2021 Corvette
  • 2016 – 2021 Corvette Convertible
  • 2016 – 2021 Cruze
  • 2016 – 2020 Impala
  • 2016 – 2021 Malibu
  • 2016 – 2021 Sail LOVA
  • 2016 – 2021 Silverado
  • 2016 – 2021 Silverado HD
  • 2016 – 2021 Spark
  • 2016 – 2021 Suburban
  • 2016 – 2021 Tahoe
  • 2017 – 2020 Aveo
  • 2017 – 2022 Bolt EV
  • 2017 – 2021 Prisma
  • 2017 – 2021 S10
  • 2017 – 2021 Sonic
  • 2017 – 2021 Tracker
  • 2017 – 2021 Trax
  • 2018 – 2021 Equinox
  • 2018 – 2021 Traverse
  • 2019 – 2021 Blazer
  • 2019 – 2021 Monza
  • 2020 – 2021 Captiva
  • 2020 – 2021 Trailblazer
  • 2022 Bolt EUV
  • 2017 – 2021 300
  • 2018 – 2021 Pacifica
  • 2020 – 2021 Voyager
  • 2016 – 2021 Aircross
  • 2016 – 2021 Berlingo Multispace
  • 2016 – 2021 C3
  • 2016 – 2021 C4
  • 2016 – 2021 C4 Picasso
  • 2016 – 2021 C5
  • 2016 – 2021 C5 Break
  • 2016 – 2021 C6
  • 2016 – 2021 Jumper
  • 2016 – 2021 Jumpy
  • 2016 – 2021 Spacetourer
  • 2017 – 2021 C3-AirCross
  • 2017 – 2021 C3-XR
  • 2017 – 2021 C4 Cactus
  • 2017 – 2021 C4-L
  • 2017 – 2021 C4-Lounge
  • 2017 – 2021 C4 Spacetourer
  • 2017 – 2021 C-Elysée
  • 2017 – 2021 C-Quatre
  • 2018 – 2021 Berlingo
  • 2018 – 2021 C5 Aircross
  • 2017 – 2021 E3
  • 2019 – 2021 GO
  • 2019 – 2021 GO+
  • 2017 – 2021 Challenger
  • 2017 – 2021 Charger
  • 2018 – 2021 Durango
  • 2019 – 2021 Journey
  • 2016 景逸S50
  • 2016 – 2017 风行50
  • 2016 – 2021 风行X5
  • 2016 – 2021 景逸X5
  • 2016 – 2021 景逸X6
  • 2017 风行SX7
  • 2017 风行S50EV
  • 2017 景逸X5L
  • 2017 景逸S50EV
  • 2017 – 2021 风行X6
  • 2017 – 2021 风行X7
  • 2017 – 2021 风行SX6
  • 2017 – 2021 风行F600
  • 2017 – 2021 风行M6
  • 2017 – 2021 风行F6
  • 2017 – 2021 风行V6
  • 2017 – 2021 风行M5
  • 2017 – 2021 风行F5
  • 2017 – 2021 风行V5
  • 2017 – 2021 景逸X7
  • 2018 – 2021 风行X3
  • 2018 – 2021 风行X7L
  • 2018 – 2021 风行X7S
  • 2018 – 2021 风行S500EV
  • 2018 – 2021 景逸X3
  • 2018 – 2021 景逸X7S
  • 2018 – 2021 景逸X7L
  • 2016 – 2021 DS 3
  • 2016 – 2021 DS 3 Cabrio
  • 2016 – 2021 DS 3 Crossback
  • 2016 – 2021 DS 4
  • 2016 – 2021 DS 5
  • 2017 – 2021 DS 4S
  • 2017 – 2021 DS 5LS
  • 2017 – 2021 DS 6
  • 2018 – 2021 DS 7 Crossback
  • 2016 FF
  • 2016 F12 tdf
  • 2016 – 2017 California T
  • 2016 – 2017 F12 Berlinetta
  • 2016 – 2020 488 GTB
  • 2016 – 2020 488 Spider
  • 2017 – 2020 GTC4Lusso
  • 2018 – 2021 812 Superfast
  • 2018 – 2021 Portofino
  • 2019 – 2021 Monza SP1
  • 2019 – 2021 Monza SP2
  • 2020 – 2021 F8 Spider
  • 2020 – 2021 F8 Tributo
  • 2020 – 2021 SF90 Stradale
  • 2021 812 GTS
  • 2021 Roma
  • 2021 SF90 Spider
  • 2022 296 GTB
  • 2017 – 2021 500
  • 2017 – 2021 500L
  • 2017 – 2021 Tipo
  • 2018 – 2021 500X
  • 2018 – 2021 Argo
  • 2017 – 2019 C-MAX
  • 2017 – 2019 Fiesta
  • 2017 – 2019 Flex
  • 2017 – 2019 Focus
  • 2017 – 2019 Taurus
  • 2017 – 2021 Edge
  • 2017 – 2021 Escape
  • 2017 – 2021 Expedition
  • 2017 – 2021 F-150
  • 2017 – 2020 Fusion
  • 2017 – 2021 Transit
  • 2017 – 2021 Transit Connect
  • 2017 – 2021 Mustang
  • 2017 – 2021 Super Duty
  • 2017 – 2021 Explorer
  • 2018 – 2021 EcoSport
  • 2018 – 2021 Ford GT
  • 2021 Mustang Mach-E
  • 2021 Bronco
  • 2021 Bronco Sport
  • 2022 Evos
  • 2022 Maverick
  • 2017 – 2021 G80
  • 2020 – 2021 G70
  • 2020 – 2021 G90
  • 2021 GV80
  • 2022 GV70
  • 2016 – 2021 Canyon
  • 2016 – 2021 Sierra
  • 2016 – 2021 Yukon
  • 2016 – 2021 Yukon XL
  • 2017 – 2021 Acadia
  • 2018 – 2021 Terrain
  • 2017 – 2021 F7
  • 2017 – 2021 S5
  • 2017 – 2021 S5 young
  • 2017 – 2021 S7
  • 2018 – 2021 F5
  • 2017 – 2021 H1 Blue-Brand
  • 2017 – 2021 H2 Blue-Brand
  • 2017 – 2021 H2 Red-Brand
  • 2017 – 2021 H6 Blue-Brand
  • 2017 – 2021 H6 Red-Brand
  • 2019 – 2021 F7
  • 2020 – 2021 H6N
  • 2016 – 2020 Captiva
  • 2016 – 2018 Insignia
  • 2016 – 2018 Spark
  • 2016 – 2020 Colorado
  • 2017 – 2020 Astra
  • 2017 – 2020 Barina
  • 2017 – 2020 Trailblazer
  • 2018 – 2020 Commodore
  • 2018 – 2020 Equinox
  • 2018 – 2020 Trax
  • 2019 – 2020 Acadia
  • 2016 – 2021 Accord
  • 2016 – 2021 Civic
  • 2017 – 2021 Ridgeline
  • 2017 – 2021 CR-V
  • 2017 – 2021 Pilot
  • 2018 – 2021 Odyssey
  • 2019 – 2021 Clarity
  • 2018 – 2020 Fit
  • 2019 – 2022 HR-V
  • 2019 – 2021 Insight
  • 2019 – 2021 Passport
  • 2018 – 2021 Gold Wing
  • 2020 – 2021 Africa Twin
  • 2015 – 2016 Genesis Sedan
  • 2015 – 2018 Azera
  • 2015 – 2021 Sonata
  • 2016 – 2021 i10
  • 2016 – 2021 i30
  • 2016 – 2021 i40
  • 2016 – 2020 Elantra GT
  • 2016 – 2022 Tucson
  • 2016 – 2021 Veloster
  • 2017 – 2021 Santa Fe
  • 2017 – 2020 Ioniq
  • 2017 – 2022 Kona
  • 2017 – 2019 Santa Fe Sport
  • 2017 – 2021 Elantra
  • 2019 Santa Fe XL
  • 2019 – 2021 Accent
  • 2020 – 2021 Nexo
  • 2020 – 2021 Palisade
  • 2020 – 2021 Venue
  • 2021 Bayon
  • 2022 Ioniq 5
  • 2022 SANTA CRUZ
  • 2020 – 2021 Challenger
  • 2020 – 2021 Chieftain
  • 2020 – 2021 Roadmaster
  • 2020 – 2021 Q50
  • 2020 – 2021 Q60
  • 2020 – 2021 QX50
  • 2020 – 2021 QX80
  • 2022 QX55
  • 2019 – 2021 E-Pace
  • 2019 – 2021 F-Pace
  • 2019 – 2021 I-Pace
  • 2019 – 2020 XE
  • 2019 – 2021 XF
  • 2019 – 2020 XJ
  • 2019 – 2021 F-Type
  • 2017 – 2021 Compass
  • 2018 – 2021 Grand Cherokee
  • 2018 – 2021 Renegade
  • 2018 – 2021 Wrangler
  • 2020 – 2021 Cherokee
  • 2020 – 2021 Gladiator
  • 2022 Grand Wagoneer
  • 2022 Wagoneer
  • 2014 – 2021 Soul
  • 2015 – 2020 Optima
  • 2015 – 2020 Optima Hybrid
  • 2015 – 2021 Sedona
  • 2015 – 2021 Soul EV
  • 2017 – 2020 Cadenza
  • 2017 – 2021 Sorento
  • 2017 – 2021 Sportage
  • 2017 – 2021 Forte
  • 2017 – 2021 Niro
  • 2017 – 2020 Optima Plug-In Hybrid
  • 2018 – 2020 Niro Plug-In Hybrid
  • 2018 – 2021 Rio
  • 2018 – 2021 Stinger
  • 2019 – 2020 K900
  • 2020 – 2021 Telluride
  • 2021 Seltos
  • 2021 K5
  • 2021 K8
  • 2022 Carnival
  • 2022 EV6
  • 2022 Carniva
  • 2021 Vesta
  • 2021 XRAY
  • 2021 Granta
  • 2022 Largus
  • 2017 Centenario
  • 2018 – 2021 Aventador
  • 2019 – 2021 Huracán
  • 2019 – 2021 Urus
  • 2019 – 2021 Discovery
  • 2019 – 2021 Discovery Sport
  • 2019 – 2021 Range Rover
  • 2019 – 2021 Range Rover Evoque
  • 2019 – 2021 Range Rover Sport
  • 2019 – 2021 Range Rover Velar
  • 2020 – 2022 Defender
  • 2019 – 2021 ES
  • 2019 – 2021 LC
  • 2019 – 2021 LS
  • 2019 – 2021 NX
  • 2019 – 2021 RC
  • 2019 – 2021 RC F
  • 2019 – 2021 UX
  • 2020 – 2021 RX
  • 2021 ES Hybrid
  • 2021 IS
  • 2021 LC Convertible
  • 2021 LC Hybrid
  • 2021 LS Hybrid
  • 2021 NX Hybrid
  • 2021 RX Hybrid
  • 2021 UX Hybrid
  • 2015 – 2021 G10
  • 2017 – 2019 EV80
  • 2017 – 2021 D90
  • 2017 – 2021 T60
  • 2018 – 2021 V80
  • 2019 – 2021 DELIVER 9
  • 2020 – 2021 eDELIVER 9
  • 2017 – 2021 迈威
  • 2017 – 2021 轩朗
  • 2017 – 2021 X70
  • 2017 – 2021 X80
  • 2017 – 2018 MKS
  • 2017 – 2018 MKX
  • 2017 – 2019 MKC
  • 2017 – 2019 MKT
  • 2017 – 2020 MKZ
  • 2017 – 2021 Navigator
  • 2017 – 2020 Continental
  • 2018 – 2021 Nautilus
  • 2020 – 2021 Aviator
  • 2020 – 2021 Corsair
  • 2018 – 2021 Alturas G4
  • 2018 – 2021 Marazzo
  • 2019 – 2021 Scorpio
  • 2019 – 2021 XUV 300
  • 2019 – 2021 XUV 500
  • 2020 – 2021 Thar
  • 2017 – 2021 Ghibli
  • 2017 – 2021 Levante
  • 2017 – 2021 Quattroporte
  • 2018 – 2021 GT Convertible
  • 2018 – 2020 GranTurismo
  • 2015 – 2021 G10
  • 2017 – 2019 EV80
  • 2017 – 2021 D90
  • 2017 – 2021 T60
  • 2018 – 2021 V80
  • 2019 – 2021 DELIVER 9
  • 2020 – 2021 eDELIVER 9
  • 2018 – 2021 Mazda6
  • 2019 – 2021 CX-5
  • 2019 – 2021 CX-8
  • 2019 – 2021 CX-9
  • 2019 – 2021 Mazda3
  • 2020 – 2021 CX-3
  • 2020 – 2021 CX30
  • 2020 – 2021 Mazda2
  • 2020 – 2021 MX-5
  • 2022 MX-30
  • 2016 – 2021 A-Class
  • 2016 – 2021 B-Class
  • 2016 – 2021 CLA-Class
  • 2016 – 2021 CLS-Class
  • 2016 – 2021 E-Class Cabriolet
  • 2016 – 2021 E-Class Coupe
  • 2016 – 2021 GLA-Class
  • 2016 – 2021 GLE-Class
  • 2017 – 2021 E-Class
  • 2017 – 2021 GLS-Class
  • 2017 – 2021 SL-Class
  • 2018 – 2021 GLC-Class
  • 2018 – 2021 S-Class
  • 2019 – 2021 C-Class
  • 2020 – 2021 GLB-Class
  • 2020 – 2021 GLS-Class
  • 2021 EQA-Class
  • 2021 EQC-Class
  • 2022 EQB-Class
  • 2022 EQS-Class
  • 2016 GT
  • 2016 – 2021 MG5
  • 2017 – 2021 RX5
  • 2017 – 2021 GS
  • 2017 – 2021 ZP
  • 2017 – 2021 ZS
  • 2019 – 2021 Hector
  • 2019 – 2021 M G
  • 2019 – 2021 M G Ei5
  • 2019 – 2021 HS
  • 2019 – 2021 ZS EV
  • 2020 – 2021 eHS
  • 2020 – 2021 Gloster
  • 2020 – 2021 M G 3
  • 2018 – 2021 Clubman
  • 2018 – 2021 Countryman
  • 2019 – 2021 Convertible
  • 2019 – 2021 Hardtop 2 Door
  • 2019 – 2021 Hardtop 4 Door
  • 2017 i-MiEV
  • 2016 – 2021 Pajero
  • 2016 – 2021 Pajero Sport
  • 2016 – 2021 Mirage
  • 2016 – 2021 Mirage G4
  • 2017 – 2022 Outlander
  • 2017 – 2022 Outlander PHEV
  • 2017 – 2021 ASX
  • 2017 – 2021 Triton
  • 2017 – 2021 Delica D:2
  • 2017 – 2021 Delica D:2 Custom
  • 2018 – 2021 Eclipse Cross
  • 2017 – 2021 Maxima
  • 2017 – 2021 Micra
  • 2017.5 – 2021 Murano
  • 2018 – 2021 GT-R
  • 2018 – 2021 Kicks
  • 2018 – 2021 Leaf
  • 2018 – 2021 Rogue
  • 2019 – 2021 Altima
  • 2019 – 2021 Qashqai
  • 2019 – 2021 Rogue Sport
  • 2019 – 2021 Sentra
  • 2019 – 2021 Terrano
  • 2019 – 2021 Titan
  • 2019 – 2021 Versa
  • 2020 – 2021 Patrol
  • 2021 Armada
  • 2021 XRAY
  • 2021 Granta
  • 2022 Frontier
  • 2022 Pathfinder
  • 2022 Ariya
  • 2022 Largus
  • 2016 – 2020 ADAM
  • 2016 – 2021 Astra
  • 2016 – 2021 Corsa
  • 2016 – 2021 Insignia
  • 2016 – 2020 KARL
  • 2017 – 2021 Ampera-e
  • 2017 – 2021 Crossland X
  • 2017 – 2021 Mokka
  • 2017 – 2021 Zafira
  • 2018 – 2021 Combo Life
  • 2018 – 2021 Grandland
  • 2016 – 2021 208
  • 2016 – 2021 2008
  • 2016 – 2021 308S
  • 2016 – 2021 3008
  • 2016 – 2021 4008
  • 2016 – 2021 408
  • 2017 – 2021 301
  • 2017 – 2021 308
  • 2017 – 2021 308 SW
  • 2017 – 2019 508
  • 2017 – 2021 5008
  • 2016 – 2021 Expert
  • 2016 – 2021 Partner Tepee
  • 2016 – 2021 Traveller
  • 2018 – 2021 Rifter
  • 2021 Slingshot
  • 2017 – 2021 718
  • 2017 – 2021 Panamera
  • 2017 – 2021 Macan
  • 2017 – 2021 Cayenne
  • 2017 – 2021 911
  • 2020 – 2021 Taycan
  • 2017 – 2021 Young
  • 2018 – 2021 Ram 1500
  • 2018 – 2021 Ram 2500
  • 2018 – 2021 Ram 3500
  • 2018 – 2021 Ram 4500
  • 2017 – 2021 Clio
  • 2017 – 2021 Espace
  • 2017 – 2021 Kadjar
  • 2017 – 2021 Mégane
  • 2017 – 2021 Mégane Estate
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  • 2017 – 2021 Grand Scénic
  • 2017 – 2021 Talisman
  • 2017 – 2021 Talisman Estate
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  • 2019 – 2020 Twingo
  • 2016 – 2021 RX5
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  • 2017 – 2021 RX3
  • 2017 – 2021 i6
  • 2019 – 2021 i5
  • 2020 – 2021 Cullinan
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  • 2020 – 2021 Ghost
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  • 2020 – 2021 Wraith
  • 2016 – 2017 Yeti
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  • 2016 – 2021 Octavia
  • 2016 – 2021 Rapid
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  • 2018 – 2021 Kamiq
  • 2020 – 2021 Enyaq iV
  • 2017 – 2021 Impreza
  • 2018 – 2021 BRZ
  • 2018 – 2021 Crosstrek
  • 2018 – 2021 Legacy
  • 2018 – 2021 Outback
  • 2019 – 2021 Ascent
  • 2019 – 2021 Forester
  • 2019 – 2021 WRX
  • 2019 – 2021 WRX STI
  • 2016 – 2021 Baleno
  • 2016 – 2021 Ciaz
  • 2016 – 2021 Hustler
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  • 2020 – 2021 Altroz
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  • 2016 – 2020 ADAM
  • 2016 – 2021 Astra
  • 2016 – 2021 Corsa
  • 2016 – 2021 Insignia
  • 2016 – 2021 Viva
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  • 2017 – 2021 Mokka
  • 2017 – 2021 Zafira
  • 2016 Spacefox
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  • 2016 – 2019 Beetle
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  • 2016 – 2021 Caravelle
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  • 2016 – 2021 Golf
  • 2016 – 2021 Golf Cabriolet
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  • 2016 – 2021 Tiguan
  • 2016 – 2021 Touran
  • 2016 – 2021 Transporter
  • 2016 – 2021 Passat
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  • 2017 – 2021 Crafter
  • 2017 – 2021 CrossFox
  • 2017 – 2021 Gol
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  • 2018 – 2021 T-Roc
  • 2021 ID.3
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  • 2016 – 2021 XC90
  • 2017 – 2021 S90
  • 2017 – 2021 V90
  • 2018 – 2021 XC60
  • 2019 – 2021 S60
  • 2019 – 2021 V60
  • 2019 – 2021 XC40

You can view the complete live list of wired compatible models on Apple’s Website.

1. Wireless CarPlay Already Installed in Vehicle

As we’ve discussed, if you are lucky, your car may already be wireless Carplay compatible. Many new models come with it as standard from the factory. Other models may have it as an addon, so you may need to check. 

In our car-specific guides below, we detail setting up wireless CarPlay with your same vehicle manufacture, in most cases also providing a good Youtube video and installation manual where possible. 

However, in most cases, the process will be much the same. It will usually follow:

  1. Connecting your iPhone via Bluetooth
  2. Following the various prompts on both iPhone and the cars infotainment system
Wireless CarPlay on phone mount in a car

2. Adapter / Dongle

One of the most effective and cheap ways to retrofit wireless CarPlay into your vehicle is to use an adapter or dongle.

While it’s a great option, it’s essential to understand these dongles are NOT from Apple and are effectively retrofitting or faking a wired connection. And because of this, it’s not perfect.

It can be buggy, and music can be patchy, but most significantly, it won’t be an instant connection. It typically takes between 15- 30 secs in my experience, to fully connect from starting the engine to launching.

While this might not seem long, it can feel like an eternity when your just staring at the screen, waiting for it to pop up.

This is why our recommendation still stands; the best option is to get an Apple-approved wireless CarPlay stereo (Option 3), although this is the most expensive route to take.

iPhone Cable Connected to CarPlay
Annoying wired connection

CarLinKit 1.0

For Aftermarket Andriod Head Units

CarLinKit 1.0
Pro's
Con's

List of Compatible Stereo Models:

Compatible with aftermarket Android car stereos installed into your vehicle. 

These include the likes of:

  • JVC
  • Kenwood 
  • Sony 
  • Pioneer 

CarLinKit 3.0

For Manufacture installed CarPlay / Android Auto

Carlinkit 2.0
Pro's
Con's

You should check the Amazon listing or official website to see model compatibility. 

If it’s not compatible, you’ll have to find an adapter that is, or move on to option 3. 

Find out more in the CarlinKit review.

Alternatively, see my Ottocast Wireless CarPlay Adapter review.

See our definitive guide to the: Best Wireless Carplay Adapters

One often undiscussed benefit of adding wireless CarPlay to your car is that you can now add wireless charging for your phone. This then makes it the ultimate experience, so you can get in and go.

Not charging your phone is one of the most significant drawbacks of wireless CarPlay, so we made a guide to adding wireless charging to a car.

3. New Interngated Wirless CarPlay Head Unit

More coming soon...

4 . New External Wirless CarPlay Head Unit

A wireless external CarPlay head unit just is like having a mini-tablet on your dash but not built-in.

The main benefit of using an external Carplay display is that you don’t have to worry about ripping out the existing head unit. In addition, it is compatible with almost ALL car models, unlike installing a head unit. 

Trust me; It can be a headache if you decide to do it yourself.

This benefit is also one of the main downsides of using an external display. It looks like a mini-tablet, meaning it can be a desirable target for thieves breaking into your vehicle. 

There are various models of external CarPlay head units, but we’d recommend the Intellidash Pro Wireless CarPlay Display. They also offer a wired version which is slightly cheaper, but who likes wires!

External Wireless CarPlay Benefits

  • Easy & Inexpensive setup 
  • Built-in additional charging ports
  • Customizable display positioning
  • Voice control compatible
  • Cheaper than a built-in display and can be removed from the vehicle

View the Intellidash Pro Wireless CarPlay Display on Amazon.

Intellidash External Wireless Carplay

Wireless CarPlay By Car Model

See the full list of makes on the otions of installing wireless CarPlay and Android Auto

Click your car make below to learn how to install wireless carplay in your specific vehicle or scroll down to learn more about wireless CarPlay and Android auto   

bmw-3-202743
BMW
Mercedes
Mercedes Benz
Mazda Logo
Mazda
Audi logo
Audi

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