CarlinKit 5.0 2air Wireless CarPlay Adapter

As an up-front comment, I was somewhat skeptical about what the experience would be like. In past, these were very temperamental devices and only worked well on certain makes/models/years, due to interaction with the infotainment system. As an avid Apple person who loves CarPlay, I have kept watching these devices evolve and mature. However, Toyota has been a make/model that has never been on the initial proven make/model list for these wireless CarPlay devices. Adoption and support for Toyota has been slow coming.This particular device has been getting very positive reviews across the wireless CarPlay community, so I took a gamble, especially since Toyota was called out as a particular make that may be a bit finicky with this device. Guessing that my particular Highlander is newer (2021) and has a high end Toyota infotainment system for the Platinum trim.With those comments in mind, I must say that the experience with setup and usage has been OUTSTANDING (albeit only first two weeks of usage). I am using the CarLinKit 5.0 device with my iPhone 14 Pro Max. I cannot speak to earlier versions or diff iPhone models.Setup was seamless, just followed instructions and it worked first time. In my case, I was in proximity of my home wifi network, as a note. Once the device automatically paired via Bluetooth to my car, it has remained plugged in and have had no issues when starting the car, always connects automatically after about 20 seconds. The on-screen display in my 2021 Highlander Platinum shows the connection progress on each start. I have yet to experience a failure on car startup connection, albeit still early days.Important to note is that there is about a 2 second lag between any CarPlay controls for audio from my iPhone 14 Pro Max. As example, if I launch a Podcast, there will be about a 2 second lag before play begins. If I use any of the Podcast player controls (fast forward, pause, play) there will always be a predictable 2 second lag from pressing to button to the action taken. But, once used to that, its a breeze.Speaking as an IT professional, and also as noted in the various forums, the key to having success with these devices is to "set it and forget it". In particular **DO NOT UPDATE THE SOFTWARE** on the CarLinKit device, unless you have a very specific reason to do so - and realizing a risk that you may have issues with stability after such an update. The worst case is that you may have to re-set to factory defaults on the device and also remove/re-pair to the car (basically re-doing the out-of-the-box setup).[END]

Lag time to connect which I expected, wasn’t consistent at connecting. Alittle disappointed bought this higher cost model. Returned for a 4.0. Which worked great connected right away but now that it is cold out won’t work at all.

Works good but it6 keeps coming up "Volvo", when we have a Chevrolet

Simple to setup and seamless connection as soon as I get in the car, Apple CarPlay/ Android auto is always ready. Also looks great slim and sleek. Ordering another one for my second car. Go for it !!

I bought this only because I want to save my cellphone battery life. When I connected with my phone to my car, it automatically charging my phone and I realized that’s the reason why my cellphone battery life got weaker.Good:Easy to connect with my car and its small device so doesn’t take too much space.Bad:It’s on and off connected, I would say 4 out of 10 times. Also you can not connect with youtube neither podcast.Solution: If you want to listen pod cast or YouTube while you drive , after your cellphone connected with your car than disconnect Bluetooth from your device. :)

This car play is very convenient after set up. You don't have to plug your phone in and out. The downside is it doesn't have an adapter to plug your phone in if needed to charge. Fortunately for me my car is ancient and has an adapter

This is easy to setup and use. The problem is that Android Auto disconnected constantly in my 2021 Genesis G80 with my Pixel 7 pro. I upgraded the device to the latest firmware, performed the recommended steps to fix disconnection issues and it was still problematic. I'll stick with wired AA or bluetooth.

Unfortunately, it cannot withstand the heat.And now dont work!