2023 Wireless CarPlay Adapter CarlinKit 3.0 for Factory Wired CarPlay Cars Model Year: 2016 to 2018, for VW Audi Ford Sync 3 Mazda Mercedes Honda Chevy Subaru Porsche Hyundai Kia Lexus Gmc Acura

UPDATE AT THE ENDIn the past, with trying to use my car’s wired CarPlay, I have had problems even with trying multiple connection cords (Apple brand and Anker brand) as they often they can be “touchy”, especially over time. I’m also getting in and out of the car often throughout the day so this makes my life so much easier as I don’t have to try and plug/unplug the phone each time or go without the CarPlay just to save time from the cord. I’m incredibly happy with this purchase (so far) but it has only been one day so time will tell and I will update this review if needed.I had no issue with setting this adapter up—I just plugged it in and connected my phone to the bluetooth name displayed when the adapter was plugged into the CarPlay usb port. I set it up yesterday and have used it all day today without any issues of having to reconnect the bluetooth or anything. I’m curious for how it will work when/if someone else wants to connect their phone to my car’s CarPlay instead but I’m hoping that will go smoothly as well.For reference, I have a 2019 Toyota Rav4 with standard radio system (not JBL one).UPDATE:It’s been about a week so far and it’s been going well! My only issue is that sometimes the CarPlay will not start up right away when I start the car. This used to happen when I plugged my phone in as well which I attributed to a cord issue but it might just be an issue with my car’s radio system. I have tried to unplug the adapter and plug it back in AND/OR I just restart the car radio and this solves the issue. My phone continues to connect with the adapter every day without needing to manually connect it on the phone so it’s honestly been a great experience overall! Thank you for this piece of technology! It’s made my life so much easier!

***Update***After two weeks, the product stopped connecting. I tried to re-pair with the same result.The connection time, for me, was about 45 seconds. That’s not convenient enough to move away from a plugged in phone.I returned the product yesterday.This is very easy to set up and when active, functions just like wired car play. I had no issues going through instructions or getting my phone to connect.When I used it the first time post set up, it took 30-40 seconds to connect, now mind you, it’s not the end of the world but worthy of note if you’re someone, like me, who wants things immediately and enjoys certain comforts.No issues with the interface, just wish it connected faster!

I had to rely on several reviews in my decision to try this product(I usually don't write reviews and this is an honest review: I will update it at 1 and 3 months as I have had it only for few days). Because of the potential convenience (added safety to driving from not looking down at wires) I was willing to pay the price but several reservations/ questions were noted in reviews. Let me answer some of the questions(I came across) one by one:1. Installation: very easy ( I am not a tech geek). Connect to usb, follow instructions. was setup in 10 mins. (Only thing I wish is a longer wire came with it although doesn't matter in CRV as Apple car play USB is in console).2. Turns on every time I start the car: NO need to connect every time. Smooth, takes about the same time as the stock Honda Infotainment system. quicker or same time than if you count the time to connect to car play via wire.3. No lag: I have been playing music nearly all the time I am in the car. No lag.4. No effect from any bumps on the road: sound quality remains the same ( and great).5. Once car turns off (like any usb connected device) it turns off. (again this depends on car make/model/settings if USB ports stay on or off). In my case it turns off so no concern for draining battery.6. certainly worth the price as I have been using the Listening/ Dictating feature more easily as I don't have to connect the wire, and the phone can stay in my pocket and the phone doesn't shift around in the car.Addition at 4 months: Great !I was very hesitant to buy this product, however in 4 months, it has worked seamlessly. I have also discovered several features which are really nice: as below: I can say this for a Honda CRV1. If you have more than 1 users for a car (and phones) and you set them all up with it, actually a little menu pops up at start up and it gives you option to choose which phone to connect if (both phones in the car).2. It connects automatically with every user.3. Audio is clear, no lag, no issuesIt is worth the price, it adds to driving safety. Important accessory.Certainly recommend!

As others have said, instructions stink, but the product does work. One user said a bunch of updates was needed on his, this was NOT my experience. Mine actually was up to date. But I'm glad I checked anyways. What I did experience is a lack of understanding of what to expect. In theory, what you should see is you plug your new dongle into the car's USB port, and the dongle should project its own special connection screen on your car stereo's screen (it'll look like the picture in the instructions). The dongle's instruction screen will tell you to pair via bluetooth, and away you go. The problem for me was getting the dongle's special screen to show on my car's screen. I have a 2017 Cadillac Escalade. When plugged in, the dongle would show up as "ipod," no matter which of the 4 ports I plugged into, but no special screen. You could click on "ipod" and explore through Cadillac's menu system, but there's nothing there. What I had to do was click the home button on my Cadillac Cue, to get to the home screen, then look for an icon "Projection" (looks like a TV screen). Once you click that, the dongle's special screen comes up and you're home free. The issue was the instructions don't give you any kind of clue, and it took me about an hour of messing around with the Car's stereo before I stumbled upon it, as I was about to give up. Hence 4 instead of 5 stars.