Apple CarPlay on the 5th gen

Lewis&Clark · Dec 21, 2021

I'm about to buy up to a 2020 Limited.

I connected my iPhone to the head unit at the dealership yesterday -- via Bluetooth. I was expecting to see Apple CarPlay as an option. It didn't come up.

I read elsewhere a few minutes ago that CarPlay on the 2020 works by connecting directly to the USB aux port on the dash, next to the seat heaters.

A few questions...

1. Does it work ONLY if connected to the aux port? No CarPlay by BlueTooth...really?

2. If I wanted to add an additional aux somewhere else in the car (I don't love that location next to the seat heaters/coolers), would I somehow be able to wire it up so it works w/ CarPlay, too?

Whippersnapper02 · Dec 21, 2021

Wireless carplay is through WiFi but in the case of the Runner, it must be connected to the USB port.

Lewis&Clark · Dec 21, 2021

Whippersnapper02 said:
Wireless carplay is through WiFi but in the case of the Runner, it must be connected to the USB port.

Got it.

So looking up the CarPlay specs, wireless CarPlay requires bluetooth AND in-vehicle Wi-Fi, but the latter must have a dual-band router built-in.

In the case of the runner, IIRC it DOES have Wi-Fi...so I'm assuming there's no dual-band router.

Whippersnapper02 · Dec 21, 2021

Lewis&Clark said:
Got it.

So looking up the CarPlay specs, wireless CarPlay requires bluetooth AND in-vehicle Wi-Fi, but the latter must have a dual-band router built-in.

In the case of the runner, IIRC it DOES have Wi-Fi...so I'm assuming there's no dual-band router.

Hmmm. I think Bluetooth is just to set it up. Toyota's site says it must be connected for both the 2020 and 2021 models. At least you have the option because my 19 has their entune garbage but I have long since ripped the headunit out.

2021nightshade4x4 · Dec 21, 2021

My 2021 required the use of a device to achieve wireless CarPlay. Works great!

Amazon.com: Wireless CarPlay Adapter CarlinKit 3.0 Compatible with Factory Apple CarPlay Cars Audi/Volvo/Mercedes and Other More Than 600 car Models, Auto-Connect, Wireless 5.0~5.8Ghz, Low-Power, CPC200-U2W-Plus : Electronics

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lewis&Clark · Dec 21, 2021

Whippersnapper02 said:
Hmmm. I think Bluetooth is just to set it up. Toyota's site says it must be connected for both the 2020 and 2021 models. At least you have the option because my 19 has their entune garbage but I have long since ripped the headunit out.

Yeah I’m sure I can live with it. After all I’m coming from a 2008 which had absolutely nothing but basic Bluetooth for phone only — couldn’t even stream music. I can always replace the head unit at some point in future if I really wanted to.

I think my bigger concern now will be whether or not I can add an additional USB aux somewhere else in the car where I might want to mount my phone while I’m driving. I don’t at all like the location they put that port and hate having cords dangle across my dash. I’m hoping it might be as simple as unplugging the existing port from the back of the head unit, and plugging in its place in a new aux port I install from somewhere else.

GearJunkie88 · Dec 21, 2021

Lewis&Clark said:
Yeah I’m sure I can live with it. After all I’m coming from a 2008 which had absolutely nothing but basic Bluetooth for phone only — couldn’t even stream music. I can always replace the head unit at some point in future if I really wanted to.

I think my bigger concern now will be whether or not I can add an additional USB aux somewhere else in the car where I might want to mount my phone while I’m driving. I don’t at all like the location they put that port and hate having cords dangle across my dash. I’m hoping it might be as simple as unplugging the existing port from the back of the head unit, and plugging in its place in a new aux port I install from somewhere else.

Get the Bluetooth carplay adapter mentioned above. It’s awesome. I ran a usb cable from the center dash console to the glove box and put the adapter in there (all done behind the dash). My phone can be anywhere now.

WRT your concern about installing another USB port- yes you can do it. If you want this new port to work with your stereo (carplay) you’ll need to somehow splice it into the usb wires that go into the stereo... specifically the wiring that is currently supplied to the USB port that is in the center dash console. The wires that go to this port are pretty short. Not sure how far they can be pulled to a new location.

Unit 91 · Dec 21, 2021

Are you planning on adding a Qi charger? Wireless CarPlay will murder your battery. YMMV

rageandlove · Dec 22, 2021

Unit 91 said:
Are you planning on adding a Qi charger? Wireless CarPlay will murder your battery. YMMV

Yes. Put one of these in a tray in the armrest and plug it in there:

Amazon.com: JADJ Wireless Charger, Qi-Certified 15W Max Fast Wireless Charging Pad (No AC Adapter) for iPhone SE, 13/12/11 Pro/Pro Max, Xs Max, XR, XS, X, 8, 8 Plus, AirPods, Galaxy S20 S10 S9 S8, Note 10 9 8 : Cell Phones & Accessories

Throw your phone in there when driving + it charges + enjoy the wireless bluetooth.

rageandlove · Dec 22, 2021

GearJunkie88 said:
Get the Bluetooth carplay adapter mentioned above. It’s awesome. I ran a usb cable from the center dash console to the glove box and put the adapter in there (all done behind the dash). My phone can be anywhere now.

WRT your concern about installing another USB port- yes you can do it. If you want this new port to work with your stereo (carplay) you’ll need to somehow splice it into the usb wires that go into the stereo... specifically the wiring that is currently supplied to the USB port that is in the center dash console. The wires that go to this port are pretty short. Not sure how far they can be pulled to a new location.

Hey [MENTION=147757]GearJunkie88[/MENTION] ... did you do the splice you mention, or did you use another approach?

GearJunkie88 · Dec 22, 2021

rageandlove said:
Hey [MENTION=147757]GearJunkie88[/MENTION] ... did you do the splice you mention, or did you use another approach?

After reading my original post I can see how it might be confusing. I meant that I plugged a usb cable into the USB port and then ran the cable behind the dash and into the glove box.

I looked at splicing into the wires behind the dash that connect to the USB port. It’s a bundle of wires that go into a proprietary plug. I didn’t spend the time to figure out which wires did what so I could re-wire another USB port somewhere else. Ultimately, I chose simplicity and chose not to fret about it.

And yes, wireless carplay will crush your battery. It’s great for quick trips around town, but on a road trip you’ll need a way to charge your phone... either plug it in or use the wireless charger.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Unit 91 · Dec 22, 2021

rageandlove said:
Yes. Put one of these in a tray in the armrest and plug it in there:

Amazon.com: JADJ Wireless Charger, Qi-Certified 15W Max Fast Wireless Charging Pad (No AC Adapter) for iPhone SE, 13/12/11 Pro/Pro Max, Xs Max, XR, XS, X, 8, 8 Plus, AirPods, Galaxy S20 S10 S9 S8, Note 10 9 8 : Cell Phones & Accessories

Throw your phone in there when driving + it charges + enjoy the wireless bluetooth.

Got it. Good call.

The only native wireless CarPlay I've used was in an Audi. They also had a built-in Qi charger in the center console you could clip your phone into. Pretty slick design.

Where are you mounting your charger? There aren't a lot of great places to put a phone in these things. At least not with the modern giants we have now.

In the end I used a cord to the driver's side of the steering column, a QuadLock mount on the windshield, and just plug the thing in. It's perfect for reading trail maps, too.

rageandlove · Dec 22, 2021

Unit 91 said:
Got it. Good call.

The only native wireless CarPlay I've used was in an Audi. They also had a built-in Qi charger in the center console you could clip your phone into. Pretty slick design.

Where are you mounting your charger? There aren't a lot of great places to put a phone in these things. At least not with the modern giants we have now.

In the end I used a cord to the driver's side of the steering column, a QuadLock mount on the windshield, and just plug the thing in. It's perfect for reading trail maps, too.

I put this in the center console:

Console Organized Tray Fit Toyota 4Runner (2010-present)

The charging plate fits perfectly in the larger side and plugs into the power in the console. The phone fits perfectly on top of the plate.

On road trips where I want to charge the phone I just throw it in the console.

Unit 91 · Dec 22, 2021

rageandlove said:
I put this in the center console:

Console Organized Tray Fit Toyota 4Runner (2010-present)

The charging plate fits perfectly in the larger side and plugs into the power in the console. The phone fits perfectly on top of the plate.

On road trips where I want to charge the phone I just throw it in the console.

Right on. I have a similar tray in my console, but the compartments run side to side instead. It's honestly not the best design, but it holds my sunglasses case. Good enough!

Apple CarPlay on the 5th gen

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