I made my car’s Android Auto wireless with a 10 euro AliExpress adapter and here is my experience

The list of cars compatible with Android Auto in recent years is long, but if we narrow it down to those that can be used with Android Auto wirelessly, the gap is considerably reduced. Without going any further, the modern Seat León and Skoda Karoq that surround me are not modern and must resort to the cable in any case. However, there is always a solution: opt for an accessory in the form of a wireless Android Auto adapter.

Although I personally prefer to use Android Auto with a cable, it is convenient to forget the connections or to be bothered by the cable, but for such sporadic use, it was not difficult for us to spend too much. So ifui on AliExpress and bought the cheapest wireless adapter I could find . He came home, we tried it and that was my experience with this Android Auto accessory for just over 10 dollars.

First steps and getting started

I had a hard time finding a cheap wireless Android Auto adapter on AliExpress, because the descriptions are usually vague, which is why they lead to errors on the one hand, and on the other hand, they canceled some of my orders. With the one from Allwinner I was luckier and in three weeks I had it at home. In fact: we are facing a Wireless adapter for Android Auto and Apple CarPlaysupports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth and is powered by the socket (5V -1A/2.1A)

The packaging was simple but neat and inside it comes everything you need to get started. So, we find a manual, the adapter itself and a pair of short cables with USB-A/USB-A and USB-A/USB-C plugs, in case connecting it directly is not an option or you don’t have a USB port. -A in your car.

The adapter itself is shaped like a USB stick with an LED on one side and some recesses on the sides that serve both to grip it better and to promote the passage of air. Once plugged into the car, the LED turns green permanently, and starts flashing during the pairing phase. In terms of materials and build quality, it is made of ABS and aluminum alloy and It looks sturdy and attractive to me.with little to envy more expensive models.

I completed the setup in just a few minutes without any major issues.. For testing I used my Google Pixel 8a, although I also used an entry-level Xiaomi phone from a few years ago, which was much slower for me… but it’s also slow with a cable.

Since the car I used (the Skoda Karoq) has a USB-A port in a tray next to the gear lever, I simply plugged it in. Then, on the car’s console, I pressed “App”, which is the option that allows access to the infotainment systems (the car is also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay).

At this point we go to the mobile settings and in “Bluetooth” we look for a device called “WirelessDongleXXX” and select it. It will then display a code to confirm the pairing, as well as a notice authorizing access to contacts and call history (it is enabled by default). After pressing “Pair”, you just have to wait a few seconds and press the car screen in Android Auto to access the Google infotainment system. Ready to use.

What is the user experience?

From this moment on and if you always leave it connected to the USB, when you enter with your mobile and turn on the ignition, you will be able to access Android Auto without cables. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it worked. because both the configuration and the use are correct, fulfilling their objective. It only fell off once and I had to plug it back in.

During my testing, I made a call, received messages, listened to music, and used navigation apps to guide me along the route and everything is fluid. Although there is a minimal delay in pulling the cable, it is not dramatic and even less of a hindrance to use.

What I noticed is that after a quarter of an hour of use, its surface was hotsomething that, in the long term, can harm both its performance and its integrity if the temperature continues to rise (for example on long trips or when the sun shines on it). In this sense, it is advisable that the environment is cool (use air conditioning), favor ventilation or not use it too intensively.

Conclusions

You can’t ask for more from an Android Auto adapter this cheap: it pairs well, works properly, and the lag is minimal. Of course, I think heat is an issue to consider when deciding which one to use, so this seems like a good option for short trips or trips where we’re going to keep the cabin temperature moderate.

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In Xataka Android | Five adapters to have Android Auto wirelessly in your car: buying guide and recommended models