5th Gen Stereo - Is there a Carplay Bluetooth adapter that works?

Hey y'all. New member here. Did my best to search the forums on this subject before posting.

I just got a 5th Gen and purchased

OTTOCAST U2Air Pro Wireless CarPlay Adapter for iPhone - 2025 Version Wired to Wireless CarPlay Dongle - Dual-Band WiFi, Low Latency, Online Update, Plug Play for Factory OEM Wired CarPlay Cars

this adapter to enable bluetooth Carplay connectivity. I have had frequent problems with it in the following ways:

1. Volume level cannot be controlled when using Carplay.
2. Phone sometimes does not automatically connect. (not as frequent)

#1 is the biggest issue and is very annoying. Restarting the stereo or unplug/replug the adapter will fix this most of the time but that is not a viable solution for me as I plan to use this car for many years and this is super annoying to me.

TLDR: Often can't control volume with OTTOCAST BT adapter.

Q: Does anyone have a Carplay adapter that works 100% of the time?
Q: Does anyone know of a permanent fix for these issues?

Thanks in advance y'all. Stoked to be here on the forum.

 

I have that adapter and experience similar issues. It works well enough that I probably won't change it, but will be watching this thread to see what others use.

Re: Volume issue- I can control the volume for the radio and Sirius just fine. If I switch to Apple Music or Pandora, I can't.

I also wish it would control Siri and the radio independently like our Subaru. I don't think that's an Ottocast issue, though. I think that's a Toyota Carplay issue.

 

I purchased the AutoSky Pro adapter (https://autoskyus.com/products/autosky-wireless-carplay-adapter-pro) a while back. No volume issues but I do experience a delay when changing songs and on phone conversations. It is quite annoying and I have reverted to answering my phone on speakerphone. Every post on the forums surrounding the wireless carplay adapters seems to reference an issue with each one. Hopefully someone chimes in with an option that doesn't have issues...

 

I upgraded my head unit so i may not be remembering correctly. But i thought i could just run it through the BT in the stock head unit?

 

Cable apple car play/android auto only for us 4runner guys. I went with a Motorola unit for Android auto. Works perfectly. Not sure if they make an Apple version.

 

carlinkit 5.0 works 100% everytime

https://carlinkitcarplay.com/collec...-wired-carplay-wired-android-auto-to-wireless

 

I've been happy with my Carlinkit 5.0 as well. It works 99% of the time on my '24. The 1% of the time it doesn't connect, I simply unplug it and plug it back in and it will connect then. I did have an issue with volume controls becoming unresponsive after I updated the Carlinkit firmware, but I simply downgraded to the previous firmware and it's been working fine since. It does take 15-20 seconds to connect but once it does it's rock solid. I also occasionally get a very brief stutter, but I think that's the stock head unit's fault. It only ever happens when the head unit switches from camera mode back to CarPlay. I have my 360 camera set to come on automatically at slow speed since it makes parking so much easier.

I have a right angle USB adapter so that I can tuck it in the otherwise useless bottom center dash cubby.


Edit...for clarity.

 

I had this in my Tacoma for about a year, and just moved it over to my new 4 Runner. Has worked flawlessly in both vehicles. Takes about 10 seconds to auto connect when you first turn on your truck, but it's fantastic.

Wireless CarPlay - Wired CarPlay Convert Cars Wireless CarPlay，Wireless CarPlay Adapter，Apple CarPlay Wireless Adapter，Wireless Fast and Easy Use Fit for Cars from 2016&iPhone iOS 10+(Black)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BR3JBNQB?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

Here's the one I've been running and everything works well:

LOBOAIR Upgrade PL9

$30 Wireless Carplay Adapter, Upgrade Plug & Play Adapter for Easy Use & Low Latency, Compatible iOS 10+ and Wired CarPlay System. (Black)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CQX8RP6W?ie=UTF8&th=1

It experiences the lag that everyone else mentions but it doesn't bother me. It only is an issue if you have a video on your phone and the mouth movements don't match up. The price is great for under 50 bucks.

 

Thanks for the advice y'all. I just purchased the Carlinkit 5.0 and will report back if that works better. Hopefully I can talk OTTOCAST into giving me a refund if so.

 

I have one in my Tundra, and one in the 4runner. Both 100% no issues with connecting. Just remember, connect your phone's bluetooth to the carlinkit unit, not the vehicle.

 

Welcome. I used the carlink adapter when we had our Venza. Was great, laggy, but no connection issues.

 

For what it's worth, after upgrading my iphone from and 11 Pro Max to a 15 Pro, I can now control the audio in Pandora (haven't tried Apple Music yet). While the volume issue was relatively new- I know I could control it at some point with the Ottocast- I don't know if it was the phone switch or just coincidence. I ordered the Carlinkit to try out too.

 

I just bought this one

$70 Jemluse Wireless CarPlay Adapter for Apple - Stable Fast Connection for Convert Factory Wired to Wireless CarPlay Dongle Cars for iPhone - No Latency from iOS 10+ to Screen w/USB C (Cosmic Gray)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CN9VDDVP on Amazon. I had the Carlinkit 3 in my Tacoma. It worked for the most part and the updated Carlinkit 5 was on my radar but opted for this one based on reviews. I don't know how it stacks up against the Carlinkit 5 but it connects fast and works flawlessly...so far. If it continues to work I will buy another for the wife's RAV4.

 

I have a Carlinkit4.0 which works mostly well.
Cannot adjust volume of carplay...annoying.
Sometimes has delays.
MOST ANNOYING, reboots when it wants to and on long trips, it will sometimes just lock up (though I fixed that by 3d printing a case with a fan to cool it...IT GETS HOT)
Also, from, time to time, it just stops, disconnects and will not accept phone connection. I think due to whatever app is open on the phone.
As a result, I am close to pulling the trigger on a kenwood head unit, though going from the 8 in factory unit to a 7 inch is something I have to wrap my head around.

 

Will that work with a 2018 4Runner?

 

Update on this thread: I've been using the Carlinkit 5.0 for about a week and it seems much better.

- No longer having issues controlling the volume.
- Connecting is fast and pretty stable.
- Stereo interface is much more responsive/faster.

TLDR: If you're having the same issues on a 5th Gen 4Runner. Go for the Carlinkit 5.0 it works great.

 

It should work in any vehicle with wired CarPlay.

 

I spent a bit more and went with a multimedia box. Does Android Auto/Apple Carplay wirelessly and a lot more!

https://techwizard-mmb.com/

 

Just got mine today and hooked it up. I'll report back after a week or so of using it.

 

The CarLink is on sale right now. I guess it's a Fathers' Day sale - $169 (not that it's ever really that much) on sale for $64.99... then a 20% (code: Dad) additional discount, and free shipping. I bought one and will report back.

 

I just ordered the CarLink 5.0. Using the promo code Dad it was $57. I will also post some updates on how it performs in the coming weeks.

 

Anybody use the Hamilton Automotive head replacement units? Expensive!

https://www.hamiltonmotorcompany.co..._by=manual&filter.p.m.my_fields.model=4Runner

 

Over $500 would stick with Alpine or Kenwood.

 

Been using the Carlinkit 5.0 (2air) for about a week. Overall it functions like the Ottocast. I don't find it better or worse. The startup sequence is different than the Ottocast. It seems to start later in the overall media system's startup. Not a good or bad thing.

It's restarted itself at least once for apparently no reason. All other audio functions perform as they should. Touch screen seems to function as quick/ smooth as the Ottocast.

I had had a problem where the Siri audio would occasionally drop from Carplay and come through the phone. It would always reconnect itself. Thought that was the Ottocast, but the Carlinkit has done it a couple times too so it's probably a phone thing or general Carplay thing.

One thing that happened on the Ottocast that has not yet happened on the Carlink is, intermittently, the steering wheel control to activate Siri would not work. I'd have to use the side button on my phone. It worked most of the time, but happened enough to annoy me. I think I've used the Carlink enough for it to happen if it was going to but so far so good.

 

I have an Ottocast on the way.
I have been using the Carlink4, and have not loved it. Reboots when it feels like, especially on long trips and use ( and I have a d printed enclosure with a cooling fan), cannot adjust carplay volume. Had to reload firmware once. I works..but it is not rock solid.
I'll report back after I get the new unit, since it is my last option before replacing the whole head unit. I hope I do not see issue with Siri. @HuskyMike, which version did you get?

 

One feature that I noticed not all of these adapters include, is the ability to input address/location while moving (Google Maps or Waze). The AutoSky Pro adapter allows my wife to use CarPlay while I drive, which I found to be an issue with one of the earlier Carlink units.
Still hoping someone finds one that doesn't have issues and allows functionality while in motion.

 

I should have made it more clear in my post (I've edited the post) that the Siri/ Steering wheel thing was an intermittent problem. It happened enough to annoy me, but worked most of the time.

I got the

$60 U2AIR OTTOCAST U2-AIR Wireless CarPlay Adapter 2024 - Apple CarPlay Wireless Adapter Convert Wired to Wireless Plug & Play Dongle 5Ghz WiFi Auto Connect Online Update for iPhone & OEM Wired CarPlay Cars

U2AIR Pro Wireless CarPlay Adapter. Since I replaced my iPhone around the same time I switched carplay units, I can't say for sure the steering wheel button/ Siri thing was related to the Ottocast. I plan on switching back to it just to test it.

 

I have this one on the way Ottocast
We shall see

 

I'm not sure if CarPlay is the same, but that's baked into Android Auto. It will take voice commands but you have to be stopped for anything else, regardless of how you're connected.