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CarPlay Connection / Phone Location

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by 4Boiler 13, Oct 19, 2021.

  1. Oct 19, 2021 at 1:31 PM
    #1
    4Boiler 13

    4Boiler 13 [OP] New Member

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    I'm struggling with how to locate my phone so that I can still use the CarPlay function. I'm (OCD) distraught that Toyota decided to make the USB in the center stack the CarPlay enabled input instead of the one located in the bottom of the center console. Has anyone come up with a good location for their phone or for a way to conceal the cable. Just looking for a cleaner solution than a phone cord + dropping my phone upside down in a cup holder.
     
    thermorex likes this.
  2. Oct 19, 2021 at 1:54 PM
    #2
    Big B

    Big B Out Exploring

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    KINGS! w/ adjust Method Race Wheels, Good Year Ultra-terrains 285/70/r17, GOBI Rack, Baja-Designs/Cali-Raised LED Lights, SSO stealth front bumper, RSG Sliders, FACTOR 55 ultrahook Smitty Bilt x20 winch (syn.), TYT TH9800, X Bull Recovery Boards
    mob armor mounts
     
  3. Oct 19, 2021 at 4:23 PM
    #3
    TXKK626

    TXKK626 New Member

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    A short, 12” cord connected to the phone placed in the 4WD boot. I agree about the poor location for the CarPlay-enabled USB port. I looked for something better, too, before giving up.
     
    4Boiler 13[OP] likes this.
  4. Oct 19, 2021 at 7:08 PM
    #4
    Jrunr

    Jrunr 2021 TRD Pro

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    Isn’t there a wireless adapter for this?
     
    Schijff749 likes this.
  5. Oct 20, 2021 at 7:19 AM
    #5
    grizzlypath

    grizzlypath New Member

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  6. Oct 20, 2021 at 7:34 AM
    #6
    sduck

    sduck New Member

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    I also struggled with this issue. I think the only good solution is to just embrace the clunkiness of this old design, and put the phone mount where you want and run a coiled usb cord to it. I have a ram mount, glued onto the top left side of the infotainment assembly. Coiled usb cords are readily available on Amazon and probably locally at convenience stores or truck stops. It's incredibly ugly and inconvenient, but it's not a tesla, deal with it.
     
  7. Oct 20, 2021 at 7:59 AM
    #7
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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    Someday/night......when we're all setting around a fire perhaps someone will school me on how this works and what I need to make it work. Color me clueless, most days ;)
     
  8. Oct 20, 2021 at 8:12 AM
    #8
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    I want a wireless option too. Wireless AndroidAuto for my specific useage. So I could hide the phone inside center console and use a wireless charger.

    I see standalone android device but didn't look in to it much.

    As for wired options I tried connecting both my phone and USB music player to a USB hub but music player cannot be played while using android apps. Only option is have all the music on my phone and use a player like VLC player to be played along navigating using map app. So Hub is useless since both cannot be used at the same time.
     
  9. Oct 20, 2021 at 8:23 AM
    #9
    HueyC

    HueyC New Member

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    I have felt exactly the same. I first started with a wireless carplay adapter (Carlinkit 2.0). It works perfectly, but now I have clunky box just hanging from the USB port. I'm working on getting it hidden behind the dash. I think I have a solid plan, fingers crossed that it works.
     
    4Boiler 13[OP] likes this.
  10. Oct 20, 2021 at 8:34 AM
    #10
    Jrunr

    Jrunr 2021 TRD Pro

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    If you do figure it out, please post how you did it!
     
  11. Oct 20, 2021 at 8:43 AM
    #11
    4Boiler 13

    4Boiler 13 [OP] New Member

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    Were you able to install a Qi charger in the center console? I had this thought about Carlinkit 2.0 but had read about some security concerns. Has your interface experience been similar to corded? Thanks in advance
     
  12. Oct 20, 2021 at 9:11 AM
    #12
    HueyC

    HueyC New Member

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    Will do. I'm currently waiting on the last cable to be shipped and then I can see if it works.

    I haven't gotten to wireless charging yet, but the interface with Carlinkit is great, Identical to plugging in. The only think I have noticed is a small video lag. Very noticeable if you are parked and watching a video, the audio is not in sync.
     
  13. Oct 20, 2021 at 1:31 PM
    #13
    Bobafett

    Bobafett New Member

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    If you google “ios wireless CarPlay dongle” and then “4Runner center console phone charger”, you’ll find the two products I use that work flawlessly.
     
  14. Oct 20, 2021 at 1:47 PM
    #14
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    It might be easy for the members if you post the exact link vs google search :)
    upload_2021-10-20_14-45-52.jpg
     
  15. Oct 20, 2021 at 3:22 PM
    #15
    TT Design Works

    TT Design Works New Member

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    I made a phone mount that utilizes the front cup holder.
    The extra cable just spools up underneath.

    IMG_1066.jpg IMG_1067.jpg
     
  16. Oct 20, 2021 at 4:00 PM
    #16
    roc

    roc New Member

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    upload_2021-10-20_18-54-20.jpg
    Cut a piece of wood that fit tight into that little cubby and attached a Tackform Tomahawk by Expedition Essentials.
    Also installed a garmin boat mount with charger in the cup holder.
    Added another cup holder over on the passenger side.
    upload_2021-10-20_18-59-18.jpg
     
    4Boiler 13[OP] likes this.
  17. Oct 22, 2021 at 12:23 PM
    #17
    achtung6

    achtung6 New Member

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    If a discrete solution is what you are looking for, get this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08P1GWQDB?ie=UTF8

    This dongle works great, connects to the phone automatically every time.

    You can then put the phone anywhere in the truck.

    You plug it into the USB port and then mount the wireless dongle with double sided tape to the "ceiling" of the pocket in the center stack that is just below the USB port, 12v outlet, etc. Very clean. All you see is the cable.

    18830BBB-2A91-424A-8E86-122D9E6B6CA9.jpg

    EFD179F2-DA9E-479F-A1F7-B0F75D88860A.jpg
     
    Last edited: Oct 22, 2021
    gptoy, jga and spyder918 like this.
  18. Oct 22, 2021 at 6:12 PM
    #18
    Bobafett

    Bobafett New Member

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    This plus the below was what I was talking about.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08V88HWRJ
     
  19. Oct 22, 2021 at 11:24 PM
    #19
    achtung6

    achtung6 New Member

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    I have this as well but I didn’t recommend it because after a month of usage I noticed it doesn’t charge my phone but does make it very hot. I got a second one and it doesn’t charge the phone reliably either. I think I’m going to use it (disabled.unplugged) and place an Apple magsafe charger instead. It will fit fine in there with double sided tape. I had high hopes that this console organizer would work and for a few weeks it seemed to. I liked that it kept the console tidy and allowed wireless charging of the phone for CarPlay. But it really heated my iPhone 12 and doesn't seem to want to charge the 13 reliably either. So I'm going to execute a work around. I would suggest anyone wanting a solution like this to get a console organizer w/o charging and add your own to it, one that works.
     
    Last edited: Oct 23, 2021
  20. Oct 24, 2021 at 10:30 AM
    #20
    Crossfit4Runner

    Crossfit4Runner New Member

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    I agree I have the same issues with mine.
     
  21. Oct 24, 2021 at 11:10 AM
    #21
    spyder918

    spyder918 501st Unit: GGG

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    Sheesh CarPlay isn’t wireless on the newer 5th Gens? Even the RAV4s are wireless..that’s horrible.
     
  22. Oct 24, 2021 at 11:52 AM
    #22
    Crossfit4Runner

    Crossfit4Runner New Member

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    Wife’s 2021 Highlander is wired only too
     
  23. Oct 24, 2021 at 6:01 PM
    #23
    achtung6

    achtung6 New Member

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    I much prefer wireless CarPlay hence why I use the dongle I posted about. The good thing about wired CarPlay is that it addresses the heavy battery drain of this feature.
     
  24. Mar 12, 2022 at 12:39 PM
    #24
    oddluck

    oddluck New Member

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    4Boiler 13[OP] likes this.
  25. Jul 22, 2022 at 7:52 PM
    #25
    sammydawelder

    sammydawelder New Member

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    There is an empty CarPlay USB port on the back of the head unit?
     
    4Boiler 13[OP] likes this.
  26. Jul 23, 2022 at 12:58 PM
    #26
    achtung6

    achtung6 New Member

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    Not on the factory HU. Aftermarket ones often feature this.
     
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