CarlinKit Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Dongle Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The CarlinKit Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Dongle is designed to bring wireless connectivity to your aftermarket Android car radio. This device allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone's features, such as navigation, music, and communication, directly onto your car's display.

This manual provides detailed instructions for installation, operation, and troubleshooting to ensure you get the most out of your CarlinKit dongle.

Figure 1: CarlinKit Wireless CarPlay Dongle - Plug and Play

2. Compatibility

2.1 Device Models

• CCPA (CPC200-CCPA): Supports both Wireless CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto.
• CCPW: Supports Wireless CarPlay and Wired Android Auto.
• CCPM: Supports Wired CarPlay and Wired Android Auto.

All models support wired connection with your mobile phone.

2.2 Car and Phone Compatibility

• For Car: Only compatible with aftermarket Android car radios running Android version 4.4 or higher.
• For iOS Phone (Wireless CarPlay): iPhone 6 or newer, running iOS 10 or higher.
• For Android Phone (Wireless Android Auto):
  • Android 11.0 or higher (any smartphone).
  • Android 10.0 (Google or Samsung phones).
  • Android 9.0 (Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, or Note 8).
  • Requires a valid data plan and 5 GHz Wi-Fi support.
  • The latest version of the Android Auto app must be installed.

Figure 2: Ensure your car has an Android head unit, not an original car machine.

Figure 3: Detailed compatibility requirements for iOS and Android devices.

3. Setup and Installation

Before using the dongle, you must install the AutoKit APK on your Android car radio. It is recommended to test the APK installation first to confirm compatibility.

3.1 APK Installation Methods

Professional APK download link: https://www.carlinkit.com/autokit.html

Method 1: Via USB Drive

1. Insert the CarlinKit dongle into your car's USB port.
2. Wait for the car unit to recognize the USB drive mode, and a "Storage01" pop-up should appear.
3. Open the ES File Browser or File Manager on your car radio.
4. Locate and open the APK installer, then install the AutoKit APK.
5. After successful installation, the "AutoKit" icon will appear on your car screen.

Method 2: Via Computer and USB Drive

1. Download the AutoKit APK from the provided link to your computer.
2. Copy the APK file to a USB drive (ensure the USB drive is formatted as FAT32).
3. Insert the USB drive into the car's USB port.
4. In the car's "File Manager", navigate to the USB drive directory and click the APK file to install it.

Method 3: Via Car Browser

1. Ensure your car radio is connected to a network.
2. Open the browser on your car radio, enter the APK download link.
3. Download the APK file.
4. In the "Download Directory", find the downloaded APK file and click "INSTALL".

Figure 4: Visual guide for APK installation and initial setup check.

3.2 Initial Connection Steps (Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto)

1. Insert the CarlinKit dongle into the USB port of your car radio.
2. On your smartphone, turn on both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
3. On your phone's Bluetooth settings, find the "AutoKit" signal (usually with a prefix like "AutoKit 5d56" or similar) and pair with it.
4. Confirm the connection prompt on your phone to use CarPlay or Android Auto.
5. Wait a few seconds for CarPlay or Android Auto to launch on your car screen.

Figure 5: Step-by-step visual guide for connecting your phone.

3.3 Wired Connection (CarPlay/Android Auto)

1. Insert the CarlinKit dongle into the USB port of your car radio.
2. Connect your iPhone or Android phone to the dongle using a data cable.
3. CarPlay or Android Auto will launch automatically.

Note: It is recommended to use the original data cable, a high-quality third-party data cable, or an MFi certified data cable for optimal performance.

4. Operation

4.1 Wireless CarPlay

Once connected, your iPhone's CarPlay interface will appear on your car's display. You can access various features:

• Navigation: Use Apple Maps, Waze, Google Maps, etc.
• Music: Stream music from Apple Music, Spotify, Anghami, etc.
• Phone Calls: Make and receive calls directly from the car screen.
• Siri Voice Assistant: Use voice commands for hands-free operation.
• Split Screen: Utilize two applications simultaneously on the screen.

Figure 6: Wireless CarPlay interface showing various apps.

Figure 7: Example of Siri voice control functionality.

4.2 Wireless Android Auto

For compatible Android phones, the Android Auto interface will be displayed. Enjoy features like:

• Navigation: Access Google Maps and other navigation apps.
• Music: Play music from Spotify, YouTube Music, etc.
• Phone Calls: Manage calls through the car's system.
• Google Assistant: Use voice commands for various tasks.

Figure 8: Wireless Android Auto interface with navigation and music.

4.3 Wired Mirror Screen

The dongle supports wired screen mirroring, allowing you to display your phone's screen content (including video apps like YouTube or Netflix) onto your car radio. This function is activated through the AutoKit APK settings.

1. Insert the CarlinKit dongle into the car's USB port and open the AutoKit APK.
2. Click the "Settings" icon in the upper left corner of the APK interface.
3. Select "Mirror" in "iPhone Mode" / "Android Mode".
4. Connect your mobile phone to the dongle using a data cable to activate screen mirroring.

Note: For safety, it is not recommended to watch videos while driving. This feature is best enjoyed when the vehicle is stationary.

Figure 9: Wired screen mirroring in action.

Figure 10: Visual comparison of car screen before and after using the dongle.

5. Specifications

Figure 11: Product parameters for Model CPC200-CCPA.

Figure 12: Detailed comparison of CarlinKit dongle models.

Figure 13: High-performance chip and 5.8GHz transfer rate for stable connection.

6. Maintenance

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your CarlinKit dongle, consider the following:

• Keep the device in a clean, dry environment.
• Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
• Handle the device and cables with care to prevent physical damage.
• Regularly check for and install firmware updates (see Warranty/Support section for details).

7. Troubleshooting

7.1 Connection Interface Appears: "Please connect the phone"

• Ensure the data cable used is original or MFi certified.
• In AutoKit Settings > Advanced Settings, set "Charging Mode" to "Weak" (to turn off phone charging).
• Restart your phone.
• Contact customer support for product version upgrade if issues persist.

7.2 Connection Interface Appears: "Please insert product"

• Try inserting the dongle into a different USB port on your car head unit.
• Check if the USB debugging function is enabled in your car head unit's settings. If it's on, turn it off; if it's off, try turning it on.
• Restore your car head unit to factory settings and then reinstall the AutoKit APK.
• Contact customer support for product version upgrade if issues persist.

7.3 Black Screen After Mobile Phone Connection

• In your car head unit settings, turn off "handbrake settings" or enable "watch video while driving".
• In AutoKit settings > Advanced settings, change the "Render Mode" to "Other".

7.4 No Sound from Microphone

• Turn off the voice assistant of the original car head unit.
• Some original car systems may not support the car's microphone (consider using a dongle version with a built-in microphone if available).

7.5 No Sound / Can't Hear Other's Voice During Calls

• Disconnect the Bluetooth pairing of the original car system when your phone is in use.
• Turn off the voice assistant function of the original car head unit.

7.6 Echo During Calls

• Change the decoding mode to "soft decoding" and clear the original Bluetooth signal on your phone. If the issue persists, contact customer support.

8. User Tips

• Check Compatibility First: Always install the APK and test compatibility with your specific car model (e.g., Gleey Coolrey, Ram 2500 Uconnect) before relying on the dongle for daily use.
• Use Quality Cables: For wired connections, using original or MFi-certified cables can prevent many connectivity issues.
• Automatic Connection: After the initial pairing, your phone should connect automatically via Wi-Fi when you get into the car, providing a seamless experience.

9. Warranty and Support

CarlinKit Direct Store is committed to providing 100% original authentic products and excellent customer service.

• Warranty: Enjoy a one-year warranty service from the date of purchase for any quality problems arising from normal use (excluding damage caused by accident, misuse, or modification).
• Firmware Upgrades: Please update your device only after contacting CarlinKit customer service if necessary.
• Contact Information:
  • E-mail: aesupport@carlinkit.com
  • Official Firmware Website: https://www.carlinkit.com/