Pionray 2-in-1 Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Adapter

Pionray 2-in-1 Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Adapter

User Manual

1. Product Overview

The Pionray 2-in-1 Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto Adapter converts your car's existing wired CarPlay or Android Auto system into a wireless one. This plug-and-play device offers a seamless connection experience, retaining original car control functions such as knob, steering wheel, and button controls.

Pionray Wireless Adapter for CarPlay & Android Auto
Pionray Wireless Adapter for CarPlay & Android Auto, showing two adapter variants and interface logos.
2-in-1 CarPlay/Android Auto Dongle compatibility
Diagram illustrating the adapter's function: converting wired CarPlay/Android Auto to wireless.

2. Setup and Installation

2.1 Compatibility Notes

  • This adapter is only applicable to vehicles with existing wired CarPlay or Android Auto functionality. It does not add CarPlay or Android Auto to vehicles that do not already have it.
  • For wireless CarPlay, an iPhone 6 or newer model with iOS 10 or higher is required.
  • For wireless Android Auto, an Android phone with version 11 or higher, equipped with 5Ghz WiFi, is required.

2.2 How to Check Vehicle Compatibility

To confirm if your vehicle supports wired CarPlay or Android Auto:

  1. Method 1: USB Connection
    Connect your iPhone or Android smartphone to your vehicle using a USB data cable. If compatible, the CarPlay or Android Auto logo will appear on your car's display screen.
  2. Method 2: Online Resources
    Refer to the compatibility list by scanning the QR codes below or visiting the respective websites. Alternatively, contact your car manufacturer directly for confirmation.
How to Use the Pionray 2-in-1 Adapter
Visual guide for connecting the adapter and displaying CarPlay/Android Auto interfaces.

2.3 Critical Setup Notes

  • Remove Original Car Bluetooth: Please remove your original car's Bluetooth from your phone's paired devices list to prevent connection conflicts.
  • Phone WiFi: Keep your phone's WiFi on without manual connection. The adapter will auto-connect after Bluetooth pairing. Manual WiFi connection is typically used for OTA updates.
  • Bluetooth Pairing: Pair Bluetooth ONLY between your phone and the adapter (e.g., 'smartBox-xxxx'). Do NOT connect the adapter directly to your car's Bluetooth system.

2.4 Initial Connection Steps (iPhone for CarPlay)

  1. Start your car and wait for the infotainment system to load completely.
  2. Insert the adapter into your vehicle's USB-A or USB-C port.
  3. Once the adapter is successfully connected to the vehicle, the car screen will display the adapter's Bluetooth name, typically as "smartBox-xxxx".
  4. Open the Settings app on your iPhone and ensure both Bluetooth and WLAN (Wi-Fi) are enabled.
  5. Navigate to the Bluetooth settings and select the adapter with the name "smartBox-xxxx" from the available devices list.
  6. A "Bluetooth Pairing Request" notification will appear on your phone screen. Tap "Pair" to proceed.
  7. Wait for approximately 20-30 seconds. A dialog box will appear on your phone screen asking "Use CarPlay with 'smartBox-xxxx'". Tap "Use CarPlay" to establish the connection.
  8. After Bluetooth pairing is complete and the CarPlay connection is established, your car screen will automatically switch to CarPlay mode.

2.5 Initial Connection Steps (Android Phone for Android Auto)

  1. Start your car and wait for the infotainment system to load completely.
  2. Insert the adapter into your vehicle's USB-A or USB-C port.
  3. Once the adapter is successfully connected to the vehicle, the car screen will display the adapter's Bluetooth name, typically as "smartBox-xxxx".
  4. Open the Settings app on your Android phone and ensure both Bluetooth and WLAN (Wi-Fi) are enabled.
  5. Navigate to the Bluetooth settings and select the adapter with the name "smartBox-xxxx" from the "OTHER DEVICES" list.
  6. A "Bluetooth Pairing Request" notification will appear on your phone screen. Tap "Pair" to proceed.
  7. After Bluetooth pairing is complete and the Android Auto connection is established, your car screen will automatically switch to Android Auto mode.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 Connecting Different Phones

To switch the connection to a different mobile phone:

  1. First, turn off Bluetooth on the currently connected phone, then turn off its Wi-Fi.
  2. Unplug the adapter from the car's USB port and then replug it. (This step is important for resetting the adapter's connection state).
  3. On the new mobile phone, turn on Bluetooth. Search for and pair with the "smartBox-xxxx" Bluetooth device.
  4. If the mobile phone system indicates that Bluetooth is occupied, try pairing several times to complete the device handover.

3.2 LED Light Status Indicators

The adapter features an LED light to indicate its current status:

  • Power on: Steady Blue Light
  • CarPlay Connecting: Green Light Flashing
  • CarPlay Connected: Steady Green Light
  • Android Auto Connecting: Blue Light Flashing
  • Android Auto Connected: Steady Blue Light
2 in 1 Wireless Dongle Stability & Compatibility
The adapter is designed for stability and broad compatibility with existing wired systems.

4. Maintenance and Updates

4.1 OTA Online Update

The adapter supports Over-The-Air (OTA) updates to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. Follow these steps to update your device:

For iPhone Users:

  1. Ensure the adapter is powered up (connected to a USB power source, e.g., in your car).
  2. On your iPhone, connect to the adapter's Wi-Fi network. The default password is "88888888".
  3. Open a web browser on your iPhone and enter the IP address "192.168.5.1" to access the setting page.
  4. On the setting page, locate and click on "History version" to initiate the update process.

For Android Phone Users:

  1. Ensure the adapter is powered up (connected to a USB power source, e.g., in your car).
  2. On your Android phone, connect to the adapter's Wi-Fi network. The default password is "88888888".
  3. Open a web browser on your Android phone and enter the IP address "192.168.5.1" to access the setting page.
  4. On the setting page, click "Switch P2P Mode".
  5. Return to your phone's Wi-Fi settings, find the "Wi-Fi Direct" option, and then connect to the available device named "smartBox-XXXX".
  6. Return to the browser's page (192.168.5.1) and click "History version" to update.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Pionray Wireless Adapter, please refer to the following common solutions:

  • No CarPlay/Android Auto in Car: This adapter requires your car to have existing wired CarPlay or Android Auto functionality. It cannot add these features to a vehicle that does not already support them.
  • Connection Conflicts: Ensure you have removed any previous Bluetooth pairings between your phone and the car's original system before connecting to the adapter.
  • Bluetooth Pairing Issues: If your phone indicates "Bluetooth occupied" or fails to pair, try unplugging and replugging the adapter, then attempt pairing again multiple times.
  • Intermittent Connection: Ensure your phone's Wi-Fi is enabled and not manually connected to another network, as the adapter uses Wi-Fi for data transmission after the initial Bluetooth handshake.
  • Adapter Overheating: The adapter features a high-efficiency ventilation design for rapid heat dissipation. While some warmth during operation is normal, excessive heat may indicate an issue. Ensure the adapter is not obstructed and has adequate airflow.
Rapid Heat Dissipation design
The adapter features a high-efficiency ventilation design for rapid heat dissipation, ensuring stable performance.

6. Specifications

FeatureSpecification
BrandPionray
Power InputUSB 5V
Bluetooth Version5.0
WiFi Frequency5.0 GHz
CarPlay CompatibilityiPhone 6 or newer, iOS 10 or higher (with wired CarPlay in car)
Android Auto CompatibilityAndroid 11 or higher (with wired Android Auto in car, 5Ghz WiFi equipped)
Dimensions (approx.)23.7mm (0.9 inch) x 10.2mm (0.4 inch) x 7mm (0.28 inch)
Weight (approx.)0.033 kg
Package list and product dimensions
The product package includes the CarPlay Dongle, a USB A to USB C Adapter, and a user manual. Dimensions are also shown.
2.4~5.0 GHz WiFi technology diagram
Internal diagram highlighting the 5.0 GHz WiFi technology for fast connections.

7. User Tips

  • Verify Car Compatibility First: Before purchasing or setting up, always confirm your car has factory-installed wired CarPlay or Android Auto. This adapter converts wired to wireless; it does not add the feature if it's not already present.
  • Clear Bluetooth History: If you experience connection issues, especially when switching phones or after initial setup, ensure you "forget" or remove your car's original Bluetooth pairing from your phone's settings.
  • Keep Phone Wi-Fi On: For the adapter to function correctly, your phone's Wi-Fi must be enabled, even if you're not actively connecting to a Wi-Fi network. The adapter uses Wi-Fi for data transfer.
  • Power Cycle for Reset: If the adapter becomes unresponsive or fails to connect, unplug it from the car's USB port and then plug it back in. This often resolves minor glitches.

8. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and further support, please refer to the official user manual provided with your product. A digital version of the user manual (PDF) is available for reference:

View User Manual (PDF)

For any specific inquiries or technical assistance, please contact Pionray customer support.

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