The Carlinkit 5.0 (2air) is a compact device (about 3 x 1.7 inches / 7.6 x 4.3 cm) designed to convert a wired CarPlay or Android Auto connection to wireless. Setup is simple: just connect it to your car’s CarPlay USB port. Powered by USB, it requires no additional power source. Note: Your car must support native wired CarPlay or Android Auto for the device to function.
I mounted it discreetly under the center console using velcro and double-sided tape (not included). The Carlinkit 5.0 comes with both USB-C to USB-A and USB-C to USB-C cables, so you’ll have the right one regardless of your car’s interface. While my car tends to be particular about cable quality, the provided one worked flawlessly.
Why Choose Carlinkit 5.0?
Unlike the Carlinkit 4.0, which only converts wired CarPlay to wireless and may cause compatibility issues with Android Auto, the Carlinkit 5.0 is more versatile and reliable. I highly recommend this version for a better experience.
Initial Issues and Solutions
Upon first use, I encountered issues where the Carlinkit 5.0 wouldn’t start properly if left plugged into the USB port when powering on the car, often resulting in a black screen or no display. I had to unplug and reconnect the unit each time to fix this. Here’s how I improved stability:
Firmware Update
1. Connect the Carlinkit 5.0 to your car’s USB port or another power source to boot it up.
2. Use your phone (or laptop) to connect to the unit’s Wi-Fi network, named “AutoKit_” with password “12345678.”
3. Open a browser and go to `192.168.50.2` to access the settings.
4. In the Help section, select “Check Update” to find and install the latest firmware.
Adjusting the Start Delay
After updating, I also found that setting the “Start Delay” to 30 seconds in the settings solved all my startup issues. Different cars may have varied results, but a 30-second delay is a solid starting point for testing.
Since these adjustments, the Carlinkit 5.0 has worked correctly. On very rare occasions, while in use, the display may freeze, possibly due to heat, but a quick reset solves the issue. I’ve had this happen a couple times in one year, so it’s not really a big deal.
Overall, I’m very satisfied with the Carlinkit 5.0 (2air). It’s available on Amazon, where you can find the best local options for purchase. [Find the Carlinkit 5.0 on Amazon here].
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