If you own a Mazda CX-5, you may have noticed that although it supports Apple CarPlay, it does not offer wireless CarPlay functionality. Many drivers find this frustrating, especially when the convenience of wireless CarPlay can enhance their driving experience. If you're one of those drivers, you're in the right place. In this blog, we’ll show you how to enable wireless CarPlay in your Mazda CX-5 using the ideal wireless CarPlay adapter.
Why Doesn’t the Mazda CX-5 Have Wireless CarPlay?
As of 2024, Mazda has started including wireless CarPlay in the Premium Plus and higher trims, showcasing their commitment to adding more advanced features to their latest models. However, Wireless CarPlay isn't available on all trims of the Mazda CX-5, particularly in older or lower trims. Here’s why:
1. Licensing Costs: Apple charges an additional licensing fee for wireless CarPlay, which some manufacturers, including Mazda, may choose to avoid for certain trims or markets due to the added expense.
2. Market Considerations: Automakers often adjust features based on market demands and production costs. The decision to offer wireless CarPlay can depend on customer preferences and the overall cost-benefit analysis.
If you own an older CX-5 model without wireless CarPlay, the Carlinkit offers a simple and effective way to add wireless CarPlay to your vehicle.
How to Connect Wireless CarPlay to Mazda CX-5?
The easiest way to add wireless CarPlay to your Mazda CX-5 is by using a wireless CarPlay adapter. There are a lot of wireless CarPlay adapters in the market. Among them, Carlinkit and Ottocast are two popular brands. But as for compatibility, not all of them work with the CX-5.
For instance, the Mazda CX-5 can get wireless CarPlay or wireless Android Auto by using Carlinkit 4.0. But some users have found that the Carlinkit 4.0 adapter doesn’t always play nicely with Mazda’s widescreen, especially when using Android Auto. This can cause display issues where parts of the screen get cut off.
The Best Wireless CarPlay Adapter for CX-5:
The good news is that the Carlinkit 5.0 has fixed these problems and works smoothly with both iOS and Android devices. Carlinkit 5.0 unlike some of the other wireless CarPlay adapters, this one won't convert between the two protocols. Android Auto worked just as well as Apple CarPlay with the Carlinkit 5.0.
How to Set Up the Carlinkit 5.0:
1. Plug It In: Just plug the Carlinkit 5.0 adapter into your Mazda’s USB port.
2. Pair Your Phone: Follow the adapter’s instructions to connect your iPhone or Android phone. This usually involves connecting to the adapter’s Wi-Fi and pairing via Bluetooth.
3. Enjoy Wireless CarPlay: Once everything is set up, your phone will connect wirelessly every time you start your car, letting you use CarPlay or Android Auto without any cables.
Conclusion
While the Mazda CX-5 may not come with built-in wireless CarPlay in some models, the Carlinkit 5.0 adapter offers a simple and effective solution. By adding this adapter to your vehicle, you can enjoy the benefits of wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing your driving experience and reducing the clutter of cables.
Ready to upgrade your Mazda CX-5 with wireless CarPlay? Check out the Carlinkit 5.0 on our website and make your driving experience more convenient and enjoyable today!
