CarPlay Connection / Phone Location

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.

 

mob armor mounts

 

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.

 

Isn’t there a wireless adapter for this?

 

I have a short coiled wire that reaches my phone mount, but often just stick my phone in the cup holder.

I agree that there isn't an ideal spot. Some sort of console side pocket would be nice, maybe like this: https://www.4runnerlifestyle.com/products/4runner-lifestyle-center-console-storage-panels

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

If you do figure it out, please post how you did it!

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

It might be easy for the members if you post the exact link vs google search

 

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

 

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.

 

If a discrete solution is what you are looking for, get this:

$60 CarlinKit 3.0 Wireless CarPlay Adapter - Convert Wired CarPlay to Wireless in Factory Cars, 2015-2023 Models

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.

 

This plus the below was what I was talking about.

$50 CarQiWireless 2024 Upgrades Wireless Charger/Center Console Organizer Tray for Toyota 4runner 2010-2024 2023, Wireless Phone Charging Pad for Toyota 5th Gen SR5 TRD Truck Accessories 2021 2020

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08V88HWRJ

 

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.

 

I agree I have the same issues with mine.

 

Sheesh CarPlay isn’t wireless on the newer 5th Gens? Even the RAV4s are wireless..that’s horrible.

 

Wife’s 2021 Highlander is wired only too

 

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.

 

It's easy to take things apart. Run a USB cable from the head unit to the storage under the arm rest. A 1" hole with a unibit and a $12 dual USB extension from Amazon. I just plug in the phone and lay it in the tray.

$10 ICESPRING 2 Ports USB 3.0 Extension Cable, Flush Mount Car Truck Boat Motorcycle Dashboard Panel Adapter-3 Feet

Dual USB Port Extension

 

There is an empty CarPlay USB port on the back of the head unit?

 

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