2016 Mazda CX-5 Apple CarPlay Retrofit Self Install DIY (with Firmware Upgrade tip)

How to DIY install and save at least $200 when retrofitting your Mazda with Apple CarPlay (or Android Auto). It's not difficult to do it yourself if you are somewhat mechanically inclined. The biggest hurdle is getting the dealer to install the software upgrade. I got them to do it for free and you may be able to also.
Just imagine having to pay Apple or Google for a software upgrade to your $1000 phone. Crazy right?!?! Well that is exactly what the Mazda dealer will do to you if you let them. There is a possible way around that especially if your car is still under the factory warranty.
Disclaimer: The audio and video quality are not great but it should be good enough to show how I did it. You are on your own if you attempt this and screw it up. Go to the dealer and have them install it for you if you doubt your abilities.

[@alexisrosen7748]

Thank you for this video! Me and my husband were able to get it installed in under 2 hours! Here’s a bit about our experience. I called a few dealers about installing the firmware. The first one wanted to charge me $399 for full CarPlay install and $160 just for firmware. That was a joke. I called another dealer and they said $60 for firmware. I tugged his arm about my warranty and he told me to just bring my car by. He ended up doing it for free, even though my warranty was expired (which I hadn’t known at the time)! Now that’s good customer service. A couple things we ran into while installing CarPlay - we had quite the time trying to remove the old USB hub.. had to get the long screw driver in just right to loosen the clips, probably couldn’t have done it without that screw driver. The upper right clip gave us a really hard time. We also had some trouble fitting the display back in with all the cord slack. We were eventually able to bunch it up behind/underneath the plastic piece that holds the display, in case anyone else runs into this. We also weren’t sure in which order to plug in the new cords because our kit did not come with installation instructions. We found where to plug the cords here at 6:39: kzbin.info/www/bejne/haGZcmiVmpihmbc. On the USB hub its brown on outside black on inside. On the display it’s green on outside blue on inside. Honestly, we are not car savvy at all, so if we can do it, you can too. P.s we also bought a cheap trim removal kit when we purchased the car play parts on EBay, and maybe used one? Also used tape to avoid scratching at first, which was pretty unnecessary. Happy installing!

[@gibwinter2637]

This was awesome! I watched a number of videos, including the drilling method but this was #1. This made the most sense and it worked flawlessly in my North American 2016 Mazda CX-5 (I can't speak to other years of the CX-5). I will say that I upgraded the firmware myself and other than some considerable time investment (about an hour), it was rather easy. There are a few places that seem to be fairly reliable if you check the Mazda forums for getting the instructions and the firmware. Make sure you follow the technical notes on what version(s) you need to install and in what order. For example, I had to install NA 70.00.100 before NA 70.00. 352B. Some may need to install version 31.xx.xx prior to 70.00.100. One 8 GB USB stick with all the firmware files and versions was all I needed. As for the tabs, I used the exact same screwdriver and had all four tabs popped off from the passenger side panel in less than 1 minute. Get a good flashlight and place the screwdriver blade between the tab and the USB hub and twist 90 degrees - ta-da! The routing of the wiring and which wires go to which ports is in the detailed Mazda instructions. I found them via the Mazda forums as well. One link had all the manuals, the videos, the firmware, and the technical release notes with firmware order required. Routing the wires took the most time, not that it was hard, just time consuming to match up with the instructions. Carplay is up and running and all I paid for was the conversion kit (USB wires and USB hub) for $136 plus $10 shipping. Thank you so much!

[@curtweller1388]

By any chance do you have a link to a video describing the drilling method?

[@odc43054]

I did the upgrade to .100 myself. It was really easy. The Mazda instructions are out there and are very clear and easy to follow. A thumb drive, a timer, and an hour and you can do it for free.

[@john-paulnoe9345]

Do you mean that you updated the software with a file you downloaded from online? and then just put it on a thumb drive and plugged it in?

[@odc43054]

John-Paul Noe Yes

[@hrb41801]

Where’d you find the software

[@samwatson896]

Yeah. Using a long screwdriver to snap the clips off the back of the USB hub did the trick on my 2016 CX-5. Now on my wife's 2019 CX-3 there is not enough space to do that. For that, I did the "drill holes near the edges of the USB hub" trick. That was more of making quite a few holes in the hub and just breaking it apart than actually snapping off the clips perfectly, but whatever works.

[@northernlights6206]

Thanks for the video. Being a bigger guy, getting underneath there to break those tabs off was pretty much impossible. One suggestion on breaking them that worked perfectly for me was to heat up a wide bladed flat head screwdriver on the end, hot enough to melt plastic. Then run it directly through the front of the old USB unit (being sure to ONLY go through the old usb hub, NOT the console). Do this where the tabs will be directly behind the unit. Run the hot blade all the way through the plastic, give it a quick twist and the tabs will pop right off. Repeat for the other tabs.

[@LuisPerez-cv2vp]

Thanks for this! I had NO luck with the screwdriver method and had to resort to the drill method which worked much easier.

[@ShaiYammanee]

Thank you for such a great video. It was invaluable in installing the kit in my 2016 Mazda CX-5. The most time-consuming part was realizing I didn't have a 10mm wrench socket and extender for removing the entertainment unit (then having to go to Home Depot to get them), breaking the tabs on the USB port with the long screwdriver (quite tricky), and figuring out how to thread all the cables. All in all (with all the travel time included) it took me about 3.5 hours from start to finish.

[@ramonperera6218]

Thanks a lot! Very clear explanation. You are an honest man dedicating your time helping others while paying the favor to those who did it for you. The best of luck, thanks again. Ramon Perera, Miami.

[@abudulaaisikaer2442]

Just finished the whole process. Followed every step on this video. Don't try to open the central panal or the whole middle part if you have a 2016 cx5. It's impossible for this model to replace the hub from central panel. At least if you don't run a mechanic. Just use the "long skrew driver" trick to replace the hub. For the part below the screen, you will need a 10mm socket with two extender to remove that part. Other part is easy. Works perfect on my mazda cx5.2016

[@danscoggins563]

Thank you for a great video. The upgrade went smoothly and without issue.

[@sacem52]

Thank you! I didn’t feel like printing every pdf for trim removal. Your video covered it all and the bonus was learning about the hack to remove the module.

[@OSDF-PNW]

Just completed my own install of the kit in my 2016.5 Mazda CX5 Grand Touring. Very Easy to do and I was fortunate enough to have had the dealership I bought the car from already have done the software portion before I bought the car used with only 42,000 miles. Thank you for the walk through and the tips. I ended up taking my center console apart because something cut my had when I was removing the old USB hub. All in all this was another good DIY experience although this wasn't my first endeavor. I've installed LED accent lighting in my car and a turn signal towing kit that run from the battery to the trunk.

[@PsychoFisho]

Will sound funny, but for panel pry tools, I prefer to use popsicle sticks and tongue depressors (both from craft stores). I will use a knife to shape them to various widths. These soft wood pieces will do less damage than plastic pry tools.

[@jman609]

Thanks for the video, I was able to follow the instruction and break all four tabs from the unit. Rest of the process was straightforward!

[@FiftyFive74]

Thank you for this video. Really helped me out with my install. Hardest part was removing the usb hub. I had to use the drilling method.

[@theknowhow4692]

Thanks for the great video! I have purchased the kit, just trying to find a dealer that will update my firmware on my 2016.5 CX-5 GT. Wish me luck 🤪

[@qqryqq123]

can you share the installation manual (or where to get it)?

[@프로악]

thx bro While u r using apple carplay, does it have to be wired? or wireless works? I got mazda 6 2016 and going to try it or not it depends on wireless or not. cheers~

[@japanesejuan]

Will you do mine?!?! Ugghhh. Labor is so freakishly expensive! The thing is only $200 and they charge another $200 on top of it. My God

[@FrostyCoug]

Thanks for the video, man. It’ll be useful my my install.

[@JerryLeetw]

Thanks for the video so I don't have to take down other parts when install kit. it's not easy, but definitely a better way. I use long screwdriver to take the 1st clip by follow video and hand on short one to take down the driver side. then it's done. Thanks again.

[@shahaab]

How fast does the carplay port charge the phone?

[@tratzum]

Anybody got a link to the kit? My local dealer wants $450 to do this. I figure I can do the install and maybe firmware myself. If not $100 firmware upgrade is way better the $400 for everything from dealer.

[@maxinxin1231]

I tried to use your method to pop the clips off from the back of the USB hub. This did not work after 3 hrs and I started drilling holes into them. Until I checked the back and was afraid it might go to a different angle and break the car. So I gave up after 4 hrs of installation. Could you give a more detailed explanation on how you detached/broke the clips?

[@mach1sailor]

Jason Ma, there isn’t much to describe other than you need to get the tip of a long flathead screwdriver wedged between the box and the clip. Then you turn the screwdriver 90 degrees and the hard plastic clip snaps off. I assume you already have the new box so you can see on the new box what the clips look like and see where you need to place the screwdriver. I used a headlamp and I was able to see all four clips from the floor panel on the passenger side. Maybe yours is different. If so you might be stuck following the entire factory procedure of disassembling the console to gain access to the back side. Good luck.

[@maxinxin1231]

mach1sailor I ordered the exact same screwdriver you mentioned last week. Finally had time today to snap it off. Took me about 20 minutes to do them. After the two at the bottom and top one on passenger side came off, I tilted the hub unit with my hand and was able to easily snap off the 4th one. Will do the full installation some time soon. Thanks so much!

[@nikachakvetadze8508]

I also have 2016 gt, I upgraded firmware to 70.00.335 NA N but there is no apple carplay or android auto in aplications menu. when i replace usb kit with wiers then it wil appear in menu?

[@nickharperpkmn]

Good video. Out of curiosity, why was it necessary to update the firmware first? Were you on a version that did not support Apple CarPlay?

[@bry84guy]

The new hub charge the phone fast... Even with the screen on all the time.

[@niroopradhakrishnan6475]

After installing, I am getting a TPMS and Parking brake (yellow lights) malfunctioning error, although parking brake is working fine. Can anyone help to fix the issue.

[@TheSnApZ47]

did you find a fix for this im having the same issues

[@neokenske]

If anyone has any tips on why SCBS and parking light (Yellow P!) would come on after install, crossing my fingers that it’s a simple fix

[@TheSnApZ47]

@Kristopher Qualiotto yep i pulled the room fuse and let it sit for 1 hour fixed my issue!

[@TheSnApZ47]

@Kristopher Qualiotto yeah basically turning it on and off again is all they did. crooks man! glad that everything is working now though.

[@lpzmanuel03]

Awesome Video dude! Thanks for passing this information. I got my OS upgraded by telling my Mazda dealer that my Bluetooth was having connectivity problems and they did the upgrade no charge! Of course I was still under warranty. I have a question tho.... After you're done installing all the hardware does the Android Auto/Carplay app installed itself on the infotainment system? Or is there a extra step that I missed. I'm just wondering if it comes preloaded on the Android auto Kit. Thanks! Manny

[@mach1sailor]

Manuel Lopez, it must come preinstalled in the box because I didn’t need to download anything else. It shows up as soon as you power it up.

[@lpzmanuel03]

@@mach1sailor thank you!

[@diegudr]

That looks like a lot of work for $200. I wouldn't mind doing it myself, but I would be afraid of breaking something or not getting it all back together the right way. One broken clip or interior scratch and you would be hating life.

[@pierresilva1021]

My media center so stuck rebooting over and over. I can’t do anything on the interface. Dealer says I have to buy new complete hardware for $900. Is that accurate? Are there any other alternatives?

[@StancedInertia9]

What is the center port on the aux hub for. It's just not used?? I connected everything and it works fine. Wished touch screen controls worked tho.

[@hankhall5053]

Great video, thanks.

[@neokenske]

Installed but now I have SCBS malfunction and P! Light stays lit. Anyone run into this problem? Excellent video btw thank you! Just hope my problem is an easy fix and any help is much appreciated

[@qqryqq123]

Can you easily remove the broken clips (I would be afraid these small pieces of plastic would rattle if left inside..)?

[@mach1sailor]

I haven’t noticed any rattling.

[@ktraughb]

Where did you get the kit? And how'd you get the firmware upgrade?

[@kimisaac5507]

where do you get the softwareupdate and the firmwire for the system

[@Alsarraf]

Where is the up file please ?

[@Zn0nimus]

Hey, I just bough ta 2016 cx-5. I did the firmware update, but I don't see the option for Android Play or CarPLay in the Applications screen. Will it only show up after I change the USB hub and plug my phone in?

[@mach1sailor]

That’s correct. You have to install the kit before you will see it in the menu.

[@tun3rbboi11]

Can I get link to dealer instructions? Thank uou

[@john-paulnoe9345]

It's been almost 2 years since you posted this video. Has the apple carplay been functionally properly this whole time? Have you had any computer problems because of it? Thanks!

[@mach1sailor]

John-Paul Noe, it has worked flawlessly ever since the install. Apple has updated CarPlay a few times since and the updates are implemented without issue.

[@jenlindy73]

So does your phone have to be plugged into the car in order for Android Auto or Apple Carplay to appear? Does it not connect via bluetooth?

[@mach1sailor]

Jenica Schulz. Yes the phone needs to be plugged in for it to work and it will not connect to to CarPlay via Bluetooth. (Note the phone will still connect to the Mazda just not to the CarPlay). But CarPlay and android auto still appear in the display even when not plugged in. It is just grayed out so you can’t select it.

[@alvinwhite2258]

So my phone has to stay plugged into the car . No blue tooth option with the apple car play . Am I doing something wrong .

[@MarkSegree]

I drove a 2020 hyundai for rental and i had to plug the phone in. I think that's just how it works.

[@ozrazer]

Does the touchscreen works after switch to AA or CP?

[@mach1sailor]

Yes, touchscreen still works. I mostly use the center console dial controller though.

[@vamatullos]

Do I need to get the software upgrade before installing the kit?

[@mach1sailor]

Yes!!! The instructions that come with the kit say that very clearly.

[@ShaeHale]

$525 to install in Iowa. Can only do it through the dealer. They won’t update the software for less than $250 ugh!

[@MarkSegree]

Do you ever connect your phone to the radio? The radio updates itself when you have data. If not just scroll over to update

[@ShaeHale]

@@MarkSegree I always plug it in but I don’t see an update option

[@MarkSegree]

I connect it by bluetooth then you will see lte or 4g come up beside the battery lvl. Scroll over to the right where about radio is to check you version. Above that is say update radio database. I didn't actually press anything to update but I noticed whenever I started playing around those menus, the next day I would come back and see it update. Originally my car did not have the updates but after I figured with it, next day it was good to go. This happened 2 times

[@evanmaxwell27]

Does your phone need to be plugged in for Apple Carplay to work or will it connect wirelessly via bluetooth??

[@mach1sailor]

Phone needs to be plugged into the USB for CarPlay to connect.

[@ThePbstar224]

Where did you buy the retrofit kit from? Thank you.

[@ShaiYammanee]

ThePbstar224 - You can buy the part on eBay.

[@MarkSegree]

Alliexpress sells it the cheapest with FedEx delivery

[@MellowMadnessRMX]

Thank you

[@donaldjohnson6753]

What did you do with the 4 miles of slack cable?

[@mach1sailor]

Donald Johnson I coiled it up and shoved it under the edge of the carpet under the console. It is ridiculous how long it is.

[@francescogiangiuliani843]

This kit is for all models and some have the usb hub in the rear of the center console hence the long cables

[@craig_cunha]

Nice video. I see you have a 2016.5 model year. Will this work for both 2016 and 2016.5 models?

[@bigsap128]

Yes

[@MarkSegree]

As long as you have the same radio then yes. Previously they came with a double din radio with knobs and what not, this doesn't work.

[@scottchatwin4602]

Does your phone have to be plugged in to use or does it work via Bluetooth?

[@mach1sailor]

Scott Chatwin The phone has to be plugged in

[@wh7824]

can you actually use this for CX-5 2013 model?

[@mach1sailor]

Recommend you check with the dealer. If they can give you a price for the install, then there must be a way to do it.

[@ShaiYammanee]

Unfortunately, I don't think you can. It is only for models with the new entertainment system. I have a 2016 CX-5 and I think this is the oldest model that can be upgraded.

[@SzyMen]

@@ShaiYammanee so it would seem that 2015 model would be just fine (its the first one after lift)

[@ShaiYammanee]

SzyMen - I honestly don’t know. The Mazda service didn’t even think the 2016 model would work, not realizing that there are two 2016 models. One with the old and one with the new system. I’d do some research first before trying it on the 2015 model. Hopefully, it works out for you.

[@jadalynmarciel3312]

My Mazda dealership will charge $350 to upgrade our 2016 CX5 to AppleCar Play. I’m thinking this is not too bad of a price to get it done right. Any thoughts?

[@shoumikpennathur1790]

that's about how much most dealers charge. to save 2-3 hours of work if not more, I think it's worth it.

[@yastuvoubz6724]

Make another vid 2.0 👍

[@jelfrank286]

Wow! Thanks for doing all of this. You must love your wife. I, personally, can't see dealing with all the hassle and possible expense just to have my iPhone screen on the car's screen. I just have a great phone holder no the dash right behind the wheel. It gives me better road view than looking to the right for the screen.

[@sgorneau]

As someone that has always had an iPhone mounted near the steering wheel (for several years), I went on vacation this past winter and the rental car had CarPlay. I was sold. It's way better to have music/phone/navigational controls at your fingertips (with hardware controls on the wheel and center console) than fumbling with the iPhone's touch screen and (relatively) small icons in this type of environment. It really is worth it.

[@garnetsteen]

Why don’t you re-record the audio so we can hear what you are saying and link to the Mazda manual and the tools and parts you used?

[@scottthomas6765]

Someone needs spoon fed..

[@garnetsteen]

Scott Thomas if you are going to go to the trouble of making a video why not make it true best it can be? It’s not hard to add links or record audio properly. It makes a big difference to your audience.

[@rjs9006]

Scott, You have a great instructional video. So thorough that you even show the size of the screwdriver. All appreciated. If you fix the audio and what you are saying it will help a great deal. I agree with Garnet. Don't take it as a knock. You made a great video to help all of us. Thanks.

[@rjs9006]

Think my dealer told me $399 installed with all parts and update.

[@john-paulnoe9345]

@@rjs9006 Hi Richard. If the dealership installs it, are you able to connect to carplay through bluetooth or does it have to be through the cable?