Exclusive long term review | Carsifi Wireless Android Auto Adapter | It just works!!!

In this video we look at the Carsifi Wireless Android Auto Adapter. It is on sale for approximately £65 on Indiegogo:
www.indiegogo....
The video will not only show you the basics, but most importantly give you my feedback after a few weeks of using it. There are helpful chapters to guide you through the important parts:
00:00 Overview
00:32 What's In The Box
02:01 Wireless Android Auto Setup
06:40 Android Auto Speed Test
08:20 Long Term Feedback

[@jonkim8060]

This is the video I was looking for. Some other dongles are connected as Apple Carplay and converted into Android Auto by their own software instead of connecting Android Auto directly. But seems like it is connected with the factory Android auto directly! Glad to see that your cockpit shows the song info! Thanks for the review :)

[@buzzaldren5809]

This device did not work for my 2020 Subaru Outback. The phone (S20+) would never join the carsifi wifi network, regardless of the different methods advised. Company was reachable by email, but still refuses my request for a refund. I do not recommend this device.

[@Johnasmith99]

Excellent video, thank you CRD. I paid my $89 about a week ago, now I'm anxious to give Carsifi a try. It will be for my new 2022 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited. Hard to fathom why their most advanced setup does not include wireless Android Auto. There were two active Carsifi campaigns, the first had only one remaining position, but the second had quite a few. I took the first one, so that campaign ended. Did I do the right thing? Maybe it's irrelevant. Again, thank you.

[@CRD90]

Thanks bud! Being in the earlier campaign in theory should mean your product is shipped a bit earlier and you would have got a better discount, at least that's how I assume indigogo works 🙂

[@tiggermix]

I received my CarsiFi today, very easy set up. Works as if I had my phone plugged in with a cable. Except.. much better now that I do not need to connect with a cable. My cable was getting wobbly on my port and kept getting disconnected. Now that I can just leave my CarsiFi adapter connected all the time. Get in my truck and go. You will like it.

[@LilGirth]

When I bought my car last month (2022 toyota) the sales rep told me that cars from 2020 onward would be updated to wireless A.A. and Carplay. U.S. btw

[@daniell8331]

Curious to see how this went for you?

[@richscott2483]

Toyota is behind with Wireless Car Play and Android Auto. Other automakers already have wireless CP and AA since 2021. It is now January 2023, I purchase 2023 Camry XSE V6 and Toyota still has not updated to wireless CP and AA. Only have wireless Charging. My wife has 2022 Honda Civic Touring and Honda has wireless. For 2023 Honda included Google, Siri and Alexa. That places Toyota 3 years behind the technology everyone else is installing in their vehicles, same thing that Toyota's Infotainment center is outdated. Toyota having serious Quality Control problems after all they've merged with Tesla aka Elon Musk they've lost Billions so they joined forces.

[@jonkim8060]

I just got my carsifi today and it works flawlessly and its literally beyond my expectation. Ive been using ottocast u2x for about 6months but carsifi is another level of user experience in terms of : - Song info on cockpit? Y - factory AA? Y - faster boot? Y - faster responses? Y - higher framerate? Y Overall I am really satisfied with the product and thank you for your awesome review!

[@richscott2483]

Ottocast U2X Pro works great. can get 50 USD off with code THANKS at checkout as of 19Jan2023. Was 149 got for 99.

[@aaronslattery5615]

Have you used the aawireless adapter? Which do you think works better? Does aawireless connect any faster?

[@chethammer]

They both take 32 seconds from ignition to complete boot.

[@diegocaracasfc]

What about the Motorola one? I think it's the most popular one

[@nak141]

@@diegocaracasfc Pls share the link for Motorola or the name of the device.

[@nak141]

@@diegocaracasfc thanks much

[@TheDbrewer31]

The magic button is suppose to change between a 1st and 2nd phone. Rather then disconnecting your Bluetooth on one phone, your suppose to be able to press the button to switch over to the other phone. I'm still waiting to get mine so I'm not sure how well that feature works.

[@CRD90]

Thanks bud found this out after filming, pleased to report it works pretty well 👌🏽

[@m4l490n]

@@CRD90 what works pretty well? The two-phone setup? I'm really interested on this feature.

[@gregbowtle5157]

Thanks so much was about to bin this as a piece of junk. 2021 Hyundai ioniq electric. Had to select the accesory option for usb connection mode before turning off intercept AA protocol

[@CRD90]

Glad the video helped bud :)

[@erebostd]

An easier way to switch phones? How about the big round button on the device, that is it’s only purpose 😁. Wish i had my device, too - I’m still waiting…

[@CRD90]

Lol yep, they replied back on another comment. I guess I missed it as there was no manual in the box

[@stephenwalker3748]

How is Google assistant? If you say "hey Google navigate home" or "play today's hits" does it work everytime? I've tried a few other brands and it either freezes or only hears half the instruction.

[@carsifi-wirelessaaadapterf2973]

Thank you so much for your review. P.S.: you can use double click to switch btw different devices.

[@CRD90]

Even better! Really well thought out

[@mikelebouef7918]

Please explain to people not to buy if there media usb does not turn off with the ignition. You know all about the problem. This is not just on you guys. This is with all AA wireless dongles.

[@nak141]

@@mikelebouef7918 i heard some cars power starts/or the ignition starts /when the seat belt is put on.

[@kazzpham1740]

Hi Azam, Thanks for the review. I've got this adapter a while ago and constantly having trouble. Everything is set up like yours, randomly it's disconnected and a message showing USB DEVICE NOT SUPPORTED. I've tried using a different cable and still the same problem occurred. On my phone Bluetooth Carsifi name is there but its always connected to my car Bluetooth. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. Please help. Many thanks.

[@barryzuidema1]

I was really looking forward to this product. Now I have a problem with the connection. Whatever I do, my phone can't find the adapter for a bluetooth connection. Even I tried different phones. Nothing.. I tried the app and also without the app. Please help..

[@CRD90]

Sorry to hear that, have you tried contacting support? They're really quick to get back

[@garethanderson46]

If left plugged in when engine is of,will it still use power from car battery do you know?? Thanks

[@CRD90]

Hey bud, depends on how your usb ports work. On most modern cars they switch off if the car is locked, so in this case the unit would switch off too. Otherwise if the usb ports are powered then the box will remain powered. On my car the power switches off 5 mins after I lock the car. So if you have the ignition on, but engine off - then the power would remain on.

[@knightrcer]

Will this work on a 2018 toyota camry without Android auto?

[@CRD90]

@@knightrcer unfortunately not

[@isaaclarson]

You didn't have any issues reconnecting to it? Maybe the "experimental" feature I previously had enabled was the issue, but today I could NOT get it to connect and need to unpair and start over.

[@CRD90]

Just once on my wife's phone I had to repair. But not had an issue since

[@isaaclarson]

@@CRD90 I ended up unpairing and resetting everything at it seems to be working fine now 🤷‍♂️

[@sergiossotiridis5073]

Does google assistant work with this dongle? Some other dongles i was watching did not support google voice assistant

[@CRD90]

It should do, I've not come across any that don't allow it 😕 It's worth reading through the comments on this one though as it seems it has been temperamental for a few people

[@diederikkuhn]

You can swop between phones by double clicking the button

[@tpsracing1993]

I have ordered one last week, I have tried the 3 CarKit versions, but they all do not work, and when they work, they work for just one time, the next time when you start the engine the connection is lost. I need it for my VW Touareq 2019 with Samsung S21 Ultra. When I have installed it I will let you all know if this works!

[@niallrobertson7844]

Hi, I just found this video and wondering would this work on a 2015 car?

[@CRD90]

It would provided your car already has android auto built in, this would not add the feature on top

[@ACCOUNTMJK]

Zdravím příznivce vozů Ssangyong a hochy z Klubu. Mám Korando v benzínu r.v. 2020. Carsifi jsem si koupi, čekal jsem 12 dní na dodání. Instalace je na 10 minut, schováte to v prostoru nad nabíjecí podložkou, sednete a spojení s infotaimentem je do 20 sekund. Kdo se chce zbavit otravného káblíku objednejte si Carsifi . Je 100% spolehlivý. Zdravím člen klubu ,,mirokoudy".

[@PaulLefebvre]

How has this been holding out? I drive a Kia, and took a long trip in the summer, and my regular wired connection was so undependable. Frequently it would disconnect right when I needed directions in cities that weren't home.

[@Bhoy_2020]

Would this work on a Toyota Aygo 21 model plate ?

[@CRD90]

Not 100% sure bud, would have to check with the manufacturer - usually if your car has android auto it should work.

[@Bhoy_2020]

@@CRD90 Hi there thanks for the reply I ordered one my car did supported Android Auto then Android Auto stopped working so ordered one will let you know if it works 😃

[@Bhoy_2020]

I bought one of these it was pretty easy to set up, I tried it out yesterday and it works a treat 👍

[@stephenward9468]

Sorry, bit late to the party! I have a BMW i3 2022, it has Apple Car Play (which my Mrs has an iPhone) But I have a Google Pixel Fold, if I get this adaptor, does this mean I can get my Android Auto then? I saw the Bimmer MMI box that people retrofit but was wondering if this just does the same?

[@CRD90]

Unfortunately not, your car already requires it (android auto) for it to work

[@stephenward9468]

@@CRD90 ah, no worries, I get it now! I'll maybe try the retrofit box 😅

[@brendonmcmillan5589]

Does anyone know of this works on a vehicle that didn't come with android auto?

[@CRD90]

Nope sorry it would not

[@tjw52x]

So, does your car actually need to have Android Auto included in the Infotainment system for this to work?

[@CRD90]

Yep

[@n8dog89]

@CRD or anyone else - I heard that you can change your DPI on that, are you able to test and let us know what the difference is? Especially with coolwalk out now. I love the layout in my f-pace, but would love to tweak the DPI.

[@sibi24omos75]

Hi can it work for apple carplay?

[@CRD90]

Hi, not this one, but plenty of others can do that are filmed on my channel 👍🏽

[@KingTheDetailer]

I have an aftermarket android radio running android 10 , I also have fermata , carstream, will this bring up everything I have on my android auto wireless ?

[@CRD90]

If it shows up through your usb connection then I would expect the behaviour to be the same based on my testing 👌🏽

[@CorvusCorax_0x0]

No my experience. The key moment in the review is "once it connects..." but getting it to connect most of the time feels like passing through 9 circles of hell. No matter what combination of settings I used and whatever version of firmware I had flashed, getting it to connect was a pain. So I had to return mine as it was so unreliable to the point of being useless.

[@iangeorge8177]

Hoping mine arrives tomorrow. At $89 plus $18 shipping to the UK it's a bit closer to £80 than £65, but looks encouraging. I've asked them to add the feature of optional disconnecting the car GPS antenna when using navigation, but no indication as yet if they will.

[@iangeorge8177]

For info and leaving out the painful bit about my local dealer and the limitations of the VAG warranty and the Motor Ombudsman, my head unit has developed a fault with its GPS receiver resulting in it getting a bit lost at times. As it turns out, when using Android Auto, the phone uses the GPS positioning from the car antenna through the head unit rather than the internal GPS on the phone. This means that switching to Android Auto navigation is no better than using the navigation built into the Skoda head unit. Which GPS to use isn't selectable on the phone. As the head unit is £3500 plus fitting (and probably plus VAT), that's not an option, so it would be great if the GPS link between head unit and phone could be broken in some way that the phone uses its own.

[@coopercav]

Works great on my Astra, but on my Haval Jolion I get frequent disconnections & not the only one. Support could only suggest upgrading which I've already done & no further reply or help after 8 days of waiting, so a little disappointed being an origional backer...

[@andydrew105]

But does your phone internet work? For me it says Spotify is offline and I can I only play what I have on offline mode. Same with all my other apps. Or do you pay for the car Hotspot? I've tried everything else and just contacted them. It runs Android auto through wifi and because of such it doesn't allow my phone to use mobile data because your phone stops using mobile data when it finds a wifi connection. Does yours run through Bluetooth only?

[@CRD90]

I never had this issue, could use Spotify no problem and I've just got the free account so can't use it offline. Also I was still able to use my phone for WhatsApp internet etc as normal.

[@aldigangster123]

have you solved this issue? Interested in this too. If it uses WIFI, every phone normally disables mobile data.

[@andydrew105]

@@aldigangster123 i got a galaxy s22 and it still connects with wifi and bluetooth together but the phone still uses mobile data so the problem is fixed, I feel like it might be an issue depending on the version of android you are using. My old phone which my comment above deals with was a Huawei p20 pro, that phone would not connect to data when connected to wifi. This device definitely requires wifi and bluetooth to work. Apparently a newer phone too.

[@aldigangster123]

@@andydrew105Thanks! Ok I see. Ordered mine yesterday. Hopefully my phone handles it correctly as well.

[@michaelrobertson]

If it cost £65.. What sort of customs charges were you hit with? How long did it take to arrive roughly? I'm also based in the UK if you haven't guessed :)

[@CRD90]

Hey Mike, thanks for watching bud. I managed to get expedited delivery due to offering to film a review on it. Normally you have to pay shipping on top I believe this is still the case. For me it took about 2 weeks, fortunately nothing on the customs side. Drop me an email/message on Instagram I'm actually looking to sell mine as I've no longer got a use for it (my latest head unit has built in wireless android auto). [e-mail] Or @auzzam_crd

[@michaelrobertson]

@@CRD90 hey man that's awesome, I've just sent you a DM on Instagram and followed you too!

[@christopherpascual6754]

Is this compatible to toyota avensis 2016? Thanks!

[@CRD90]

Not 100% sure bud, would have to check with the manufacturer - usually if your car has android auto it should work

[@garry4378]

Lucky you got one. They aren't shipping them and they keep changing the date. I'm starting to think this is a scam. I'd love to have it but they aren't communicating at all with backers.

[@CRD90]

I only communicated via email and on the telegram app. They seemed pretty responsive through those channels.

[@isaaclarson]

I received mine. It depends on when your original shipment date was on when you will receive.

[@AntoineFinch]

Would this work with a Phoenix P6 Telsa style radio?

[@demetriosmirissis7769]

Many of these adaptors have reported fast battery drain on your phone. Has anyone found this on the Cardifi adaptor?

[@CRD90]

Mine used up about 50% for two hours gps and Spotify use

[@chinkzsta]

Thanks for the video. Interesting to see the wireless adapters available on the market. How does it compare to aawireless as I have one on order

[@CRD90]

Thanks bud! It stacks up pretty well, both have companion apps which make pairing etc a lot easier. AAwireless has been around a lot longer but is also harder to secure and I believe costs a little bit more. I have to say though I love how reliable this carsifi version has been.

[@josocalify]

Great review! How does the music sound compared to plugging the phone in by wire?

[@CRD90]

Thanks bud, it is spot on - no noticeable difference to my ears at least. I have noticed sometimes when using the Google assistant (for example reading out text messages) it might drop the odd word etc - but that could just be my phone as it officially doesn't support wireless android auto.

[@josocalify]

@@CRD90 Thank you, Asam! (Hope I spelled that correctly.) In that case, I'm very inclined to get this device. I also like its compact size. Carsifi, if you're reading this, fair reviewers like this deserve your support!

[@everydaylifestyle4415]

Mine worked for a one day, and stopped working. It would not initiate the android auto tried the tips they suggested and still wasn't working

[@nak141]

Salaam bro, nice demo. Can you please test this with vivo x fold and check if android auto is working.

[@CRD90]

Vlksalam bro, thanks. I've no longer got the unit for testing. I would suggest reading the rest of the comments as it seems some have had issues with their device and support.

[@theone70one]

Thank you

[@RSAsalafi]

Does it work with an iPhone 13?

[@ozisharks2443]

How did you find the battery drain on your phone using this?

[@CRD90]

Nothing substantial, worked pretty well over multiple 2 hour journeys would never go below 50-60% from a full charge

[@dejavoo5592]

does it work for chinese stereos or only original stereos?

[@CRD90]

Thanks for watching! - it should work provided your stereo has a wired android auto connection

[@carmelotreviso]

My car does not have android Auto. Does this push android auto from my Android phone to my touch screen on 2017 Infiniti QX30?

[@CRD90]

Unfortunately not, your car already needs to have wireless android auto. If your car has carplay, then you could use the ottocast 2in1 adapter that I have another video of on my channel 👍🏽 - that would give you android auto via the carplay interface

[@carmelotreviso]

@@CRD90 Unfortunately Car Play is not an option as well.

[@flextefitness4954]

@@CRD90 do you mean your car has to have wired Android auto? I'm assuming Wireless was a typo?

[@carmelotreviso]

@CRD it doesn't have either wired or wireless. Only thing I could find was the NAVI setup which requires a $500 module that would require removing the console and plugging it into the head unit and adding a dedicated USB port to connect phone to. I thought with this I would just connect it to my phone and use Bluetooth

[@carmelotreviso]

@@flextefitness4954 Top Road has an 8.8 display with all this built into display. Yes it's $300 but it works.

[@harvsahota9476]

Great review! Just got my Carsifi today, did you have issues using 2 apps. Playing music via Spotify and using Waze navigation? When I use Waze by itself its fine but when using with Spotify Waze stops and freezes

[@CRD90]

Thanks bro, I haven't used Waze as I use Google maps. When using Spotify and Google maps I experienced no issues 👍

[@harvsahota9476]

@@CRD90 Thanks bro I'll try Google maps next time and see if there's any issues, again thanks 👍🏽

[@ThePartymen69]

I got it today after almost 4 months and tried to install it on my 2019 Seat Leon ST according to the instructions but it doesn't work .... I'm very disappointed....

[@CRD90]

Have you tried reach out to them? And enable the settings I shared in the video. Their support is pretty good I have no doubt they'll work with you to resolve it.

[@ThePartymen69]

@@CRD90 Yes, I did it as described and also activated the developer option, but there is no connection. I wrote to the carsifi but I only got a description of how to proceed, which is no help for me. best regards

[@ThePartymen69]

@@CRD90 Soo....it works after 3 hours of trying out the settings....I'm happy 😎

[@n1kkri]

I'm confused if it will work on a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge 8.1 OS. Also, does it connect by connecting the adapter to my bluetooth? Does the device require internet access? Will I still be able to use my cell phone for calls and internet browsing as well running an app on the phone?

[@justinbaratheon4686]

You're driving why would you need go use internet on your phone 😅

[@davidjhee5001]

How long did it take to receive your adapter, once you received the shipping email?

[@CRD90]

About a week or two bud. That was to the UK. I believe it ships from China or at least that's what the tracking made it look like

[@davidjhee5001]

@@CRD90 Thanks! Just got my shipping email, looking forward to using it~

[@Johnasmith99]

@@davidjhee5001 How long from the time you ordered till you got the shipping notification?

[@davidjhee5001]

@@Johnasmith99 I got my shipping email on 3/6, placed order on 3/7. Order shipped on 3/23 and still waiting to receive

[@yumemirutenshi]

how's the battery drain using this?

[@CRD90]

Nothing major, have used it for 1-2 hours on a full mobile charge. My mobile is usually 60% or so after

[@yumemirutenshi]

@@CRD90 sounds the same as AAWireless. thanks!

[@eel_h_j]

Will this work with a head unit with touch screen without android auto built in (wired)?

[@CRD90]

Unfortunately not, it requires an Android auto wired connection

[@eel_h_j]

@@CRD90 do you have any ways to get android auto on a screen? Sorry if it is a dumb question.

[@draggedtv6888]

@@eel_h_j new head unit of course. Sony XAV-AX3000 series and up is a great and affordable unit. you can buy them from Audio shops for ~250 don't get it online you will be getting jipped

[@eel_h_j]

@@draggedtv6888 I just googled. It looks like a really good recommendation! Thank you so much!

[@draggedtv6888]

@@eel_h_j no problem, I have one myself if you have the extra $ to spend I would get the 5000 or above as they have a much better touchscreen. My dad has the 5600 I have the 3000 they're both great head units only real difference is the 3000 can be less responsive, but both are great and I even run all 4 speakers and my tweeters (all aftermarket) on the preamp. Great choice.

[@richscott2483]

Long Boot Up time of 46 Seconds and you said 30 seconds. from video record time 7:06 to 7:52. It works well but SLOW.

[@ian5587]

Is there lag when talking on the phone? I've heard the lag these devices cause can make phone conversations troublesome.

[@CRD90]

Not noticed any myself. I've just heard Google assistant break up every now and then when reading a message out. Phone calls have been fine for me.

[@SaidAlRashdi]

Carsifi is a big scam, they sent me a faulty device and support is ignoring me. Please be careful dealing with them.

[@mikelebouef7918]

If your auto keeps power to your USB after ignition is off for 10 min or longer, don't buy. Your phone will keep trying to bluetooth connect and the interferes with your home wifi. Phone will eventually kick the dongle out of pairing mode and you start all over. In short. Don't buy if you media usb still charges after you turn automobile off.

[@markfll]

The AAwireless dongle has an option for this in the companion app. Start/Stop. I have it disabled due to my USB port loses power after locking the doors.

[@kdsmclife7080]

Also, I believe Carsifi just added an option to control this in their latest update?

[@mikesebastian3582]

Do NOT buy this. Save your money. Im on my second one. Wont connect with my S22 Ultra

[@pauledwards5864]

Waste of money it won't hold a connection dont waste your money

[@stevedewsnap2128]

No where near as good as AA Wirless Dongle. I have both. AAWireless dongle works first time every time.

[@aaronslattery5615]

Does aawireless connect any faster? What specifically do you like more about aawireless?

[@stevedewsnap2128]

@@aaronslattery5615 yes AA Wirless dos connect about 10 seconds quicker to connect. The companion app has lots of features especially with 2.0 out now for beta testers. No more issues connecting to the last phone that AA Wirless Dongle was co connected too. It's much more stable than the Carsifi I find. Better product overall IMO. I've since sold my carsifi. Also there is much better tech support for AA Wirless if you need it. On Indigogo AAWIRELESS is cheaper and the team are much more active with updates etc and will answer more questions than Carsifi just my opinion though. I think you would be surprised how good AA Wirless Dongle is. I would like you to do a comparison side by side.

[@jamie_ar]

"It just works!!!" It clearly doesn't though does it...