There’s the freedom of just getting into your car, turning it on, and instantly launching Android Auto, and that’s not even to mention plugging your phone into any of the vehicle’s USB ports to do that.
Wireless adapters continue to provide a convenient way to break free from cables and let your phone run free. Carsifi does this while adding a unique element that enables the driver to share the connection with others in the car. However, uncertainty about apps and product support casts a pall over an otherwise effective device.
First, Carsifi is initially a crowdfunded device before becoming available to anyone in the US, Canada, and Australia in 2022. The original $110 price has been reduced to around $90, making it more competitive than other Android Auto adapters. Motorola MA1. One problem is that the device appears to be only available through Carsifi’s website.
Easy setup, wireless Android Auto in seconds
There are different types of wireless Android Auto adapters that are mainly designed to perform one task, which is to ensure a stable wireless connection between your Android phone and the vehicle’s infotainment system. I’ve tested a few of them and the Carsifi is one of the smallest adapters I’ve seen so far. It’s smaller in length and height than a credit card (although naturally thicker), and its lightweight construction and small frame mean it doesn’t feel bulky in the car.
Carsifi also includes two short cables, one with a USB-C port and the other with a USB-A port, thus covering vehicles that may have one or the other. Also included in the box is a double-sided 3M adhesive strip that can be mounted on the dashboard or anywhere you like in the car within easy reach. You can also easily use your own longer cable if you prefer to place something else. In my case, I used adhesive from Motorola MA1, which I thought might hold the Carsifi better (but it didn’t), but ended up hiding it in the basin in front of the gear lever.
Carsifi can also be paired with other phones, allowing passengers to run Android Auto connectivity.
Setting up Carsifi was one of the easiest processes I have ever experienced. Plug the device into your vehicle’s USB port and it immediately enters pairing mode. Just pair it with your Android phone to get up and running, and the Android Auto interface will appear on the screen within 30 seconds.
Other adapters or dongles sometimes require extra steps, whether it’s setting up a Wi-Fi Direct connection or, in some cases, using a dedicated app to set everything up. Carsifi is plug-and-play, which is great for those looking for something a little less technical. The included instructions are barebones, so it’s best to check out the full support page to learn more about its capabilities.
Unfortunately, there are so many features that work well with Carsifi that the app situation feels very confusing. The brand has yet to update its Android app to support Android 13, let alone Android 14. I contacted media relations but didn’t get a response about software support, so I went to tech support and they told me they were not updating it due to “Play Store Rules” (whatever that means). Instead, they recommend downloading the previous app’s APK file, which is easy to download and install, but isn’t a practical solution.
Note that the app doesn’t do much anyway, and you don’t need it to set up the device, as the settings are stored on the Carsifi itself rather than on your phone. The problem is that it’s the only way to update the firmware. Again, this isn’t the case with every adapter (including the Motorola MA1), so it’s more convenient for everyone to download the app from the Play Store and use it from there.
Share connections with others
Carsifi can also be paired with other phones, allowing passengers to run Android Auto connectivity. While this may seem useless at first, I think it makes sense since it all works wirelessly.
Double-click the Carsifi button and it switches to the other phone, eventually displaying that user’s Android Auto settings. This makes things easier if passengers want to listen to music, connect with people, or navigate maps. For example, if you as the driver have a Spotify account, but the passenger uses Apple Music, Tidal, or YouTube Music, switching phones can avoid any tedious account changes while on the road.
You have to be careful when double-clicking, as a single click will suspend Android Auto, and I still don’t find this feature very useful. You’ll also have to exercise some patience, as it can take up to 10 seconds for the adapter to switch to the other phone, leaving a brief moment of silence during which the “Does it work?” prompt appears. Problems started to arise. After a while, though, you realize the nuances and it all becomes obsolete.
The even better news is that Carsifi works great in both factory and aftermarket systems.
Also, keep in mind that the adapter remembers the last phone it was connected to, so there is no “master” device here. That’s why you might want to double-click the button in case Android Auto doesn’t show up or you forget which phone might be the last one.
The good news is that Carsifi works great in both factory and aftermarket systems. I have no issues at all with my Pioneer aftermarket head unit, and even better, the steering wheel controls work like a charm, which doesn’t always happen with all adapters.
Reliable, but competitive
The clunky support behind the product gave me pause. On the plus side, tech support is very responsive, so if you run into issues, someone should get back to you, but given the odd refusal to update apps, I can’t be absolutely certain that this will be the same for everyone.
That said, there are a ton of Android Auto dongles and dongles on the market, many of which can create wireless connections under similar conditions. Certain nuances or feature points put some distance between them, such as AAWireless having dedicated apps and technical features that other companies don’t have. The Motorola MA1 comes from a well-known brand, although it doesn’t look that seamless to me. Plus, it’s likely to launch a follow-up model sometime this year.
Carlinkit and Ottocast are two other companies that continue to make Android Auto adapters, though be sure to read the fine print regarding incompatibilities. They may not work with certain car brands or aftermarket head units. Carsifi has overcome many hurdles to make it an attractive plug-and-play product.
Once you go wireless with Android Auto, it’s hard to go back.
Ultimately, once you go wireless with Android Auto, it’s hard to go back. This is especially true if you have a wireless charger in your car. Carsifi accomplishes the critical task of making the transition easy and painless, establishing a connection in a short period of time and ensuring the relationship stays that way. Of all the adapters I’ve tested, this one feels more stable than the others.
As I noted, the odd lack of support at the app level is hard to understand, and it’s still only available through direct sales from Carsifi, so you’d be hard-pressed to find this stuff from other online retailers. For the price, though, you do get something that works as advertised, eliminating the kind of frustration you don’t want to encounter on the road.
Carsifi has a job to do, and that’s enabling drivers to run wireless Android Auto with virtually no functionality issues. There are questions about support, but as long as it continues to work, you probably won’t need help.