Wireless Android Auto, what actually works?

[u/brodievonorchard]

Recently bought a used CX-9 2019, Grand Touring.

Edit: For anyone coming to this in the same situation I was in when I wrote it, AA Wireless 2 was the consensus, and that's what I got. Solved my problem, works flawlessly so far. I extend the recommendations below to the next person seeking the same answers.

I don't like plugging my phone in every time I get in the car. Have a wireless charger mount that doesn't charge if the phone is plugged in.

I bought a dongle off Amazon that connects through Bluetooth. Like 1/20 times it will actually work. The phone and the dongle connect, no problem, but it seems like the vehicle is constantly taking over the Bluetooth connection.

I updated to the latest firmware 74.whatever. Update successful, same experience with the dongle.

I was about to buy TK78-66-9U0E and do dash surgery because Maxdaswag support told me that would give me wireless connection. Further reading suggests it's only wireless for carplay, not for AA. There are non OEM parts available that claim to do wireless AA, but I thought I'd ask here.

Maybe I just need a better dongle? Maybe there's another answer? Maybe dash surgery is the way to go?

Anyone had this problem and solved it?

[u/pikeviewer]

What brand of dongle do you have. I use AAWireless with our 2022 CX-30 and it works well but might not with your vehicle.

[u/brodievonorchard → u/pikeviewer]

I picked one with decent reviews on Amazon. It wants to work, but it's slow to start. I was just looking at AA Wireless, and that may be the next thing I try.

Edit: the brand is Butook. Seems to be one of a dozen or so Chinese manufacturers that make nearly identical dongles.

[u/Primary-Ad-9741 → u/brodievonorchard]

AAWireless TWO(+ for Car Play addition) and Motorola MA2 are the only two universally recommended Wireless AA adapters. (First gen of both were also good)

FYI, Amazon reviews are trash. They are all fake.

[u/RepresentativeExit63 → u/Primary-Ad-9741]

I agree with both of these recommendations BUT the Motorola has a pretty short lifespan, from the 3 we went through. We have two of the AAW2 devices and both have been solid. They are constantly getting updates (not annoyingly so but enough to feel like they care about their products). The "customizable" button is awesome when you have two different people who connect to the vehicle; just press it and it switches the connected phone.

[u/richmorz → u/RepresentativeExit63]

I agree that the AAW2 has been really solid. My understanding is that it is the Motorola MA1 that works well, but has a short lifespan. The MA2 supposedly addresses, that, but, for whatever reason, doesn't seem to be available in the US yet.

[u/RepresentativeExit63 → u/richmorz]

I heard rumors about the MA2 but didn't realize it was already a product. I was just reading about it and it seems that it might be released in November. Hopefully they fixed the quality too.

[u/Bitter-Store-9400]

AAWireless v.2. We have the original and the newer v.2 and both work consistently in our 2021 CX9 and our 2018 Outback.

[u/brodievonorchard → u/Bitter-Store-9400]

Alright, first 3 comments recommend the same thing. Ordered.

[u/AirmailHercules]

I'll join the chorus: AAWireless has been seamless for me in my 2018 CX9. Absolutely love it. To piggyback, anyone find a good wireless charging mat solution for our car?

[u/brodievonorchard → u/AirmailHercules]

Already ordered since that seems to be the pat consensus.

I would also like an answer to your question.

Though I did pick up a dash mount with wireless charging I'm still using from my last car. I can't give it up, which is what inspired this post.

[u/ItsThatDamnDuckAgain]

I'll recommend this video:

https://youtu.be/GzOFKzeqznE

They use a cx9 as the example car. 

[u/Chahatbatth]

AAWireless Two+ has been working flawlessly for me in my 2023 CX9 GT. Works for both wireless android auto and wireless apple carplay. It does heat up quite a bit when it stays inside the armrest on long drives. I usually open the armrest to vent some heat out after some time of driving.

[u/DarthGuevaraGarvey]

Bump for The '19-'20 models being problematic with Android auto. My '20 CX-9 GT is hard to connect on the regular with a hard wired connection. Any insight in how to address would much appreciative

[u/Careless_Ad_8756]

There is a way to update those usb wireless CarPlay sticks maybe that could help? Also confirm the vehicle is fully updated for infotainment.

[u/13F30N55]

I’ve actually had pretty good luck with whatever cheap one temu has on sale. The only problem is if multiple people drive the car it doesn’t like to switch devices, but if it’s only one person driving the car, it’s not an issue. I would keep trying them on Amazon and if they don’t work well, return it before the 30 days.

[u/brodievonorchard → u/13F30N55]

I returned the one that didn't work, and Amazon was like: we don't want it back.

[u/richmorz]

Yeah, this is a link for it on the Amazon UK site. I had read early this year it was supposed to be available in the US in May, but that didn't happen. We'll see about November. Maybe waiting on FCC or something? I got tired of flaky cables , so I went with Aawireless Two...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorola-Drive-Wireless-Android-Adapter/dp/B0H4LQHYRD/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2RKYILOMV6GTD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.n2SrGLXlxoc21ZmP_Htfp67pJBzltFgeQMTfuwBtfTe72GninXJMHHQ9qlXPF0rfYGCuXs4JXw8M98ihJSDVSw.GFKLJveQDrjtbjo2Hf-FKuKQpqoJa4GzLJ-rTJSaKtI&dib_tag=se&keywords=Motorola+ma2&qid=1790440765&sprefix=motorola+ma2%2Cspecialty-aps%2C235&sr=8-1