Car play cable question

Hi. I have a 2021 trd pro.
I’ve seen some videos online of people having a usb c port inside center console. I only have the “lighter” port.

I have the 3 usb a ports below the front dash.

Anyone know if it’s possible to put some type of usb c port in the 2021 tundra?

what are people doing for CarPlay? Or do you just wire it with the usb a cord. seems like such a bummer to have it so visible with no way to tuck it away.

Hopefully I’ve just missed it somewhere.

thanks

 

Do you have a stock Entune or aftermarket radio?
Are you wanting the USB C to connect to the radio?

I don't understand why you have a loose USB cord and not a plug in the dash.

 

The USB port on the left is your data port for wired CarPlay. The other 2 USB ports are just charging ports.

Many of us run a dongle that essentially gives you wireless CarPlay (just leave the dongle plugged in all the time). Then you can leave your phone in your pocket, bag, etc... and don't have a bunch of wires all plugged in!! Also, it seems like eliminate a ton of quirks of the wired CarPlay system in our rigs...

$52 MMB Mini Wireless Carplay Adapter, 2025 Carplay Adapter for Apple iPhone, Plug & Play, Smallest, Fastest for Converts OEM Wired to Wireless Car Play Only for Car Model 2017+ and iOS 10 USB & Type-C

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8754QT6?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

Regarding the usb C ports, I'd recommend replacing the 2 existing USB ports (to the right of the data port) with Toyota OE part #85532-48080
Dual USB-C connector; it's out of a Prius but fits the same connectors... @French Avocado installed one recently, here's his post showing what it looks like: 102855


PS>>> Don't forget to check your current head unit firmware for the latest versions. Here's a link on how to do that as well.. https://www.toyota.com/firmware-updates

 

@Tripleconpanna Thank so much. I just told delivery of my truck so I’m probably asking dumb questions.

I will look into that dongle you shared. I’ve only really seen about one called carlinkit. But reviews seem hit or miss.

 

Not dumb questions at all, as we all learn from somewhere. BTW Congratulations on your new rig!!! What color did you end up with??

The dongle link I sent you is the same one I've been running for a couple of months now, and I like it. Prior to that I had an Ottocast dongle that worked well also, but it had a cord on it that plugged in to the data port. So, to eliminate that cord, I went with this new one. It apparently is newer technology (faster, etc.) than the Ottocast one I had been running.

 

So being really dumb in the modern tech area, what is the best way to turn my 2017 SR5 screen into an apple car play or do I need to buy a separate unit.

 

Swap the head unit out with a 2020+ model. People are always selling them on here used, might pick one up at a fairly decent price. I’m not sure if you’ll have to replace the harness or not or get an adapter. Someone else may know a bit more and could chime in.

 

I have a 2018 SR5. Do yourself a favor and read my thread. Then grab a plug and play system from TGP. No headaches with figuring out what you need everything is included. I love mine, certainly my #1 upgrade. Oh, and if you're interested, I just did the TRD Pro LED headlight upgrade and that's a close #2.

 

Works well! Thanks for the tip, mine came in yesterday.

 

TRLDD, I read it and looked it up. Looks to be a smart move, but, I had wanted a new truck three years ago "just because". I refuse to buy the current Tundra, and now doubt I will ever get a new one unless I drop down to a Nissan Pro 4X. I am not doing "turbo". Too much BS to go wrong! I only drive this truck three months a year during hunting season so I'm not sure I want to spend that much.
Any other less investment options would be nice.

 

Some works for CarPlay and not android auto. So you gotta see which can do both. So far my experience is a cable works better for both CarPlay and android auto. The wireless ones are little finicky.

 

I'm right there with you. I LOVE my Tundra. But I refuse to buy a new one in the current configuration. I DO NOT want a turbo engine and I DO NOT like the body styling of the current Gen 3's. That's why I decided to get the best Gen 2.5 I could find and afford and make it mine. The factory head unit was a known to me as I had a previous model year 4Runner before the Tundra with the same system. I mean they work, but they don't provide the convenience of Car Play/Android Auto. When I bought the Tundra I committed to the idea that this was a long term vehicle and I was going to invest in the head unit I wanted.

The thing about the TGP plug and play system that I liked is it's complete and pre-assembled. It's already in the Metra trim kit and has the Maestro unit to retain steering wheel controls and in my case, the Siris XM add-on programmed, wired and attached. So all I had to do was drop it in the dash and connect a couple of plugs in. You might be able to save a few bucks buying a system through Crutchfield but you'd have to assemble the components yourself and apparently there is some minor software setup on the Maestro you'd need to do if you went that route. I've purchased several systems from Crutchfield and their support is great for a DIY'r.

Again, for me, the convenience of the TGP kit and my decision to make this truck something I can enjoy in the longterm made the additional cost acceptable. For a rig you only drive three months a year that might not be the case. I hope you find something that allows you to enjoy your truck even more.

 

As for CarPlay, I used a dongle I purchased on Amazon. happy with the results.