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Car play cable question

Discussion in '2.5 Gen TRD Pro (2014-2021)' started by elgerardo, Jun 8, 2025.

  1. Jun 8, 2025 at 9:49 AM
    #1
    elgerardo

    elgerardo [OP] New Member

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    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
     
  2. Jun 8, 2025 at 10:06 AM
    #2
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    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.
     
  3. Jun 8, 2025 at 10:07 AM
    #3
    Tripleconpanna

    Tripleconpanna Just an X who bought Bud Light from Target

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    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...

    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
     
    Last edited: Jun 8, 2025
    French Avocado and WhiteSR5 like this.
  4. Jun 8, 2025 at 10:41 AM
    #4
    elgerardo

    elgerardo [OP] New Member

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    @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.
     
    Tripleconpanna likes this.
  5. Jun 8, 2025 at 11:05 AM
    #5
    Tripleconpanna

    Tripleconpanna Just an X who bought Bud Light from Target

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    :hattip:

    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.
     
    French Avocado likes this.
  6. Jun 21, 2025 at 7:25 AM
    #6
    vagrant

    vagrant New Member

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    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.
     
  7. Jun 21, 2025 at 7:42 AM
    #7
    OHwendTrd

    OHwendTrd Aging Member

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    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.
     
  8. Jun 26, 2025 at 4:27 PM
    #8
    TRLDD

    TRLDD New Member

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    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.
     
  9. Jun 26, 2025 at 4:35 PM
    #9
    OHwendTrd

    OHwendTrd Aging Member

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    Works well! Thanks for the tip, mine came in yesterday.
     
  10. Jun 26, 2025 at 4:55 PM
    #10
    Tripleconpanna

    Tripleconpanna Just an X who bought Bud Light from Target

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    :hattip:
     
    OHwendTrd[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Jun 29, 2025 at 2:55 PM
    #11
    vagrant

    vagrant New Member

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    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.
     
  12. Jun 29, 2025 at 4:01 PM
    #12
    NEVERGIVEUP

    NEVERGIVEUP New Member

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    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.
     

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