If you are having trouble connecting your Carlinkit dongle, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. One common issue is the red light showing on the dongle but not being able to connect. In this case, there are several methods to try, such as confirming compatibility with your vehicle model and year, changing to a high-quality cable, and switching to compatible mode.

It is important to follow the steps carefully and in the correct order, as this can help to resolve the issue. Restarting your phone and car may also be necessary. By following these troubleshooting steps, you can ensure that your Carlinkit dongle is working properly and providing you with the wireless CarPlay experience you desire.
Key Takeaways
- Confirm compatibility with your vehicle model and year
- Use a high-quality cable to connect the dongle with your vehicle
- Switch to compatible mode and restart your phone and car if necessary
1. Confirm Whether Your Vehicle Model and Year Are in Our Compatible List
Before purchasing the Carlinkit 3.0 or 4.0 dongle, it is essential to confirm whether your vehicle model and year are in the compatible list. The compatible vehicle list is available at the bottom of the product page and has been obtained by engineers through long-term experiments and proofreading. It is highly recommended not to purchase a dongle that is not on the adaptation list to avoid unnecessary trouble.
If you are unsure whether your vehicle is compatible with the product, feel free to contact us before making a purchase decision.
2. Replace High-Quality Data Cable to Connect the Dongle with Your Vehicle
After confirming that the vehicle model and year are compatible with the Carlinkit 3.0/4.0 (U2W Plus) dongle, the next step is to check the data cable connecting the dongle and the car. If the red light is on but the dongle cannot connect to the vehicle, it is recommended to replace the data cable with a high-quality one. After replacing the cable, try to reconnect the car. Sometimes, the dongle can be used normally after a new cable is installed.
3. Switching to Compatible Mode
If the Carlinkit 3.0/4.0 (U2W Plus) red light is on but it can’t connect to the vehicle, then one of the possible solutions is to switch the Sync Mode to Compatible mode. After changing the data cable for the dongle, it is necessary to rule out whether the dongle is in a compatible state. Below are the steps to switch to Compatible mode:
- Log in to the upgrade interface by scanning the QR code in the product manual with a mobile phone or inputting 192.168.50.2 in the mobile browser.
- At the bottom of the upgrade interface, click the “Settings” logo to log in to the product setting interface.
- Change the Sync Mode from Normal to Compatible mode.
Switching to Compatible mode may help resolve issues with dashboard CarPlay media information display in some cars. It may also help on models that do not recognize the product. Once switched, the product will take effect.
4. Restart your phone & car
After replacing the data cable and changing to compatibility mode, it is recommended to restart both the phone and the car to ensure that the changes have been saved. Restarting the phone can help clear any temporary glitches that may be causing connectivity issues. To restart an iPhone, press and hold the power button until the “slide to power off” option appears. Slide the option to power off the phone. Wait a few seconds and then press and hold the power button again to turn on the phone.
Restarting the car can also help reset the system and clear any temporary glitches that may be causing connectivity issues. To restart the car, turn off the engine and wait for a few seconds. Then, turn on the engine again.
If the issue persists even after restarting the phone and car, or if further assistance is needed, reach out to the Carlinkit support team at [email protected].
As a thank you for reading this article, Carlinkit is offering an exclusive 18% discount on all products. Use the discount code “Carlinkit” at checkout to take advantage of this special offer. Don’t let connectivity issues hinder your driving experience. Grab this offer and reconnect with your vehicle today! Buy Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Troubleshooting Connection Issues with Carlinkit 4.0 and iPhone
If you are experiencing connection issues with your Carlinkit 4.0 and iPhone, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. First, ensure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS and that your Carlinkit 4.0 is updated with the latest firmware. Next, try resetting your Carlinkit 4.0 by unplugging it from your car and plugging it back in. If this doesn’t work, try resetting your iPhone’s network settings and then reconnecting to your Carlinkit 4.0.
Steps to Take if Carlinkit 4.0 is Not Connecting to Android Auto
If your Carlinkit 4.0 is not connecting to Android Auto, there are a few steps you can take to resolve the issue. First, ensure that your Android device is running the latest version of Android and that your Carlinkit 4.0 is updated with the latest firmware. Next, try resetting your Carlinkit 4.0 by unplugging it from your car and plugging it back in. If this doesn’t work, try resetting your Android device’s network settings and then reconnecting to your Carlinkit 4.0.
Fixing Carlinkit 4.0 Stuck on Connecting Screen
If your Carlinkit 4.0 is stuck on the connecting screen, there are a few things you can try to fix the issue. First, ensure that your Carlinkit 4.0 is updated with the latest firmware. Next, try resetting your Carlinkit 4.0 by unplugging it from your car and plugging it back in. If this doesn’t work, try resetting your phone’s network settings and then reconnecting to your Carlinkit 4.0.
Common Reasons for Carlinkit 4.0 Failing to Pair with Phone
There are several common reasons why your Carlinkit 4.0 may fail to pair with your phone. First, ensure that your phone is compatible with the Carlinkit 4.0. If it is, try resetting both your phone and Carlinkit 4.0, and then attempt to pair them again. If this doesn’t work, try using a different USB cable or USB port, or contact Carlinkit customer support for further assistance.
Resolving Connectivity Problems with Carlinkit 4.0 on Android Device
If you are experiencing connectivity problems with your Carlinkit 4.0 on your Android device, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. First, ensure that your Android device is running the latest version of Android and that your Carlinkit 4.0 is updated with the latest firmware. Next, try resetting your Carlinkit 4.0 by unplugging it from your car and plugging it back in. If this doesn’t work, try resetting your Android device’s network settings and then reconnecting to your Carlinkit 4.0.
Forcing a Connection if Carlinkit 4.0 is Not Automatically Connecting to Car
If your Carlinkit 4.0 is not automatically connecting to your car, there are a few steps you can take to force a connection. First, ensure that your Carlinkit 4.0 is updated with the latest firmware. Next, try resetting your Carlinkit 4.0 by unplugging it from your car and plugging it back in. If this doesn’t work, try manually connecting to your Carlinkit 4.0 through your phone’s Bluetooth settings. If none of these steps work, contact Carlinkit customer support for further assistance.