If you’re someone like me that uses an Android phone and enjoys Android Auto in his car, you’ve been tempted to either upgrade your vehicle or find an elegant solution to use Android Auto wirelessly. With the launch of AAWireless, that day has finally arrived.
AAWireless is a small accessory that allows your smartphone to connect to your Android Auto compatible head unit through its internal Wi-Fi module instead of connecting the phone to your car with a USB cable.
It’s one of two methods currently available for wireless Android Auto, with the other being a compatible aftermarket head unit from companies like JVC and Kenwood.
For those who are looking for an upgrade from their current setup, AAWireless is by far the easiest and most cost-effective way to go wireless.
With this AAWireless review, we’ll go over the good, the bad, and the ugly of this tiny plug-and-play device.
What You’ll Need
Here are what you’ll need in order to make the AAWireless device work with your car.
- A smartphone running Android 9 or later with Android Auto installed.
- A car with a head unit that supports Android Auto, it doesn’t matter if it’s a built-in unit from the manufacturer or an aftermarket unit from popular brands like Pioneer, JVC, etc
- And of course, the AAWireless device itself.
Setting Up AAWireless With Your Car
The device is very small and comes with the USB A-C cable so you just plug it in and go. There is a giant QR code on the back of the box that will redirect you to install the companion app for the AAWireless.
Once you downloaded the app, you’ll have the option to create an account or use the app as a guest.
You’re not required to create an account in order to use the app. However, it can make it a bit difficult for you to get support.
The app will walk you through setting up the device, which is straightforward. However, my first attempts were not successful for the initial setup.
In the developer setting in Android Auto, you’ll need to add wireless projection to settings.
Follow the prompt on your phone to allow the AAwireless app to manage your AAwireless dongle. From there if you’re lucky everything should work as intended.
But in my case, I was getting a failure message, I am not sure if it had to do with my Honda Accord or my Pixel 6 Pro, luckily the companion app has several settings that you can tweak to remedy any bug you may encounter.
User Experience
Once I got it to work, it only took a few seconds after starting the engine for Android Auto to launch on the infotainment screen.
I haven’t had a chance to try it on a long trip to see how reliable it is, but so far I am glad I took the chance on this project. Overall, so far, the AAWireless knocks it out of the park in a way I couldn’t have hoped.
The AAWireless works with multiple users, but that doesn’t mean you can have two devices connected at the same time. It can only pair to one device at a time, and will automatically pair to the last device it was connected to.
At the time of this review, the AAWireless is available to order on Indiegogo for $85. Keep in mind that there’s a long delivery time.
The AAWireless device appears to be shipped from Hong Kong. If you’re in the US, it could take about 2-3 weeks to get the product.
While there are not a lot of other similar options on the market yet, Motorola has officially launched the Motorola MA1 which promises to deliver the same cordless Android Auto experience. We’ll let you know about the Motorola dongle as soon as we get our hands on it.
Wrap Up
Hopefully, this AAWireless review has helped you decide whether or not the product is right for you. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a hassle-free wireless Android Auto experience in their car.
AAWireless is still in its infancy and certainly has room for improvement, but offers a compelling product for the price with remarkable support behind them. I would definitely recommend giving it a try.
If you have any feedback or questions, then please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.
I struggled to try to make AAWireless work for months. “Support” clueless and asked the same questions over and over. I got hold of the developer on FB Messenger and after changing a bunch of settings got it to work — until it stopped working. Then I had to replace it because the reset button failed. Then it stopped Finally it worked — and then stopped and I never got it going again. Got the Motorola MA1, up and working in less than 5 minutes–solid. Do not buy unless you are bored and looking for a project that will never end.
Hey Donald, Sorry to hear that. I haven’t had any issues with my unit. Thanks for your input.