Rexing Wireless CarPlay Adapter Review: Ditching the Cable for Good

If you’re wondering whether a Rexing wireless CarPlay adapter is the right move for your car, know this: it’s an awesome way to cut the cord and experience a truly seamless connection with your iPhone in your car, especially if you already have wired CarPlay. Think of it as a small, mighty upgrade that transforms your daily drive from fumbling with cables to just hopping in and going. For anyone tired of plugging in their phone every single time they get behind the wheel, a gadget like the Rexing CPW-2 or CPW-22 wireless CarPlay adapter is genuinely a must. These little devices basically convert your car’s existing wired CarPlay system into a wireless one, meaning your iPhone connects automatically via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as soon as you start your car. It’s all about convenience, a cleaner dashboard, and keeping your phone tucked away safely in your pocket or bag. While there are a few things to keep in mind, like occasional slight delays or ensuring your phone stays charged on longer trips, the overall experience of having wireless CarPlay is generally a big step up. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what the Rexing adapters offer and whether they’re worth adding to your ride.

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What’s a Wireless CarPlay Adapter, Anyway?

before we jump into Rexing specifically, let’s quickly talk about what these adapters actually do. If your car has Apple CarPlay, you probably know the drill: you plug your iPhone into a USB port, and suddenly your car’s screen mirrors a simplified version of your phone, giving you access to navigation, podcast, calls, and messages. It’s super handy, right? But that cable… it can be a bit of a hassle.

A wireless CarPlay adapter, like the Rexing CPW-2 or CPW-22, steps in to solve that. You plug this small device into your car’s USB port the one you’d normally use for wired CarPlay, and it acts as a bridge. Instead of your phone connecting directly to the car with a wire, your phone connects to the adapter wirelessly via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This little box then communicates with your car’s infotainment system, making your car think it’s still connected via a cable, but your phone is happily sitting in your pocket or a wireless charging pad. Pretty neat?

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The Rexing CPW-2 and CPW-22: Your Ticket to Wireless Freedom

Rexing, a brand many might know from their dash cameras, has jumped into the wireless CarPlay game with their CPW-2 and CPW-22 adapters. These are designed to be straightforward solutions for anyone looking to ditch the cable. The Rexing CPW-2 focuses on Apple CarPlay, while the CPW-22 and CPW-42 offers compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it super versatile if you share your car with someone who uses an Android phone.

Key Features That Stand Out

When you’re checking out a Rexing wireless CarPlay adapter, here are some of the features you’ll likely appreciate: Master Your Rexing V1 FHD Dash Cam: The Ultimate User Guide & Troubleshooting Tips

• Plug-and-Play Simplicity: This is a big one. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to get these working. Most users say setup takes just a few minutes. You literally plug the adapter into the correct USB port in your car, enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your iPhone, and then pair it. That’s it.
• Automatic Connection: Once you’ve paired it the first time, the adapter remembers your phone. So, every time you start your car, your iPhone should automatically connect to CarPlay within seconds, often before you even pull out of your driveway. This is pure convenience.
• Compact Design: These adapters are usually quite small and lightweight, so you can easily tuck them away in your center console or glove compartment, keeping your dashboard neat and clutter-free.
• Stable & Fast Connection: Rexing adapters typically use dual-band 5GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to ensure a quick and stable connection. This is crucial for smooth navigation, podcast streaming, and clear calls. Many users report minimal lag, with everything running smoothly.
• Integrated Controls: You won’t lose any functionality. You can still use your car’s touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and even voice commands with Siri, just like you would with wired CarPlay.
• Wide Compatibility: The Rexing adapters are designed to work with most vehicles that come with factory-installed wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the CPW-22. They support iPhones running iOS 10 or newer. This means a lot of popular car makes and models are covered.

Setting Up Your Rexing Wireless CarPlay Adapter

Getting your Rexing adapter up and running is pretty straightforward. Here’s a quick run-through, usually found in their user manual:

1. Locate Your Car’s Wired CarPlay USB Port: This is important! The adapter needs to be plugged into the USB port that supports your car’s wired CarPlay connection. If you have multiple USB ports, you might need to try a couple to find the right one.
2. Plug in the Adapter: Use one of the included USB cables usually USB-A to C or C to C to connect the Rexing adapter to your car’s USB port. You’ll likely see a blue light flashing on the adapter.
3. Turn on iPhone Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Make sure both are enabled on your iPhone.
4. Pair Your iPhone: Go to your iPhone’s Bluetooth settings and look for a device named something like “Auto-XXXX” where XXXX are numbers. Select it to pair.
5. Confirm CarPlay: A pop-up message should appear on your iPhone asking if you want to “Pair,” “Allow,” and “Use CarPlay.” Confirm these options.
6. Wait for Connection: It might take a few seconds for the wireless CarPlay connection to establish and appear on your car’s screen. Once connected, the blue light on the adapter should turn solid.

And just like that, you’re usually good to go! For future drives, the adapter should automatically connect when you start your car, assuming your iPhone’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on.

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Real-World Performance: What to Expect

From my research and looking at what users are saying, the Rexing wireless CarPlay adapters generally deliver a good experience.

• Connection Speed: Many users praise the quick connection times. Some report it connecting “almost instantly” or within seconds of starting the car. However, a few mention that it can take a bit longer if you just hop in and push start, compared to a remote start where the adapter might power on sooner.
• Stability: The connection is largely stable for most people. You can expect smooth performance for navigation apps like Apple Maps or Waze, listening to podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcast, and making calls. However, like with almost any wireless technology, there’s always a slight chance of occasional disconnections, though this seems to be relatively uncommon.
• Latency/Lag: This is where wireless adapters sometimes get a mixed bag. Many Rexing users report no noticeable lag or only “minor delays” when switching apps or reconnecting. One reviewer compared audio “hiccups” to a CD skipping but much less abrupt, noting it was a millisecond hop in sound. Another pointed out that some lag is just a trade-off with Bluetooth-based wireless systems, affecting things like map movement or call clarity slightly compared to a direct USB connection. But for the most part, it’s not a deal-breaker for everyday use.
• Audio Quality: The general consensus is that audio quality is excellent, with clear sound for podcast and calls. Wireless CarPlay’s audio protocols are actually better than standard Bluetooth audio, so you often get a surprisingly good listening experience.
• Dual-Device Scenario: If you share your car with someone, keep in mind that some older Rexing models like the CPW-1/CPW-2 might only automatically connect to the last paired device. If another person wants to use their phone, you might need to manually disconnect the first phone or re-pair. The CPW-22 seems to handle both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a plus for shared vehicles.

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Is Wireless CarPlay Worth It?

This is the big question, right? And for many, the answer is a resounding yes, wireless CarPlay is definitely worth it, especially if you value convenience and a clutter-free car interior.

Here’s why it often wins people over:

• Pure Convenience: No more fishing for cables, plugging in your phone, or forgetting to unplug it when you leave. Your phone stays in your pocket or bag, and CarPlay just starts up. It’s effortless.
• Cleaner Look: A huge plus is ditching the cables tangled around your gear shift or lying across your console. It makes your car’s interior look much tidier and more modern.
• Preserving Your Phone’s USB Port: Constantly plugging and unplugging a cable can put wear and tear on your phone’s charging port. Going wireless reduces that stress.
• Flexibility with Charging: You’re free to use any charging method you prefer – whether it’s a wireless charging pad, a different USB port, or a 12V adapter for fast charging. This is especially good for long trips where wireless CarPlay can drain your phone’s battery faster due to the Wi-Fi connection.

However, there are a couple of things to consider. As mentioned, phone battery drain is a real thing when using wireless CarPlay, as your phone is constantly transmitting data over Wi-Fi. So, having a wireless charger or another charging solution in your car is highly recommended for longer drives. Also, while generally stable, a wired connection will almost always be more consistent, especially in areas with a lot of wireless interference.

For a casual user who uses CarPlay for short trips, the convenience of wireless connectivity is a massive benefit. If you’re someone who spends hours in the car daily and relies heavily on navigation, you’ll definitely want a robust charging solution alongside your wireless adapter.

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Rexing vs. Other Adapters

While this review focuses on Rexing, it’s worth noting that they’re in a competitive market. Brands like CarlinKit, Ottocast, and MMB are also popular, each with their own pros and cons.

What makes Rexing a strong contender, according to users, is its reputable brand name known for dash cams, ease of setup, and consistent performance. Many reviews highlight the reliable automatic connection and smooth operation, which are critical for a good user experience. While some other brands might offer more extensive configuration menus or claim slightly faster boot times, Rexing seems to hit a sweet spot for reliability and user-friendliness right out of the box. Plus, their customer support is often praised for being responsive.

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Final Thoughts

The Rexing wireless CarPlay adapter, particularly the CPW-2 or CPW-22, presents a compelling case for upgrading your driving experience. It delivers on its promise of converting wired CarPlay to wireless with minimal fuss, offering excellent convenience and a cleaner car interior. While minor lags or the need for a separate charging solution are common considerations for any wireless adapter, Rexing’s products generally receive high marks for ease of installation, connection stability, and overall performance. If you’re looking for a reliable, straightforward way to finally ditch that CarPlay cable, a Rexing adapter is definitely worth checking out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What cars are compatible with the Rexing wireless CarPlay adapter?

The Rexing wireless CarPlay adapter is compatible with most vehicles that have factory-installed wired Apple CarPlay. For models like the CPW-22 or CPW-42, they also work with cars that have wired Android Auto. It won’t add CarPlay or Android Auto to a car that doesn’t already have the wired version built-in. You also need an iPhone running iOS 10 or newer or Android 11+ for Android Auto compatible models.

How does the Rexing adapter connect to my phone?

The Rexing adapter uses both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to connect to your iPhone. Bluetooth is used for the initial pairing and to establish the connection, and then a faster Wi-Fi connection is used to transmit the actual CarPlay data, ensuring smooth performance for navigation, podcast, and calls.

Will I experience lag or delays with the Rexing wireless CarPlay adapter?

While many users report a smooth experience with no noticeable lag, some minor delays can occasionally happen. These might be slight delays when switching between apps or during the initial connection after starting your car. This is a common trade-off with most wireless CarPlay adapters compared to a direct wired connection, but for many, it’s a minor issue that doesn’t detract from the overall convenience.

Does the Rexing adapter drain my phone’s battery faster?

Yes, using any wireless CarPlay adapter can generally drain your phone’s battery faster than a wired connection. This is because your phone is actively using both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to maintain the connection and transmit data. For longer drives, it’s a good idea to have a wireless charging pad or plug your phone into a separate charging port to keep it topped up.

Can I still use my car’s steering wheel controls and voice commands?

Absolutely! The Rexing wireless CarPlay adapter is designed to integrate seamlessly with your car’s existing controls. You can continue to use your car’s touchscreen, steering wheel buttons for volume, track skipping, answering calls, and even activate Siri for voice commands, just as you would with wired CarPlay. Rexing v33

Is the Rexing CPW-2 or CPW-22 hard to install?

Not at all. The Rexing adapters are known for their simple, plug-and-play installation. You just plug the adapter into your car’s wired CarPlay USB port, connect your iPhone via Bluetooth, and follow a few prompts on your phone. The initial setup usually takes only a couple of minutes, and after that, it should connect automatically every time you start your car.

What’s the difference between the Rexing CPW-2 and CPW-22?

The primary difference is compatibility. The Rexing CPW-2 is specifically designed for Apple CarPlay, while the newer CPW-22 and CPW-42 is a more versatile adapter that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. If you only use an iPhone, the CPW-2 might be sufficient, but if you or others who drive your car use Android phones, the CPW-22 is a better choice.