How to Get Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in a Sprinter Van

There are many things I don’t like about the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van, but one of them has to be that it lacks native support for wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It would have been awesome for Mercedes to include this functionality, which was already available at the time of the van’s release, but alas, they’ve appeared to cut corners once again.

That said, it should be noted that as much as I enjoy pointing out what I don’t like about my Sprinter, if given the choice to do it again, I would 100% decide to purchase a Sprinter (instead of another van).

Back to installing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in a Sprinter van. After some finagling and experimentation, I’ve developed a solid system for seamlessly implementing this functionality into a 2023 Sprinter. I’m not sure if this works on models older than 2023 or if/when wireless compatibility will be available on models after 2023.

Here’s everything you need to know about setting up wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.

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The Simple Install

If all you want is wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay functionality in your Sprinter van, the solution is a simple plug-and-play device. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Apple CarPlay dongle or Android Auto dongle
  • USB-A to USB-C adapter (if your dongle doesn’t include one)

Here’s a bit more information on the available dongles. Remember that the Sprinter’s Apple CarPlay/Android Auto port is USB-C, so you’ll need a USB-A to USB-C adapter if your dongle doesn’t include one.

• Apple CarPlay: You have several options, and I have not personally used any of these as I have an Android phone, but the internet (i.e., Reddit) appears to agree that this one, the Carlinkit Mini SE Pro Wireless Adapter, is a solid option. I welcome any feedback from readers who have used this or another one they recommend.

• Android Auto: Several dongles are available, and I’m currently using the LXJTHT Dongle (what is that company name? I don’t know – some Chinese Amazon company, but it works). It’s worked better than the Motorola MA1, which I’ve used in the past, and I rarely need to restart it to regain functionality. Note that if you use something like the Motorola MA1, you’ll also need to get a USB-A to USB-C adapter as the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto port on the Sprinter is USB-C; the LXJTHT Dongle comes with an adapter.

All you need to do for this install is plug the adapter into the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto port on your Sprinter (it’s inconveniently located in the compartment in the middle of the dash, accessible via an oval button on top of it). Once it’s plugged in, you’ll connect your phone to it via Bluetooth, and then your phone should walk you through the setup process.

And done!

In case you didn’t know, the 2023 Sprinter has wireless charging inside this cubby (if your phone is compatible). However, you won’t be able to use it anymore, as the dongle will be in the way. That said, a better wireless charging solution is below (with a slightly more advanced install). Also, this cubby is a terrible place to wirelessly charge your phone because it’s directly in the sun; when it gets too warm, it will automatically disable charging, which is precisely what happens if you leave it here.

The Wireless Charging Install

For a slightly more advanced (but still relatively easy and tool-free) install, you’ll need the following:

• Apple CarPlay dongle or Android Auto dongle
  • USB-A to USB-C adapter (if your dongle doesn’t include one)
• Peak Design Everyday Case (iPhone, Pixel, Samsung)
• Peak Design Ball Mount Adapter (Charging)
• RAM Mounts Track Ball Base with T-Bolt Attachment (B Size)
• RAM Mounts Composite Double Socket Swivel & Ratchet Arm (B Size, 1-inch Ball)
• White Top Adventures Sprinter Dash Accessories and Phone Mounting System

For a less expensive solution, you could get an adhesive ball base and a 1-inch, B-Size compatible socket arm instead (you’ll still need the Peak Design Ball Mount Adapter). However, this will limit you (or require you to buy additional pieces) if you want to add more things to your dashboard in the future.

The White Top Adventures Sprinter Dash Accessories and Phone Mounting System attaches to your Sprinter’s dash just behind the infotainment screen using an adhesive strip. I was hesitant to stick it on at first (I don’t love using adhesives for things in the van), but it’s super low-profile, and the adhesive holds strong through blazing hot and freezing cold temperatures. I’m very happy with it.

This setup requires that you have a Peak Design Everyday Case (iPhone, Pixel, Samsung) for your phone. If you don’t already have one, I highly recommend it. It’s a great case that is compatible with Peak Design’s extensive lineup of mobile accessories. I use their bike attachment when bikepacking (or just riding around town), and it’s second-to-none.

For example, my configuration has a wireless charging setup for both the driver and the passenger and a rearview mirror screen linked to a camera at the back of the van. It looks like newer Sprinters have a digital rearview mirror option, but this isn’t/wasn’t an option on the 2023 models.

As for the wireless charging part of the equation, multiple versions of the Peak Design Ball Mount Adapter are available. You’ll want one with a 1″ ball and charging. As for locking or non-locking, it’s your choice. I have the non-locking version and have never had my phone fall off the charger, even when going down washboard-ridden dirt roads. That said, if you want more security or are prone to knocking things over, the locking mechanism works incredibly well (I know because it’s the exact mechanism used on the bike mount I use from Peak Design).

The Peak Design Ball Mount Adapter includes a UBC-C to USB-C cable that is long enough for your needs here. However, you’re free to use whatever USB-C cable you wish if you’re not into the one provided (or you’re going another route for your wireless charging solution).

For those curious, here is the dashcam kit I have.

The Full-Featured Install

In addition to everything listed above in the good and the better install breakdown, you’ll need the following if you want (what I believe to be) the best version of this install. This is how I have wireless Android Auto set up in my Sprinter van.

• Apple CarPlay dongle or Android Auto dongle
  • USB-A to USB-C adapter (depending on the dongle used)
• Peak Design Everyday Case (iPhone, Pixel, Samsung)
• Peak Design Ball Mount Adapter (Charging)
• RAM Mounts Track Ball Base with T-Bolt Attachment (B Size)
• RAM Mounts Composite Double Socket Swivel & Ratchet Arm (B Size, 1-inch Ball)
• White Top Adventures Sprinter Dash Accessories and Phone Mounting System
• Vanspeed Gear Sprinter Cable Pass-Through
• Drill (ideally a right-angle drill)
• Step Drill Bit (with sizes up to at least 1″) or a 1″ drill bit and a 9/32″ Drill Bit (for pilot hole)

Optional Items (for a cleaner, but more involved install):

• 9/32″ Drill Bit (for pilot hole)
• 1″ Drill Bit
• T20 Torx Bit Socket
• Trim Removal Tool Kit (or pry tools)
• Flush Cut Pliers
• Center Punch Tool (I didn’t use this and think it’s probably unnecessary)

So why are there two different sets of tools? Because it turns out that installing the Vanspeed Gear Sprinter Cable Pass-Through is not as easy as the seven-minute installation video makes it out to be.

I opted not to remove the cubby and dash from the front of my Sprinter, and instead, I simply used a cordless drill and a step bit to drill the hole for the cable pass-through (this would be easier if you had/have a low-profile drill or a right-angle drill). The problem with doing it this way is that, because of the windshield, I could not get at the lid of the cubby from a 90-degree angle with the drill (this is why a right-angle drill would be helpful here). Instead, I had to drill from multiple angles and repeatedly stop to open the cubby to make sure I wasn’t doing any damage or drilling too far in any one direction.

After moving slowly (and putting down towels to make sure savhings weren’t forever lost in the crack between my windshield and my dash, I managed to make a hole wide enough and uniform enough for the rubber grommet included with the Cable Pass-Through to seat nicely into the cubby’s lid. It was helpful having someone there with my vacuum (honestly, I love this thing and highly recommend it for a van) to clean up as I drilled (and to clean out the cubby afterward).

It’s a lot of work not to have a cable hanging down, but in the end, I’m happy with the result. My one complaint is that the tape on the Vanspeed Cable Pass-Through does not adhere very well to the dash, and one side keeps popping up. I might throw more VHB tape under it or try some contact cement if it keeps giving me issues.

Potential Issues

The most significant issues I’ve run into with my Sprinter van’s wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto setup are the following:

• Occasionally (and for reasons I don’t completely understand), the connection between my phone and the dongle will be broken, and the wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto will disconnect. To resolve this, I unplug and reattach the dongle (although this is somewhat of a pain to do while driving due to its location.

• Suppose you don’t have a phone with a compatible Peak Design Everyday case (or you don’t want to get the Peak Design Everyday Case). In that case, there’s also a Peak Design Universal Adapter that you can attach to any case to make it compatible with Peak Design’s mobile accessories—in my experience with the Qi1 version of the Peak Design Ball Mount, the Universal Adapter, plus a third-party case, created enough space to not allow for wireless charging. This may have been improved with the Qi2 version of the Ball Adapter.

• I highly recommend getting a right-angle drill if you attempt the Vanspeed Cable Pass-Through install without removing the compartment from the dash. It was not pretty doing it with a regular cordless drill that hit the windshield and didn’t allow straight-down drilling; alternatively, if your drill and bit are low-profile enough, you will be fine.

Wrap Up

Installing wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van is simple, but you can choose to make it significantly more complicated (and pricey) if you want a clutter-free experience with wireless charging.

It could be as simple as plugging in a dongle or as messy as drilling through your Sprinter’s dash – all part of the fun of building out a van, I guess (or at least part of the fun of adding features to your van that Mercedes should have included from the factory).

If anyone out there has a similar setup or feedback/questions on this setup, I would be more than happy to hear from you in the comments below. Leave a comment and let me know what’s worked for you or if you have any questions about what’s worked for me (so far)!