Wireless CarPlay or Android Auto causes connection drops

This article helps you troubleshoot THINKWARE connection drops caused by wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The selected app, phone permissions, Wi-Fi switching settings, frequency band, saved password, VPN, and phone network settings can affect the connection.

Note: The THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK app Wi-Fi network is a direct media communication link between your smartphone and the dash cam. It does not provide cellular internet access. Messages such as "No Internet Connection" or "Internet may not be available" in your smartphone's Wi-Fi settings is normal and expected.

Keep the phone screen on during connection and file transfer. A direct dash cam Wi-Fi connection is different from a phone hotspot used for THINKWARE CONNECTED.

If Wi-Fi disconnects after a few seconds or when switching from Bluetooth, check whether wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is competing for Wi-Fi.

A phone uses one active Wi-Fi connection for these functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect to the vehicle's network, which can take priority over the dash cam disrupting connection.

Vehicle infotainment display showing Apple CarPlay apps

 

Already tried some steps? Jump to:

1.   Disable Wireless Apple CarPlay on iPhone

2.   Disable Wireless Android Auto on Android

3.   Use a Wired CarPlay or Android Auto Connection as a Permanent Workaround

 

Disable Wireless Apple CarPlay on iPhone

If the app displays a CarPlay connection prompt, follow its Connection Error Guide.

THINKWARE app asking whether CarPlay is in use and requesting disconnectionConnection Error Guide showing how to disconnect CarPlay on an iPhone or in a vehicle

1. Open your iPhone [Settings] app.

2. Tap [General], then [CarPlay].

iPhone settings with General highlighted iPhone General settings with CarPlay highlighted

3. Select your vehicle, then disable [CarPlay] or tap [Forget This Car].

iPhone CarPlay vehicle list and Disable option & Forget This Car option highlighted

If your CarPlay screen has an off switch, follow the app guide and turn CarPlay off. You can also disconnect CarPlay in your vehicle settings; the option name and location vary by vehicle.

After disabling CarPlay, connect to the THINKWARE dash cam [Wi-Fi] network in your iPhone settings, then open the THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK app.

 

Disable Wireless Android Auto on Android

1. Open [Settings] and tap [Apps].

Android Settings with Apps highlighted

2. Select [Android Auto].

Android Apps list with Android Auto highlighted

3. Tap [Disable].

Disable button on the Android Auto app information screen

4. Tap [Disable App] in the confirmation pop-up.

Android confirmation pop-up showing Disable App

After disabling Android Auto, connect to the THINKWARE dash cam [Wi-Fi] network in your phone settings, then open the THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK app.

 

Use a Wired CarPlay or Android Auto Connection as a Permanent Workaround

Required tools: A Lightning or USB-C cable compatible with your phone and vehicle (for the wired connection option).

If your vehicle supports wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto via USB cable, connect your phone to the car using a Lightning or USB-C cable instead of wireless.

A wired CarPlay or Android Auto connection leaves Wi-Fi available for the dash cam.

 

None of the above worked

If the app still cannot connect after checking compatibility, permissions, wireless vehicle connections, network switching, VPN, and both reset procedures, contact THINKWARE support.

Please refer to About THINKWARE's warranty policy for warranty requests or technical evaluation.

 

Need more help?

Contact the support team for your region by email or phone. We’ll respond to your email as quickly as we can.

North America (US/CA)
Email: support@thinkware.com
Phone: 1-844-865-9273

United Kingdom (UK)
Email: support.eu@thinkware.com
Phone: +44 (0) 333-121-0008

Europe (EU)
Email: support@thinkwarestore.com
Phone: +49 69 943 22200

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