Just got an iPhone 16, and ran into the same problem. Most of the A to C cables I had already wouldn't even charge, one charged but no CarPlay, and none compatible with CarPlay. 2018 Audi. I was beginning to think nothing would work. Just bought a 2-pack of Anker cables specifically labeled for CarPlay (also for Samsung devices), and CarPlay works great - problem solved! Charging isn't very fast, but it does work. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRZ4LR9K?ref=I&th=1 Answer from PG2001 on reddit.com
Reddit
reddit.com › r/iphone › usb-c to usb-a cable for carplay?
r/iphone on Reddit: USB-C to USB-A cable for CarPlay?
September 26, 2023 -
My car only has USB-A input for CarPlay. The new iPhone will come with a USB-C-to-C cable, but is there an A-to-C cable that is also certified for use with CarPlay? Or a tiny adaptor that goes from male A to female C but won’t screw up CarPlay compatibility?
So confusing.
Update: Grabbed a bunch of random USBC cables out of my drawer from who-knows-where. All of them worked with CarPlay. Great success!
Top answer 1 of 12
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Just got an iPhone 16, and ran into the same problem. Most of the A to C cables I had already wouldn't even charge, one charged but no CarPlay, and none compatible with CarPlay. 2018 Audi. I was beginning to think nothing would work. Just bought a 2-pack of Anker cables specifically labeled for CarPlay (also for Samsung devices), and CarPlay works great - problem solved! Charging isn't very fast, but it does work. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRZ4LR9K?ref=I&th=1
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Generally, any cable that supports data should work. Don't get an adapter as that will most likely not work.
MacRumors
forums.macrumors.com › iphone, ipad, and ipod touch › iphone › iphone accessories
Best type A to C cables for CarPlay | MacRumors Forums
January 1, 2024 - Click to expand... Check out Ugreen. I too rely on the A to C cables for CarPlay. The Ugreen USB C connection is not crimped compared to the Anker ones I have and is very nicely made.
Videos
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Top CarPlay Cables for iPhone 16 and 15 Series - YouTube
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Top 3 USB-C Cables Of 2025 - I Bent These Cables Over 1 Million Times!
r/MagSafe on Reddit: Magnetic Type C cable for CarPlay
Best Buy
bestbuy.com › best buy › category directories › cell phones directory › charging cables directory
CarPlay Cable - Best Buy
The Insignia 4' / 6' / 10' USB to USB-C Braided Charge-and-Sync Cables (3-Pack) will not only charge your smartphone, but also let you transfer files and sync your device. The various lengths of cables give you flexibility on placement options, and the braided jacket keeps the cable protected.See ...
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255141463
What USB-C to USB cables are compatible w… - Apple Community
I purchased Native Union Belt Cable at Best Buy. The back of the box says “cable to sync and charge”. Hope this helps a lot of peoples frustration! ... I use Anker USB-A to USB-C with my 15 pro in my Hyundai for CarPlay. Works great and didn't have issues with my previous S22U and current ...
Car Tech Studio
cartechstudio.com › car tech studio › apple carplay › apple carplay usb-c cables: best options for iphone 15 and 16
Best Apple CarPlay USB-C Cables 2024 iPhone 15/16 Compatibility – Car Tech Studio
August 8, 2025 - Find the perfect USB-A to USB-C cable for Apple CarPlay with iPhone 15/16. Expert reviews, compatibility, and setup tips. Free shipping available.
Amazon
amazon.com › LILIBIN-USB-3-3ft-Black › dp › B0CTC7BT3S
Amazon.com: USB A to USB C Cable for iPhone 16/16E/17, Car Carplay Charger Cable for iPhone 17 16 Pro Max, 15 Plus, Android Charging Cord for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra/S24+/S23/S22/S21/A16/A15 Auto Charging Cable : Electronics
Product Description: Product Name: USB-A to USB-C Charging Cable (USB A to Type C Cable) Color: Black Compatible with: - Compatible with iPhone 17/ 15Pro/ 17Air/ 17Pro Max, iPhone 16/ 16Pro/ 16Plus/ 16Pro Max /16e(SE4) 15/ 15Pro/ 15Plus/ 15Pro ...
Amazon
amazon.com › ANKER-Cable-iPhone-2Pack-Black › dp › B0CRZ4LR9K
Amazon.com: Anker Type C Cable，2 Pack USB A to USB C Flow Cord, Fast Charging for iPhone 17 16 or Max Plus and More (3FT, Black) : Electronics
What You Get: Anker 15W USB-A to USB-C Cable (3 ft, Silicone), silicone cable organizer, welcome guide, our 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service. ... Anker Car Carplay Cable for iPhone 17 16 Pro Max Plus, Upcycled Braided USB ...
Reddit
reddit.com › r/iphone16pro › what usb-a to usb-c you guys using for carplay?
r/iPhone16Pro on Reddit: What USB-A to USB-C you guys using for CarPlay?
July 13, 2024 -
Bought one from Best Buy and it wasn’t connecting to carplay
Top answer 1 of 4
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UGREEN 2-Pack USB C Cable 3A Fast... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077Z7XLJF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
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AINOPE [2 Pack 1.6FT Type C Cable, 3.1A Type C Charger Fast Charging, Right Angle Nylon Braided USB to USB C Cable https://a.co/d/9qmcYgy I like these because it has a right angle usb c which fits better in my care. Also the length is just right so there’s not a lot of slack which I find messy.
9to5Mac
9to5mac.com › iphone-carplay-usb-c-cable
Switch to USB-C iPhone? You'll need this cable for CarPlay
July 29, 2025 - These are some picks from reliable brands that should keep CarPlay up and running on day one. ... Another option is adapting your car’s USB-A port to USB-C. Satechi makes a USB-A to USB-C port adapter for $6.99.
MacPowerUsers
talk.macpowerusers.com › tech support
USB A to USB C… - Tech Support - MPU Talk
December 3, 2024 - Went to the Apple Store today to get a USB A to USB C cable to use on my new iPhone for CarPlay. I was shocked when apple doesn’t sell these cables. Did they ever? Anyone recommend a good cable for my car? I have an adapter lighting to USBC adapter but I’m told they won’t work for CarPlay ...
Cabletime Tech
cabletimetech.com › home › knowledge › knowledge
Choosing the Right USB-A to USB-C Cable for iPhone 15 and 16 CarPlay
May 9, 2025 - In conclusion, upgrading to an iPhone 15 or 16 requires selecting the right USB-A to USB-C cable to maintain seamless CarPlay functionality. By choosing a high-quality cable that supports both charging and data transfer, you can enjoy a reliable and efficient in-car experience. ... This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/carplay › best cable for carplay?
r/CarPlay on Reddit: Best cable for CarPlay?
January 6, 2024 -
I’ve got an iPhone 13, but all my cables for carplay (car doesn’t support wireless) seem to break really easily and stop providing car play within a month or so. This including the so-called armoured or tough cables.
Are there any which are best to use/won’t get damaged? I thought about possibly getting a phone mount for the car if this might help, does anyone know?
Amazon
amazon.com › usb-c-apple-carplay › s
Amazon.com: Usb C Apple Carplay
Anker Car Carplay Cable for iPhone 17 16 Pro Max Plus, Upcycled Braided USB A to USB C Car Charger Cord for Samsung Note20 and More (3FT, Black) · Anker Zolo USB to USB C Cable, Seamless CarPlay Connesction, Durable and Braided Type C Cable, Premium Look with Slim Connector, for iPhone 17/16 ...
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255290618
USB-A to USB-C for Apple Car Play - Apple Community
November 21, 2023 - Sadly, Apple doesn't sell any cable manufactured by them directly however they do carry a Belkin USB C to A Cable - Apple Store or a quick search on Amazon will do the trick trick. Besides Apple. Anker, Belkin, and Spigen make some of the best cables on the market!
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255142378
USB A to USB C cable - Apple Community
February 20, 2024 - The usb-c plugs into the phone and the lightning end doesn't fit into any chargers made. 888 2 ... Any issues with charging too much or not enough? I don't want to damage any circuits in my phone with cheap non-apple cables. I see Belkin makes a "Pro" cable sold on Apple.com, so it must be safe even if bought on amazon? ... Just finished setting both phones up and the cables work perfectly. No CarPlay connection issues at all.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/iphone › reliable usb a to usb c wires (possibly mfi certified and compatible with apple carplay?)
r/iphone on Reddit: Reliable USB A to USB C wires (possibly Mfi certified and compatible with apple carplay?)
September 19, 2023 -
Does anyone know of any reliable USB A to USB C cables that possibly are Mfi certified or at the very least trustworthy. I have a bunch of accessories (ex: portable chargers, MY CAR) that only has a USB A port, so I'm looking for a wire that is trustworthy and won't charge super slow or destroy my phones battery. More importantly, it needs to work with apple carplay too. Apples website has no USB A to C cables, only adapters. Yes I know I can "google it" but I didn't want to buy a bad brand.
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Message me Friday night after I get my phones. Bought a two pack of 3’ A to C from Anker for $6 off Amazon the other week. I expect them to work fine. Also - just realized - there is no more “MFI” with USB C.
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Anker I’m about to buy a two pack of cables myself. I wouldn’t recommend any other brand.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/carplay › usb-c to usb-a question
r/CarPlay on Reddit: USB-C to USB-A Question
October 10, 2025 -
(TLDR: Upgrading my phone, what kind of USB-C to USB-A do you use for Carplay that works)
I’m planning on upgrading my phone from an iPhone 12 to a 17 soon, my car’s media port is USB-A, I typically use a Lightning to USB-A Apple Cable It's worked great but now it will need to be retired once my 12 goes off to pasture. Since the 17 lineup uses USB-C exclusively.
Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t directly make a USB-C to USB-A which really sucks since some cables out there are pretty hit or miss on whether they are capable of supporting CarPlay.
Of course, a Google search will bring up plenty of examples of “Apple Certified” cables but I don't want to play roulette of trying cables. So for people out there in the same boat as me, what cable brand did you buy from that works reliably? Links are deeply appreciated.
Top answer 1 of 5
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Apple does make a Beats branded USB-A to C cable now if you’re trying to keep it in the family. I prefer this Belkin cable. It’s flexible, woven, and the right length. https://a.co/d/gTnLlmk
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Amazon basics have worked fine for me. There is no such thing as an Apple Certified USB C cable. That was only a thing for Lightning cables.
Amazon
amazon.com › apple-carplay-cable › s
Amazon.com: Apple Carplay Cable
Upgrade your car's CarPlay system with our selection of reliable, high-speed cables. Compatible with the latest iPhones and iPads for a seamless experience.
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 252986264
USB to USB-C for Apple car play - Apple Community
I have apple carplay in my truck and iphone 12pro. I have. Been using USB lighting cable and it works fine.
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255270058
Problems with CarPlay using usb a to usb … - Apple Community
They work fine for CarPlay for me. I have no interest in the company that makes or sells them. Just saying these worked for me. ... And this cable works great in our cars, also from Amazon and very affordable. Plus I like how it's coiled when not in use, but stretches a good distance when you do need to use it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3B73MWX?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1