How to Update Your CarPlay Adapter Firmware (Step-by-Step Guide)
A firmware update takes three minutes and can fix connection issues, add iOS compatibility, and improve boot times. Here’s how to do it for any adapter.
Regular firmware updates keep your wireless CarPlay adapter compatible with the latest iOS and car software — and often fix bugs you didn’t even know were there.
Why firmware updates matter
Your wireless CarPlay adapter isn’t just hardware — it runs software that manages the Bluetooth pairing, Wi-Fi connection, and CarPlay handshake. When Apple releases a new iOS version or a car manufacturer updates their infotainment software, that software can break compatibility with older adapter firmware.
Regular firmware updates ensure your adapter stays compatible with iOS changes, fixes known connection bugs, improves boot time, and adds new features. Most quality adapters (including all New Car Soul and Carlinkit products) receive updates regularly.
How to check your current firmware version
- New Car Soul adapters: Download the NCS CarPlay companion app from the App Store. Go to Settings → Device Info → Firmware Version.
- Carlinkit adapters: Download the Carlinkit app. Go to Device → Firmware to see current version and available updates.
- Other brands: Check the adapter’s packaging or product page for the companion app name. Most brands have a dedicated app on the App Store and Google Play.
Updating New Car Soul adapters
- Step 1: Download the NCS CarPlay companion app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
- Step 2: Ensure your adapter is plugged into your car and your phone is connected to the adapter’s Wi-Fi network.
- Step 3: Open the app and navigate to Settings → Firmware Update.
- Step 4: If an update is available, tap Download and Install. Keep your phone connected to the adapter during the update — typically 2–3 minutes.
- Step 5: The adapter will restart automatically when the update is complete. CarPlay will reconnect as normal.
Our adapters also support automatic OTA updates — if enabled in the companion app, the adapter will download and install updates in the background when connected to Wi-Fi. Enable this in Settings → Auto Update for a fully hands-off experience.
Updating Carlinkit adapters
- Step 1: Download the Carlinkit app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Step 2: Connect to the Carlinkit device’s Wi-Fi network on your phone.
- Step 3: Open the app → Device → Check for Update.
- Step 4: Follow the in-app update instructions. Keep the car running and phone connected for the duration.
For support with Carlinkit products purchased from us, visit our FAQ page or contact us via live chat.
If the update fails
- Ensure the adapter stays powered (car must be running) throughout the update
- Stay close to the adapter — don’t move out of Wi-Fi range
- If the update stalls: unplug the adapter, wait 30 seconds, replug, and try again
- If the adapter is unresponsive after a failed update: unplug for 60 seconds, replug — this triggers a recovery boot on most adapters
- Contact our support team via live chat if issues persist
Frequently asked questions
Check for updates once a month, or whenever you notice a connection issue after a major iOS update. Quality adapters receive 4–6 updates per year. Enable auto-update if available to handle this automatically.
No — firmware updates preserve your existing Bluetooth pairing and settings. You won’t need to re-pair your iPhone after an update.
Your adapter will continue to work on your current iOS version, but may develop connectivity issues after major iOS updates. Older firmware may also miss bug fixes and performance improvements that newer updates provide.