Does anyone know if you can still connect Android Auto via USB cable after the MazdaConnect trial ends, or does it require the MazdaConnect subscription (in 2023 CX-5 Carbon, in case it matters)?

 

AA/CP works without a subscription. This is great as if you decide to get the navigation SD card, it will only update for 3yrs. AA will update forever as long as it is supported. If you use Waze, make sure to become a beta tester, as I did yesterday, so that Waze works in the small pane in all cars. Nice to be able to use the Cool Walk AA to its fullest potential. https://www.waze.com/_user/beta

 

Thanks so much. The Mazda corporate help line told me that for 2023s, MazdaConnect ending means AA/CP stopped working, which was opposite of what my dealership told me. Not that I don't have trust but..., is there a way to test this? For example, if my MazdaConnect trial is currently active, is there a way to temporarily deactivate it to see what goes away? I know the remote start, locking and stuff goes away, but then wondering about other features on the car itself. I'm worried that if I deactivate the MazdaConnect or dissociate the car, I might have trouble reactivating everything. That said, I would be very relieved to see AA/CP still working. Any advice? Many thanks!

 

I don't think the person you spoke to knows what they are talking about. First time I have heard anything other than AA/CP is hardwired into the infotainment system. I don't know of a way to test it, but I would just suggest waiting it out. You know you have it for 3yrs at least. If it stops in '26, you can figure it out, but who knows, you may have traded the car by then.

 

As far as I know BMW does a subscription-based Android Auto / CarPlay connection. Never heard that Mazda does it but I might be mistaken and they might have introduced it with the 2023 model year. As suggested, I would just wait it out until 2026 and address it at that point in case it expires. You can always still use a simple phone holder for your smartphone at that stage until you figure it out.

 

2020 BMW supports AA/CP "as long as technically feasible." No need to have a subscription. I think you can turn off communication with Mazda servers in the car and try AA/CP. I am pretty sure they do the same as BMW.

 

Thanks for all the help!