'25 CX5 - Can leaving an Android Auto wireless Adapter plugged in cause battery drain?

[lukaspriest]

Hello there!

I just picked up a brand new 2025 CX5 Select yesterday, and I love it.

I'm disappointed that it appears that it only supports Android Auto (AA) via a wired connection. I have a Motorola MA1 that I used in my old Camry, and it appears to work in the CX5. I'm worried that if I leave it plugged in, I will drain my battery. I've done the ChatGPT thing, and I can't get a firm answer on if the USB ports in the center console operate on switched power or not.

Can any '25 CX5 owners verify if it's safe to leave the wireless dongle plugged in? I want to take good care of my new baby!

Thank you!

 

[CrazyHippie]

Hello there!

I just picked up a brand new 2025 CX5 Select yesterday, and I love it.

I'm disappointed that it appears that it only supports Android Auto (AA) via a wired connection. I have a Motorola MA1 that I used in my old Camry, and it appears to work in the CX5. I'm worried that if I leave it plugged in, I will drain my battery. I've done the ChatGPT thing, and I can't get a firm answer on if the USB ports in the center console operate on switched power or not.

Can any '25 CX5 owners verify if it's safe to leave the wireless dongle plugged in? I want to take good care of my new baby!

Thank you!

That's odd. My 25 CX5 PP supports Bluetooth Android Auto. But Bluetooth drains the phone battery so I prefer the cable connection.

Here's what AI has to say about the center console USB ports:

Center Console USBs (Under Armrest): Always on for charging; a potential battery drain if devices are left plugged in, as noted in Mazda's manuals.

 

[SimpleCanuck]

I have been using the Carsifi wireless AA adapter in my '22 CX-5 for a few years now. I leave it connected full time and it has never experienced battery drain.

 

[lukaspriest]

I really appreciate your reply, and this is very comforting to hear! Thank you so much! I've been messing around with it a little bit more since I wrote this post, and I am getting the perception that once you power the car down, the port seems to stay active for a little while and then it appears to go dormant. My Motorola MA1 has a little indicator light that I think stays lit while it's on, and it stays lit for a bit after turning the car off, but then appears to go off. I hope I am correct in my very scientific approach to this matter, ha!

 

[elementCX5]

Certain countries are different, but in my US 2023 MY:
I have observed and through forums:

Turns off with ignition:
In front of shifter 12v, front armrest usb's.

Always on:
front armrest 12v, rear armrest usb's, hatch 12v.

I wouldn't leave anything plugged in to the "always on" outlets of this car.

Here has been my experience with what stays powered on all the time.
The other stuff turns off after about a minute of shutting the door or locking the car.
It turns back on when the car is unlocked or door opened. Not sure if it turns on again if door is locked after a while.
But it will shut off after a minute again.