Unfortunately, this is an issue Jeep believes is fixed but seems to still be happening. Here's a thread on the JL forums discussing the issue and, on page 8, @JeepCares mentions that it should be fixed for any model built late 2020 or newer but I'm having the same experience in my 4xe with an April build date.

I've messaged Jeep Cares on that forum asking what I should do since the issues should supposedly be fixed, but that's been close to a week ago and I don't have a reply yet so I'm not sure I'll make any headway there.

 

I apparently spoke too soon. I just heard back from Jeep Cares on the JL forums. Standard first customer service message; told me to use an official Apple cord, clean my phone port, and unpair/repair my phone (all of which I'd already done). I've replied and let them know it still doesn't work from the USB2, so we'll see what they come back with next.

 

@JeepCares any updates on this?

 

I have this with my iPhone 12 on an April build of the 4xe, but it does not happen with my wife's iPhone 11. Both are on the latest iOS.

It is not a dirty port because I use wireless charging 99% of the time and keep a rubber port plug in my phone otherwise to keep lint out of it.

I have not tried the dashboard connection, only the one in the center console.

 

Same issue with all the ports on mine. It’s like backup camera lines - hit and miss if they (lines or USB ports) work.

It’s frustrating and honestly pathetic they can’t fix these issues. I have two other cars (diff brands) that work flawlessly by wire or wirelessly with full
CarPlay. Jeep is way behind here.

Aside from those two ankle biter issues I do love the 4xe.

 

Have this problem with android, I have a iPhone for my work phone no problems with it though. I do have the the charge fualt issue as well tho and back up lines, it's at the dealership rn , they said that they are going to replace the battery wiring harness but no word when it will get there. @JeepCares

 

Taking my 4XE to the dealer tomorrow. I will update the thread if they have a fix for it. I am taking it to the CDJ in Tempe Arizona.

 

Great, looking forward to an update of some sort. I'd show them that thread I linked earlier just so they're aware of the issue in full. I've yet to hear back after the initial message from the Jeep Cares team, but I'll update here when I do.

 

Hello everyone,

I came across this thread of your concerns and I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing concerns with your Uconnect system, predominantly with CarPlay, it seems? If anyone would like us to investigate their concerns or arrange additional help while working with your dealer to find a resolution, send our team a private message. That's what our team is here for!

I hope you get everything worked out smoothly!

Courtney
Jeep Cares

 

Thank You. Message sent. I also can’t get my USB Media port to maintain a CarPlay connection although everything works fine from the USB-1 Media port in the Media Panel.

 

Yes, same here. I am interested in the fix, too.

 

My center console usb (usb2) just flat out does not work.

 

Sorry to hear that! If you'd like us to look into this for you, to see if there's any way we can get this sorted out, please don't hesitate to send us a private message!

Thanks,

Courtney
Jeep Cares

 

This indeed is a thing. I have used my phone connected via official cables after I had tried using an aftermarket wireless device to give me wireless CarPlay (thought the wrangler came with it but apparently wireless CarPlay is only on the grand Cherokee). It is very intermittent, in that I can go a few days and not have the issue, and then some days it’s every 5 minutes. Absolutely odd. But what I noticed because of the wireless adapter I was using is that it gets a delay and it builds up before it just reboots.
Makes me think it’s actually an issue with the usb standard. I believe the distance in cable from the second port is longer than the 1st.
Specifically I believe it is using the usb 1 standard and if it goes beyond 9 feet the connectivity is unreliable. Notice all both USB ports are white and not the 2.0 standard of blue.
Further standard 1.0 is more susceptible to noise and interference, especially if the shielding on the cables aren’t good enough.

if someone with more time was to wire a short lead and set it outside the dash and connect it to the second port this would test that theory.

another idea is to attach a powered usb hub into the second port and run it for a few days to see if that fixes it as well. Again that would confirm the issue is too much cable/distance or the cable is split between port 1 and port 2… which would be stupid. But I don’t have a wiring diagram to confirm that either.

 

Thinking about it even more my theory on the cable length makes even more sense. Likely you have about 5-6 feet of cable to get it to the center console. Then you add a standard apple charging cable to add another 3 feet. This likely is pushing right to the edge for the usb 1 specification.
Has anyone opened everything up and checked the wires? Specifically the length?

 

I did actually try a very short cable and it didn’t seem to make any difference but you may be right about the actual cause.

 

Direct message sent

 

I have a 2021 Jeep Rubicon Ultimate and have the exact same issue. I do not want wires hanging from my dash in my new jeep I just paid 60k for, on the same note I do not want my system disconnecting and reconnecting all the time when my phone is in it's proper place, the center console. I have tried different cables and different phones, both Android and Apple and it does not fix the issue. It is very intermittent and may go up to a week at at time without issue but when it starts it does it every 10 minutes or so. SUPER FRUSTRATING and I want this fixed!

 

It’s either the harness connection, the distance, or there is a memory bug in relation to communication on the second USB port.

Going to try and find some pictures of the parts and diagrams to help figure this out.

I just want to put my wireless adapter in the center console, so there is no need for me to take my phone and plug it into anything

 

I’m curious if this is software or hardware.
Has anyone not had this problem with the center console ports? If so I am wondering if they have the newer version of the software?

 

Hi all,

After Multiple RRTs updates, my USB2 works as well as USB1 now.
I wish it is not only mine and fixes all their wranglers!

 

RRTs? I assume that’s the radio head unit? If so what version are you running? We might need to specify a version to update to. Especially as I am guessing the folks having this issue are like me and not getting any of the OTA updates.

Hi all,

After Multiple RRTs updates, my USB2 works as well as USB1 now.
I wish it is not only mine and fixes all their wranglers!

 

Mine is running at 21.05.11 with a Rubicon edition.
I don’t know if there is anything beyond the 21.18.14 or not. But curious if you are experiencing that anymore now.

 

Hi all,
My apologies.
I used USB2 with the GPS app and then the problem is still there. Carplay is disconnected randomly.
I should have tried few more days before I say "The problem is solved"

 

Good afternoon,

If anyone would like us to check to see if there are more recent software updates or TSB's released in regard to your specific concerns and vehicles, please send us a private message with your VINs so we can look into it further for you.

Courtney
Jeep Cares

 

So following up with my dealer/service, again he (service manager) reiterated that the USB2 does NOT accept media or initiate CARPLAY. It is for charging only.

I am figuring he is correct dealing with Wranglers (and all Jeeps for that matter) all day. However, seeing people say theirs work and @JeepCares saying it should is getting me quite frustrated over a small issue.

Does anybody have a definitive answer on this?

 

My 2018 JLUR was working great but my 2021 4xe's USB2 is not working. it is like a lottery....

Had an update applied, testing it out. So far no luck on it. Seems slightly better. But only tested it on 2 trips.

Due to a specification from Apple, a modification was made for the JL/JT vehicle lines to allow the center console USB port to use CarPlay, beginning midway through the 2020 model year. This change was made at software application level IR22.5 and is applied to any higher software levels. Some 2020 owners may be able to use Apple CarPlay from the center console port (2), while others may not. However, we'd like to look into this for you so we can set additional eyes on your situation.

Thanks,

Courtney
Jeep Cares

 

It should definitely work, and the fact that you can connect it and it works 90% seems like it should completely. He might be thinking about the USB port on the other side of the console in the rear passenger area. That is only for charging.

 

Unfortunately, I am the guy whose USB2 never worked and was disconnected within the console. So for me I am seeing others who have had it working thinking to myself.. "wtf".

 

Had an update applied, testing it out. So far no luck on it. Seems slightly better. But only tested it on 2 trips.

 

I am also having the same issue with my 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4Xe. It is very frustrating as I love the truck but carplay disconnects constantly regardless of console port, dash usb c/usb A ports. I have bought a brand new usb A and usb C charge from Apple and it has not fixed the problem. Neither has resetting the jeep media system or my iphone. This needs to be addressed by jeep asap.

 

I purchased my Jeep in May and have continued to have these issues. The backup lines eventually fixed themselves. However my USB 2 port did not and I notice that my radio blinks when I accelerate and stop when I am on carplay. I would love some help. This is so frustrating to pay that much for a Jeep and then it not work properly. Also not to mention a dealership just replaced my radio and gouged my dash .

 

I recently bought a Carlinkit to use wireless Carplay. I put the box in the console, and it does occasionally disconnect. I can open the console and jiggle the USB connector slightly and it immediately reconnected. It seems to me the USB port in the jeep is slightly oversize and allows a loose USB connection.