Mitsubishi SDA CarPlay and Android Auto: wired, wireless and what to try first
Mitsubishi’s Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) spans more than one generation. Older evidenced systems use USB for CarPlay and Android Auto, while newer models can have wireless smartphone integration.
If your SDA system is wired
Use the vehicle USB connection with the genuine/original phone cable or another known data-capable cable. Mitsubishi specifically warns that not every USB cable carries data reliably.
Bluetooth is not the same thing
Bluetooth audio and calls can continue working even when the wired CarPlay/Android Auto connection is not active. A Bluetooth connection by itself does not turn an evidenced wired SDA system into wireless CarPlay or Android Auto.
Before replacing anything
Reconnect the cable, try a known-good data cable, reboot the phone and SDA unit, and check the correct USB port. If the system is one of the verified wired SDA configurations, no extra vehicle retrofit is required just to use wired CarPlay or Android Auto.
Newer Mitsubishi systems
Current and later-model Mitsubishi vehicles can have factory wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. The exact model year and grade still matter, so do not assume every SDA-labelled system has the same connection mode.
Bottom line
If an older SDA car is not connecting, start with the cable and USB path. If you are trying to get wireless operation, check the exact vehicle rather than assuming there is an OEM wireless upgrade for the older unit.