Android Auto/Apple CarPlay MMI Boxes: Getting Started: Dos & Don'ts

If you vehicle doesn't have Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, there are aftermarket boxes for most vehicles that add this functionality for less than $500 USD.
I bought my NBT box for BMW's iDrive 5 system at www.aliexpress...
Since these come from China, there aren't well written instructions so these are the tips on how to get up and running:
1. Turn of VPN/DNS apps such as 1.1.1.1 or AdGuard.
2. Connect/pair to the "CarPlay######" device even if you're using Android Auto.
3. Switch to Auxiliary audio to get sound from your phone (to hear Waze, for example).
4. If the box times out searching for your phone, connect manually via your phone's Bluetooth menu.