Will using a USB Data blocker between my phone/glove box USB only allow charging? Will apps such as iHeart Radio/Apple maps still work?

troop · 2025-08-19T08:30:20-0400

Hey all,
I see threads where members are using USB data blockers on their Spyders. I plug my iPhone 15 Pro Max into my glove box USB to charge. My question is this: If I use a data blocker between my phone/glove box USB, will it only allow charging? Will apps such as iHeart Radio/SiriusXM/Apple maps still work? Thanks for any info..

racoon · 2025-08-19T14:10:12-0400

A data blocker only blocks the transfer of data over USB, and doesn't affect power.
The apps should still work on your phone, but apps like BRP Connect won't connect to your Spyder.

DickB · 2025-08-19T16:52:19-0400

Not sure why you would need a data blocker on a Spyder. There's no internet connection on the Spyder's end, so nothing malicious is there to send to your phone.

Bfromla · 2025-08-20T00:05:45-0400

DickB said:
Not sure why you would need a data blocker on a Spyder. There's no internet connection on the Spyder's end, so nothing malicious is there to send to your phone.

**Hopefully**. Unfortunately, if it requires updates, there is always that chance. Yes, I prefer old school, with no apps required. A Map in the frunk (that you can stop to read) /or a Stand alone Garmin 622, and an Aux headphone jack for MP3 or any other.

DickB · 2025-08-20T05:43:02-0400

Bfromla said:
**Hopefully**. Unfortunately, if it requires updates, there is always that chance. Yes, I prefer old school, with no apps required. A Map in the frunk (that you can stop to read) /or a Stand alone Garmin 622, and an Aux headphone jack for MP3 or any other.

I worked in the firmare business my whole career. Manufacturers do take steps to secure firmware updates from being loaded with malicious code. Sure, there is a possibility, but I'd suggest its quite low. There are lots bigger targets out there than Spyders.

racoon · 2025-08-20T06:47:35-0400

Bfromla said:
**Hopefully**. Unfortunately, if it requires updates, there is always that chance.

But it doesn't randomly connect to the internet.
You have to specifically tell it to connect to a WiFi network, and then it only connects to the BRP servers to check for updates.

I'd be more worried about your phone.

Will using a USB Data blocker between my phone/glove box USB only allow charging? Will apps such as iHeart Radio/Apple maps still work?

troop

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racoon

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DickB

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Bfromla

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DickB

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racoon

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