It auto connects most of the time with the latest firmware update. A few times it won’t connect without unplugging and plugging back in. I bought a usb switch to do this with ease:

wishacc Male to Female USB Cable... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QTJZD99?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The point was to let my wife keep her phone in her purse or wherever. So even with using the switch she is pleased.

I wonder if it was always powered on, would it always reconnect... unsure if unplugging/plugging back in works because the box reboots or because you’re replugging to the car