How to get Android Auto on any car for just RM 20!
Sanjay · Jan 17, 2021 11:00 AM
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Trust us when we say Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity are make-or-break features when it comes to buying a new car in Malaysia. But not everyone of us can go after a new car in this economic climate, so we'll show you the next best thing - getting Android Auto to work on the car you already own.
I installed a relatively cheap (~RM 300) Android-based touchscreen headunit in my 2003 Toyota Vios, and this guide will help you get Android Auto running on something similar installed in your car.
Don't all Android headunits come with Android Auto?
This is a common misconception. Android-based players differ from headunits that have native Android Auto. Unscrupulous sellers might try to confuse you by saying it's 'Android Auto' but you can prevent that simply by checking the manufacturer's websites.
Note the price disparity between the two units. The one below is Android-based.
Headunits with native Android Auto support (i.e. doesn't require a seperate app like in this guide) typically cost more than regular off-the-shelf Android-based headunits.
With that out of the way, let’s get it started.
Step 1: Install Headunit Reloaded on the headunit
Once you’ve connected your headunit to the Internet, open up Google Play Store and search for ‘Headunit Reloaded’. There’s a 7-day free trial version, but the full app costs RM 20.99.
Step 2: Install Android Auto on your phone
This is not a concern for phones running Android 10 and above as they come with it preinstalled. If you're on an older version of Android however, we recommend grabbing the APK file from a trusted site, such as apkmirror.
What makes apkmirror.com trustworthy is the fact that all apps are reviewed and approved. The site also provides various file hashes for you to verify that the app has not been tampered with in any way.
Once you’ve verified that the file you downloaded is clean, you then need to turn off (or on, depending on your device) the ‘unknown source’ toggle in your phone’s setting menu.
Also, note that Android Auto is free. If a site asks for payment, walk away.
Step 3: Connect your phone to your headunit
Be sure that you’re not connecting to your charger instead. Most aftermarket headunits will have a USB port or two which is where you should connect your phone to.
Once that is done, there should be a few prompts on the headunit asking for permissions which are vital for the system to work properly.
Select 'Via USB' and click on your phone's name. At the same time, you'll also have some permissions to approve on your phone as well, so make sure that's done too.
Step 4: Voilà you have Android Auto!
You should see Google Maps or Waze pop open on your headunit, and that means Android Auto is now in the system! Now what's left is configuring things to your own preferences, including downloading apps and syncing them with your phones.
Troubleshooting
Yes, Spotify works as it should too.
If Android Auto doesn't work, start by checking your cable. Sometimes when the cable is damaged or just plain unsuitable, it won't work well - this also applies to brand new cars too. To be safe, don't cheap out here and use high-quality cables.
Other than that, make sure the relevant permissions are approved. Location access is especially important as it enables navigation to work.
Conclusion
All the apps you require in one place.
So there you have it - Android Auto for roughly the price of a fast food dinner set (provided you already have the headunit).
And since we're all mostly trapped at home for the next couple of weeks, why not give this a try and impress your friends the next time you see them?
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
