In this article we will explain How to install Android Auto on an unsupported car. This way, there is no need to give up everything that this platform offers us when we are behind the wheel: navigation, phone calls, music, notifications and many more services.
An explanation like this is necessary, since, although many users ignore it, Not all car models are prepared to work with this practical application.. It should be noted that most manufacturers began to include Android Auto in their systems from 2016 onwards. This means that if our car was manufactured before that year, it will probably not have support for this feature.
There is a android page where we can perform this check, selecting the make and model of our car. If your car is not on the list, what we tell you below will interest you. Here is our battery of solutions. Five ways to install Android Auto in a non-compatible car:
Use a wireless adapter
If our car does not have native support for Android Auto, we can resort to special adapters that connect to the vehicle's USB port. Then we will be able to pair them with our phone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, activating Android Auto on the car screen.
There are many types of adapters of this kind that can give us the service we need. Among the most popular ones we can mention: AAWireless o carsifiBoth models allow you to use Android Auto wirelessly without any difficulties.
Install a secondary display
Another way to install Android Auto on a non-compatible car is use an additional screen that does have this compatibilityThese units have the ability to replace the vehicle's radio or infotainment system with one compatible with Android Auto.
These are very easy to assemble devices using adhesive or suction cup mountsMany of these screens are wireless, so they can be used in multiple vehicles, depending on the need. They also have the advantage of not having to deal with annoying cables and being able to choose the most suitable size for our vehicle.
Using a smartphone as a screen
This is a simple solution, but it may be more than enough for many users. All you have to do is use our own mobile phone or tablet as a screen. To do this, it will have to be mounted in some way on the dashboard, so that it is well fixed and can be used without problems.
This way, it is possible to use the Android Auto application directly on the device and access all its functions (obviously, it must be an Android mobile, with an iPhone it will not work). It is, after all, another way to install Android Auto in a non-compatible car. And a good way to give a second life to that old phone that we have forgotten in a drawer at home. Of course, as long as it is in good condition and has internet access.
Buy a radio compatible with Android Auto
This is an effective, but not cheap solution. It consists of replace the original radio in our car with one that is compatible with Android AutoHowever, before choosing one model or another, it is important to make sure that there is enough space on the dashboard to accommodate the new device.
It should also be noted that installing the new radio can be more complex than it seems. Sometimes, it is not enough to follow the instructions and connect a couple of cables, but it is necessary seek help from an electronics specialist. This can also further increase the expense of choosing this option.
Use third-party apps
Finally, a fairly efficient resource to be able to install Android Auto in a non-compatible car: use an external application specifically designed for this purpose. Although there are various options, here we will mention only one, perhaps the best: Headunit Reloaded.
Through this app it is possible Emulate the Android Auto interface on any Android mobile device or screen that we have installed in our car. It can be connected via WiFi or USB cable. This is one of the most economical options, since the app is free, although for the most demanding users it also offers a paid version with advanced functions.
Finally, to learn more about Android Auto, we recommend you read some of our previous entries dedicated to this applicationWith it, it is possible to use compatible applications as useful as Google Maps, Spotify, or WhatsApp, among many others, through the car screen (or with voice commands if we have Google Assistant installed):
- How to install Waze on Android Auto
- “Phone is too hot” message on Android
- How to watch videos on Android Auto
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