Android auto head unit is the new word when looking for a device to protect your investment in the Android Auto system.
Android auto head unit can work with the Android Auto application and change your car entertainment screen into an Android tablet between music, navigation, and calls.
The Android Auto head unit is an excellent way to upgrade your car without needing a new car.
The head unit allows you to use your smartphone’s Android software, and installing an Android auto head unit will help boost your smartphone’s features.
Several Android auto head units are available in the market today, so choosing the right one for your car may be more challenging.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about Android Auto head units, including the types, what to look out for when buying one, and a guide to installing one in a car.
Without any further ado, let’s begin!
Types of Android Auto Head Units
There are three main types of Android Auto head units. The first is a bare-bones car stereo that can only run Android Auto.
It’s just a screen and a motherboard with many ports on the back to plug in your phone, Bluetooth microphone, USB sticks, etc.
These are cheap but constrained, and the UI can be slow. The second type is an Android Auto head unit that runs on Android.
You can download apps, play music from your phone via Bluetooth or USB, or run Android Auto.
This head unit usually has many features and UI customization options but is more expensive than bare-bones models.
The third type is an Apple CarPlay head unit that runs on Android. It’s identical to the second type but also supports Apple CarPlay.
What to Look at for When Shopping for an Android Auto Head Unit
You don’t need a new vehicle to upgrade your car to Android Auto. You can upgrade your current vehicle by purchasing an Android Auto head unit.
An Android Auto head unit is simply an aftermarket head unit designed to be compatible with your smartphone.
These units generally have GPS and Bluetooth capabilities, which allow you to stream music, talk hands-free, and use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze.
When shopping for one of these units, there are a few things to remember.
First things first: you must buy from a reputable company. While plenty of cheap knock-off versions are available, it’s worth spending the extra money to get a quality product.
A good Android Auto head unit will be responsive and reliable. Read reviews to determine whether a company makes a quality product.
If people complain about the product’s lack of responsiveness or reliability, it is likely of low quality.
So, follow the guide above when shopping for an Android auto head unit.
Android Auto Head Unit Installation: A Complete Guide
This is a guide to installing Android Auto on your head unit. This is the easiest install method and should work with all Android units.
You need ROOT access for this method to work.
Installation;
- Download the Android Auto app from the Play Store
- First, download the .apk, extract the zip, and copy it to a USB drive or SD card. The file is called AndroidAutoStub.apk; copy this file to a folder called AndroidAuto on your USB drive or SD card.
- You need to change the package name of this app so it can be installed and run on your head unit. You also need a .apk editor; I used Apk Editor Pro (root). Many other apps do this job, but most require root access.
This procedure will differ from other APK editors, but the principle is similar. Open the APK editor, select an APK file, and save AndroidAutoStub.apk to your USB drive/SD card.
Features of Android auto head unit
Android auto head unit is a device that allows you to access hundreds of apps on your phone.
It is installed on the dashboard of your vehicle and can be controlled with the touch screen.
The device comes with a wide range of features that include:
1. Navigation System
This is an essential feature for all drivers since it quickly helps them reach their destination.
Google Maps makes it easier to find your way back home, restaurants, hotels, and any other location you want to visit. It also shows traffic jams, weather updates, and parking spaces.
2. Music Streaming
The Android Auto head unit lets you stream music from various sources, such as Spotify and Google Play, through your car stereo speakers.
You can also search for songs from their titles, album names, or artists without having to lift a finger by just saying the word aloud.
3. Phone Calls and Messaging
The device supports voice calls and messages, which you can access using the steering wheel controls or the touch screen.
You can make hands-free calls using the device’s hands-free mode or reply to messages using voice commands.
How to Choose the Suitable Android Auto Head Unit
You have many options if you’re looking for an Android Auto head unit. But making the decision is not exactly easy.
The most important thing to consider when choosing an Android auto head unit is the size of your car’s dash opening.
In other words, how much space do you have within your dash? This will determine what in-dash receiver will fit in your vehicle and allow you to replace the factory stereo.
When you receive your new Android auto head unit, it should contain instructions on removing your current stereo.
Ensure you disconnect the negative battery cable before beginning any work on your vehicle. This can prevent unwanted electrical shocks or damage.
How to Use the Android Auto Head Unit?
Android, an auto head unit, is a new product many car owners can use. Here, we will introduce the way to use this product.
- Open the product box and remove the Android auto head unit and accessories.
- Connect the power cable to your car’s cigarette socket and the Android auto head unit.
- Install the Android auto head unit on your car’s dashboard.
- Turn on your car, then turn on the Android Auto head unit with the power button and adjust it to the right mode with the mode button(if you want to use Android Auto, click the Android auto key)
- Connect your phone to the Android Auto head unit by USB cable or Wi-Fi hotspot(Android Auto only works with Android phones).
- Follow the instructions in the Android Auto app on your phone to finish the installation of Android Auto(this step can be ignored if you don’t want to use Android Auto)
- After finishing the above steps, you can enjoy using your Android Auto head unit.”
Conclusion
Android Auto is an excellent step in supporting AUX and connecting any Android device to the car system.
It’s only the start of a “connected car experience,” and we can expect more shortly. I hope the information about the Android Auto Head unit proved helpful.
