CarPlay DIY CarPlay on Android tablet

[Canyda]

I have a 2018 Toyota that cannot be upgraded to CarPlay without replacing the entire head unit.

I’ve been reading up online about using an Android tablet with AutoKit APK installed with a wired or wireless dongle that brings CarPlay (and Android Auto) to the tablet. Then you mount it on your dash.

Has anyone here actually done that? Any tips you can share?

I am thinking this is a much less expensive option than replacing my entire head unit and also less expensive than buying an Intelledash+ CarPlay gizmo.

 

[Ninja Dom]

I have a 2011 Mercedes-Benz that had a system that was too old for CarPlay. So I replaced the factory entertainment system with a 10.25 inch Android screen/tablet made specifically for my car.

It’s a fixed screen, installed permanently on the dash and is connected internally to the ignition and car speakers.

The screen gives you all the apps that you can find on Android (YouTube etc) and has a very valuable app pre-installed called ‘Z-Link’. Z-Link gives me full wireless CarPlay. First I connect my iPhone to the screen via Bluetooth. Then I load up Z-Link. This then creates a wifi connection between the iPhone and the screen and CarPlay works wonderfully.

Even though I can use the screen as a full Android tablet, CarPlay is all I use. And all that’s practical to use while driving.

I bought the screen from AliExpress online and had it fitted by a car audio specialist near me. Cost around £500 total.

 

[Ninja Dom]

I have a 2018 Toyota that cannot be upgraded to CarPlay without replacing the entire head unit.

I’ve been reading up online about using an Android tablet with AutoKit APK installed with a wired or wireless dongle that brings CarPlay (and Android Auto) to the tablet. Then you mount it on your dash.

Has anyone here actually done that? Any tips you can share?

I am thinking this is a much less expensive option than replacing my entire head unit and also less expensive than buying an Intelledash+ CarPlay gizmo.

I think it’s best to replace the whole head unit.

There’s two options to replacing the whole head unit.

1) Aftermarket head unit from companies like Pioneer, Sony, Alpine, JVC etc. This will slot in where your existing head unit is. Depending on your head unit position, it may be too low to look at and use for navigation while driving.

2) Android car screen as I described in my post above. Permanently mounted on the dash. Much more expensive.

With option 1 you can get a good wireless CarPlay head unit installed & fitted for around £250. That’s got to be better than messing round with a generic Android tablet, wireless dongles and then attempting to self-mount it.

 

[Canyda]

Thanks for the info.

I decided to get a Coral Vision CarPlay tablet and mount it on my dash. I'm happy with it as a "plug it in and it works" solution that didn't require me to buy a myriad of other parts and get them to work together.

 

[bsbeamer]

Why is there not a way to just mount your iPhone in landscape and launch a CarPlay style interface directly on the phone? The whole head unit replacement is barely worth the investment on an older car.

 

[Ninja Dom]

Why is there not a way to just mount your iPhone in landscape and launch a CarPlay style interface directly on the phone? The whole head unit replacement is barely worth the investment on an older car.

It’s true. People all over the world use an iPhone in their car without CarPlay, just fine.