You don’t have to buy a new car if you want to use Android Auto. There are inexpensive retrofit solutions that you can put into operation in just a few minutes. Without handicraft effort. An overview.
Enlarge
There are some Android Auto aftermarket solutions. However, this picture shows Android Auto in a Kia permanent installation.
© Roman Vyshnikov/Shutterstock.com
Flexible retrofitting thanks to the uncomplicated suction cup solution
For some time now, there has been a cheap and easy-to-retrofit alternative to the fixed installations described below for Android Auto retrofits: retrofit solutions with suction cup solutions or similar fastening techniques that are intended for attachment to the dashboard or windshield. Here are some examples of Android Auto aftermarket dashboard and windshield solutions:
Eleacc 7 inches for 329 euros
Spedal All-In-One 5 inch with integrated dash cam for around 190 euros
Carpuride 7 inches from 319 euros
(also with reversing camera for an extra charge) – currently up to 85 euros cheaper with a discount code (valid until March 31, 2022)
Aheycl 7 inches for around 260 euros
The whole thing is similar to a PND / stand-alone navigation device, as known from Tomtom or Garmin, for example.
Advantages and disadvantages of the suction cup solutions
advantage
disadvantage
Cable clutter and additional device on the dashboard
If the windshield is small, the view ahead may be restricted
Touchscreen: Brightness or reaction speed worse than smartphone display
Suction cup can become loose or difficult to remove
Most of these devices have a 7-inch touch screen, only rarely a 5-inch monitor is installed. Other functions such as a dashcam are very rarely included in the device. These devices also always support Apple Carplay and connect to the smartphone via Bluetooth for telephony. To transfer data, you need to connect your Android smartphone using a USB cable. This also charges the smartphone battery at the same time.
Sound output through the car’s speakers is mostly possible by pairing the Android Auto device with the car radio either via FM or via the supplied AUX cable (check whether your car radio has an AUX socket before purchasing). A few models also integrate a reversing camera, which, however, significantly increases the installation effort.
There are differences in the design of the bracket and in the positioning of the connection sockets.
Retrofit solutions for permanent installation
For a long time, retrofit solutions for Android Auto were only available for the DIN slots in the dashboard. The existing car radio is replaced by a retrofit solution with Carplay. Ideally, a double DIN slot is available in the car, because then the retrofit solution fits perfectly into the battle.
If, on the other hand, there is only a simple DIN slot, then you usually have to buy a retrofit solution with a retractable screen. Something like this is always more prone to failure.
Such retrofit solutions for DIN and double DIN can be found, for example, on Amazon and in our price comparison:
Price comparison of Android Auto retrofit solutions
Problem:
With such retrofit solutions for permanent installation, there is always a lot of handicraft work in the car. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a DIN slot or a double DIN slot. On top of that, modern cars often no longer have a DIN slot – in this case, this retrofitting option is completely eliminated.
Retrofitting by car manufacturers
Mazda offers Android Auto as a retrofit for used cars. The prerequisite is that the Mazda MZD Connect infotainment system from 2013 is installed in the new or used car. The conversion to use Apple Carplay and Android Auto includes a software update and the installation of a new USB hub. The smartphone is then connected to the new USB hub via cable.
If you drive a relatively new Volkswagen, Android Auto and Apple Carplay may be unlocked later. According to ADAC, this is possible with most standard infotainment systems of vehicles of the modular transverse matrix (MQB) from Golf 7. So Polo 6C, Passat B8, Skoda Octavia 5E and Superb etc. The activation takes place in the authorized workshop. A radio with a touchscreen is required.
From the Golf 8: Customers can also arrange for the chargeable activation directly from the car, provided that a credit card is stored. A visit to the workshop is no longer necessary. Audi, BMW and Mercedes also offer similar subsequent activations.
Android Auto in the test: functions, apps, car manufacturers, variants
Apple Carplay in the test: functions, apps, retrofit solutions, wireless Carplay