all the ways to put Android Auto (valid for any vehicle)

Android Auto is not only one of the most popular in-car infotainment systems, but also one of the best. But while it’s available on a wide variety of vehicles, it might not be on yours, either because it’s just not standard or because your car is a few years old. If you want to put Android Auto in your car, here are the top and best ways to do it.

Change the radio to another with Android Auto

I currently own a 2015 Volkswagen Polo with a screen but no Android Auto and my partner has a 2018 Seat León which has a console with Android Auto and CarPlay (usually we use the two cars interchangeably). My previous car (and my first car) was another 2001 Polo that I bought used when I got my license. Why am I telling you this? Because my first Polo had the typical radio with no screen or frills and one of the first things I did was change it to a model with a 2-DIN screen (the ones that take up the double space).

With no more practice than career projects and little electronics skills, I changed it myself mid-afternoon without much fuss or need for more tools

only the key to remove the radio (included in the kit), a screwdriver and nothing else. Of course if I had gone to my mechanic I’m sure he would do it sooner and better so a good recommendation is that for maximum peace of mind you can go to your trusted mechanic.

The radio I put did not have Android Auto, but the procedure is the same more or less (However, his trick is to read the manual or see it in a video tutorial): take out the old radio, disconnect the wiring and once you have connected the wiring to the new device, mount it carefully. The normal thing is that these double din android car stereos have universal dimensionsthey are therefore compatible with the dashboard of most vehicles.

Clarified this point, it’s time to search for a radio compatible with Android Auto and check that our car panel has this 2-DIN space. From there you will find models from around 100 dollars to others that exceed a thousand dollars, depending on the brand, diagonal, screen technology, tickets, additional functions, among others.

What if I only have one DIN? If you can’t fit a double-DIN radio (because it’s not compatible with your car’s design), there are 1-DIN radios that mount in this slot and consist of a sort of hinge where a screen with Android Auto is integrated. They are less common and more basic, which is why they tend to be more affordable.

with an app

If you already have a radio in the car with Android, but it’s not Android Auto, there is a way to work the miracle: if you have access to the Play Store, there is an application that allows it called Headunit Reloaded (the trial version is free and the paid version costs 4.89 dollars). The ideal is to try the free version and if it convinces us, then open the wallet, but in any case this solution is considerably cheaper than the others

Headunit Reloaded allows you to use wired as well as wireless Android Auto and to pair it with the phone you will have to resort to developer options although it is a quick and easy process where you will have to share the Internet, connect from the console, accept permissions and configure Android Auto.

With an old Android tablet or mobile

Although you can really use a new mobile or a new Android tablet, it is not your thing to buy these devices for this purpose (there are already other more suitable gadgets without the need to assemble a DIY) and yes give a second life to a phone you drag around the house or an old tablet.

The procedure is essentially the same as the previous one, although in this case the screen is placed by the device and you will also need a compatible support

which is firm and does not interfere with your vision or driving. To turn your old mobile into Android Auto you will need to install HeadUnit Reloaded (you will need an internet connection both for installation and for use, although you can use your current phone as a hotspot) .

with an accessory

If you don’t want to change your car stereo or it’s not compatible with the Android Auto radio you like and you’re not interested in reusing an old Android device, there is another solution that stands out to offer a good user experience and a minimum installation: place a screen with Android Auto.

So that we understand each other, this device is a kind of tablet designed specifically to house infotainment systems (they are generally compatible with Android Auto and CarPlay) with Everything you need to install nothing. You also don’t need to replace parts or mess with the car’s wiring, since they mount without installation thanks to an adhesive backing, with a suction cup… whatever you choose, it doesn’t interfere with the vision and is not likely to be verbalized by the DGT.

The advantage, in addition to the ease of start-up, is that as it is a wireless and portable display, you can take it in another car with you. In addition, when choosing, you can choose between different screen formats and sizes and with additional functions.

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