Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have been around for a while, but not all of us drive vehicles with the technology built in. Of course, you could install an aftermarket head unit yourself, but that can be intimidating. There’s actually a much easier way to doi it—no wiring required.
Replacing a Head Unit Can Be Complicated
There’s no shortage of aftermarket head units with Android Auto and CarPlay for a wide variety of vehicles. Even my ancient 2009 Chevy Silverado allegedly has compatible models. However, there are a couple of things that have always held me back, and maybe you feel the same way.
For starters, I’m an avid DIYer, but I am out of my depths when it comes to vehicles. I can read tutorials and watch videos all day, but ripping out a chunk of my vehicle’s interior is still an intimidating prospect. I’m never comfortable working with electricity and wiring.
The other problem is I could never be 100% positive that what I saw online was indeed compatible with my truck. My specific make and model were very difficult to find on compatibility lists, and I couldn’t find examples of people with my exact vehicle in the reviews. This always left me feeling uncertain, so I lived with a janky Spotify Car Thing as an alternative.
Portable Head Units Are Cheap and Easy to Use
In the last year or so, “portable” head units with Android Auto and CarPlay have exploded on Amazon. Back when I bought the Car Thing, I remember thinking a similar device with Android Auto would be awesome, and now they’re readily available.
“Portable,” in this case, simply means the device is not a permanent, built-in part of your vehicle. They’re essentially a modern-day version of a GPS that you might find on the dashboards of a car in the early 2000s. You get all the convenience of Android Auto or CarPlay in a compact package. The “installation” consists of finding the best way to mount it and plugging in the charging and aux cable.
The exact model I bought was only $45—which is much cheaper than any built-in model I found that might work with my vehicle. It has a 7-inch touch screen and comes with a number of mounting options and cables. In just a couple of minutes, I had a fully functional Android Auto display in my 15-year-old rusty truck.
You May Even Get Bonus Features
The interesting thing about many of these portable Android Auto/CarPlay devices is they always seem to have more features than what you get in vehicles that come with the tech built-in.
For example, my partner drives a 2019 Ford Escape with an infotainment system that has Android Auto and CarPlay built-in. However, it does not support wireless connections. You must connect your phone with a USB cable or buy a wireless dongle. Meanwhile, my $45 device supports wireless connections out of the box.
Another thing that my portable screen has is AirPlay and “Android Cast.” Technically, I could cast videos to the screen for passengers to watch. I don’t think I will ever actually use the feature, but it’s not something you’d find built into many vehicles (unless Google has something to say about it).
Portable head units are a great way to add Android Auto and CarPlay to any car, even older models. They’re easy to install and often come with bonus features not found in built-in systems. If you’re looking to upgrade your car’s infotainment system without the hassle, a portable head unit is a great option. I’m glad I did.
