As Android Auto becomes a standard feature in new vehicles, owners of older cars may feel left out. While adding Android Auto to a car can often be a costly and complex endeavor—sometimes requiring professional installation and hundreds of dollars in parts—there is an alternative solution that is both simple and affordable.
Aftermarket head units have been a staple in the automotive market for decades, and many of the newer models offer support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While these aftermarket units can vary widely in price, they can often be expensive, especially if professional installation is required. For those with limited experience or who don’t want to spend extra on installation, there’s a simpler option: external Android Auto units.
This is precisely the route I took when I wanted to add Android Auto functionality to my wife’s 2017 Hyundai Elantra—a car from the era when touchscreens and Android Auto weren’t standard features, yet Bluetooth and AUX inputs were commonplace. In the past, I attempted to install an aftermarket head unit, but it didn’t work out as planned. That’s when I remembered how easy and effective the Spotify Car Thing was for controlling music on the road—and I wondered if a similar device could be used for Android Auto. It turns out they exist.
For the past several months, my wife has been using a 7-inch external Android Auto unit in her car. The device mounts easily to the dashboard and supports wireless Android Auto. It connects to the car’s AUX port for audio output and draws power from a standard car power outlet. Best of all, installation took literally seconds. The included windshield mount worked perfectly in her car, but the device can also be mounted on the dashboard or in any other custom location with some DIY creativity.
This solution is essentially a small tablet that runs Android Auto, providing the same functionality you’d find on a built-in system but without the need for a complicated head unit replacement. While the aesthetic of the unit I chose—the “IYING” model—may not win any design awards, it gets the job done. The device is simple, functional, and reliable, although the two cables hanging from it do detract from its appearance. However, they are no more obtrusive than the typical charging cable you’d use to keep your phone powered during a road trip.
The Problem with Older Cars and Android Auto
Many older vehicles (those built before the widespread adoption of Android Auto) don’t come equipped with the technology that allows you to connect your phone to your car’s infotainment system. While Bluetooth and AUX inputs may be available, they don’t offer the full suite of features that Android Auto provides, such as real-time navigation, music control, hands-free calling, and voice commands.
Replacing the car’s head unit with an Android Auto-compatible model is one potential solution. However, this option can be expensive and complicated, particularly if professional installation is required. Plus, the design and compatibility issues can make this solution frustrating.
The Simple Solution: External Android Auto Units
Fortunately, there’s an easier, more affordable way to add Android Auto to your car without replacing the entire head unit. External Android Auto units are small, portable devices that mount to your dashboard and interface with your phone wirelessly or via USB. These devices essentially act as a tablet running Android Auto, allowing you to enjoy its full functionality even in older vehicles.
Why Choose an External Android Auto Unit?
- Affordability: Compared to the cost of replacing a head unit, an external Android Auto unit is significantly cheaper. Prices typically range from $100 to $200, depending on the brand and features.
- Ease of Installation: Unlike aftermarket head units that may require professional installation, an external Android Auto unit can be installed in seconds. Simply mount the device, plug it into your car’s AUX port for audio, and connect it to a power source (usually via a standard 12V car outlet).
- Wireless Convenience: Many of these units support wireless Android Auto, eliminating the need for messy cables. This means you can seamlessly connect your phone to the device without physically plugging it in every time.
- Portability: If you ever upgrade your car or want to move the unit to a different vehicle, it’s easy to remove and transfer to another car.
- No Permanent Modifications: Since the unit is portable and does not require any permanent modifications to your car’s existing system, it’s ideal for people who want to avoid altering their vehicle.
Step-by-Step: How to Add an External Android Auto Unit to Your Car
- Choose Your Device
There are several external Android Auto units on the market. A popular option, for example, is the “IYING” Android Auto unit, which offers a 7-inch display and supports wireless Android Auto. When choosing a device, look for one that offers wireless connectivity, a responsive touchscreen, and good reviews for reliability. - Mount the Unit
Most external Android Auto units come with a mount, often a suction cup mount for easy placement on your dashboard or windshield. Some units also include an adhesive mount if you prefer a more permanent option. Choose a spot where the screen is visible and easily accessible without obstructing your view of the road. - Connect the Power and Audio
Once the unit is securely mounted, plug it into your car’s 12V power outlet (often referred to as the cigarette lighter). For audio, you can either connect via Bluetooth (if supported) or use the AUX input to route sound through your car’s speakers. The device will typically have a built-in speaker for basic sound output, but connecting through the car’s speakers is the ideal setup. - Pair with Your Phone
Turn on Android Auto on your phone and follow the on-screen prompts to connect it to the external unit. In some cases, the device will automatically detect your phone and initiate the pairing process. Once paired, you’ll be able to use Android Auto’s full suite of features, including Google Maps, Spotify, and hands-free calling. - Adjust the Settings
Some devices may offer additional customization options like screen brightness, sound levels, or display orientation. Take a moment to fine-tune these settings for optimal use while driving.
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Considerations When Using an External Android Auto Unit
While external Android Auto units are an excellent solution for older cars, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Cable Management: Some units may require additional cables for power and audio. Depending on your setup, this might result in cables hanging down from your dashboard, which can be a minor aesthetic issue. Consider using cable clips or ties to keep things neat and out of sight.
- Device Size: The screen size of external units generally ranges from 5 to 10 inches. While these devices are portable, you’ll want to ensure the screen size is comfortable for viewing while driving but not so large that it obstructs your view.
- Device Compatibility: Most Android Auto units are designed to work with Android smartphones. If you’re an iPhone user, you’ll need to explore options that also support Apple CarPlay (if that’s important to you), or opt for a similar device that works explicitly with iOS.
- Long-Term Reliability: While most external units are reliable, you may need to ensure the device has good reviews for performance, ease of use, and durability, especially if you plan to use it daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Android Auto Add Unit?
An Android Auto add unit is an external device that allows you to integrate Android Auto functionality into a car that doesn’t come with it natively. These units typically consist of a small, portable screen that mounts to your dashboard or windshield and connects to your smartphone to run Android Auto wirelessly or via USB.
Do I need to replace my car’s head unit to use Android Auto?
No. One of the biggest advantages of using an external Android Auto unit is that you don’t need to replace your car’s head unit. You can keep your existing system while adding Android Auto functionality with a simple, affordable external device.
How much does an external Android Auto unit cost?
External Android Auto units typically range in price from $100 to $200, depending on the brand, features, and screen size. Some high-end models might cost more, but overall, these units are much more affordable than replacing a full-head unit or retrofitting Android Auto into an older car.
Can I use Android Auto wirelessly with an external unit?
Yes, many external Android Auto units support wireless Android Auto, which allows you to connect your phone to the unit without using any physical cables (aside from power). This makes it even more convenient, as you don’t have to worry about constantly plugging and unplugging your phone while getting in and out of the car.
Is the Android Auto unit compatible with all smartphones?
Most external Android Auto units are compatible with Android smartphones running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. For wireless Android Auto, your phone will need to support this feature, which is available on devices with Android 11 or higher and certain Wi-Fi and Bluetooth configurations.
Will the external Android Auto unit drain my car’s battery?
External Android Auto units are powered by your car’s 12V outlet (cigarette lighter), which is designed to provide enough power without draining your car’s battery, especially during short trips. However, it’s always a good idea to make sure that the unit is turned off when you’re not using the car to avoid unnecessary power consumption.
Cocnlusion
Adding an Android Auto unit to your car is an excellent solution for anyone looking to modernize their vehicle’s tech without the hassle and expense of replacing the entire head unit. External Android Auto units offer an affordable, easy-to-install alternative that provides all the key features of Android Auto, such as hands-free navigation, music streaming, and voice-controlled calls, in any car—old or new.
The installation process is simple, requiring only a few minutes to mount the device, plug it into your car’s power outlet, and connect via Bluetooth or AUX for audio. With a wide range of external units available, you can find a model that fits your needs and budget, whether you’re looking for wireless functionality, portability, or a larger screen for better visibility.
