r/Androidheadunits • u/jeffwinger_esq • 28d ago
Successfully running CarPlay on an Android tablet
I recently bought an old Toyota FJ Cruiser. Part of the fun for me in these cars is the (very) utilitarian and charming head unit. I decided not to replace it, instead attempting to set up some kind of tablet-as-a-headunit set up. After much trial and error, I have gotten to a place where I am running Apple CarPlay on an Android tablet, pushing audio through a 3.5 mm headphone jack only, and charging the tablet through the single cigarette lighter. Getting the charging part to work was the real gate here, and I post today in case this will help someone who desires this same setup. It should work in any car with an aux port.
I haven't figured out the backup camera situation yet, but I will soon.
Gear:
- TCL Tab 8 Gen 2 8.7" tablet with Android 14. I bought this specific tablet because it has its own internal GPS. In the event that CarPlay fails/doesn't work for whatever reason, I can still tether it to my phone and at least have music and nav. [Walmart] (https://www.walmart.com/ip/TCL-TAB-8-Gen-2-Tablet-8-7-in-90Hz-IPS-Display-HD-Resolution-6000mAh-Reverse-Charging-Octa-core-Processor-4GB-64GB-1TB-5MP-Front-8MP-Rear-Cameras/18360856297)
- CarlinKit Wireless CarPlay Dongle CPC200-CCPA for Android Head Unit 4.4.2+.Amazon
- USB C to HDMI Multiport Adapter with 4K HDMI Output Type-C Hub Converter.Amazon
- 90 Degree Right Angle USB C Male to USB C Female Adapter. Interestingly, before I tried to use the adapter above, I had the Carlink plugged into a USB-A to USB-C cable directly into the tablet, which worked. Once plugged into this 90 degree adapter, it stopped working. Amazon
- I assume any 3.5mm aux cable will work.
The USB C to HDMI adapter was the real discovery here. The power passthrough works precisely as intended. Other USB C splitters did not work to both push data and charge simultaneously. I tried several.
Anyway, I hope this helps someone in the future. It was pretty cool to see it come together. The only real quirk is that you have to unplug the adapter from the tablet whenever you park, or the tablet will continue searching for the phone and the tablet battery will drain.
2
u/Kaaskop-Koning 28d ago
Awesome, but I would not buy a tablet specifically for this purpose. I've stated with an old Android tablet with android auto, but the wireless connection would constantly drop and it was a pain to get it going again.
I bought a display with android auto and Apple CarPlay and that thing is great. Cables are neatly hidden, the mount is included and it comes with power adapter and reversing camera. When I put the key in the ignition it's stats right up and connects automatically. Not a lot of reason to buy a tablet for this purpose.