Android and Apple Carplay - Is it possible?
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: FL
I've been going back and fourth on this and always settle on the screen mirroring. Every time I want to pull the trigger on an Android Auto or Carplay box, I find some other issue that's typically small but discouraging.
With the screen mirroring setup, its always stable since it lives in the native system and as fast as the phone. I use an Android with an app that automatically adjusts the resolution and rotates the screen once connected. After using wireless, I opted for a wired setup since wireless drains a lot of battery. I ran a hidden cable to the center console to screen cast and charge at the same time. I can use voice controls for most actions but I also have a bluetooth mouse for anything else that's needed such as zooming in on maps etc.. Only downside is that its lower resolution than the AA/carplay boxes but its not a big deterrent to me.
With the screen mirroring setup, its always stable since it lives in the native system and as fast as the phone. I use an Android with an app that automatically adjusts the resolution and rotates the screen once connected. After using wireless, I opted for a wired setup since wireless drains a lot of battery. I ran a hidden cable to the center console to screen cast and charge at the same time. I can use voice controls for most actions but I also have a bluetooth mouse for anything else that's needed such as zooming in on maps etc.. Only downside is that its lower resolution than the AA/carplay boxes but its not a big deterrent to me.
i too am on Android... How do you get screen mirroring to work? Hardware? Software? Both?
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 321
Likes: 270
From: MD
yes its possible but very very labor intensive. The RC's Navigation stereo equipped with Carplay is different generation Lexus Navigation, the wire plugs are completed different and will either have to build adapter harness or swap entire interior dashboard harness with modification to integrate the two (IS & RC)
Extremely expensive to do to the point where it's not worth it. I think there's someone named 3ISFSport who ended up selling his OEM stuff (which he spent THOUSANDS on) to upgrade to something different... and then he wanted to raffle it away.. hope that speaks for itself
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 36
Likes: 5
From: Ontario
I’ve been looking at the Grom Vl2 but there hasn’t been enough people who have tried it for me to wanna test it out. I bought one of those ebay ones as well “roadtop” and my joystick wasn’t working properly. So far the Grom seems to work with joystick the best but i’ve heard they have issues turning off and you have to manually plug it out and back in to get it to function again. I’m not sure if they’ve fixed this issue or not yet.
I used a kit by BeatSonic along with a Belkin USB-C to HDMI adapter to allow the mirroring and charging at the same time. You don't need any software in particular but an app called SecondScreen really helps to make the process more seamless. I also use a bluetooth mouse as well as a hidden bluetooth media button to control phone media volume and skip songs. The sound quality is much better through screen mirroring than bluetooth.
Last edited by BMGS; May 27, 2021 at 10:49 AM.
Rookie
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 47
Likes: 30
From: Alberta
I’ve been looking at the Grom Vl2 but there hasn’t been enough people who have tried it for me to wanna test it out. I bought one of those ebay ones as well “roadtop” and my joystick wasn’t working properly. So far the Grom seems to work with joystick the best but i’ve heard they have issues turning off and you have to manually plug it out and back in to get it to function again. I’m not sure if they’ve fixed this issue or not yet.
I have the Vline 2 and after a factory reset and firmware update, I haven’t had issues with it. The wireless CarPlay connect immediately and the odd time lexus infotainment reverts back to the Aux screen but I just cycle through that by pressing the media button.
Last edited by BlueLex350; May 27, 2021 at 10:40 AM. Reason: Added if video
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 36
Likes: 5
From: Ontario
So yours doesn’t shut off? Do you have the remote touch/joystick with 10.25” screen? Any chance you would be able to upload a video? I’ve been looking into the vline 2 for a while now and if they have fixed some of the issues It would probably be the best oem looking setup
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 24
Likes: 8
From: Florida
With 100% certainty, it is the best option by far. Now asking if it was worth the $700+...that’s up to your wallet.
Still, I had it professionally installed by a reputable local shop so everything is nice and tucked in.
When you start up the car it does automatically connect, it takes about 4 seconds for the bluetooth to connect and you’re at the CarPlay screen.
The touchscreen I hardly use because, yes, it’s a little further back but it’s a nice feature to have when you’re sitting in your driveway or parking lot on break. I exclusively use CarPlay, so I don’t know much about android auto, but I believe the unit is capable from the bevy of options available.
Some issues I have encountered (only twice) are a random knockout of the Bluetooth connection when it’s REALLY hot outside...but so does the damn sunroof when I try top to open it on a hot day as well haha. On that issue, I tried restarting my phone at a traffic light and it did not help, so I reached my destination, turned off the car, turned on the car when I came back, and everything worked perfectly upon start. Other than that, there’s no manual included, so thankfully you can message Lexion directly but you shouldn’t really encounter many issues once you figure it out.
Overall, I’m extremely happy with unit, it gives the car a little more of a modern feel and adds a ‘cool’ factor when people sit and notice the very different screen.
I have no connection with Lexion but try messaging them on their Instagram and see if they would offer you a discount as I stated I was from the ClubLexus forum (let them know you were referred by Shawn from the ClubLexus forum).
Apologies for any typos or syntax errors, I’m writing this on my iPhone at 6:44 AM.
Last edited by ShawnS93; May 28, 2021 at 03:45 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 723
Likes: 212
From: CA
Originally Posted by ShawnS93
I have had the Lexion Unit in my 2015 IS 350 F-Sport since October of last year.
With 100% certainty, it is the best option by far. Now asking if it was worth the $700+...that’s up to your wallet.
Still, I had it professionally installed by a reputable local shop so everything is nice and tucked in.
When you start up the car it does automatically connect, it takes about 4 seconds for the bluetooth to connect and you’re at the CarPlay screen.
The touchscreen I hardly use because, yes, it’s a little further back but it’s a nice feature to have when you’re sitting in your driveway or parking lot on break. I exclusively use CarPlay, so I don’t know much about android auto, but I believe the unit is capable from the bevy of options available.
Some issues I have encountered (only twice) are a random knockout of the Bluetooth connection when it’s REALLY hot outside...but so does the damn sunroof when I try top to open it on a hot day as well haha. On that issue, I tried restarting my phone at a traffic light and it did not help, so I reached my destination, turned off the car, turned on the car when I came back, and everything worked perfectly upon start. Other than that, there’s no manual included, so thankfully you can message Lexion directly but you shouldn’t really encounter many issues once you figure it out.
Overall, I’m extremely happy with unit, it gives the car a little more of a modern feel and adds a ‘cool’ factor when people sit and notice the very different screen.
I have no connection with Lexion but try messaging them on their Instagram and see if they would offer you a discount as I stated I was from the ClubLexus forum (let them know you were referred by Shawn from the ClubLexus forum).
Apologies for any typos or syntax errors, I’m writing this on my iPhone at 6:44 AM.
With 100% certainty, it is the best option by far. Now asking if it was worth the $700+...that’s up to your wallet.
Still, I had it professionally installed by a reputable local shop so everything is nice and tucked in.
When you start up the car it does automatically connect, it takes about 4 seconds for the bluetooth to connect and you’re at the CarPlay screen.
The touchscreen I hardly use because, yes, it’s a little further back but it’s a nice feature to have when you’re sitting in your driveway or parking lot on break. I exclusively use CarPlay, so I don’t know much about android auto, but I believe the unit is capable from the bevy of options available.
Some issues I have encountered (only twice) are a random knockout of the Bluetooth connection when it’s REALLY hot outside...but so does the damn sunroof when I try top to open it on a hot day as well haha. On that issue, I tried restarting my phone at a traffic light and it did not help, so I reached my destination, turned off the car, turned on the car when I came back, and everything worked perfectly upon start. Other than that, there’s no manual included, so thankfully you can message Lexion directly but you shouldn’t really encounter many issues once you figure it out.
Overall, I’m extremely happy with unit, it gives the car a little more of a modern feel and adds a ‘cool’ factor when people sit and notice the very different screen.
I have no connection with Lexion but try messaging them on their Instagram and see if they would offer you a discount as I stated I was from the ClubLexus forum (let them know you were referred by Shawn from the ClubLexus forum).
Apologies for any typos or syntax errors, I’m writing this on my iPhone at 6:44 AM.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 70
Likes: 20
From: CA
I have had the Lexion Unit in my 2015 IS 350 F-Sport since October of last year.
With 100% certainty, it is the best option by far. Now asking if it was worth the $700+...that’s up to your wallet.
Still, I had it professionally installed by a reputable local shop so everything is nice and tucked in.
When you start up the car it does automatically connect, it takes about 4 seconds for the bluetooth to connect and you’re at the CarPlay screen.
The touchscreen I hardly use because, yes, it’s a little further back but it’s a nice feature to have when you’re sitting in your driveway or parking lot on break. I exclusively use CarPlay, so I don’t know much about android auto, but I believe the unit is capable from the bevy of options available.
Some issues I have encountered (only twice) are a random knockout of the Bluetooth connection when it’s REALLY hot outside...but so does the damn sunroof when I try top to open it on a hot day as well haha. On that issue, I tried restarting my phone at a traffic light and it did not help, so I reached my destination, turned off the car, turned on the car when I came back, and everything worked perfectly upon start. Other than that, there’s no manual included, so thankfully you can message Lexion directly but you shouldn’t really encounter many issues once you figure it out.
Overall, I’m extremely happy with unit, it gives the car a little more of a modern feel and adds a ‘cool’ factor when people sit and notice the very different screen.
I have no connection with Lexion but try messaging them on their Instagram and see if they would offer you a discount as I stated I was from the ClubLexus forum (let them know you were referred by Shawn from the ClubLexus forum).
Apologies for any typos or syntax errors, I’m writing this on my iPhone at 6:44 AM.
With 100% certainty, it is the best option by far. Now asking if it was worth the $700+...that’s up to your wallet.
Still, I had it professionally installed by a reputable local shop so everything is nice and tucked in.
When you start up the car it does automatically connect, it takes about 4 seconds for the bluetooth to connect and you’re at the CarPlay screen.
The touchscreen I hardly use because, yes, it’s a little further back but it’s a nice feature to have when you’re sitting in your driveway or parking lot on break. I exclusively use CarPlay, so I don’t know much about android auto, but I believe the unit is capable from the bevy of options available.
Some issues I have encountered (only twice) are a random knockout of the Bluetooth connection when it’s REALLY hot outside...but so does the damn sunroof when I try top to open it on a hot day as well haha. On that issue, I tried restarting my phone at a traffic light and it did not help, so I reached my destination, turned off the car, turned on the car when I came back, and everything worked perfectly upon start. Other than that, there’s no manual included, so thankfully you can message Lexion directly but you shouldn’t really encounter many issues once you figure it out.
Overall, I’m extremely happy with unit, it gives the car a little more of a modern feel and adds a ‘cool’ factor when people sit and notice the very different screen.
I have no connection with Lexion but try messaging them on their Instagram and see if they would offer you a discount as I stated I was from the ClubLexus forum (let them know you were referred by Shawn from the ClubLexus forum).
Apologies for any typos or syntax errors, I’m writing this on my iPhone at 6:44 AM.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 381
From: nj
I have had the Lexion Unit in my 2015 IS 350 F-Sport since October of last year.
With 100% certainty, it is the best option by far. Now asking if it was worth the $700+...that’s up to your wallet.
Still, I had it professionally installed by a reputable local shop so everything is nice and tucked in.
When you start up the car it does automatically connect, it takes about 4 seconds for the bluetooth to connect and you’re at the CarPlay screen.
The touchscreen I hardly use because, yes, it’s a little further back but it’s a nice feature to have when you’re sitting in your driveway or parking lot on break. I exclusively use CarPlay, so I don’t know much about android auto, but I believe the unit is capable from the bevy of options available.
Some issues I have encountered (only twice) are a random knockout of the Bluetooth connection when it’s REALLY hot outside...but so does the damn sunroof when I try top to open it on a hot day as well haha. On that issue, I tried restarting my phone at a traffic light and it did not help, so I reached my destination, turned off the car, turned on the car when I came back, and everything worked perfectly upon start. Other than that, there’s no manual included, so thankfully you can message Lexion directly but you shouldn’t really encounter many issues once you figure it out.
Overall, I’m extremely happy with unit, it gives the car a little more of a modern feel and adds a ‘cool’ factor when people sit and notice the very different screen.
I have no connection with Lexion but try messaging them on their Instagram and see if they would offer you a discount as I stated I was from the ClubLexus forum (let them know you were referred by Shawn from the ClubLexus forum).
Apologies for any typos or syntax errors, I’m writing this on my iPhone at 6:44 AM.
With 100% certainty, it is the best option by far. Now asking if it was worth the $700+...that’s up to your wallet.
Still, I had it professionally installed by a reputable local shop so everything is nice and tucked in.
When you start up the car it does automatically connect, it takes about 4 seconds for the bluetooth to connect and you’re at the CarPlay screen.
The touchscreen I hardly use because, yes, it’s a little further back but it’s a nice feature to have when you’re sitting in your driveway or parking lot on break. I exclusively use CarPlay, so I don’t know much about android auto, but I believe the unit is capable from the bevy of options available.
Some issues I have encountered (only twice) are a random knockout of the Bluetooth connection when it’s REALLY hot outside...but so does the damn sunroof when I try top to open it on a hot day as well haha. On that issue, I tried restarting my phone at a traffic light and it did not help, so I reached my destination, turned off the car, turned on the car when I came back, and everything worked perfectly upon start. Other than that, there’s no manual included, so thankfully you can message Lexion directly but you shouldn’t really encounter many issues once you figure it out.
Overall, I’m extremely happy with unit, it gives the car a little more of a modern feel and adds a ‘cool’ factor when people sit and notice the very different screen.
I have no connection with Lexion but try messaging them on their Instagram and see if they would offer you a discount as I stated I was from the ClubLexus forum (let them know you were referred by Shawn from the ClubLexus forum).
Apologies for any typos or syntax errors, I’m writing this on my iPhone at 6:44 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 723
Likes: 212
From: CA
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 24
Likes: 8
From: Florida
I will see to doing a video the afternoon for you folks.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Victoria
Hello everyone,
I have a 2014 Lexus IS350 F-Sport and was wondering if it's possible to get Apple Carplay installed? I was wanting to replace the factory screen with something a bit bigger along with it having Apple Carplay. Has anyone does this before? Is it even worth it?
Appreciate any responses and help! Thank you!
I have a 2014 Lexus IS350 F-Sport and was wondering if it's possible to get Apple Carplay installed? I was wanting to replace the factory screen with something a bit bigger along with it having Apple Carplay. Has anyone does this before? Is it even worth it?
Appreciate any responses and help! Thank you!
Having installed the unit, the best way to describe it is that it is like interacting with an Android tablet stuck in the dash, but one that can run apps that act like different systems, such as the Carplay interface, or a separate 360 camera system, or you can even use it to surf the internet via Chrome or similar, or even watch movies. I now have a touchscreen, wireless Carplay (I would say it is 99% reliable with only very occasional dropouts, which you could completely eliminate by plugging it in via a lightning cable), and still have full access to the original Lexus interface using the built in 'joystick" controller.
However this controller does not work in the Android interface or Carplay. So you could just use the touchscreen exclusively for these interfaces, but I found that it was better to have a more accessible controller (given the screen is too far away to comfortably use all the time. So I also plugged in a USB miniature touchpad (Ergonomic Touchpad) that I stuck onto the armrest just behind the joystick. This plugs into the Android unit and allows control of the screen like a touchpad on a laptop.
As mentioned above, I also bought and installed a 360 degree camera system (3D Cameras Super Around View 360 Degree DVR System Bird's Eye View Panoramic 4 Side View Mirror Camera Monitor 1080P With Guide|Car Multi-angle Camera| - AliExpress), with cameras in the front grille, the wing mirrors and replacing the factory rear camera. I also bought a calibration cloth (Calibration Cloth 360 Degree Car Camera System Full automatical for 3D Pro Panorama|Car Multi-angle Camera| - AliExpress) to set the cameras up properly. This system works pretty well and uses a wireless control dial that I also have stuck to the centre console, next the Drive mode dials. It all looks pretty unobtrusive and most people would not really notice that it is not factory.
Doing all this gives me all the benefits of the IS and eliminates the drawbacks of Lexus failing to update the infotainment systems over the years. I basically almost never use the original interface anymore.
Hope that helps, let me know if you want more detail or pics, happy to help.
Cheers
As mentioned above, I also bought and installed a 360 degree camera system (3D Cameras Super Around View 360 Degree DVR System Bird's Eye View Panoramic 4 Side View Mirror Camera Monitor 1080P With Guide|Car Multi-angle Camera| - AliExpress), with cameras in the front grille, the wing mirrors and replacing the factory rear camera. I also bought a calibration cloth (Calibration Cloth 360 Degree Car Camera System Full automatical for 3D Pro Panorama|Car Multi-angle Camera| - AliExpress) to set the cameras up properly. This system works pretty well and uses a wireless control dial that I also have stuck to the centre console, next the Drive mode dials. It all looks pretty unobtrusive and most people would not really notice that it is not factory.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Victoria
Android screen
360 camera is controlled by the black & silver dial, just stuck to console
360 rear camera
Wing mirror camera
Front camera
Front camera
Wing mirror camera
Video demo of 360 camera in your car would be really great. You installed it by yourself? I've been interested in doing this myself but couldn't due to complexity. Is the 360 camera view part of Android car interface you just connected RCA out from 360 video stitching into Android unit? I'm interested in all the detail.
I’ve taken some quick photos and a short video for you to have a look. The 360 module is a separate box that is plugged into the android screen, the box then has cables running to each camera. I did have to splice 2 wires just to get power to the box, everything else is just plug and play.
I’ve tried to upload these photos and video, not sure if it worked or not.
Link to video: https://www.icloud.com/attachment/?u...V&sz=468023232
Cheers
Last edited by raydsouza; Jun 3, 2021 at 08:06 PM.