We have a Certified 2017 RX350 and I am very unhappy with the Factory Navigation. Is there one simple, concise article the explains how to link your Android Smart Phone to the Factory Navigation Screen? I have a google Pixel 3a. and I have been using the GPS Route Finder app. I read through the posts here, but am just more confused. Could I take it to my dealer and have them do it? Will altering the Nav negate my warranty? Could I go to somebody like Geek Squad?

Bill

 

Since your vehicle does not have Android Auto, in order to use your phone with your car you will need some 3rd party hardware. See the thread on the VL2 equipment from a forum vendor. I think 2018 may have started with AA and ACP. My 2020 has factory maps and AA. I like the display from the Nav system but have not used it yet to find and guide me to a destination. My old '16 NX had terrible navigation software.

 

bsekf,
You should save your time and money, and instead of attempting to improve your onboard navigation, you simply should download apps like Waze and Google Maps. The former will provide you up to the minute notification of accidents, construction, traffic jams, police speed traps, etc. This app speaks directions and notifies you audibly of hazards so that your eyes do not have to move to the screen. Waze is now being incorporated into the factory onboard navigation systems of multiple manufacturers. They would not be doing so if there was no sentiment regarding the high quality of this app.

 

Never heard of Waze (lead a sheltered life) but what's the diff between it and google maps?

 

Google now owns Waze and at sometime in the near future many of the features in Waze will be incorporated into Google Maps. Even though there are audibles in Waze you still need to look at your phone unless you have it mounted in about the same location as your Nav screen.

 

Download and sign in to Lexus Enform App Suite (not LEAS 2.0). Two ways to use your phone with the native Lexus Navigation:
1) When not in the car you can find and save up to ten (10) destinations. Once driving you tap Menu on the center
console/LAS on the screen/Saved destinations and voila...they drop into the Map with name/address/phone number.
2) When already on the road tap Menu on the console/LAS on the screen and then Destination Search.
With the blue dialog box on screen just press the Speech button on the steering wheel and state your destination.
Now you are using your up to date phone map data and voice recognition! Note" LEAS is free, not need to subscribe
to Lexus Enform

 

Thanks, I have gotten 4 different suggestions and that is what confuses me. I use google maps, but can't figure out how to get voice directions. My Bluetooth for phone calls works. I am looking for some written instructions on how to use Waze and/or google maps. Sounds as if they are going to be or are the same? When I try to fool with google maps I keep getting pop up ads and can't decipher between them and instructions. When I do get it to work..... I have no clue how I did it and don't dare use the phone for fear of losing the maps! I am old but not completely senile! Maybe!

Bill

 

Waze is for finding out about accidents, traffic jams, location of speed traps etc. I would never use Waze for directions. Too many distractions to bother with unless its your passenger that is looking at the app. What kind of mobile phone are you using? There is nothing difficult about Google maps. At the top of the app is a search bar with a microphone in the right hand corner. You can tap on the bar and type in your destination of speak the address after touching the microphone. Then you will see options like, shortest route, fastest, least amount of toll roads etc. Tap the way you want to go and then hit start. The volume for phone calls is typically different than the volume for an app.

Use the search function on your PC and type in "how to use google maps app", You will find videos and other info that will help.

 

With an Apple phone the Google Maps and Waze apps can be set to send verbal alerts "as a phone call".
How does the car respond to an incoming phone call? Mutes the media and you hear the call. With this
setting on a Navigation app you get a phone call...from Your Phone! "Cops ahead", "Turn left in 500 feet".
Not as well versed in Android phones, last I checked Waze at least did not (yet) have this setting.

 

I think I have sorted this out and know how to use Google Maps...….. at least it worked last Saturday. One problem and I am going to google it. I am not getting enough volume from the phone speaker, I have everything set at 100% and still can't hear the directions. I do have some hearing loss. I suppose I could use ear buds. When getting a phone call with Bluetooth, the volume is fine.

Bill

 

Installed GOODEV app and my problem with volume is solved.

Bill

 

Problem with all the cell phone navigation apps is that they die on you when you lose cell service. That's the advantage of the factory nav/GPS system (and stand alone GPS navs like Garmin and TomTom).

 

During the infrequent times I might lose data service, I noted my Waze app is capable of maintaining the route and quickly returning to proper location once data service/GPS is resumed. Even with this situation, the Waze app remains massively superior to factory systems because of its real-time reporting of traffic jams, construction, closures, police speed traps, etc. The quality of this app is verified by its inclusion into the factory systems of multiple manufacturers’ new vehicles at present. Also comforting is the fact that the app will be properly developed and maintained in light of it being purchased by Google.