Using Waze with Android Auto?
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Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 899
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From: Ontario
Using Waze with Android Auto?
Sorry if this has been discussed elsewhere, I wasn't able to find anything specific when I searched. We just took delivery of our 2020 RX with Android Auto (since we use Samsung phones). We see that the default mapping is provided by Google Maps. We have been using Waze for years now and were really hoping it was going to be available on this car. I know, we should have checked, but it's not a show stopper. We can still use it on our phones, but that seems a bit silly. Dealer says Lexus is aware of the issue but couldn't confirm if they are working on a fix. Anyone out there know if there is a chance Waze will work in the near future?
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 747
Likes: 459
From: WV
Sorry if this has been discussed elsewhere, I wasn't able to find anything specific when I searched. We just took delivery of our 2020 RX with Android Auto (since we use Samsung phones). We see that the default mapping is provided by Google Maps. We have been using Waze for years now and were really hoping it was going to be available on this car. I know, we should have checked, but it's not a show stopper. We can still use it on our phones, but that seems a bit silly. Dealer says Lexus is aware of the issue but couldn't confirm if they are working on a fix. Anyone out there know if there is a chance Waze will work in the near future?
Last edited by bamalam; Dec 10, 2020 at 03:36 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 747
Likes: 459
From: WV
I was a dedicated Maps user for several years. I find myself using the built-in RX navigation most of the time now. It's a much more elegant implementation than either AA or CarPlay.
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 128
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From: WA
Yup Waze is available but only through developer mode, I wish AA had full screen without the 1/3 reserved spot for the useless time and temperature.
I find the built-in navigation to be useless, trying to enter address by voice is terrible compared to Google and Siri, the graphics is also quite bad.
I find the built-in navigation to be useless, trying to enter address by voice is terrible compared to Google and Siri, the graphics is also quite bad.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 904
From: Ontario
Yup Waze is available but only through developer mode, I wish AA had full screen without the 1/3 reserved spot for the useless time and temperature.
I find the built-in navigation to be useless, trying to enter address by voice is terrible compared to Google and Siri, the graphics is also quite bad.
I find the built-in navigation to be useless, trying to enter address by voice is terrible compared to Google and Siri, the graphics is also quite bad.
BTW, i also primarily use Google maps and Waze over the built in. I can't enter an address and the voice recognition in Lexus is still pretty dumb.
Also traffic info in Google is much better than the HD sourced traffic on the built in Denso navigation system.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 7
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From: Arizona
Waze - AA - Lexus
I was on the Waze website today and they have a note posted that NOW they can not support the Touch Pad. (Although, I'm not sure if it's Waze or Android Auto that needs the fix) I sent a 'support' request stating that this problem has existed for at least 2 years and WHEN are they going to ix it. I'll post a note here if they respond.
(ADDED NOTE: I understand that older versions of AA work with the developer option turned on. It is not available in the version that I have)
(ADDED NOTE: I understand that older versions of AA work with the developer option turned on. It is not available in the version that I have)
Last edited by CrmsnDynmo; Dec 17, 2020 at 12:56 PM. Reason: added note
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Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 904
From: Ontario
I was on the Waze website today and they have a note posted that NOW they can not support the Touch Pad. (Although, I'm not sure if it's Waze or Android Auto that needs the fix) I sent a 'support' request stating that this problem has existed for at least 2 years and WHEN are they going to ix it. I'll post a note here if they respond.
(ADDED NOTE: I understand that older versions of AA work with the developer option turned on. It is not available in the version that I have)
(ADDED NOTE: I understand that older versions of AA work with the developer option turned on. It is not available in the version that I have)
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Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 102
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From: Texas
I've been using android since the freaking nexus one but I'm about to jump ship. Google simply sucks at implementing stuff like this. They're more concerned with the advertising side of their business than improving their products. The wasted space for time and temp is just typical Google. Then, they'll do an update that changes the color of a border or change a font and they'll call it a major upgrade. Hell, even Google maps was a better product 15 or 20 updates ago. They've turned that thing into a bloated mess. Just my opinion tho.
Last edited by AirForce8; Dec 17, 2020 at 06:24 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 904
From: Ontario
I use both Android Auto and CarPlay. I don't find the full screen maps any better than the partial screen maps in Android Auto. The clock, audio control are okay. What i miss on AA is lack of messaging app to click on and lack of voice calls on any Voip app like Google's own Duo or what's app.
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 747
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From: WV
Agreed. Full screen maps look good, but aren't very useful. Most users keep the map oriented to the direction of travel, not towards North. Wide screens, therefore, have the wrong aspect ratio for the most popular map orientation. I've never seen it running, but I suspect a full screen map works great in the Volvo infotainment system, since their screen is has a portrait orientation.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
From: MD
How to use Waze on screen
So, officially, this is not possible.
But -- once i got the car back from service and the display was still in "maintenance" mode -- it had a ton of features that are not normally available.
But the most uprising was that at that state -- my phone Waze worked perfectly on the display (when the phone was connected, of course).
At the time, I thought they added the capability as a standard feature -- alas, when I turned the car off, and back on -- it reverted to the normal state, and that feature was gone.
So, if someone knows how to turn that mode on.... well, we have a workaround
)
BTW, I also think that if enough of us make noise, Lexus may make it standard. Just my 2c.
But -- once i got the car back from service and the display was still in "maintenance" mode -- it had a ton of features that are not normally available.
But the most uprising was that at that state -- my phone Waze worked perfectly on the display (when the phone was connected, of course).
At the time, I thought they added the capability as a standard feature -- alas, when I turned the car off, and back on -- it reverted to the normal state, and that feature was gone.
So, if someone knows how to turn that mode on.... well, we have a workaround
)BTW, I also think that if enough of us make noise, Lexus may make it standard. Just my 2c.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 747
Likes: 459
From: WV
So, officially, this is not possible.
But -- once i got the car back from service and the display was still in "maintenance" mode -- it had a ton of features that are not normally available.
But the most uprising was that at that state -- my phone Waze worked perfectly on the display (when the phone was connected, of course).
At the time, I thought they added the capability as a standard feature -- alas, when I turned the car off, and back on -- it reverted to the normal state, and that feature was gone.
So, if someone knows how to turn that mode on.... well, we have a workaround)
BTW, I also think that if enough of us make noise, Lexus may make it standard. Just my 2c.
But -- once i got the car back from service and the display was still in "maintenance" mode -- it had a ton of features that are not normally available.
But the most uprising was that at that state -- my phone Waze worked perfectly on the display (when the phone was connected, of course).
At the time, I thought they added the capability as a standard feature -- alas, when I turned the car off, and back on -- it reverted to the normal state, and that feature was gone.
So, if someone knows how to turn that mode on.... well, we have a workaround
)BTW, I also think that if enough of us make noise, Lexus may make it standard. Just my 2c.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 160
Likes: 127
From: PA
Provide more details, like the model year of your RX, nav package, phone type, etc. . Waze works on 2020/2021 RXs using AA, at least those with the 12.3" screen. See Using Waze with Android Auto? - ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
From: MD
I thought that is obvious from my profile, apologies...
RX350, 2017, 12.3" nav, No modes (yes, just bought it from my lease end)
So, all of the new 2020/2021 features are not available. Specifically, no Android Auto.
I know there are after-market addons that will enable a lot of what I'm looking for, but (as noted elsewhere) they may effect service under my service agreement, and even more -- warranty services if any needed.
So, back to my original question -- how do you enable this "service mode" of the infotainment system? There is a "magic sequence" that does that... I'm sure.
RX350, 2017, 12.3" nav, No modes (yes, just bought it from my lease end
)So, all of the new 2020/2021 features are not available. Specifically, no Android Auto.
I know there are after-market addons that will enable a lot of what I'm looking for, but (as noted elsewhere) they may effect service under my service agreement, and even more -- warranty services if any needed.
So, back to my original question -- how do you enable this "service mode" of the infotainment system? There is a "magic sequence" that does that... I'm sure.
