Nice write-up, thanks!

 

Very nice!!! I have a unit coming today as well...excited for the changes

 

I may lean on you for some of the finer details in setting this unit up. If that is okay

 

Absolutely, as long as you purchased the exact same unit as the link in my post. Unfortunately there’s a lot of look-alike units out there and I won’t be able to help you much if you got a different brand. All these Android head units are not created equal. If you ordered a different brand, I would strongly suggest you send it back and order the one I provided the link to.

 

Well I got most of the kinks worked out, I may still lean on ya in the future. Yes
it is the same unit you got, quite pleased with it in all honesty. Just need to tinker
with it today and do some final set up things. Thanks!

 

Question, how do I import my phone contacts to the touch screen unit?

 

Ummm, you don’t. With CarPlay or Android auto, it’s using your phone anyways. So if you go to texts and want to send one, it’s gonna give you the list of contacts as it appears in your phone. If you’re using the Bluetooth phone app, it shows your contacts in the list on there.

so there’s no need to “import contacts” to the head unit. Not even sure why you would need that feature on a stereo. Perhaps you can explain what it is you’re trying to accomplish and why?

 

I cannot see android auto on my touch screen...ill double check in a bit. I used to be able to use the Uconnect to have it dial my contacts, like calling my wife. Was just trying to recreate this

 

Android Auto is done through the CarLink app on this stereo. If you want it to be able to dial a number all you gotta do is use Android Auto, then say “hey Google” and “dial John Smith for me”.

 

I’ve got an Android 10 unit, so things may be a bit different, but:

Open the Bluetooth app on the head unit, and pair the head unit with your phone. As long as the phone is paired, your contacts in the phone should be available in the Bluetooth app, and you can use those contacts to dial. If you have a microphone on the head unit, you should be able to use it to talk on the phone, and listen through the speakers. You may also be able to voice dial.

I haven’t tested this out much because I almost never use my iPhone in the car, except for CarPlay or as a hotspot for the head unit. My main reason for a cell phone was to talk to my wife before/while coming home after work, but she passed away about 5 years ago.

Quite a change from the handset and cradle with a box in the trunk that I had in the early ‘90s…

 

I got my contacts onto my unit. May seem moot or illogical but I did it
Now my wife can access the phone easily while I am driving.

 

It's an android unit.. for future reference just use your Google account on the stereo. And sync it. It'll upload all your saved contacts. You'll need to log in to access Google play anyways. It'll need wifi access either through your phone(hotspot), or your home wifi. Needs wifi to check for system updates as well.

Mine works with Tubi, and Pluto when parked with wifi access. It'll play ripped dvd's with an android friendly player plugged into one of the usb ports as well..

 

I use my phones hotspot to update maps, canbus etc...works well

 

First thing I replaced when I bought my Patriot. It had the factory am/fm CD player.

You'll need to log in when you open the Google play app the first time. It did a auto sync when I did. Some apps will only open, but no content even when parked.

I've had no problems with the andriod system in the 18 months it's been in there. VLC plays ripped dvd's without needing continual code updates. Even while driving. I also put a 500gb thumb drive with my audio library on it.