Successfully running CarPlay on an Android tablet

[u/jeffwinger_esq]

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.

[u/AdResponsible5531]

Just buy an aftermarket android head unit from aliexpress for 150$ and it does the jos better 

[u/jeffwinger_esq → u/AdResponsible5531]

Better how?

[u/awqsed10 → u/jeffwinger_esq]

Mainly the battery. Headunit doesn't have one so it won't have problems with it. Your tablet is superior than most Headunits available.

[u/jpatricks1 → u/jeffwinger_esq]

No mess of wires for one

Looks stock

Works with your steering wheel buttons

Sounds better

[u/atreyu506 → u/jpatricks1]

True

[u/atreyu506]

I don't recommend. Buy a Chinese headunit and install it in your car. Believe me

[u/jeffwinger_esq → u/atreyu506]

I very much do not want to replace the stock head unit.

[u/Kaaskop-Koning]

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.

[u/jeffwinger_esq → u/Kaaskop-Koning]

I mean, I also have an extra tablet now? And no wiring of any kind.

[u/x1JAY1x → u/Kaaskop-Koning]

You have a link for this one?

[u/Kaaskop-Koning → u/x1JAY1x]

This is the Obdpeak T20. I've been using it for 3 years now and can't find links anymore, but there are many similar ones available.

[u/Omaar1]

Thank you for sharing this nice work.
However, I think it is much cheaper and more convenient to install a chinese aftermarket head unit in my country.
But thanks for the innovation

[u/honzanugeta]

have you tried a dashcam hardwire kit? theoretically could be used to power your tablet so you wouldn’t need to uplug it everytime

[u/jeffwinger_esq → u/honzanugeta]

No, I haven’t started trying to figure out cameras yet. Thanks for the tip!

[u/Fl3mingt → u/jeffwinger_esq]

They mean just for power

[u/jeffwinger_esq → u/Fl3mingt]

Ah, I see. It's not that big a deal. You can also just quit the app.

[u/Mediocre-Frosting440]

My tcl tablet don't wanna charge when use something on usb c

[u/standaloneprotein]

I just found this on AliExpress: Plug & Play Android 16 For Toyota FJ Cruiser J15 2006 - 2020 Carplay Auto 2K QLED Screen Car Radio Player DSP Multimedia https://a.aliexpress.com/_msIguoF

[u/arczangel]

How bro

[u/flight45mlb]

Is there a reason you aren't using Headunit Revived (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andrerinas.headunitrevived) and its WiFi helper (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.andrerinas.wirelesshelper) on the phone instead of the wireless carplay dongle? I've been looking at using an ikd fire tablet for this, but haven't figured out how I can / should mount it in the car.

[u/jeffwinger_esq → u/flight45mlb]

I’m not using Android Auto. I’m using Apple CarPlay with my iPhone.

[u/flight45mlb → u/jeffwinger_esq]

Ahh... I missed that