How to add Apple CarPlay And Android Auto
Carlinkit Method
Firstly one needs Carlinkit dongle and a compatible Android HU in their car. I've used this dongle with Grande 2018 HU and aftermarket android panel that mostly all sellers sell, in my Honda City 2020
One needs to install apk for installation.
https://www.autokit.com
apk can be installed from above link. Make sure to turn on Install from unknown sources option in android settings. Another thing that I noticed in Grande HU install was that apk only opens from Opera browser as normal browser gives parsing apk error. After installing apk you need to connect Original usb cable in designated USB port. In case of Honda City since the android panel comes with two usb ports. I had the installer route the second port through the space near the cigarette lighter. Later i used 3M Double-sided tape to secure the adapter in place. Process is very seamless, the dongle updates through the app and can be configured from within. You only need to connect your phone in and after trusting this car through the popup on your iPhone, apple CarPlay should work.
My Experience:
Apple CarPlay is very seamless but since this isn't the OEM experience one may experience some issues.
For example while my other USB is plugged in for USB Music and the dongle is still plugged in without my phone connected, the default music app stops playing music. This can only be solved by removing the dongle temporarily. This is why ill suggest not to hardwire the dingle in the first place. Moreover another issue ill face is sometimes the dongle will not run. This can easily be solved by removing and connecting the cable again and it should work. Sometimes the app might freeze since it is very graphic intensive and one can only reopen app again.
Coming to the App, it is great and allows to update the dongle from within. It also has support for steering wheel controls which allows us to change music. One gripe i have with Apple CarPlay is that one cannot turn off charging your phone while Apple CarPlay is connected. While this does mean you're phone will always be charged, it is not very good for people concerned about their battery health. However the dongle allows one to run Apple CarPlay without charging or very slow charging which a plus point. Moreover the dongle settings can only be accessed when your phone is plugged in
That is all from my side, Please let me know if you have any further questions.
