Connect/pair Toyota CH-R T-Connect display with android OS

[notrub]

I would like to use the GPS etc. that came with my car when I bought it.  I did not keep up the annual fee so the GPS etc. no longer functions.  I do not need this service very often so object to paying the annual fee to use 2 or 3 times a year.  In the beginning the Toyota system was more adapted to Apple than Android so it never really worked to sync my phone to the car.  The BT connection works, however.  The display functions, it is the search for new addresses that does not.  Old locations in the memory still work.  The display shows the map and all the colourful icons (leading to nowhere).

 

I see now that there are multiple YT posts on how to connect Toyota to Android OS; some with software and some have a magic box that must be installed behind the display.  I have tried multiple times to connect my samsung phone in the past with no success (mirror, cable).  I am writing now to see if any of these new 'new ideas' on how to connect my phone (Google Maps) to my Toyota car display.  I have not tried the updated Android Auto app which (I think ) must be connected by wire to the display in the car to work.  I have spent many frustrating hours trying to accomplish this task without success in the past.  It may be that Toyota is intentionally blocking my efforts as a policy to benefit their T-Connect software annual renewal renewal sales(?).  Before I waste another afternoon trying to accomplish the impossible I am consulting wiser heads (you) than me for comments please.  Thank you. 🙏🏼

[poppysdad]

I too have a CHR now 5 years old and I have never had a problem with using the onboard GPS nor have I ever had to pay to use it, my only gripe is being unable to update the system. Can’t help with Android as I’m an Apple user but my iPhone happily connects to the system simply with Bluetooth and if I use Google maps on my phone the spoken instructions still come through the onboard unit. Surely Bluetooth would/should solve your connectivity I would have thought. 

[notrub]

Hello poppysdad, thanks for your comment.  I have an android phone and when I bought the car it took a team from the workshop to connect my phone by bluetooth etc. to the car display.  It was when the CH-R model was first introduced and there were mutterings about Apple being more compatible than Android.  The BT music player works.  There is a service where you can phone Toyota through the car display and they do the searching for an address and send it on to the car.  I tried to use it after a year or so and was told my subscription had expired (it worked fine b4).  A friend told me that some car companies install the optional extras (heated seats etc.) during manufacturing and simply turn them on, or not, depending on what you paid for when you bought it.  They can even turn off your car remotely. 

 

I found out my subscription had lapsed when I tried to use the call in service and they wanted me to also pay for the years that I had missed.  The GPS system will not accept new addresses although the old ones are still displayed.  I don't use the car that much and don't travel very much either.  It makes me crazy to think that this little 1.1M+ THB Hybrid car with all the latest stuff on the pretty dashboard display will not guide me to a new location unless I pay. 

 

I have spent many hours trying to connect my phone to the car display using various apps in the past without success.  When I have to go someplace difficult to find I wind up juggling my phone with G Maps displayed whilst avoiding the giant pickups who want to occupy the space I am in.  Dangerous stuff.  So, it would be very nice to be able to use google maps (or another similar) on my car display.   Thanks for any comments.🙏🏼

 

PS I have an old apple phone and could try to connect with that.  Does your GPS function in your car (pooppysdad) without you phone present?  Is it that the annual fee can be for a dedicated internet connection for the display?  Do you pay an annual fee? 

 

PPS I am a 'Toyota Guy' and have owned more cars and vans and trucks (personal use and business)of this make than I can remember.  Why would Toyota want to alienate me with this confusing GPS system?

 

 

[poppysdad]

Hi notrub. 
 

I can use my inbuilt gps system without my iPhone and works perfectly and accurately. 
When I first got my car I was given a package for t connect but even the showroom couldn’t get it to connect to my phone as I couldn’t install the right app for it. My Apple ID is uk registered and the app not available on the uk site. 
I’ve never had any problem using gps etc whatsoever without t connect being active. 

 

 

[notrub]

35 minutes ago, poppysdad said:

Hi notrub. 
 

I can use my inbuilt gps system without my iPhone and works perfectly and accurately. 
When I first got my car I was given a package for t connect but even the showroom couldn’t get it to connect to my phone as I couldn’t install the right app for it. My Apple ID is uk registered and the app not available on the uk site. 
I’ve never had any problem using gps etc whatsoever without t connect being active. 

 

 

 

[notrub]

Good morning poppysdad,

 

Yes, there was a similar event when they tried to connect my phone to the car.  Some part of my basic phone app (or apps) is/are not registered in Thailand and that caused a problem.  It was/is difficult to unregister w/o deleting lots of essential information. My GPS comes onto the screen and I can track my route but it will not accept  new address to search for.  Do you pay an annual subscription? Thanks.

[poppysdad]

Hi again notrub. 
 

No, have never paid anything nor have ever been asked to. Everything I need from the unit works perfectly except connecting to t-connect which I have never missed not being able to use. What I would like would be Apple Car play but I believe I would need a complete new unit at a very high replacement cost which with the car now being 5 years old probably not cost effective for me. 

[notrub]

Thanks🙏🏼

[CFCol]

I use a. Cable, (phone connector one end and USB on the other). Works perfectly with my Samsung android.

[notrub]

I have tried that with my samsung phone(s) but get an error message.  Thank you.  My google account was created before I came to Thailand and so may be incompatible.  I do not know how to update with Thai location w/o closing account and starting fresh.  Do you know if the gps in the car has its own wifi or does it depend on the phone wifi connection?  Thanks for your comment, I'll try some more with different cables and phones.🙏🏼

[notrub]

Dear CFCol, do you se the mirror link that is provided by toyota please?  Thanks. B