iDoing Android Headunit (CarPlay/Android Auto) - 2008-2014 Subaru WRX/STi/Impreza/Forester

We install the iDoing 9" Android headunit w/CarPlay and Android Auto! There were a few hiccups, but we got it working!
Make sure to watch 'til the end for a little cruise to one of my guilty pleasures!
Thanks for tuning in! If this video helped you, please Like and Subscribe! Let me know in the comments what you’d like to see more of!
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Parts Used:
iDoing 9" Android Headunit - www.aliexpress...

[@Blurple_STI]

LETS GOOOOO, so happy to see that the carplay works dude!! I really hope you like the head unit, literally one of my favorite parts of my sti!!

[@beardedautomedia2261]

My dude!! You literally saved the day! Really digging this thing so far. It’s amazing how much something like this can change everything about an interior!

[@marioescobar1630]

Just got this same unit for my 2019 STI and I’m loving every moment with it. Glad to see you were able to fix the car play problem, gotta drop a part 2 with the reverse camera install!!

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Glad you’re loving it! I definitely still love mine, but I haven’t been driving the car as much due to weather. I’m working on Part 2…so stay tuned! Thanks for watching!

[@kastellolo5212]

Congratulations for your new stereo. Your Sti looks more modern with it. Enjoy it.

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Hey, thank you! I agree it really makes the interior look much more updated and it’s so much more fun to drive with it. Thanks for watching!

[@1emerson1]

I purchased this unit and had it for a few months. I decided to return it for several reasons: - Carplay GPS inaccurate/buggy, the unit uses the external GPS module instead of the phone's - Carplay (wired/wireless) connecting process would sometimes freeze or connect w/o audio - Random screen flickering which required a full power reset to fix - Reserve backup camera signal couldn't be detected even though it worked via the other video input I really enjoyed the features and screen size but I'd rather put the money towards something that's consistent. Hopefully your unit is flawless!

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Thanks for the feedback! I hate to hear you weren’t able to enjoy yours. So far, I haven’t had any of the issues you mentioned, but I’ll definitely be looking for that now. Hopefully you’ll be able to find something that looks as good and works out better for you! It’s hard to beat the features and packaging, but only if it’s consistent.

[@JeffGoris]

If you are using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay then the phone's GPS is used for navigation. It will only use the built-in GPS if you are using a navigation app running directly on the head unit's Android operating system. I don't even have the GPS antenna connected and navigation works perfectly on both CarPlay and Android Auto.

[@jobob3854]

Any feedback on the backup camera ‘no signal’ issue? I am on second head unit and having the same problem. Power gets to camera but signal does not. My AUX V IN also works in lieu, but then is not automated at reverse shift. Idoing has been less than useful - refused exchange, but agreed to refund. Sent unit to Idoing and they have refused to refund $$. Had repurchased from US vendor and the 2nd unit has same issue…. 😑

[@gillixexik]

@@jobob3854 they just look good that’s all I just swapped mine out for a real head unit. They don’t even sound good either which was the main reason I sold it night and day difference once I got a Sony head unit.

[@sebsrey]

Dope video man! I actually live in Columbus too, haha. Hope to see you cruising around. I just picked myself up a 14 wrx hatch.

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Sick dude, thanks for watching! Congrats on the WRX hatch! I’m going to try to hit some cars and coffee meets when we get back to Cbus, so maybe I’ll see you out!

[@betogonzalez4641]

Sick car! I got a 09 sti. Are you going to follow up with the reverse camera install? Would like to see how it looks when its being used before i purchase this. Besides that you made it look well worth it! Im trying to get rid of the stock stereo already.

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Hey, thanks for watching! I love the 08-10 “hatch only” years. I am definitely following up with the reverse camera install, but I’m fighting weather right now. As soon as I can get free on a 40+ degree day or get some garage time, I’ll be making a video! It’s well worth the money, to me..and it looks so rad! I doubt you’d be disappointed!

[@Crahb]

Second this, look forward to the backup cam install video!

[@beardedautomedia2261]

The weather looks promising this week! SOON!!

[@ramseyquintanilla8208]

any updates on how the unit has performed since then? my old unit just kicked the bucket and I've been eyeing this one since I first got my Subie!

[@beardedautomedia2261]

It's a great unit for sure! That's the reason I upgraded...factory had just had enough. The iDoing headunit has been awesome so far. My next couple of videos will include part two with the reverse camera install and a 3 month review!

[@Crahb]

Thanks for the detailed video, likely going to pick this up in the near future! Does the light dimmer on the left side of the steering wheel change the screen brightness of the unit? Also I noticed a comment about you having the under seat sub, is it difficult to wire that part (didn't notice you wire it up in the video)? I haven't done any sub wiring but curious if this will cause me issues. Last questions is I'm curious how reliable the wireless carplay is, does it connect pretty quick and reliably? Thanks again and look forward to the backup cam install!

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Great questions! I’ll try to answer to the best of my ability. I hope to see you back for PT. 2! 1.) The dimmer changes the brightness of the soft buttons on the side, but the screen is independent. It does have a day and night mode function, so when your headlights are on it is dimmer. 2.) I have a factory amp under the drivers seat. It’s all in the factory harness, which is plug and play. There are provisions for a sub, which makes it super easy if you want to add one. 3.) The wireless CarPlay, for an aftermarket unit with it built in, is great. It doesn’t connect as fast as my 22 F250 with the factory wireless, but it’s nearly instant as long as the phone is paired. I haven’t had a reliability issue yet!!

[@Crahb]

@@beardedautomedia2261 Thank you for the detailed reply, going to order today and already have notifications on for pt 2 (:

[@Crahb]

Following up on this, did you end up having any luck with the backup cam install? Going to tackle it this Friday curious if you have any tips going into it :D

[@timothywing8604]

You ever figure out how to turn the brightness down for nighttime?

[@coreymarrero]

Hell yeah glad you sure solved it. What part of Ohio? Area looks really familiar lol. I’m from Medina/Brunswick area. 🤘🏼

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Nice, I don’t get up that way much but as I start to get to more shows I might have to hit some up that way! I’m smack in the middle of Columbus, so you’ve probably seen the area if you’ve been through! Thanks for watching!!

[@coreymarrero]

@@beardedautomedia2261 oh yeah use to go down there quite a bit for back in the day lol. 🤘🏼 lemme know how that thing is considering getting one for my work car

[@beardedautomedia2261]

I love it so far! It’s been crazy trying to finish up the install and get it on film so I can give my final thoughts. As you know, Ohio weather isn’t on our schedule, we’re on its schedule haha!

[@coreymarrero]

@@beardedautomedia2261 haha dude I know the feeling lol. I work outside so it’s been a shit show lately. I’m about over it! 😂 and hell yeah that’s awesome I’m probably gonna slap one in the forester I think. I can deal with the stock one on the 19 Jetta lol

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Oh for sure, April in Ohio is just a wash especially if you work construction or any other outdoor job lol We’ve got two projects on hold due to weather right now. I think I could deal with the 19 Jetta too. If I could get the 12” I have in my Super Duty into the STi I would be golden haha!

[@oxor7299]

+ love the car brotha❤️

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Hey, thank you! Just trying to improve it little by little!

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

Keep the videos coming. Just bought a wrx

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Thanks for watching! Enjoy that WRX! Starting to stockpile STi parts, so videos will be coming!

[@thecoloradotravelers7212]

Where did you end up grounding the ground wire to. You didn’t show that or talk about it.

[@idoingheadunitofficial3040]

Carlink 2.0 version updated wireless android auto

[@josemarron2542]

Does it need the ground? Like I know how important a ground is but I can’t find my ground cable

[@deepee8162]

I just installed my idling head unit and somewhere in the settings it tells you the pairing code if anyone is having troubles

[@andrewlakshamalla2479]

Hey man how has the head unit held up over time?

[@darmar6895]

are you having issues with your GPS location when you using Apple CarPlay? Because I am and I’m trying to fix it. I tried contacting Idoing but they couldn’t help

[@beardedautomedia2261]

I haven’t had any GPS issues with CarPlay. The only thing I will say is that sometimes it will not load the map for the location I punch in. I have that issue with my 2022 F-250 at times as well, though, so I can’t say it’s the headunit itself. Are you on the latest software?

[@darmar6895]

@@beardedautomedia2261 I dont know but I’ll check it out. Thanks

[@Redbeardedbiker91]

I was wondering, How do you feel the radio is after having it for almost a year? I had a Siecane and it was horrible.

[@deadghouls3325]

hey man how is it holding up?

[@beardedautomedia2261]

It’s been awesome so far! I’m putting together an update/part 2 now that the weather is starting to cooperate!

[@stephenculcasi]

Do you know if the head unit is able to be seperated from the trim piece?

[@bukchoiii]

Btw did your gps nav work? Mines always searching for signal.

[@beardedautomedia2261]

I haven’t tried the preloaded nav, because I use CarPlay. For me, Google maps with CarPlay works perfectly.

[@bos46]

Hi can you tell I what languages you can choose ? For the menu ?

[@HussainKovic]

Is the sound from the speakers in better with the head unit from the old stock Oem stereo?

[@beardedautomedia2261]

As far as I’m concerned, without having made any EQ adjustments..YES. This headunit seems to “push” the factory speakers a little more. Not to the point of breaking up, but definitely a little more volume and a more rounded tone.

[@bukchoiii]

Just installed mine on the 2011 impreza. Did you end up grounding it? I didn't see any ground wires.

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Thanks for watching! Yep, it’s grounded. I used the factory ground wire and screw. There’s a threaded hole on the passengers side of the iDoing radio that the screw threads into perfectly.

[@bukchoiii]

@@beardedautomedia2261 cool, I didn't have any on my old one but I'll fish around tomorrow, what happens if you don't ground it? I read it might just create noise from stereos.

[@beardedautomedia2261]

If it was working you were probably grounded somewhere. Maybe through the antenna. Honestly, it shouldn’t work consistently, if at all, if it isn’t grounded.

[@ricastar2931]

Is there modes for cruise control

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Thanks for watching! Since the cruise isn’t controlled by the radio, the steering wheel controls for cruise control do not need programmed.

[@patton2002]

Did yours come equipped with a subwoofer under the driver seat? I’m wondering if that will still work with this setup.

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Yep, I have the sub under the seat! As far as I can tell, it’s working just fine. I haven’t had an opportunity to really push the audio, but I was thinking about making a separate video about EQ adjustments for the best sound.

[@Goldie6434]

Do you have to manually open the link app every time or does it auto open up when you connect?

[@beardedautomedia2261]

7/10 times it will connect on it's own. There are those few times when I get in that maybe my phone is still connected to my home WiFi or whatever it may be, and I have to manually connect it. Otherwise, I'm pretty fortunate to have a consistent headunit. I have heard some stories about people struggling to get wireless carplay to connect.

[@Goldie6434]

@@beardedautomedia2261 that's good to know, thanks for the info! But I actually meant on the head unit itself, when it connects does CarPlay open automatically or do you have to navigate to the app every time?

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Same scenario there as well! If you have Bluetooth and WiFi enabled on your phone, the headunit picks it up about 80-90% of the time and will start the connection process!

[@d_spirit2succeed]

Do you still get to retain your steering wheel controls?🤔

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Absolutely. I actually go over programming them in the video. Super easy and really nice to be able to program them yourself! Thanks for watching!

[@d_spirit2succeed]

@@beardedautomedia2261 oh cool, must've missed it (shouldn't try informative videos while at work🤓). Thanks for the response, il take a listen in on it.👍🏼

[@beardedautomedia2261]

@@d_spirit2succeed hahahaha yeah…that hardly ever works out lol if you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

[@d_spirit2succeed]

@@beardedautomedia2261 Appreciate it!👍🏼

[@aarondylan5606]

carlink on idoing is wireless. wireless carplay and android auto no cables🤦🏾‍♂

[@Marcos18x]

Where did you get your interior LED lights?

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Thanks for watching! They’re from Diode Dynamics. I have everything except the sunvisor vanity lights. I went with the middle option on everything except the hatch light. I went full bright for that one!

[@cwx8]

Howd you get the steering wheel controls to work

[@beagus780]

I have a iPhone

[@beagus780]

Settings

[@oxor7299]

about how long did the head unit take to get to u from china?

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Thanks for watching! It was a gift, but I did ask and it only took about two weeks. That could have been good timing on catching in stock inventory, though. I have seen the wait close to 2 months before. Looks to be about 2-3 weeks right now.

[@beagus780]

I got a iPhone

[@vinasaw3304]

so did it connect randomly?

[@beardedautomedia2261]

Thanks for watching! The answer is yes and no. It connected automatically, but only after the first couple of key cycles. I did add the 3 usb for CarPlay as well. Every time I have gotten in the car since, it has connected perfectly on its own.

[@vinasaw3304]

@@beardedautomedia2261 when you plugged the 3 usb and connect your phone and it work?

[@beardedautomedia2261]

@@vinasaw3304 I’m not sure the two are related. After I plugged in the single usb, I had wired CarPlay. The wireless CarPlay just happened to start working on its own at the same time.

[@vinasaw3304]

@@beardedautomedia2261 so plugging in to the 3 usb carplay for sure will work?

[@beardedautomedia2261]

@@vinasaw3304 Yep! But definitely try out the wireless. It’s really cool. Once you get it working for the first time, you will love it!