LX570 Cheapest Carplay AndroidAuto Upgrade - Installation - Review - Tips - Tricks Mistakes Apple

[@NKPGarage]

The exact kit I purchased was this one for our LX570: amzn.to/3rpHQ0Z This unit looks to be listed as compatible with the 2016-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser. Would be worth a shot if you're looking to get Carplay or Android Auto into your Land Cruiser: amzn.to/3sisX10

[@ikhal3d]

An update from my personal experience after watching the video. An excellent video to follow. I installed the exact same unit on my 2021 Lexus LX570 (Australian model - right hand driving) on Saturday the 18th of November 2023 and it worked. 1. The unit was installed above (not on top) the air filter behind the glove box (the video doesn't show where it was installed). 2. I used DIP switches 2 and 3 (set to ON) because the screen was flickering when the DIP switches were set to 2 and 4. 3. The lever/controller on the side isn't perfect, but you can use left/right to go up and down, and you can use up/down on the controller as the keyboard tab. 4. The car always starts with the standard Lexus infotainment, then switches into Carplay after about 5 seconds. 5. I noticed that it sometimes switches back to AUX as an input despite that I clearly set it to Bluetooth. 6. When I receive phone calls, the Carplay (this is more of a Carplay issue) goes into the phone's full screen even if I had the GPS running. Switching it back to GPS requires a bit of fiddling using the stupid Lexus remote controller. 7. Reversing the car switches into 3D camera then back to Carplay once completed. 8. Steering wheel buttons all work with making and terminating phone calls, going into the next or previous song, and to put the volume up or down. 9. Removing the trim on the side of the console was very hard (not as easy as shown in the video). Once they're removed, you'd end up with some red locks in the grooves (these are NOT broken items. It's designed this way). 10. Make sure that all the plugs CLICK when you insert them. Having loose connection would give you headache (almost gave up on the connect to the screen as I thought I had a faulty unit. It turned out that the connection was loose). The screen real estate and audio (using the Lexus Bluetooth system) are flawless. Would I prefer spending a $1,000 to get brand new unit to replate the entire infortainment system? Absolutely. Is such a unit currently in the market? Not at all. Not sure whether Alpine would invest in such units. Is this unit a reasonable solution for what we want? (i.e. GPS guidance using Waze or Google or Apple maps?) Absolultey. Thanks for the maker of this video. I hope this complimentary feedback would add value into it. Cheers, Khaled

[@NKPGarage]

Khaled, what a great detailed review. I and probably everyone else reading this really appreciates you taking the time to share your experience!!

[@Ibe-Sam]

@@NKPGarage Thank you for a great and detailed video. Can you please give us an update on how it’s been holding up ?

[@Michael-do1lq]

Man, you made this easy for me! I just did the install in less than 2 hours on a Grom unit using this and taking my time to pay attention to your feedback. THANK YOU! Only real pain was routing cables and finding the best location to mount the unit.

[@NKPGarage]

I bet that feels good to have done. How do you like the setup so far?

[@Michael-do1lq]

Well, was great until I got in and put it in reverse. Factory camera looks like a bad OTA cable channel. Working with tech support now to see what the deal is. Have the latest firmware and software, so we will see…

[@NKPGarage]

​​⁠ I’ve seen some people having issues and just needing to reseat the cables. Have you tried pulling it apart again and just testing while the trim and dash are still apart to see if it works?

[@Michael-do1lq]

Did that, no luck. Checked all the fuses, all were good. Pulled a few I didn’t get key on voltage to abs verified they were good. …them it started to work fine…so it’s fixed and not sure why, but I’ll take it!

[@NKPGarage]

@@Michael-do1lq I bet it was a loose connection somewhere. Still working?

[@markdaugherty6378]

Another great video, LX570 was lucky to get you as the new owner. You are my idol, 2am in the morning and still doing media content. I have not kept up with the latest software for car play, I now feel like I am current. I cannot believe how user-friendly most of that interior has been for removal, even that center console looked simple. Thanks again for making these and I look forward to upcoming episodes.

[@NKPGarage]

Thanks Mark! I’m too old to do this stuff at 2am. But I just wanted to get it done before traveling again for a week, and not cutting into family time on Saturday 😀 The interior was pretty easy to take apart. The toughest part was where that too long section met the gauge cluster trim. There are some clips there that attach the two parts that were tough to wiggle out without breaking. But with a little bit of patience they came out with no damage. I think if I had good instructions or a guide to follow the entire thing would have take 1 hour. But trying to figure it out as I went with all the mistakes it took me around 5 hours. So far I’m happy with it. It would be nice to have a touchscreen instead of the joystick. But this is far better than not having CarPlay. Enjoy the weekend!

[@sweetblue44]

The first Gen CarPlay used a knob. If you just tap the joystick left and right and ignore the up and down, it works great. Don’t try to use it like a mouse, just tap the lever left and right and navigation is super simple. I got mine from NAVIKS but then realized they just repackage the gizmo from a Korean company called indiwork so I ordered my second kit direct from them for less then half the price shipped straight from their factory. Put this into my LX and IS. Now I want to find out that option for audio over Bluetooth as I struggle with the phone either staying on Bluetooth or shifting to CarPlay audio and then I have to switch to AUX.

[@NKPGarage]

That’s a good tip. I noticed the up and down function from the joystick works on some screens but not on other screens with CarPlay. But with android auto it seems to work in most places. Sticking to the left and right is much easier for sure.

[@Scott-ib3tm]

I was waiting until prices for this thing came down to reasonable, and I think this is it. Thanks for the info.

[@NKPGarage]

You got it! So far I’ve been happy with it. Was a great upgrade to the factory infotainment system without having to go with one of the buggy android setups.

[@ragabnh]

I would say I am lucky to own the same car and model year like yours, this will be my next upgrade for sure. Thanks for your effort in producing this video.

[@NKPGarage]

They’re awesome vehicles for sure. My favorite SUV platform. And this upgrade helps to make the tech much more useful

[@sammyrich8193]

Awesome video, thanks for posting! I just finished with 17 lx and so far so good. First but I’m seeing is the screen goes black and back to the Lexus system when I activate my turn signals. Any ideas on this? Thanks again

[@NKPGarage]

I think that might be your camera settings turning the OEM camera on when you hit the turn signal.

[@iscreamcandytv9642]

OK, I just got this one installed. It looks great, but the mouse is terrible. I mean absolutely terrible. lol also the volume doesn’t seem to be loud enough when I’m playing the song. Also, I’m hearing a high-pitched frequency sound like a buzzing the same thing I basically hear when I have a cheap FM transmitter using that as a Bluetooth so it’s something with that. I wonder if there’s a way to get it to stop because it’s horrible.

[@iscreamcandytv9642]

Does the heads up display turn by turn work with the Apple map by chance?

[@NKPGarage]

No, unfortunately that doesn't work with the apple maps since its not integrated into the factory system. The HUD navigation still works if you use hte factory navigation, but not with the Carplay.

[@fahadahmedkhan]

Can you confirm if the same unit works for Toyota Land Cruiser 2021 VXR?

[@NKPGarage]

I think this one is meant for the Lexus, not the Toyota. But it is worth a try. It's an amazon listing so you can always return it for free if it doesn't work out.

[@saturnfire]

Thanks for sharing. I tried to convince my wife to get a LX600 or LX 570....She said no... So I will probably look to pick up a 2021 LX570 next year....but with a TRX and JL 392....trying to "add a LX570 this year would upset the "boss". Quick question did you look at any replacement head unit options? I know for my 2008 Sequoia, they have a whole head unit replacement...

[@NKPGarage]

Ya. I looked at a lot of various options. On my old 2009 Lx570 I did one of the large Tesla style screens and it was great at the time many years ago. But these days the majority of what I want is through CarPlay or android auto so this is the easiest route to avoid messing with any of the OEM electronics. This has worked out really well for us. Sounds like you’ve got a nice collection going! You’ll enjoy the LX hopefully

[@okaypaolo]

So in using the joystick to control carplay, does it also control native Lexus infotainment in the background? Just wondering if you'd risk changing settings blindly while controlling carplay. Thanks for the video!

[@NKPGarage]

I hear it making the Lexus joystick sounds in the background. But it has never caused any issues or selected anything as far as I’ve seen yet.

[@christian_lacs]

nice vid! i’m looking to install this in our 2016 LX, how has this unit been after a while?

[@NKPGarage]

It’s been really good. Every once in a while I have a small glitch where i have to reconnect. But other than that it’s been great. To be fair, that sometimes happens on our Mercedes OEM equipped CarPlay setup too, so it might just be my phone that causes that otherwise it’s been awesome

[@MohammedHasan-e7k]

would the heads up display still show music/navi with this aftermarket setup?

[@NKPGarage]

The heads up display will still show the music or navigation details from the OEM software, like if you are listening to a CD or Radio or XM Radio. But the HUD won't show the details from the Carplay.

[@ikhal3d]

After 4 months of ownership, do you still recommend this gizmo? The other after-market equipment are way too pricey for a simpla integration. Thank you.

[@NKPGarage]

Definitely still recommend it. Seeing a few owners with the other more name brand units, it seems like they all mostly work the same. This one has not had any problems for me and has been working great. The only real complaint I have is the lack of a touchscreen and being stuck with the joystick. But that’s the case no matter which unit you go with.

[@ikhal3d]

Thanks for the promt response@@NKPGarage. Much appreciated.

[@ti8321]

The previous owner install mines. Every works but when I mess with the setting on the carplay. The ac or heat will go on. and navigation start tell me to turn weird…

[@NKPGarage]

i heard some other people ran into that problem too. Have you made sure you are on the latest software update for the unit?

[@ti8321]

@ I tryed but it had a 4 digit password I couldn’t get pass.. I try 1234 n 0000

[@NKPGarage]

@@ti8321 do you know where the previous owner bought it from? I bet there is a software update available if you can find out

[@ti8321]

@@NKPGarage yeh I ask him and he say he never did set a password. He say he bought the unit from china

[@norazegill07]

does the apple carplay overrides the screens in the back seats?

[@NKPGarage]

Nope, the back seat screens still work the same as OEM and are unaffected.

[@Eferrari34]

Can you get a version that’s 100% wireless & doesn’t require a lightning cable? Also, where are you located?

[@NKPGarage]

This one is totally wireless. I never plug the phone in for Carplay or Android Auto to work. I'm in the Austin, TX area.

[@UAE1011]

Hi could you help please I contacted all wires put their is now sound

[@NKPGarage]

For the sound I connected via OEM radio's bluetooth.

[@christian_lacs]

just installed this in the car, do you have the issue when the joystick is clicked down or moved in the carplay screen it presses buttons on the stock interface?

[@NKPGarage]

I hear it clicking in the background, but never noticed it actually pressing any buttons or changing settings. I saw on the IH8MUD forum, someone else mentioned this as well. For me it's been okay so far.

[@viridianajauregui4074]

Works in lx570 2021?

[@NKPGarage]

Yup. It works in the 2016-2021 LX570.

[@iscreamcandytv9642]

OK, I just got this one installed. It looks great, but the mouse is terrible. I mean absolutely terrible. lol also the volume doesn’t seem to be loud enough when I’m playing the song

[@JSLTRD]

Great video…thank you! You still happy with everything?

[@NKPGarage]

Definitely still happy with it. The only thing I don't like is the silly Lexus "joystick". But I've learned to control it better with time. I now use the "enter" buttons on the side of the controller more often instead of depressing the joystick to click on items, that helps a lot with navigation.

[@JSLTRD]

Good to hear. Thanks again for a great detailed video.

[@NKPGarage]

@@JSLTRD absolutely! Glad it was helpful.

[@LuyenNgo-uf5hu]

Does your Lx570 have Mark Levinson system and rear dvd players? If so have it caused any long term issues?

[@NKPGarage]

Yup. Ours has the rear entertainment package with the screens for the second row. No problems at all. Rear screens still work and the kids are able to use the remote for the rear screens to control them just like before. And they can either listen the audio on their wireless headphones or I can out the audio on through the speakers. The auto rear view and parking cameras also still work just like they used to.

[@LuyenNgo-uf5hu]

@@NKPGarage ok thanks. I saw a review in Amazon where someone installed the kit and their LX570 has the Mark Levinson/ rear entertainment and they said the rear doesn’t work or something. Well I just pulled the trigger and ordered. My wife has been wanting CarPlay for a while so I’m going to surprise her. Thanks again! Your video was super helpful!

[@NKPGarage]

@@LuyenNgo-uf5hu I always take the reviews with a grain of salt and especially with Amazon items I can return I sometimes will take a chance on them and try them myself. This one has been a great decision so far. I wish I had installed it sooner. The Lexus infotainment system is terrible, but with Apple Carplay and Android Auto now working it feels like a new car again. And so far everything is working great.

[@deluxe1030]

thats awesome, im seriously going to think about getting this.

[@NKPGarage]

It has been great so far. Makes the factory system much more usable. I don’t even use the radio anymore now that we have CarPlay/ AndroidAuto functionality.

[@MrLazlness]

Does it work with the 2013?

[@NKPGarage]

I think it might work with the 2013 better since it is touch scrreen. But you might want to ask the seller.

[@MrVanFosson]

Going to try this on my 2015 LX 570, ordered

[@NKPGarage]

Nice! I’m still pretty happy with ours. It’s so much nicer having CarPlay and not having to grab my phone all the time

[@MrVanFosson]

@@NKPGarage your vehicle had the toggle control, I have a touch screen. I know it says that my 2015 LX is compatible, with your knowledge does that seem right? thanks for your time

[@NKPGarage]

@@MrVanFosson that’s a good question. It’s not really clear on the listing. You could always try it and if it doesn’t work Amazon returns are easy.

[@MrVanFosson]

@@NKPGarage Amazon just delivered it so I might give it a try this weekend. I’ll let you know the results.

[@NKPGarage]

@@MrVanFosson Good luck!! Let us know how it goes.

[@TNguyen7]

Are you still happy with it and the joystick is biggest con?

[@NKPGarage]

Yup, so far so good. Working great. My only dislike is having to navigate with the joystick. But I'm starting to get used to that.

[@danhdo8233]

Wonder how much a shop charged for this labor

[@NKPGarage]

I bet they’d charge 500-700 in labor

[@rufusade4294]

I charged between 200-300

[@danhdo8233]

@@rufusade4294 cheap affordable

[@NKPGarage]

Wow, that’s actually lower than I thought. Very reasonable

[@UAE1011]

Hi I have one idea I already see one guy installed car play then connect HDMI form car play unite to back side ther is HDMI port so then any thing showing in front screen will mirror to back screens please can you try it asap cause I ordered car play want see if that works please

[@NKPGarage]

That would be interesting. I guess you could do that. Let me know how it goes. Really curious to see how you like it once it is hooked up

[@UAE1011]

@@NKPGarage thank you for fast response I saw one gay just talk about it if you just buy HDMI and try to connect it from the car play unite I believe there is HDMI PORT ON IT then. Just connect to there rear HDMI port and see if it’s work then just Figure out how to hide there HDMI wire

[@NKPGarage]

@@UAE1011 that is definitely worth trying to see how it works. If you do it, let me know how it goes and how you like the solution. I am very curious how it goes.

[@Rayan15588]

Does work in Lexus is 200t 2016?

[@NKPGarage]

Which model 200t do you have? NX, IS? GS, etc…?

[@Rayan15588]

@@NKPGarage Lexus Is 200t 2016

[@NKPGarage]

@@Rayan15588 yes. It looks like it should work with that model. If you look at the Amazon link and read the product description the Lexus IS model is supported by the kit.

[@Rayan15588]

@@NKPGarage Thanks

[@ianlz2207]

Thank you mate, excellent video

[@NKPGarage]

Thanks! Glad you found the video helpful. I'm still loving the Carplay on ours. Use it every day.

[@123456789021630]

Great video thanx for sharing.

[@NKPGarage]

You got it! Thanks for support and for watching!

[@djcatmonster]

Next upgrade will be this tech update

[@NKPGarage]

It has been great so far! 👍