4X4SHOP.CA Android Install/Review

[Rvzzx]

Just installed one of their 10.25 androids in my 2017 hi nav SQ.
Lots of install videos out there, the install is basically the same, with the exception of the MMI input cable somehow popping out of their supplied harness would have been hiccup-free. Aside from checking to make sure your connections are tight (which I did) I'd make sure the green part of their supplied radio connection socket is well seated into their harness, it snaps in and comes that way but mine musta not been totally in. The Mmi aux is in that green part of the harness. You def need to order the aux MMI cable and will need to reset an airbag light when you disconnect the factory hazard switch and plug it into the supplied T-harness. Once reset the T-harness does its job and the light stays off.

As for the 4x4 shop. I had the above issue, called them, they answered and did a couple FaceTime calls with me to troubleshoot until we determined it had to be a connection, slid the radio out and saw that dam green plug had come out. Hadn't gone there first as I was 100% I had seated everything well. They were for sure there when I needed them!!

I went with this one over two other units based on the fact I could call them and did so before I purchased. I didn't pay for support and the unit was at my door in like 3-4 days.

I wanted it to plugin and not have to do updates and stuff as I'm an old dude.
So far it’s been awesome, I drive a Ton, and am on the phone and in Google maps and Spotify constantly. CarPlay, even using voice commands is new to me but I love it. The ease of using Google maps, voice, and having my most common cell numbers on the android menu is for sure gonna make my life easier.
Looks-wise, the thing is Killer!!!

I’m not an Android guy so need to figure out some things maybe someone that knows can help me.
Haven’t figured out how to get my browser app or any new apps to display on the screen.
Out of the box it displays my phone, Spotify, Google maps, calendar, and a few other apps.
Haven’t figured out how to get internet on the android without being on my houses WiFi. Can’t seem to get it through my iPhone even though the android connects to iPhone via WiFi. I also had a hotspot set up on phone. Not sure if I need a SIM card for that.
I really just wanna watch movies when I’m early for an appointment and am hoping to do so by burning dvds to a memory stick and using usb connection. Not sure that’s possible or if I need an app to play it on the android once I burn then to a usb. (I’m and old guy as I mentioned lol)
Currently, I can watch a dvd through the factory cd player, it isn't full android screen as it's through the mmi and is mmi screen size, haven't figured out how to fullscreen that, suspect I may not be able to and can totally live with that if need be.

Anyone have any insight I’d appreciate it if not I’ll search, fiddle then call the 4x4 guys if need be.

Take away so far.
Def one of the best mods you can do.
Def worth the time and effort, issue free, taking your time prob 2.5hrs end to end.
Def I’d work with the 4x4shop again and may even buy another unit from them for a non Audi.

If you're on the fence Do It !! You will be happy, I am !!!

Edit: you Can display any MMI feature as well as backup cam and view a dvd in Fullscreen. There is an option in Android to display factory radio in Fullscreen.
Edit Edit: For trouble free connections and no issues audio swapping with calls I needed to go into the MMI Bluetooth telephone menu and make sure it only connects for calls and not the audio player

[CvW]

I second that the folk at 4x4ca are responsive and helpful. I found the install instructions for the 8.8" unit have significant improvement potential, however.

I am not a huge fan of instructions that I cannot print out and take with me to the car. The written instructions are mostly OK for removing all the trim inside the car (mine is a 2011 A6 C6 Avant w/Prestige trim and Bose upgrade) but after that it's a bit frustrating that you basically have to figure out on your own what needs to go where re: HVAC plug T-harness, main harness, etc. and the instructions also do not differentiate between the various trim levels either. For example, my car has the prestige trim level / Bose sound option and no fiber optics as far as I can tell.

At the same time, I also want to acknowledge the difficulty of making a guide that covers all the different A6 trim / sound system permutations. I suggest looking up as many youtube videos re: retrofits as you can, as each one contains helpful tips. For example, the hooks you have to pull to release the HVAC vents go in different directions (vertical for the ones between the wheel and the door, horizontal for the ones between the wheel and the center column).

Bring a wide variety of sockets and ideally have help with re-attaching the glove box, which almost turned into my Alamo. A impact driver is super helpful since the glove box is so heavy and the last bolt (the one closest to the transmission tunnel) is an absolute bear to line up. A right-angle impact driver is helpful for the three bolts inside the glove box.

The harness is a universal one so it contains more plugs and wires than my car has a need for. Somewhat worryingly, some of these wires are not covered in the cloth anti-chafe tape and 4x4ca doesn't supply same for covering up unused 12V, etc. wires.

Overall, I am very happy with the upgrade. For the most part, Carplay works perfectly and whatever wireless issues I have I will blame on my phone (iPhone 15) rather than the car or head unit. Bluetooth is simply a lot flakier for the iPhone 15 than it was for my older iPhone 11, which never lost its connection to the cars Bluetooth module.