3 Things You Need To Install Carplay On Your Factory Head Unit

There are plenty of reasons why CarPlay is rapidly becoming a popular option for automotive entertainment systems. If nothing else, using apps from your phone can help streamline navigation and other typical vehicle tasks. At best, you can reduce your level of distraction by interacting with familiar apps and interfaces instead of sometimes complex manufacturer-specific systems.

Unfortunately, CarPlay on a factory radio may not be available on many older cars. While you can always install a new head unit and entertainment, this approach may mean losing some critical functionality for your vehicle. Retrofitting CarPlay into your factory head unit may be a better option. If you're considering tackling this upgrade, here are three things you'll need to make it work.

1. Existing Infotainment System

Retrofit kits work by adding CarPlay into your car's existing factory infotainment system. Unfortunately, older vehicles without displays integrated into their existing head units typically can't benefit from this upgrade. As long as your car already has a high-resolution display for a navigation or infotainment system, there's probably a retrofit kit that will work for you.

Note that retrofit kits specially designed for your vehicle may utilize existing features of your infotainment system. For example, you may be able to use your steering wheel buttons to activate Siri or bring up specific apps. Check the particular features of the retrofit kit you're buying to see which integrations may be available.

2. Compatible Retrofit Kit

You'll need to purchase a retrofit kit, which usually includes a specialized multimedia box and additional wiring. These kits aren't generic. You'll need to find one that works for your specific make and model of car. Once you have a suitable kit, you'll usually need to install it by connecting it to your factory radio wiring harness.

Note that the actual installation process can vary between models. For example, some cars may require connecting to a harness in the trunk instead of behind the factory radio. Make sure you consult with the manufacturer's installation instructions to have a clear understanding of what will be required.

3. Basic Hand Tools

The good news is that most retrofit kits only require basic hand tools for installation. If you need to access your factory radio, it may be worthwhile to buy a trim removal tool kit, as well. These tools provide an easy way to unlatch dash trim clips without scraping or damaging parts of your interior. This relatively small investment can help your retrofit installation proceed more smoothly and quickly.

If you're not comfortable working on your car radio yourself, most automotive audio shops should be able to tackle these retrofits without issue. Whether you choose to install your retrofit kit on your own or pay someone to do it for you, you'll ultimately get to enjoy a high-tech upgrade for your vehicle without losing any of the factory functionality you already enjoy.