How can I download APK apps to my 2016 Honda Civic?

[AC Question]

Someone help me out with how to download apk apps to my 2016 Honda civic.

 

[Goli Coke]

I download few app from apkmirror.com to USB
None of the app work!!
Android 4.2.2 on the Honda Not let you to install any app (But they (HONDA) have few flip screens for more app)
What a joke!

 

[hallux]

That's not how Android Auto works.

Android Auto is intended as a tool to make text, phone, map apps available for easy access and make them hands-free through the radio. Individual apps can declare themselves Android Auto capable and have an interface for such. Waze is reported to have AA capability coming soon, so apps adding it is not out of the question.

 

[Phil Nickinson]

And while we're talking apples and oranges here, remember that anything sideloaded to your phone will not work with Android Auto. That includes apps that work with Android Auto, iirc.

 

[hallux]

I missed this the first time, is Android 4.2.2 even AA-compatible? Don't you need at least KK, if not Lollipop?

 

[theelite1x87]

Correct. Android auto requires Android 5.0 or higher. It won't work on jellybean (4.2)

 

[sprunka]

Ok, just having gotten my Civic EX, it seems to me that the OP and the first response are both talking about the special side-load of Apps (via apk files) to the built-in android 4.2.2 "tablet" that is the car's audio display unit. They are not talking about Android Auto or sideloading onto their phone.

The best answer I can find for the OP is that it sure looks like you can, but you can't. The current best guess on other forums is that feature is for future use, if Honda makes deals with certain app developers, or if their own people develop apps... etc, but currently it appears to be locked down tightly.

Though some folks over at XDA have managed to do something (I haven't read the whole thread to see how well it applies.)
Honda Connect Android System

 

[LucidObscurity]

Basically, in the EU and perhaps other regions, the in-dash system is android 4.0.x while the US version is android 4.2.2. For the 4.0.x version (EU) they can rename .apk files to those names which are "white-listed" in order to install anything they want. They can even alter permissions so that those apps will work while driving. For the US version, they were a bit smarter and their "white-listing" is not file name based but rather is based on signed packages. In other words, the head unit will need to be rooted in order to be able to side load apps. There are a number of exploits for android 4.2.2, but it seems, so far, no good android developer/hacker has got himself a new civic or pilot and so there isn't any talent working on this. There is a hidden USB type B port on the back of the head unit if you open up your dashboard which has allowed adb access, but, ideally the exploit (if one is ever created) to root the head unit will be browser based where you can simply visit a website w/the built in browser to root. Until a good developer buys himself a new civic/pilot, we're probably SOL.

 

[mikealanni]

Basically, in the EU and perhaps other regions, the in-dash system is android 4.0.x while the US version is android 4.2.2. For the 4.0.x version (EU) they can rename .apk files to those names which are "white-listed" in order to install anything they want. They can even alter permissions so that those apps will work while driving. For the US version, they were a bit smarter and their "white-listing" is not file name based but rather is based on signed packages. In other words, the head unit will need to be rooted in order to be able to side load apps. There are a number of exploits for android 4.2.2, but it seems, so far, no good android developer/hacker has got himself a new civic or pilot and so there isn't any talent working on this. There is a hidden USB type B port on the back of the head unit if you open up your dashboard which has allowed adb access, but, ideally the exploit (if one is ever created) to root the head unit will be browser based where you can simply visit a website w/the built in browser to root. Until a good developer buys himself a new civic/pilot, we're probably SOL.

so if I open the unit I will find a USB type B in the back that can allow adb access? as I think if I can do that might dirty cow will work and side load couple apk helping me install another apk (i'm talking about 2016 Honda Civic NA)