How to use SIM data plan with Android headunit

[Don Fulano]

I bought an inexpensive headunit to use in my truck that came with Android 5.1.1. It doesn't have anywhere to install a SIM for data, and up until now I have used my phone as a hotspot to share the WiFi with it. Now I want it to give it data full-time with an extra SIM & plan that I have. For inputs, the headunit has USB connections, a slot for a microSD card, WiFi, and bluetooth. What would be the best way to give the headunit a full-time data connection?

 

[mustang7757]

Hi, welcome to AC !

Those head unit that come with Andriod 5.1 not that great , does it have a place to put a sim card ? Otherwise its only going do mobile Hotspot with wifi or mobile data

 

[Don Fulano]

No, it doesn't have anywhere to put a SIM card. Any recommendations for a hotspot that works well? Or would it be simpler just to use an older phone as a hotspot?

 

[Mooncatt]

For starters, those Android radios are typically junk sold by no name companies. I wouldn't expect it to last long, questionable sound quality, and likely little to no customer service. My suggestion would be to return it if you still can, then get a regular radio from a name brand company like Pioneer, JVC, Sony, Kenwood, etc.

For data, I guess the question is what are you looking to do with it? If you are streaming services like Spotify or Pandora, many standard radios have those built in via a Bluetooth connection. You would run the app on your phone, but have an app specific interface on the radio. There's also Android Auto built in to most radios now too (not to be confused with an Android OS like you have now). I'm personally more old school. I stream media via my phone through the aux cable or simple Bluetooth connection.

 

[mustang7757]

No, it doesn't have anywhere to put a SIM card. Any recommendations for a hotspot that works well? Or would it be simpler just to use an older phone as a hotspot?

Older phone would be my suggestion

 

[Don Fulano]

Thanks for the replies. It's an older headunit that's been installed for a few years now, which has worked well, but I'm happy to hear any recommendations for specific units that would be worth the upgrade. I mainly want data to use with Waze and Google Maps. I'm inclined to follow the suggestion to use an older phone- I have a few laying around, so no advantage I guess in buying a hotspot.

 

[mustang7757]

Thanks for the replies. It's an older headunit that's been installed for a few years now, which has worked well, but I'm happy to hear any recommendations for specific units that would be worth the upgrade. I mainly want data to use with Waze and Google Maps. I'm inclined to follow the suggestion to use an older phone- I have a few laying around, so no advantage I guess in buying a hotspot.

Whats the year,make ,model?

 

[Mooncatt]

Www.Crutchfield.com would be a great place to start. Enter your vehicle info and they will narrow your search to radios that will fit. Then you can further refine your search based on specific features you want. They also have a lot of self help resources.

 

[Don Fulano]

It's a Gen2 Tacoma. I can probably fit just about any double-DIN headunit into it. The radio in the unit works fine, and Neutron Music does a good job, so I don't really need the latest and greatest, but data for Google Maps is a must.

 

[Mooncatt]

It's a Gen2 Tacoma. I can probably fit just about any double-DIN headunit into it. The radio in the unit works fine, and Neutron Music does a good job, so I don't really need the latest and greatest, but data for Google Maps is a must.

You can get something with Android Auto and run Google Maps on it via your phone without needing a data connection on the radio.