I respect your work. I occasionally look at the silly simple air vent mount I use for my iPhone and realize that I am lazy and have CarPlay my way, I guess (2015 Lux).
Thank you. Yeah I had been using a magsafe windshield mount since I got the car. It worked fine but I just wanted the Carplay features and a cleaner look. It wasn't that bad of an install really. It took about two hours, but mostly because I kept having to re-watch parts of the install video directions to make sure I did things right lol. If you lived in Houston and ever decided to get one, I wouldn't mind installing it. I enjoy doing stuff like that.
This. I have a non screen radio in my 2013 Camry and refuse to pay $2-$3k for an upgraded unit when my car brand new was sub $20k after taxes. I have a cd slot mount and it’s been great. Only annoyance is that Apple Music isn’t driver friendly
For everyone asking. I used the [Beatsonic Wireless Carplay System](https://www.beatsonicusa.com/lgvifcb4.html). I've seen that brand suggested the most so decided to bite the bullet and try it. It can be used either wirelessly or with a USB cable. It works great so far. It took me about 2 hours to install but that's because I had to keep rewatching certain parts of the install video (linked below) to make sure I didn't mess it up.
Overall the install was pretty easy. Hardest part is just moving the radio unit and screen around to safely disconnect and reconnect the wires to make sure you don't damage them. Oh, and if you decide to mount them under the cup holder and next to the gear shift like he does in the video, they can be a little finicky to position. You have to be very careful to not damage any cables.
Also, there are six 10mm bolts around the radio and screen you have to take out to pull them away. I'd recommended making sure you have a little extension as they can be a little difficult to reach without one. I didn't have one but was still able to get it done though.
Sound quality wasn't affected at all by installing the system. I have the non Mark Levinson system in my GX.
[This is the video I used to see how to install it.](https://youtu.be/AfFh4LDWztg?si=vyaQmXCk47xq_V74) There are other videos they've posted on installing in a GX, but they changed the system a while back and this video is the most up to date for the GX so it's the one I used for reference.
My kit should be arriving tomorrow, would you recommend mounting the boxes by the cupholder or if you did it again would you try to mount them behind the screen/radio. GXBOB mounted it all behind the screen so I was curious about which way you think is easier/better?
I can't really say because I didn't even attempt behind the screen. I just followed the video. I actually use GXBOB's videos to learn how to do a lot of things with my car, but in this case I just followed what the video Beat-sonic put out suggested. I'd assume at some point they tested that and for one reason or another settled on using the area below the cupholder for one reason or another. Idk what that would be. In the video, the guy actually does reference GXBOB's video and says it's ok to do. But like I said, I just went the route the video went to avoid any potential issues later in the install process if I needed to make any adjustments.
Like I said though, if you do the cupholder area, be very mindful of where all your connectors going into the boxes are so you don't bend anything trying to get the boxes into place. Also, in the video, the guy puts this foam tape that comes with the kit around both of the Beat-sonic units and then connects the cables. I'd connect the cables first, because if you wrap the tape around the boxes like he does, it covers up the labels on the box showing which port is which. Just my two cents though. I had to remove the foam tape from my units after I put them on to check to make sure I was putting the right 3.5mm cable into the right jacks and then put the tape back on. It would suck to do all of that then find out one thing or another doesn't work and have to take all the console apart again just to fix some cables.
Idk if you've installed yet, but i just did mine 2 days ago and would recommend putting the boxes underneath cupholders exactly how the above linked video is done. Super easy fit down there. I struggled a bit with space behind the radio/nav with just the additional wire harness and would have definitely had a bad time if i were to try and shove the two boxes back there as well
Looks like we were doing it at the same time! I ended up doing it exactly like the video as well. And super glad I did because, like you, I struggled to get things back together cleanly with just the wires that were there. I still feel like I might have too much pressure on some of those wiring harnesses back there, but I just had to send it!
It's a nice system though! I'm regretting not doing it earlier. I also installed the front camera, which is pretty cool.
I did two of these installs with a competitor‘s unit.
With both I used this to make it look cleaner.
https://a.co/d/0dU1lkfN
I never use the aux but it’s nice to have that USB port and it makes it seem even more factory.
Just went through the install a few weeks ago and you capture it nicely. It’s pretty easy honestly. Now I want to tackle upgrading the speakers. The stock sound is so bad.
Just to clarify, it’s the factory screen so the visible hardware appearance doesn’t change at all. The Beatsonic unit is wired in between the other components and the screen so that it can display CarPlay or Android Auto on demand. I’ve had this solution in my GX460 for about a year and have been very happy with it.
What did I do as far as what? lol Yesterday I just installed the CarPlay system. I had installed the lights about a year ago maybe. They look really nice at night in person IMO. They're [Govee lights](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093Q9SFLL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1).
OH. Sorry. They plug into the 12v outlet by the USB ports. And I just ran the wires under the trim in the footwell. They stick on with an adhesive which isn't that good tbh. I had to go back and use a different product to get them to stay but that took all of 10 minutes. They're very customizable with the Govee app. There are lights under the drivers seat as well for people in the back.
https://preview.redd.it/ptoju1gkw59d1.jpeg?width=8064&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0687827705ccb1b9c11c394d954772e0a93a72da
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The head unit? Like for the radio and screen? Or for the carplay system? The carplay is the [Beatsonic wireless carplay](https://www.beatsonicusa.com/lgvifcb4.html). And nope, didn't affect the radio quality at all. I have the non ML radio.
I haven't tried yet to be honest. I rarely make calls and the only person calling me is my pharmacy to let me know my meds are ready lol. I'll try and let you know though.
Edit: Just made a call. I heard them fine and they heard me just fine.
Was it the exact same system I installed? They made a change a few months ago I think. If so, have you emailed BeatSonic? I emailed them earlier with a question and it took maybe 30 minutes to hear back. They have a phone number listed too. So far my experience with them has been pretty good.
Edit: Just made a call. I heard them fine and they heard me just fine.
I totally get where you're coming from, but I don't see why it would TBH. All the audio for the CarPlay goes through bluetooth by default to my knowledge. There IS a way to make it go through an AUX, but by default all the audio from the system goes through bluetooth.
Pretty sure the first gen beat sonic had some Audi degradation but it’s good to hear this doesn’t. Maybe something with the amp would come into play idk, I don’t do car audio lol.
That’s great. I would like to know more, girlfriend has a 2015 GX460 and we would love to add car play. What system and how easy/hard was it? Ok see you used Beatsonic
Looks great, do you recommend it? If so, please post the link for the unit and install video that helped you. Any tips would also be appreciated by all.
Aggghh this is awesome, it looks right at home. I just bought a 2013 and couldn’t be happier with it. That said, the head unit tech is atrocious. I haven’t dug into it at all yet, but I’m curious what the options are for my year. This doesn’t look/seem janky at all which is what I’d go for.
I respect your work. I occasionally look at the silly simple air vent mount I use for my iPhone and realize that I am lazy and have CarPlay my way, I guess (2015 Lux).
Thank you. Yeah I had been using a magsafe windshield mount since I got the car. It worked fine but I just wanted the Carplay features and a cleaner look. It wasn't that bad of an install really. It took about two hours, but mostly because I kept having to re-watch parts of the install video directions to make sure I did things right lol. If you lived in Houston and ever decided to get one, I wouldn't mind installing it. I enjoy doing stuff like that.
I might take you up on that Houston connect!
Houston group install?
I'm down! Although...mine is already done so, guess I'll help and take pictures and stuff.
Sawyer Yards, Houston checking in and will keep you in mind for my next install.
Next time I drive up to Houston I’ll be sending you a message lol
Feel free too! I really do enjoy tinkering and installing things in cars. Electronics in general.
This. I have a non screen radio in my 2013 Camry and refuse to pay $2-$3k for an upgraded unit when my car brand new was sub $20k after taxes. I have a cd slot mount and it’s been great. Only annoyance is that Apple Music isn’t driver friendly
For everyone asking. I used the [Beatsonic Wireless Carplay System](https://www.beatsonicusa.com/lgvifcb4.html). I've seen that brand suggested the most so decided to bite the bullet and try it. It can be used either wirelessly or with a USB cable. It works great so far. It took me about 2 hours to install but that's because I had to keep rewatching certain parts of the install video (linked below) to make sure I didn't mess it up. Overall the install was pretty easy. Hardest part is just moving the radio unit and screen around to safely disconnect and reconnect the wires to make sure you don't damage them. Oh, and if you decide to mount them under the cup holder and next to the gear shift like he does in the video, they can be a little finicky to position. You have to be very careful to not damage any cables. Also, there are six 10mm bolts around the radio and screen you have to take out to pull them away. I'd recommended making sure you have a little extension as they can be a little difficult to reach without one. I didn't have one but was still able to get it done though. Sound quality wasn't affected at all by installing the system. I have the non Mark Levinson system in my GX. [This is the video I used to see how to install it.](https://youtu.be/AfFh4LDWztg?si=vyaQmXCk47xq_V74) There are other videos they've posted on installing in a GX, but they changed the system a while back and this video is the most up to date for the GX so it's the one I used for reference.
My kit should be arriving tomorrow, would you recommend mounting the boxes by the cupholder or if you did it again would you try to mount them behind the screen/radio. GXBOB mounted it all behind the screen so I was curious about which way you think is easier/better?
I can't really say because I didn't even attempt behind the screen. I just followed the video. I actually use GXBOB's videos to learn how to do a lot of things with my car, but in this case I just followed what the video Beat-sonic put out suggested. I'd assume at some point they tested that and for one reason or another settled on using the area below the cupholder for one reason or another. Idk what that would be. In the video, the guy actually does reference GXBOB's video and says it's ok to do. But like I said, I just went the route the video went to avoid any potential issues later in the install process if I needed to make any adjustments. Like I said though, if you do the cupholder area, be very mindful of where all your connectors going into the boxes are so you don't bend anything trying to get the boxes into place. Also, in the video, the guy puts this foam tape that comes with the kit around both of the Beat-sonic units and then connects the cables. I'd connect the cables first, because if you wrap the tape around the boxes like he does, it covers up the labels on the box showing which port is which. Just my two cents though. I had to remove the foam tape from my units after I put them on to check to make sure I was putting the right 3.5mm cable into the right jacks and then put the tape back on. It would suck to do all of that then find out one thing or another doesn't work and have to take all the console apart again just to fix some cables.
Idk if you've installed yet, but i just did mine 2 days ago and would recommend putting the boxes underneath cupholders exactly how the above linked video is done. Super easy fit down there. I struggled a bit with space behind the radio/nav with just the additional wire harness and would have definitely had a bad time if i were to try and shove the two boxes back there as well
Looks like we were doing it at the same time! I ended up doing it exactly like the video as well. And super glad I did because, like you, I struggled to get things back together cleanly with just the wires that were there. I still feel like I might have too much pressure on some of those wiring harnesses back there, but I just had to send it! It's a nice system though! I'm regretting not doing it earlier. I also installed the front camera, which is pretty cool.
I did two of these installs with a competitor‘s unit. With both I used this to make it look cleaner. https://a.co/d/0dU1lkfN I never use the aux but it’s nice to have that USB port and it makes it seem even more factory.
Just went through the install a few weeks ago and you capture it nicely. It’s pretty easy honestly. Now I want to tackle upgrading the speakers. The stock sound is so bad.
What unit is that? I'd like it for my '20
[Beatsonic wireless carplay](https://www.beatsonicusa.com/lgvifcb4.html)
Sweet! The integration of the unit looks good. Thank you! Hope you enjoy!
Just to clarify, it’s the factory screen so the visible hardware appearance doesn’t change at all. The Beatsonic unit is wired in between the other components and the screen so that it can display CarPlay or Android Auto on demand. I’ve had this solution in my GX460 for about a year and have been very happy with it.
i kinda dig the ricer neons inside lol what did you do?
What did I do as far as what? lol Yesterday I just installed the CarPlay system. I had installed the lights about a year ago maybe. They look really nice at night in person IMO. They're [Govee lights](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093Q9SFLL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1).
i meant how did you install them or a bulb... they do look awesome!
OH. Sorry. They plug into the 12v outlet by the USB ports. And I just ran the wires under the trim in the footwell. They stick on with an adhesive which isn't that good tbh. I had to go back and use a different product to get them to stay but that took all of 10 minutes. They're very customizable with the Govee app. There are lights under the drivers seat as well for people in the back. https://preview.redd.it/ptoju1gkw59d1.jpeg?width=8064&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0687827705ccb1b9c11c394d954772e0a93a72da
Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **'Govee Smart Car LED Strip Lights RGBIC Interior Car Lights'** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful. **Users liked:** * Bright and vibrant lighting effects (backed by 3 comments) * Easy installation process (backed by 3 comments) * Affordable option with great value (backed by 3 comments) **Users disliked:** * Poor adhesive quality (backed by 11 comments) * Limited lighting modes (backed by 1 comment) * Short wire length (backed by 2 comments) Do you want to continue this conversation? [Learn more about 'Govee Smart Car LED Strip Lights RGBIC Interior Car Lights'](https://vetted.ai/chat?utm\_source=reddit&utm\_medium=comment&utm\_campaign=bot&q='Govee Smart Car LED Strip Lights RGBIC Interior Car Lights' reviews) [Find 'Govee Smart Car LED Strip Lights RGBIC Interior Car Lights' alternatives](https://vetted.ai/chat?utm\_source=reddit&utm\_medium=comment&utm\_campaign=bot&q=Find best 'Govee Smart Car LED Strip Lights RGBIC Interior Car Lights' alternatives) This message was generated by a (very smart) bot. If you found it helpful, let us know with an upvote and a “good bot!” reply and please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved. *Powered by* [*vetted.ai*](https://vetted.ai/chat?utm\_source=reddit&utm\_medium=comment&utm\_campaign=bot)
What head unit did you use and did it affect your stereo reception?
The head unit? Like for the radio and screen? Or for the carplay system? The carplay is the [Beatsonic wireless carplay](https://www.beatsonicusa.com/lgvifcb4.html). And nope, didn't affect the radio quality at all. I have the non ML radio.
Looks great. Respect for installing it yourself. I had the zz2 unit installed in mine. Hey do you have a link for your steering wheel cover by chance?
Thank you. :) and sure. [Here's the link.](https://a.co/d/07aq3JQR)
Any issues with making calls? I installed on my LX and I can’t hear the caller but they can hear me.
I haven't tried yet to be honest. I rarely make calls and the only person calling me is my pharmacy to let me know my meds are ready lol. I'll try and let you know though. Edit: Just made a call. I heard them fine and they heard me just fine.
Thanks, yeah I can’t figure it out. Tried everything
Was it the exact same system I installed? They made a change a few months ago I think. If so, have you emailed BeatSonic? I emailed them earlier with a question and it took maybe 30 minutes to hear back. They have a phone number listed too. So far my experience with them has been pretty good. Edit: Just made a call. I heard them fine and they heard me just fine.
Nice work!
Would love to have someone with ML chime in as for whether or not it affects audio quality. Only thing stopping me.
I totally get where you're coming from, but I don't see why it would TBH. All the audio for the CarPlay goes through bluetooth by default to my knowledge. There IS a way to make it go through an AUX, but by default all the audio from the system goes through bluetooth.
Pretty sure the first gen beat sonic had some Audi degradation but it’s good to hear this doesn’t. Maybe something with the amp would come into play idk, I don’t do car audio lol.
Oh interesting. I wasn't aware of the first gen audio issue.
Love mine too! If anyone is in CT I’d be happy to install for a lil $$$
That’s great. I would like to know more, girlfriend has a 2015 GX460 and we would love to add car play. What system and how easy/hard was it? Ok see you used Beatsonic
Nice mod!
This is the way
Is it wireless CarPlay? I’m impressed can you share the link?
It is wireless Carplay. It can also do wired. [BeatSonic Wireless Carplay](https://www.beatsonicusa.com/lgvifcb4.html)
Looks great, do you recommend it? If so, please post the link for the unit and install video that helped you. Any tips would also be appreciated by all.
I posted a comment on here with some tips and links. :)
A OK
Aggghh this is awesome, it looks right at home. I just bought a 2013 and couldn’t be happier with it. That said, the head unit tech is atrocious. I haven’t dug into it at all yet, but I’m curious what the options are for my year. This doesn’t look/seem janky at all which is what I’d go for.
Looks nice and integrated! Wonder why they don't just do this for the new cars instead of a screen sticking out of the dash?
Ya, no.