Modern smart head units typically run on the Android operating system, which means they can be updated to the latest version just like a smartphone or tablet.
Keeping the head unit software up to date is important because it helps ensure optimal performance and gives the user access to new features and improvements.
In this article, we will go through the steps for updating an Android head unit to Android 11, the latest version of the Android operating system.
Prerequisites for updating the head unit to Android 11
Before starting the update process, there are a few things you need to check and prepare.
Compatibility:
First and foremost, you need to make sure that your head unit is compatible with Android 11. Not all head units are able to run the latest version of the operating system, so it’s important to check before proceeding.
You can usually find this information in the head unit’s documentation or by contacting the manufacturer.
If you have purchased the head unit recently, you should be rest assured that the unit will get the update. However, if it is purchased more than 3 years ago, then it might not be compatible with recent updates as brands tend to stop pushing updates after a couple of years to android devices.
Storage space:
You will also need to make sure that the head unit has enough storage space to accommodate the update. Android 11 is a relatively large update, so you will need to have at least a few gigabytes of free space on the head unit.
Since the update will vary depending on what device you have, but roughly 12 gb is what you will need to free up for the update to complete.
Data backup:
It’s always a good idea to back up any important data on the head unit before starting the update process.
This includes things like music, photos, and any custom settings you have made. There are a few different ways you can do this, depending on the head unit.
Some head units may have a built-in backup feature, while others may allow you to transfer files to a USB drive or connect to a computer to transfer the data.
Steps for updating the head unit to Android 11
Now that you have checked the prerequisites, you are ready to start the update process. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Connect to the internet:
In order to download the update, you will need to connect the head unit to a stable internet connection. This can be done using a Wi-Fi network or a mobile hotspot.
I recommend parking your car in the garage and utilizing your home wifi to download the update as it will consume a tremendous amount of data.
Using wifi instead of a mobile hotspot will save you time and potentially money if your mobile is in a limited data plan.
Check for updates:
Once you are connected to the internet, you will need to check for updates through the head unit’s settings menu.
The exact steps for doing this may vary depending on the head unit, so you may want to consult the documentation or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions.
Generally, the option for the update is in the About device section which can be found in the system settings.
Download and install the update:
If an update is available, you will be prompted to download and install it. Make sure you have enough storage space and battery life before starting the update process.
The update may take some time to download and install, so be patient and don’t interrupt the process.
If your device doesn’t automatically download the update from the internet, there are ways by which you can download the update manually and install in the device. However, we don’t recommend doing so in the car stereo as more often than not, it comes with different issues.
Allow the update to complete:
Once the update has been downloaded and installed, the head unit will need to restart in order to complete the process.
This may take a few minutes, so don’t be alarmed if the screen goes black for a while. Once the head unit has restarted, it should be running on Android 11.
Troubleshooting Common Issues During Android Car Stereo Firmware Update
There are a few common issues you may encounter when updating an Android head unit to Android 11. Here are some tips for troubleshooting these issues:
Head unit not detecting the update:
If the head unit is not detecting the update, it could be due to a number of reasons. It could be that the update is not yet available in your region, or it could be a problem with the internet connection. To troubleshoot this issue, you can try the following:
- Check the head unit documentation or contact the manufacturer to see if the update is available in your region.
- Make sure you are connected to a stable internet connection.
- Try restarting the head unit and checking for updates again.
Update process getting stuck or taking a long time:
If the update process seems to be stuck or taking a long time, it could be due to a variety of issues. To troubleshoot this issue, you can try the following:
- Make sure you have enough storage space and battery life for the update.
- Check your internet connection to make sure it is stable.
- Try restarting the head unit and starting the update process again.
Head unit experiencing performance issues after the update:
If you notice that the head unit is experiencing performance issues after the update, it could be due to a variety of reasons. To troubleshoot this issue, you can try the following:
- Make sure you have enough storage space and close any unnecessary apps.
- Try restarting the head unit and see if that helps.
- If the performance issues persist, you may want to consider performing a factory reset. Keep in mind that this will erase all data on the head unit, so make sure you have backed up any important data beforehand.
Conclusion
In this article, we went through the steps for updating an Android head unit to Android 11. By following the same process, you can upgrade the operating system to Android 12 or 13 as well.
We also covered some common issues you may encounter during the update process and how to troubleshoot them. Keeping the head unit software up to date is important for optimal performance and access to new features.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to update your head unit to Android 11 with minimal issues.