Upgrade Your Jaguar or Land Rover with JLR CarPlay and Android Auto: Retrofit USB Media Package

Integrating your smartphone seamlessly with your car’s infotainment system has become a must-have feature for modern drivers. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offer intuitive interfaces, access to your favorite apps, and enhanced safety features, all accessible through your vehicle’s touchscreen. If you own a Jaguar or Land Rover model from 2017 to 2019, you might be missing out on this essential connectivity. Fortunately, with the JLR CarPlay AndroidAuto Upgrade Retrofit USB Media Package, you can easily bring these functionalities to your vehicle. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about upgrading your JLR system to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

What is the JLR CarPlay and Android Auto Upgrade Retrofit USB Media Package?

The JLR CarPlay AndroidAuto Upgrade Retrofit USB Media Package is designed to seamlessly integrate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into select Jaguar and Land Rover models manufactured between 2017 and 2019. This retrofit package provides a factory-like integration, allowing you to use your smartphone’s features directly through your car’s existing infotainment screen. It’s a significant enhancement, bringing your older JLR vehicle up to date with current connectivity standards.

This upgrade is particularly relevant for owners of models within this specific year range because while newer models often come standard with CarPlay and Android Auto, earlier models may lack this crucial functionality. The retrofit package bridges this gap, offering a cost-effective and efficient way to modernize your car’s technology.

Benefits of Upgrading to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Upgrading to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offers a wealth of benefits that enhance your driving experience:

• Seamless Smartphone Integration: Access your favorite smartphone apps directly on your car’s touchscreen. This includes navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, messaging apps, and more.
• Enhanced Navigation: Utilize real-time traffic updates, intuitive interfaces, and up-to-date maps through CarPlay and Android Auto navigation apps, making your journeys smoother and more efficient.
• Improved Entertainment: Enjoy your preferred music, podcasts, and audiobooks with ease. CarPlay and Android Auto support a wide range of audio apps, ensuring you’re always entertained on the road.
• Safer Driving: Voice control features minimize distractions by allowing you to make calls, send messages, and control apps without taking your hands off the wheel. This contributes to a safer and more focused driving environment.
• User-Friendly Interface: CarPlay and Android Auto are known for their intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces. This makes accessing your phone’s features while driving straightforward and less distracting than using standard in-car systems for similar tasks.
• Regular Updates: By using your smartphone for many functions, you benefit from the regular software and app updates provided by Apple and Google, ensuring your system stays current and feature-rich.

JLR USB Media Advanced Module included in the retrofit package.

What Does the JLR CarPlay AndroidAuto Upgrade Retrofit USB Media Package Include?

The JLR CarPlay AndroidAuto Upgrade Retrofit USB Media Package typically includes the necessary hardware to enable smartphone integration. While specific contents may vary slightly depending on the supplier, a standard package generally contains:

• JLR USB Media Advanced Module: This is the core component of the upgrade. It’s a replacement USB module that is designed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. This module is engineered to integrate seamlessly with your vehicle’s existing infotainment system.
• Connector Wiring: Necessary wiring to connect the new USB media module to your car’s existing electrical system. This ensures a proper and secure connection for optimal performance.

Connector wiring included for seamless integration of the USB media module.

Tools and Activation for Your JLR CarPlay Upgrade

While the hardware installation of the JLR CarPlay AndroidAuto Upgrade Retrofit USB Media Package is generally straightforward, activation of the CarPlay and Android Auto features typically requires specific tools and software. For Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, this often involves:

• OEM JLR VCI Kit: An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) JLR Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) kit is usually necessary. This is a specialized diagnostic tool that allows communication with your vehicle’s electronic systems. A common example is the JLR DOIP OEM Interface.
• Pathfinder Software: JLR’s proprietary diagnostic software, Pathfinder, is required to activate the CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities. This software interacts with the VCI kit to make the necessary system configurations.

For newer models within the MY2019-2022 range, activation might be possible without a firmware upgrade to the IMC (Infotainment Master Controller) module. However, for vehicles in the 2017-2019 range, it’s more likely that the USB media module replacement and software activation via VCI and Pathfinder are necessary.

It’s important to note that this activation process is usually intended for professional installers or individuals with experience in automotive diagnostics and software. Attempting to activate these features without the correct tools and knowledge could potentially lead to complications with your vehicle’s electronics. Consulting a professional installer is generally recommended.

InControl Touch Pro and Touch Pro Duo Compatibility

The original article mentions InControl Touch Pro™ and Touch Pro Duo™ infotainment systems. These are Jaguar Land Rover’s advanced infotainment platforms that were introduced in models around the timeframe of the CarPlay and Android Auto upgrade availability.

• InControl Touch Pro™: Featured a 10-inch touchscreen and was designed for enhanced navigation and media capabilities. It was a significant step forward in JLR infotainment technology, offering features like customizable home screens and faster processing.
• InControl Touch Pro Duo™: Built upon Touch Pro, introducing a dual-screen interface for even more intuitive control. It featured two touchscreens, allowing for simultaneous display of different functions, like navigation on the upper screen and climate controls on the lower screen.

The compatibility of the JLR CarPlay AndroidAuto Upgrade Retrofit USB Media Package is primarily for vehicles equipped with these systems from MY 2017-2019. Understanding which infotainment system your vehicle has can help confirm compatibility and ensure you are getting the correct upgrade package.

Conclusion: Modernize Your JLR Vehicle with Smartphone Integration

The JLR CarPlay AndroidAuto Upgrade Retrofit USB Media Package is a valuable solution for owners of 2017-2019 Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles looking to integrate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By upgrading your USB media module and activating the features with the necessary tools, you can bring modern smartphone connectivity to your car, enhancing navigation, entertainment, and overall driving convenience. While professional installation and activation are recommended, the benefits of seamless smartphone integration make this retrofit a worthwhile investment for upgrading your JLR driving experience.

For more detailed information and to explore purchasing options for the JLR CarPlay AndroidAuto Upgrade Retrofit USB Media Package, and to ensure compatibility with your specific Jaguar or Land Rover model, it is advisable to consult with reputable automotive technology retailers specializing in JLR upgrades or qualified professional installers.