Android Auto Wireless?

[dstig1]

My other car works with my Android phone (Pixel 6 pro) both wirelessly and wired. It connects both Bluetooth and Wifi to the car. For my normal commute to work, wireless is perfect as it is only 20-30 min. Longer trips, I plug in to charge. My Ranger connects with Bluetooth only and that only gets me phone and text access (and not great functionality either). If I plug in, full Android Auto. It would be nice to be able to do the wireless thing for stuff around town.

Now I know about the AA Wireless device you can buy to add this on (and Motorola has one too) but my understanding is that some Rangers are equipped for this, but mine is not. This shot of the window sticker tells me it should be there but was deleted (remnants of the chip shortage even in 2023, I guess...)

So the question you can guess is: Is there a way to add it back into the truck and get it working? Or is that a fool's errand and I should just get the aftermarket device?

Thanks,
Dave

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[Big Blue]

No 5G Ranger has wireless Android Auto built in. That delete in your windows sticker was strictly for the WIFI internet hot spot.

 

[dstig1]

I'm pretty sure I have heard others here say they have it, but I certainly could be wrong about that. Typically AA needs wifi for the bandwidth to run maps, etc wirelessly as Bluetooth is insufficient on its own. If that is all true, then that missing wfif hotspot would seem to do it. Worst case, aftermarket solves it...

?‍

 

[Big Blue]

I'm pretty sure I have heard others here say they have it, but I certainly could be wrong about that. Typically AA needs wifi for the bandwidth to run maps, etc wirelessly as Bluetooth is insufficient on its own. If that is all true, then that missing wfif hotspot would seem to do it. Worst case, aftermarket solves it...

?‍

The AAwiress, Motorola and any other wireless adapter for that matter, have there own WIFI hot spot used to connect to for communication. The trucks hot spot is for mobile internet over 4GLte and needs an AT&T service plan.

 

[CammeronJ]

I have had the AA Wireless adapter for 2 years and am using it with Android in my 5G Ranger and it works perfectly. I would not go back.

I have also have bought 3 for other people (One driving a Tacoma with an iPhone, and 2 driving Subarus with Android phones. And they worked well for all 3.

I also messaged DirkM on this forum who made a 3D Print to hold this charging pad. I bought one from him and he printed and shipped it to me: https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Charger-Charging-Adapter-Airpods/dp/B0BTCW46GN/

I used command strips to attach the AA Wireless adapter to the bottom of the bracket making it so theres no cables visible for the AA Adapter, or the charging pad.

If you want to hide the AA Adapter message DirkM and (if hes still making them) maybe he will be willing help you out and sell you one?

 

[dstig1]

That's a pretty slick setup. I was thinking of plugging it into one of the rear console ports since I have a supercab and people don't really sit back there. Out of the way but still accessible. Probably use Command strips to stick it to the console too.

 

[CammeronJ]

Unfortunately the rear console ports are for charging only. They do not connect to the head unit for AA. (At least in mine/supercrew, you can test this with your phone with a USB Cable.)

 

[dstig1]

I guess I just can't win here today. I'll try it out and see for myself I guess...but I suspect you are right and it is the same on mine.

 

[theprinceofsnj]

I use an Android phone and in fact I'm on the second phone. Takes me about half an hour to sync them.

 

[Colo_Ranger]

I am here to echo what others have said. The 5G never had wireless as a factory option. The rear ports are PD only. The center console are the only two that provide data to the head unit. You could always wire those ports to the back, but then you don't have data at the front.


I have the CarLinkIt wireless adapter (iPhone, but they have Android) and it works really well. I also have @DirkM's tray with wireless charging. It's a great setup. I always have CarPlay and charging available.

 

[shovelhd]

I have the AA Wireless adapter in my 2021 Lariat. Once I set up Sync3 with it, it has been working fine. I always charge via USB-C because the wireless pads don't charge fast enough when I need them to.

 

[cfhgarza]

I use the Motorola adapter and it works well.

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