Wired & Wireless Apple CarPlay on an Android Head Unit: ZLink Setup
How the ZLink app gives an Android head unit wired and wireless Apple CarPlay: pair Bluetooth once and CarPlay starts on its own.
Full video (3 min): Wired and Wireless Apple Carplay on Android Head Unit | Setup · John's YouTube channel
Get the parts
- The head unit on Amazon (link from the description)Buy ↗
- The store on Amazon (link from the description)Buy ↗
- AliExpress store (link from the description)Buy ↗
- Universal unit on AliExpress (link from the description)Buy ↗
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links are affiliate links.
Yes — you can install Dasaita on the Works on Android head units that ship with the ZLink CarPlay/Android Auto app with a 3 min DIY job. How the ZLink app gives an Android head unit wired and wireless Apple CarPlay: pair Bluetooth once and CarPlay starts on its own.
Overview
This is a quick demo of Apple CarPlay running on an Android head unit through the ZLink app. First, make sure Siri is enabled and CarPlay is allowed in the iPhone's settings. Then pair the phone over Bluetooth from the head unit's Bluetooth app. Once paired, ZLink starts wireless CarPlay automatically, with no cable needed. Wired CarPlay works too. The newer screen also has much less backlight bleed than older units. Steering-wheel controls were working, and messages and music worked through CarPlay. John says it works like any other CarPlay unit out there.
Vehicle & fitment
- Product
- Dasaita Android head unit with ZLink (wired + wireless Apple CarPlay)
- Shown on
- Android head unit with the ZLink app (the description's head unit link is a Dasaita unit listed for the 2007–2011 Toyota Camry)
- Works on Android head units that ship with the ZLink CarPlay/Android Auto app
- Needs Siri enabled and CarPlay allowed in the iPhone's settings
Always confirm fitment for your exact year and trim with the seller before buying.
Tools & parts
Tools
- iPhone with Siri enabled
- USB cable for wired CarPlay (optional)
Parts
- Android head unit with the ZLink app
Step by step
- 1
Enable Siri and CarPlay on the iPhone▶ 0:30
CarPlay needs Siri turned on and CarPlay allowed in the phone's settings.
- 2
Check the screen▶ 0:43
Older units had bad backlight bleed. This one has much better contrast.
- 3
Confirm steering-wheel controls▶ 1:13
Steering-wheel controls were already set up and working before the CarPlay test.
- 4
Pair Bluetooth from the head unit▶ 1:27
Open the Bluetooth app on the head unit and connect the phone. That's all it took.
- 5
Wireless CarPlay starts by itself▶ 1:37
After pairing, ZLink launched wireless Apple CarPlay automatically. John expected it to lag a little more than wired, but it was seamless.
- 6
Use it like any CarPlay unit▶ 2:12
Messages and music work as normal. Wired CarPlay over USB is also available if you prefer a cable.
Wiring notes
- No wiring. The phone connects over Bluetooth/Wi-Fi (wireless) or USB (wired) through the ZLink app.
Get the parts
- The head unit on Amazon (link from the description)Buy ↗
- The store on Amazon (link from the description)Buy ↗
- AliExpress store (link from the description)Buy ↗
- Universal unit on AliExpress (link from the description)Buy ↗
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links are affiliate links.
FAQ
What vehicle does this head unit fit?
It is shown for the Works on Android head units that ship with the ZLink CarPlay/Android Auto app. Needs Siri enabled and CarPlay allowed in the iPhone's settings Always confirm your exact year, trim and factory audio with the seller.
How long does the install take?
John's full video is 3 min. Plan on that much time for a careful DIY install, plus extra if you are new to dash work.
What tools do I need?
Tools called out in the guide: iPhone with Siri enabled; USB cable for wired CarPlay (optional).
Does it support wireless CarPlay or Android Auto?
Yes — wireless CarPlay / Android Auto is listed for this unit in the product copy John used.
Where do I get the parts?
Use the buy links on this page for the unit and any harnesses John used. Some links are affiliate links.
Is this beginner-friendly?
The guide breaks the job into 6 steps with timestamps into the video. If you can remove trim panels carefully, you can follow along.
Full transcript
Show the full transcript (19 lines) +
0:30Siri enabled to have carplay in the settings that
0:37enabled there you go we got any oh buddy you got a lot
0:43the contrast on that the the older units used to have really bad backlight bleed, this one's
1:13I got the steering controls working to go ahead. So we just hooked up their Bluetooth. I'm
1:27not sure if it's gonna just start up wireless Apple CarPlay. Oh wow so then it just just
1:35so then it just just hooking up your bluetooth alone, so the
1:39So we just hooked up the bluetooth
1:41You get wireless apple car-play. I'm not sure if, if it's, I'm assuming it would the lag gear than just having a hard connection
1:48But uh and that application was called Z-link. Okay, so
1:54They can check a message. Yeah, I mean I'm for music. I don't see why not
2:07So that's why that's super easy to
2:09Walk into your Apple Car play this work that's kind of shows off that for Apple Car play for Z-link it was super simple
2:16We went to the Bluetooth app
2:18We connected the phone and it automatically
2:21booted wireless Apple Car play making it super
2:35I can't put I don't know why Android can't do that right now
2:38It's kind of lame. I have to switch to the iPhone thing and whatever XR cuz I'm poor
2:45But yeah, that's, I can't believe it just does that wirelessly pretty seamless Z-link good job
2:51job sweet
Machine-transcribed from the full-length video and lightly cleaned (product names fixed). Watch the video for exact wording.
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