Best Android Radio Retrofit

The installation of the Android radio in the Passat B6 & B7 is almost entirely Plug & Play. In this chapter, we will show you how to remove your VW radio and properly install the new Android radio. We will also explain any issues that may arise and what you should pay attention to during the installation process.

Step 1:Removal of original VW radio

The removal of the original VW radio is simple and quick. First, remove the plastic frame using the included removal tool. It is attached to the dashboard with simple clips and should come off quickly with a gentle pull.

After you have pried off the plastic frame and disconnected the hazard light plug, unscrew the 4 screws that hold the car radio in place in the slot.

The final step in the removal process is to disconnect the CAN-Bus connection and unplug the antenna. The CAN-Bus connector is locked with a lever, which you simply need to push upwards while pulling the connector out.

Step 2:Preparation & wiring new Android radio

We recommend preparing the new radio before you get into the car. Simply plug all the adapters and connectors into the car radio beforehand and save yourself the hassle inside the car.

The following diagram shows you which supplied connectors need to be plugged into which sockets.

The graphic naturally includes the complete scope of delivery:

Step 3:Adapt CAN-BUS adapter (ignition plus)

For the CAN-Bus connector (number 1), you need to move the connector with the red and orange cable to the respective adapter. The large adapter is for the Passat B7, and the small adapter is for the Passat B6.

Additionally, you need to swap the pinout of the two cables on the respective adapter. The red cable should be moved to the position of the orange cable and vice versa. Otherwise, the device will be on constant power and must always be manually turned off using the power button on the display. With the swapped pinout, the device will automatically turn off when the key is removed.

You can find out how to remove the connector pins here: Removing connector pins – here’s how to do it right!

Step 4: Connect the external antenna adapter

For the radio antenna, you will need to install an external antenna adapter* (as mentioned above). This is not expensive and ensures that your antenna amplifier works properly and that the radio signal is received correctly. The adapter included in the package is not suitable for vehicles with this type of antenna amplifier. While it will work with the included adapter, you will lose the radio signal more often than you'd like (e.g., in tunnels).

The blue cable from the external adapter must be connected to the blue cable from the CAN-Bus connector. How you make the connection is up to you. We simply twisted the wires together and insulated them with heat shrink tubing.

Step 5: Integrate original reversing camera

If you plan to retrofit an original VW rearview camera or already have one, you need to keep the following in mind.
For the rearview camera to function smoothly, the blue cable from the CAN-Bus connector (which you connected to the external antenna) must also be connected to the yellow and red cables of the external RGB to AV converter*.

Step 6: Mounting new Android radio

First, attach the car radio to the supplied frame. For this, use the small screws provided.
The metal clips from the old bezel (frame) must be transferred to the new frame. This ensures that the new frame with the Android radio can be clipped into the slot, just like the original one before.

Before you can properly clip the radio in place, you need to shorten these two "plastic stumps" a little. These two supports were not of great importance in the original radio either and only served as "positioning feet."

Before you finish assembling the radio, route the two USB extensions into the glove compartment. The length is more than sufficient, and the glove compartment can be accessed directly from the radio slot in the Passat.

The further assembly is simple and quick thanks to the pre-wiring. The CAN-Bus connector from the radio connects to the CAN-Bus connector from the car, and the antenna is plugged into the external adapter. The radio is now fully assembled and ready to use.

Step 7: Change the interface in the factory settings

For the vehicle-specific messages and steering wheel controls to work, the interface protocol needs to be adjusted. You can find this setting in the "Settings" menu under the "Factory settings" tab.

The password for the factory settings must be guessed, as with almost all Android radios. Fortunately, the selection is not very large. In most cases, the password is "1234", "0000", or "1111". If this password doesn't work, it might be the Bluetooth password stored in the car radio. Alternatively, you can try the following combinations: 1111, 12345, 1983, 3010, 3368, 3711.

In the factory settings, click on the "Can settings" tab and select your vehicle model. In the final step, you will be asked which interface to use. Here, select the "Hiworld" interface. If it still doesn't work after this setting, repeat the process and try with a different interface.