Android head units are marvelous pieces of hardware that allow you to enhance the experience of driving. But, as is the case with any software-enabled device, it needs updates to improve itself.
However, it can be a daunting task for some people when they don’t know how to operate such a head unit in the first place. Without updating your head unit, it can fall short of new improvements and become obsolete.
If you, too, are asking how to update the android head unit, fret not as we’ve made a detailed instruction guide that’ll help you update your head unit effortlessly.
Table of Contents
The Importance of Updates
Before we delve into the heart of the matter, it is imperative that we first familiarize ourselves with the importance of updating any software.
In general, any piece of software requires constant adjustments over a period of time to keep it operational and to work with new technologies.
Software updates are not just additions with new features. They feature numerous improvements over their previous versions, such as security patches, better internet connectivity, better memory management, etc.
If you don’t update the software frequently, it can become obsolete as new technologies come almost every few months. Developers ensure that the software is not lagging behind any of the latest techs by updating the coding and functionalities.
Memory Management
Managing the available random access memory or RAM inside your device is crucial as it is directly related to how fast or slow your device is. In the case of android head units, it is even more critical as they have to process a lot of information simultaneously.
By updating the software of your android head unit, the operating system becomes better at managing the memory of your device. Meaning, all applications and services work faster and process information quicker.
Better RAM management also means you get to use more applications and services without the head unit slowing down in any way. You could run GPS navigational services while watching a movie or streaming your favorite music on the go by updating the head unit!
Internet Connectivity
Connecting to the internet is a huge selling point of android head unit devices. Usually, you can connect to the internet using wifi or cable ethernet onboard your vehicle.
Software updates also include better coding that improves internet connectivity significantly. These updates come with packages that help the wifi receiver connect to routers/hotspots far away from them.
After you update your head unit, you will notice the internet speed improves by miles. You’ll be able to browse the internet better and even get accurate navigational services in the middle of a storm.
Security Patches
As the days go by, internet hackers and thugs are developing more and more ways of getting into your electronic device with viruses and malware.
Without proper security, these elements can easily breakthrough into your device and wreak havoc. Developers take all of this into mind and design software updates with newer security patches.
These updated security patches contain ways to deal with such elements and even a database containing all of the newer malware.
So, by updating your android head unit, you are protecting yourself from hackers hacking into your head unit and ruining your belongings.
Updating the Android Head Unit
Now that we know how important it is to keep software updated let’s talk about how you can update your android head unit.
Since you don’t need many tools to work with, the process of updating your head unit is relatively simple.
In general, most android head units come with a USB interface that allows you to connect USB devices without any problems.
The general idea of updating the android head unit is to plug in a USB flash drive containing the updated firmware and install it. But, there’s a catch to this simple approach, as we’ll discuss further the instructions.
Acquiring the Firmware
At first, we have to get our hands on the updated firmware of your android head unit. This can be the most challenging aspect of updating your head unit as different manufacturers use different firmware for their devices.
Ideally, you would have to look up the manufacturer of your android head unit and check out the model number. This model number is the main identifier that will allow you to find firmware for your android head unit.
Go to Google or any search engine, and search Firmware update with your head unit’s model number. These firmware updates are free to download as long as you have the serial number for your device.
Transferring the Firmware
Once you’ve downloaded the firmware, it is time to transfer it to your android head unit. You can do this with a generic USB flash drive.
Firstly, you will have to format your flash drive to the appropriate drive map setting. The NTFS format is the standard for android head units as it supports better storage and newer devices.
After formatting the drive, move the firmware file from your computer to the drive. Don’t keep anything else in the drive, as it will get erased when you plug it into your head unit.
Installing the Firmware
After you’ve plugged in the drive, open the file explorer of your unit, and go to the flash drive folder. You will find the firmware file there. Please tap on the firmware file, and the operating system will automatically detect that it is a firmware update file.
Tap Confirm, and it will shut down the head unit and start installing it. The installation process concludes here, with the installation taking a few minutes. After time has passed, the device will reboot again, resulting in an updated software system.
Final Words
In conclusion, you should take the necessary steps to update your android head unit frequently.
Hopefully, our detailed instruction guide has helped you with how to update the android head unit appropriately!