Questions and answers

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is Google's official tool for managing Android devices from a computer. Head units (GU) in cars are also Android, so you can install applications on them via ADB. Garage Tool does this right in the browser: you connect the GU via USB, and the site transfers the applications and gives them the necessary rights. There is no need to download or install anything on your computer.

We do not reflash the device and do not get root - applications are installed through the standard ADB debugging mechanism, in the same way that service centers use. The installation is reversible: applications can be removed - how exactly, see the question about removal below. In this case, actions are performed at your own peril and risk - more details in disclaimer.

We do not make changes to the firmware or open the hardware - the standard Android mechanism is used. However, installing third-party applications may affect the terms of the multimedia warranty: the wording differs among dealers, so if the warranty is critical for you, check with your dealer in advance for details.

Installation is free, and this is not a promotion with a deadline: the first machine from your computer is free, without an end date. If you install from one computer on several different machines, each subsequent one requires an access key - this is what the installers do.

Separately paid - my own applications: GarageSplit and advanced mode for their APKs. All prices are visible on the page before payment, there are no subscriptions, no hidden charges.

Most head units of Chinese cars do not have Google Play or Google services, and installation “from the outside” is closed by the manufacturer. Therefore, applications have to be installed via ADB - from a computer, through this site. New versions are installed in the same way, on top of the old ones.

For almost all models - a USB-A↔USB-A cable (both ends are normal, “flat”), required for data transfer, and not just for charging: cheap “charging” cables will not work, the device simply will not be detected on the computer. Where exactly to connect the cable on your machine is written in the instructions on the model page: many machines have only one specific working port.

In the Chrome or Edge browser on your computer (Windows or Mac). Other browsers (Firefox, Safari) do not support WebUSB, the technology through which the site communicates with the head unit.

From an Android smartphone - you can, but not from any: you need OTG (On-The-Go) support and an OTG adapter to connect the head unit to the phone via USB. Installation on iPhone is not supported - iOS does not have the necessary access to USB.

On a computer - yes: applications are downloaded from our server directly during installation. The head unit itself does not need the Internet for installation - everything is transmitted via a USB cable. But to operate already installed applications (navigation, music), you will need Internet in the car.

In order: 1) try another cable that is known to work for data transfer - this is the most common reason; 2) reboot the head unit and reconnect the cable; 3) check that ADB debugging is enabled - instructions on the page of your model; 4) accept the request “Allow USB debugging?” on the GU screen, if it appears; 5) close programs on your computer that may occupy the USB connection; 6) on Windows, check the driver - this is the next question. Didn't help - write to support.

Maybe. On some computers with Windows, the system does not automatically install a USB driver for ADB devices - then when you click “Connect device”, the GU simply does not appear in the list, although the cable is working and debugging is enabled. The solution is to install a universal ADB driver: download Universal ADB Driver (file UniversalAdbDriverSetup.msi), install, restart the computer and reconnect the cable. On Mac you don't need drivers - everything works out of the box.

The core of the set is Yandex Navigator, Yandex Music, VK Video and a file manager; on many models they add HUD Speed ​​Pro radar detector, split screen and other utilities. The exact composition depends on the model - what exactly and why, see application directory and on your model page.

Yes - on the page of each model there is an advanced mode where you can upload your APK files. But keep in mind: the memory of head units is very limited, and there are no Google services on them - heavy applications and everything that requires Google Play Services should not be installed. Installing your APKs is at your own risk.

The FM radio itself cannot be replaced: only the manufacturer’s standard program has access to the radio receiver; third-party applications cannot be connected to the tuner’s hardware. But there is a better way - Internet radio: the same stations go over the Internet, without interference, with normal sound and interface. The Replaio application, an Internet radio with a modern dark interface that looks good on the car screen, is already included in the recommended sets of most models and can be installed in one click along with the others. You will need Internet in the car - SIM in the GU or an access point from your phone.

This means that on this model there is no working GPS receiver in the head unit - the navigator and radar detector determine the position using satellites, and without GPS they are useless. We deliberately do not put into the set anything that will not work. Other applications (music, video) do not depend on GPS.

This happens - most often on Changan head units. First, just reboot the GU: in most cases the icons appear. On models where the problem is known, the tool will try to fix it itself immediately after installation. If after rebooting there are still no icons, write to support, we will suggest a solution for your model.

Reconnect the cable, refresh the page and start the installation again - already installed applications will not be affected, and the installation will continue from what is left. If the error repeats on the same application, write to support and attach the text from the console window on the installation page.

Depends on what model. Some head units allow you to delete the application as on regular Android - by long pressing on the icon (for example, Jaecoo J7). But on many models there is no standard removal method: then you can completely remove installed applications by resetting the multimedia to factory settings through the car settings. Please note: when resetting, the GU’s own settings will also be lost.

Separately about the Garage Tool assistant. It works in device owner mode - without this, it would not be able to issue rights directly in the machine. Therefore, it can be removed in two steps: first, in the application itself, click “Remove owner mode,” and only then delete it. If you skip the first step, the system will refuse, and the reason for the failure will not be shown on the screen.

If the button does not work, the same media reset remains: it removes both the owner mode and the applications themselves.

If you doubt how this works on your machine, write to support, we'll tell you.

Installed applications will remain in place. The only caveat: on some models (for example, EXEED RX), after a reboot, ADB debugging itself is turned off - this does not affect the operation of applications, but for a new installation it will need to be turned on again according to the instructions.

Install the new version via the website: re-installation over the old version is a normal scenario. If RuStore is already installed on your machine from previous installations, it has not gone away, you can update it through it, right from the screen. But we do not recommend updating applications unless absolutely necessary: ​​the versions from the sets are selected for these head units, while the new ones are designed for smartphones - after updating, the interface may extend beyond the screen, and some functions may stop working. It works - don't touch it.

The update usually does not affect installed applications, but the ability to install new ones can be closed: on a number of models, the manufacturer removes access to debugging in the latest firmware. Some dealers update the multimedia firmware at the MOT without asking. If the ability to install applications is important to you, directly ask the dealer not to update the multimedia. Warnings for specific firmware versions are available on the model pages.

The reasons can be different: from “haven’t checked it yet” to “the manufacturer has closed the installation tightly.” We have collected them on a separate page - why might the model not be on the list?. And in any case, write to Telegram: Testing a new model usually takes a couple of days.