How to install apps on your factory head unit
Navigator with traffic jams, music from your account, video - all this can be set to standard the head unit (GU) of a Chinese car yourself, without flashing, without “masters” and without opening the panel. Let's look at why this is a problem, how it can be solved, and what will be needed.
Why can't you just download apps to your radio?
The head unit of almost any modern Chinese car - Jetour, Jaecoo, EXEED, Chery, Changan, Haval, Geely is a full-fledged Android tablet. But the manufacturer deliberately limits it: there is either no application store at all, or it is empty, There are no Google services, and installation of files “from the outside” is closed. From the factory the machine can run smoothly what was put into it - and usually not much was put into it.
There are three known ways to get around: flashing (expensive and risky), “wizards” with incomprehensible programs (expensive and opaque) - and the standard Android debugging mechanism, which The manufacturer reserves it for service purposes. The third way is the safest, and that is Garage Tool uses it.
What is ADB and why is it not a hack?
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is an official Google tool built into every Android. Through it, service centers diagnose devices and install applications. Nothing can be reflashed, root access is not possible, warranty seals are not affected - This is a normal channel provided by the system. Installation is reversible: on some models applications are removed directly from the screen with a long press, on others - by resetting multimedia to factory settings via vehicle settings.
Previously, to work with ADB you needed a computer with configured drivers and a command line. Now the browser can do the same thing: WebUSB technology allows the site to communicate directly with the device via USB. This is how Garage Tool works - you open your model page, You connect the cable and install a ready-made set of applications in one click. Nothing to download and there is no need to install it on your computer.
What you'll need
Computer with Chrome or Edge
Windows or Mac. An Android smartphone with an OTG adapter will also work. iPhone - no.
USB-A↔USB-A cable
For data transfer, not "charging". This is the #1 reason for all failed connections.
Enabled debugging on the GU
It turns on without disassembling - through a hidden menu. Each model has its own exact steps.
10 minutes time
This is how long the whole process takes - from connection to the finished navigator.
How to enable debugging on a specific machine - tap on the engineering menu, service code or a file on a flash drive - described step by step on the page of each model. The methods differ even within the same brand, so there is no universal instruction: use instructions specifically for your model and firmware.
How does the installation work?
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Choose your model on the website On the model page there are instructions for enabling debugging and a recommended set of applications tested on this particular GU. List of models →
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Enable debugging according to the instructions Usually it takes a couple of minutes: the hidden menu is opened with taps or a service code - without disassembling or tools.
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Connect the GU to the computer with a cable Click “Connect device” on the page - the browser will show the found GU. If the machine screen asks “Allow debugging?” - accept it.
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Install the set in one click The site itself will transfer the applications and give them the necessary system permissions - the most difficult thing to do manually. Progress is visible in the console right on the page.
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Use it The navigator, music and video work on the standard screen. If you need a new version or another application, connect the machine to your computer and install it through the website.
Limitations to be aware of
Not everything is aimed at everything. On some machines, the manufacturer closed the installation in the latest firmware - Such versions are marked with warnings on the model pages. On models without a GPS receiver The navigator and radar detector are meaningless in the State Administration - we don’t put them there. And some models are not supported at all: why - separate page. And most importantly: installation is carried out at your own peril and risk, and warranty issues are addressed in advance check with the dealer - more details in FAQ and disclaimer.
For which machines are instructions already available?
Jetour T2, Jetour T1 Jetour X90 Plus, Jetour Dashing, Jaecoo J7, Jaecoo J8, EXEED RX, Chery Arrizo 8, Changan EadoPlus, Changan Hunter, Haval F7 / F7x and Geely Monjaro - the list is constantly growing, latest additions to the section "What's new".
Try it yourself
Select your model - and in ten minutes the navigator will be on the standard screen.
Select model