Tablet via USB for Android Auto?

New Tacoma Sport, no navigation package. Want GPS on Tacoma screen. Android Auto does this fine -- with my daughter's new phone, but my vintage phone will not connect with Tacoma via USB cable (too old). I could buy a new phone, but like my current one and do not want a new one.

QUESTION: is it possible to use an android tablet with Android Auto installed, and connected to the 2020 Tacoma media center via the USB plug on the dash? I just want Google Maps.

Has anybody here done this? With what results?

 

Is it your phone or your phone’s software that’s too old?

 

The phone. Samsung Galaxy s4. Our phone-savvy adult kid looked it up on the web and assures me this model is too old and that the problem is not just the need for an android system upgrade.

 

if you have an android tablet already, that runs Google maps with internet access from either stand alone or hotspot connection, why do you want to connect it to the tacoma's media system? just get a holder for the tablet and run it. if you are wanting it to play over the trucks stereo system, connect via bluetooth so the map directions are heard also, music can be played the same time with either prime music, spotify, or any other music app.

 

It probably depends on the tablet. I don't know of any inherent reason why Android auto wouldn't run, but tablet USB connections are all over the map.

 

I have a 2020 and have a screen already where I'd want a tablet to go. Why would I want to add a mount when I can just connect via USB? Part of why I bought a 2020 instead of a 19

OP - Yeah it should, same theory as your phone though, if it's too old it might not work. I don't have a tablet, maybe there's some things different with a tablet vs. a phone with the android auto setup? https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidAuto/comments/83wg5g/tablet_instead_of_headunit/

If it gets complicated, might be easier to just get a new phone
PS - not to call out anyone, but this article hints that you might actually be able to get it to work on your phone. I only have an S5 not an S4 so can't test things for you
https://www.androidauthority.com/android-auto-update-galaxy-s4-and-s5-615884/

 

If the Tablet has GPS then yes you can use it. Most tablets that do not have a data plan do not have GPS built in. The other option would be to buy an external GPS antenna and connect to that.

 

I can understand the reluctance to upgrade the phone as change can be difficult... BUT OP's phone is running Android 5 or earlier and is from 2013/2014.

Android is now up to version 10. For a mere $150 you can purchase the latest Moto G or Moto E.