Upgrade Your 2016 Honda Odyssey with Android Auto

Upgrading to Android Auto in the 2016 Honda Odyssey

The 2016 Honda Odyssey was a top minivan choice for families, offering excellent reliability, spacious seating for up to 8 passengers, and lots of handy features. However, in-vehicle infotainment technology moves fast, and the Odyssey's stock system now feels a bit dated.

Luckily, Honda makes it fairly easy to upgrade to Android Auto, allowing you to add smartphone integration and access useful apps while on the road. This guide will cover the benefits of adding Android Auto to your Odyssey and provide steps for getting it set up.

Benefits of Upgrading to Android Auto

Here are some of the key advantages you'll enjoy with Android Auto in your Odyssey:

• Safer navigation with Google Maps
• Voice controls for hands-free use
• Streaming with Spotify, Audible, Pandora, and other apps
• Convenient messaging through WhatsApp, messages, etc.
• Customizable home screen with your top apps

You'll be able to access many of the same apps from your phone easily through the Odyssey's touchscreen. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road more while still enjoying your favorite apps.

Choosing an Android Auto Head Unit

To upgrade to Android Auto in an older Odyssey, you'll need to install an aftermarket head unit or stereo receiver with Android Auto support. There are lots of great options from brands like:

• Pioneer
• Kenwood
• Alpine
• JVC
• Sony

Look for a head unit with a big, responsive touchscreen (6 to 10 inches usually), built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, and steering wheel control compatibility. Expect to spend $300 to $700 for a nice Android Auto receiver.

Top Pick: ATOTO A6 Pro

One great option that's very affordable is the ATOTO A6 Pro. Key features and benefits include:

• 10.1” HD touchscreen with responsive interface
• Android 10 OS for fast performance
• 16 GB internal storage for offline media
• Customizable UI themes and shortcut buttons
• Built-in Bluetooth for calls and media streaming
• Supports wired & wireless Android Auto & CarPlay

For under $300, the ATOTO A6 Pro packs everything you need for seamless smartphone integration. It's easy to install as well.

How to Install Your Android Auto Head Unit

Installing an aftermarket stereo in your Honda Odyssey takes some work but it's very doable even if you have little technical expertise. Here are the basics steps:

Making Room for the New Head Unit

First, you'll need to take apart the center console and dashboard trim pieces to access the factory head unit mounting bracket. A small pry tool comes in handy here but be gentle so you don't break any of the plastic clips or fasteners.

Wiring Connections

Once the stock head unit is removed, there will be a wiring harness plugged into the back. Unclip this and wire up the corresponding plugs to your new Android Auto receiver. Most head units come with wiring instructions.

Installing the New Stereo

Slide your new Android Auto head unit onto the factory mounting bracket until it clips firmly into place. Then replace all the trim pieces until your new stereo looks nice and integrated into the dashboard.

Connecting & Configuring Android Auto

Turn your stereo on and go through the initial setup process. Connect your Android phone via Bluetooth and USB (it may prompt you to download the Android Auto app if you don't have it already). Once connected, the interface should change over to Android Auto!

From there, explore all the music, navigation, messaging and smart features now available! Tweak the settings to enable auto launching of Android Auto when you turn on the car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to install an aftermarket stereo?

The installation process definitely involves some elbow grease and carefully removing interior trim pieces. But with online tutorials and proper tools, most do-it-yourselfers can upgrade their head unit successfully. Just take your time.

Can I keep my backup camera?

Yes! Aftermarket stereos like the ATOTO A6 Pro have dedicated inputs to retain your Odyssey's factory backup camera. The video feed automatically displays when you shift to reverse.

Do I need to cut any wires?

No, since Honda uses a standard DIN-sized head unit, you can swap in an aftermarket stereo using the existing harnesses and brackets with no wire cutting needed.

Will I lose HD Radio or Satellite Radio?

Unfortunately most aftermarket Android Auto head units do not support Honda's premium HD Radio system. And they lack built-in satellite radio tuners. But their streaming apps and smartphone integration features are much more valuable for most people.

Can I still connect other devices via Bluetooth?

Yes! Your Android Auto receiver provides Bluetooth connections so family and friends' phones, tablets, etc can all stream to the car simultaneously.

Take Your Odyssey to the Next Level with Android Auto

Added Android Auto transforms what was already a standout family vehicle into an even more versatile and tech-advanced machine perfect for busy parents. Driving around town or on long road trips becomes much more pleasant and safer.

Hopefully this overview gave you some ideas on the right gear to buy and the steps to add Android Auto to your 2016 or other model year Honda Odyssey. Soon you'll be discovering how awesome driving while seamlessly connected can be!

FAQs

Does the Android Auto interface take over the whole screen?

Yes, when your phone is connected via USB, the Android Auto interface will launch and display on the entire head unit screen. This provides maximum real estate for turn-by-turn navigation, music controls, and app interfaces.

Can I view two apps simultaneously?

Unfortunately Android Auto does not support a split screen view. You can only interact with one app at a time. However, you can easily switch between running apps by tapping their icon.

How do I return to the native head unit interface?

To exit Android Auto and return to your stereo's underlying interface and settings, simply disconnect your phone's USB cable. This will quit the Android Auto application.

Do I need a special USB cable?

Any high quality USB 2.0 or USB-C cable that supports data transfer should work fine. The cable that comes with your Android phone is perfect since it's optimized to work seamlessly with Android Auto.