I Think Toyota Hates Android, My 2019 RAV4 Is Only iPhone Compatible, and Not Android, I’m Very Disappointed I Even Bought the Vehicle and I’m Selling It

Is there a solution to the Toyota RAV4 Android connectivity issues?

Renea Wilson's frustration with her 2019 Toyota RAV4 is evident as she turns to her Toyota RAV4 Facebook Discussion group for answers. The car's lack of Android compatibility has been a constant source of irritation since she first got behind the wheel. 

She says, "I think Toyota hates Android. They partnered with Apple in 2019, and my RAV 4 is only compatible with iPhone. I hate it. I love my vehicle and drove a long way to pick it up, but after two years of iPhone use, I'm ready to sell it so that I can buy one that is Android compatible."

She loves the car but is looking for answers. Is there a good solution?

Picture Renea buying a Toyota RAV4, she loves the car, but it won't pair with her Android phone. The compact SUV came with Apple CarPlay, and she doesn't want to buy an iPhone. 

Every time Renea drives her beloved RAV4, the issue rears its head. The car's infotainment features are off-limits, forcing her to purchase a dongle car adapter just to access the technology she should have at her fingertips. It's a situation that's pushing her to consider parting ways with her RAV4. 

Renea knows she can't be the only RAV4 owner with these issues, so she searches for answers. She loves everything else about the car, but this issue she's been dealing with for two years now has her looking for a new car to replace it. She's even thinking now that Toyota must hate Android. 

She even had to get rid of her Android, which she likes, and buy an iPhone, which she hates. Her frustration with Toyota is evident.

Here is Renea's story. 

"The entire infotainment system in the 2019 models is essentially useless," she laments with a tinge of disappointment.

"There is no Entune Suite anymore, and Toyota is not updating it. I've researched this endlessly over the last two years and am very disappointed that I bought the vehicle. I have had to purchase a wireless dongle car adapter to connect to my iPhone's Bluetooth to have a way to utilize some functions on the screen." 

"I also bought an iPhone that I hate with a passion. However, I've had it for two years, and now I don't even know if I would remember how to use an Android again, but I'm willing to give it a try." 

"The Entune suite says it needs an update, but Toyota is not updating it. I bought my vehicle from an individual I am sure had no idea of these issues. Frustrated is an understatement at this point!" 

"I was so excited to have this vehicle and loved it so much. I am car shopping and here to see if the newer models also have Android issues." 

"If anyone with a 2019 RAV4 has better knowledge or information on my dilemma, please let me know."

Is there a solution to Renea's problem?

The 2019 Toyota RAV4 is not factory-equipped with Android Auto. While it has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto was not a standard feature until 2020. Some users have found workarounds or upgrades to enable Android Auto, but it's not a factory-installed feature. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

• No factory Android Auto: The 2019 RAV4 did not have Android Auto as a standard feature. 
• Apple CarPlay is standard: Apple CarPlay was included in the 2019 RAV4, but not Android Auto. 
• No official update for 2019: Toyota has no official software update or retrofit available to add Android Auto to the 2019 model, according to multiple threads on Reddit and r/rav4club. 
• Workarounds/Upgrades: Some users have explored using third-party devices or adapters to emulate Android Auto, but these are not official solutions. 
• Toyota Dealerships: Some Toyota dealers may offer upgrades or modifications, but these are not standardized and may involve additional costs, according to r/rav4club. 
• Wireless Adapters: Devices like AAWireless can connect wirelessly to the RAV4's head unit, mimicking an iPhone to allow Android Auto functionality. 

 What Are Other RAV4 Owners Saying?

Reddit user nnyslippers25 says, "This was one annoying thing when I purchased my RAV4, that Android Auto wasn't supported. I am headed in for service this weekend and asked about it. They said they can turn it on/update the system to allow for Android Auto."

"They still seem to think they can update/retrofit the display computer software to support Android Auto."

"The technicians and service people finally realized what I was asking and confirmed that Android Auto has no update or retrofit. They thought (despite careful explanations) that I was talking about an entune 3.0 multimedia update to use the Toyota + Alexa app."

"However, there is no official Toyota update/upgrade for Android Auto."

More recently, Reddit user InevitableQuit9 said, "I finally got the firmware for the infotainment system updated, and now Android Auto works. The Toyota dealer had promised this five years ago but would never do it. I found the firmware and did it myself. Apple Car Play is also supported, but haven't tested it."

"You will need a 32G USB stick. This is a game changer!" 

Check out this YouTube video to download the firmware with detailed instructions. Other owners have said it's a solution to the Android connectivity problem.

Andrea is also asking if newer RAV4 models are having the same issue. 

Do 2020 Toyota RAV4 and newer RAV4 models have Android connectivity problems? 

Some 2020-2024 Toyota RAV4 models have been reported to experience issues with Android Auto connectivity. Reddit users say these problems can manifest as inconsistent or failing connections, including instances where the system does not automatically connect when the car starts, or requires manual activation within the car's infotainment system. 

Owners have reported that Android Auto only works (connects at all) 50% of the time.

michty6ty6 says, "Android Auto only works (connects at all) like 50% of the time with my 2024 RAV4. For example, I can drive to the store, and it works fine. I stop, grab a coffee, and get back in the car 2 minutes later - same phone, same everything - and it's no longer working (this happens all the time)."

Conclusion:

Renea and other owners have some options, but unfortunately, there aren't any easy solutions to the 2019 RAV4 problem, and even some newer Toyota RAV4 models have Android Auto compatibility problems.

It's Your Turn

Do you own a 2019 or newer Toyota RAV4? What are your experiences with the compact SUV’s Android connectivity? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my 2019 Toyota RAV4 story: I Paid $36K For My 2019 Toyota RAV4 in 2022, Now Two Years Later the Dealer Says It’s Only Worth $19K, What’s Up With Toyota?

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Renea Wilson