Introduction: How to Set Up Mobile Internet for Your Android Car Stereo

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If you’re in the market for an Android car stereo, you will definitely want to set up mobile Internet access in order to make the most out of Android for cars. Receiving priority emails, making Skype calls, grabbing information about local hotels, finding the nearest gas station, streaming music videos on your Android car DVD player, feeding real-time geographic information to co-workers are just a handful of examples how such a system will make it worth your time.

So without further ado, here’s a quick breakdown by the Chinavasion team of how you can hook up your Android car stereo with mobile internet:

Step 1: A. Wi-Fi Piggybacking

If you have a phone or tablet that is already hooked up with mobile internet, then piggybacking off of that connection is a convenient and relatively painless option to choose from.

  1. Make Sure Your Stereo System Is Wi-Fi Compatible – most Android stereos usually come with the ability to connect to Wi-Fi, but you still need to check if the device is actually capable of hooking up to Wi-Fi. This is especially important for basic models where features are trimmed in order to cut down the price tag.
  2. Enable Wi-Fi Tethering On The Host Device– you can usually find this option on the settings>wireless & network>more/other on your phone or tablet. The option should be labelled as “tethering” or “portable hotspot.” Enable it and protect it with a secure password.
  3. Connect Your Stereo System To The Wi-Fi Connection– turn on your Android car stereo, go to settings>wireless & networks. Enable Wi-Fi, wait for the system to detect the connection from your phone or tablet and connect to the host device. Key in the password as needed.

Step 2: B. Mobile Internet Dongle

Quite similar to Wi-Fi piggybacking, although you’ll be using a dedicated 3G/4G dongle to get the job done.

  1. Make Sure Your Android Car Stereo Is 3G/4G Compatible–this typically means having a USB slot for you to plug the dongle into. Just in case though, check if yourAndroid OS stereo has a Mobile Network option in the device’s Settings section.
  2. Obtain a Mobile Internet Dongle – these look like flash drives, except they contain a slot for SIM cards. Select a service provider you want to work with, buy a SIM card, and take note of your provider’s Access Point Name (APN.) A quick Google search will reveal the specific APN of your provider. Take note of the dial number as well, since this number is what the dongle will use to connect to the service provider.
  3. Plug In the Dongle – go to Settings>Mobile Network and type in a network name, the appropriate APN and dial number. Once done, you should be able to connect to your service provider of choice – letting you hook up mobile internet access on your Android-powered stereo system.

Step 3: C. Dedicated Vehicle Router

If you really want strong, reliable internet in your car, then you may want to invest in a dedicated vehicle router that’s designed for maximum connectivity while on the road.

  1. Make Sure Your Android Car Stereo Is Wi-Fi Compatible – these routers transmit signals via Wi-Fi, so go back to the first step and review the materials there.
  2. Purchase A Vehicle Router–self-explanatory. If you find a local provider, they can help you install the device in your car – for a fee of, course. If you buy the router from an online source, then you can get in touch with a local auto repair garage and look for an auto electrician to help you. If you’re willing and comfortable with the idea of installing the router yourself, then continue reading on.
  3. Mount the Router – prepare a drill and a few screws. Find a spot that gets good ventilation, like the roof of your car or just under the seats. Drill a deep enough hole for the screws to fit firmly into. Make sure not to damage fuel lines or other cables while doing so.
  4. Turn Off The Power In Your Car – do this by disconnecting the negative terminal of your car’s battery.
  5. Find A Power Line For Your Router –prepare some electrical tape and a soldering iron, just in case. Search for a circuit that provides power, and connect your router’s power cable to that circuit.
  6. Ground Your Router – most routers have wires that need to be hooked up to a piece of metal to ground the connection. Your car’s metal frame should do the trick, but a loose piece of metal will work just as well.
  7. Power Up And Test – reconnect the negative terminal of your car battery, and test to see if the router is getting power. Since these routers rely on mobile internet, go back to the second step and apply all the steps in installing the SIM card for the router. Go back to the first step to test the Wi-Fi connection on your Android car stereo. If everything works fine, turn off the battery once more and secure all cables with tape before reconnecting.

On the lookout for an Android car stereo? Maybe a mobile internet access dongle? Visit Chinavasion.com today and check out the gadget wholesaler’s extensive catalogue of electronic goodies!