Setup Audio for Android Auto Lexus Conversion Kits Only *Must Watch for Android Users*Updated 10 days ago
This article will tell you how to configure Android Auto and your audio on a Hamilton Conversion Kit for Lexus.
THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO THE FOLLOWING MODELS:
- 2009-12 Lexus RX, 2010-2013 Lexus GX
Read this article before using a Lexus Hamilton Conversion Kit
Below is a video that shows the steps we outline below. Watch the beginning and watch again at 2:50-4:00
With the Hamilton Conversion Kits for Lexus, it is important that Android phone users keep their phone connected both to the Hamilton network and to the original Lexus Bluetooth network.
Your phone will stream audio through to the Hamilton Conversion Kit, and the Hamilton Conversion Kit will play audio via the AUX line (our plugs tapped into this harness behind your factory radio). We will discuss in just a bit how to set your car to AUX mode.
It is important that you have your phone paired to your new Hamilton network.
To Pair Android Auto:
1) Power on your Lexus
2) Open your Android Phone Settings > Connection Settings > Pair a new device > Look for a new device similar to "Hamilton-1234"
3) Approve the following prompts on your phone: 1) Tap "accept" to the pairing code 2) Tap "allow" to favorites and contacts 3) If a prompt to connect Android appears, tap "connect." Android Auto phones typically take a little bit longer than iPhones to load Android Auto the first time.
4) Wait for Android to Automatically appear after about 30 seconds
*MOST IMPORTANT* To Set AUX Mode:
Note: If you have a 2013-2015 Lexus RX, 2016-2019 Lexus RX, any Lexus IS/RC, any Lexus NX, any Lexus CT, a 2016-2021 Lexus LX, any Lexus GS, or a an ES, long-holding the "menu" button in front of your knob/mouse/touchpad for 3-seconds will switch between the Hamilton OS and your Original Lexus OS. On a 2009-12 Lexus RX you will long-hold the phone-hangup button on the steering wheel instead. For Lexus GX users, you will long hold the voice-speech button on the steering wheel for 3-seconds to switch between your original system and the Hamilton system.
On your factory system it is very important to play music from Android Auto to set your Audio Source to "AUX" mode. You can also do this by toggling the "Mode" button on your steering wheel. When you get to AUX mode, it will automatically switch your system to the Hamilton OS.
Important Points
Why do we keep the original Lexus Bluetooth connection for Android Auto users?
For iPhone users, we tell your to delete/erase your original Lexus Bluetooth pair records. For Android Auto users, it is important to keep the phone paired to the original Lexus system. When a phone call comes in your car multimedia system and phone will automatically use the original Bluetooth for calls and then switch back to AUX mode.
Why does the Hamilton bluetooth first show as connected and then ultimately show as disconnected even though Android Auto still appears?
Just like CarPlay, Google has setup Android Auto to automatically use your phone's high-speed WiFi channel for data transmission. Android Auto and CarPlay are both initiated by Bluetooth, but then you will see the Hamilton network no longer show as connected, as the phone's WiFi channel has been taken over automatically. This is designed by Google and Apple individually and requires no manual WiFi connection actions from you.
Pro-Tip for Auto Connection:
If you want your Hamilton Conversion Kit to automatically connect and open CarPlay when you get in the car, from the Settings App on the Hamilton Home Page Select "Phone Connection Settings" from the left-side menu > Then turn "Auto Connection" and "Remember Device" both to the "on position.
Note only for the 2010-13 Lexus GX and 2009-12 Lexus RX Conversion Kit Users
You will pair your phone only to the Hamilton network. Forget your factory Bluetooth network entirely by deleting your phone from your original system and forgetting your original pair records from your phone. Your Hamilton Conversion Kit is configured to use our network for calls.