What is the best way to get mobile data, be it 3G, 4G, edge (5G), or any other form of the internet, onto an Android headunit?
All the Android headunits benefit from having an internet connection. You can download apps using data, but that is not all. Mobile data is best used on the road for updating SatNav traffic and routing information on the fly to avoid jams and problems on route. You can also use mobile data to stream music over the internet on your Android headunit.
How to get the mobile data?
The most common method, and usually the first tried to get working, is setting a wifi hotspot on the phone and connecting to that hotspot on the Android headunit. Simple yet effective.
The problems are several; some phones are not great at hotspots. It may not be your phone; a works phone may not allow tethering to share the data plan. You may find it inconvenient to start a hotspot each time you use the car. These are all good reasons not to use your phone as a mobile data source for your Android headunit.
Another option
You can use a dedicated mifi or dongle device with your Android headunit for mobile data. A Dongle or MiFi has its own SIM card and data plan that the headunit can use. You don’t even need to take your phone with you! Data-only SIM cards are relatively good value for money, and we have a topic covering SIM cards for an Android Headunit to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Our Recommendation
We like this GlocalMe U3 4G data box that can share a 4G data plan over wifi to your Android headunit. It is easy to install as no extra wires are required to run it. The U3 is smart and does not require a SIM card added to function. It comes with 30 days of 8Gb US data included. When data needs to be replenished, this is available on the app.
