Database Users

Root for TS9 Head Unit with Android 10.0

Hey all,
New member here. Recently purchased a Chinese Android head unit designed specifically for my 4Runner. I'm not an Android user, but I have just become introduced with the concept of "rooting." My understanding is it is similar to jail breaking an Apple device, which I have done before. I've heard of and seen others do it with other head units running various versions of the Android operating system. However, I am not familiar with the concept of rooting or the process of it. I just know it will unlock a whole new range of possibilities for the unit, with the possibility of making mistakes that could render it unusable.
I was wondering if anyone who has experience with this type of thing can walk me through the process? Or what types of things I can do after its done? Please keep in mind I have no idea what I'm doing. Below are some more details.
Operating System Android: 10
Processors: CPU - T9 Octa-Core Intel IA 1.872GHz, GPU - Dual-core ARM Mali T820
Storage - 64GB
Memory - 4G
Screen: Display - LCD Multi-Touch display with IPS, Resolution - 1024x600
Connectivity - Bluetooth, WiFi, MirrorLink
Thanks in advance! :good:

Running the same setup. I've looked through XDA and haven't found many others actually using these units let alone successfully rooting them. Seems like its hard to find updated MCUs for these as well. The version I'm running is relatively recent(05/2020) and it's trash. I'll most likely just continue to use headunit reloaded rather than worrying about rooting.
What were you looking to achieve with a root? Are you missing some functionality or looking to add something new?

bc8907 said:
Running the same setup. I've looked through XDA and haven't found many others actually using these units let alone successfully rooting them. Seems like its hard to find updated MCUs for these as well. The version I'm running is relatively recent(05/2020) and it's trash. I'll most likely just continue to use headunit reloaded rather than worrying about rooting.
What were you looking to achieve with a root? Are you missing some functionality or looking to add something new?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not missing any functionality besides the main issues everyone has with it (CarPlay wireless sucks, and I know rooting would not solve this). I suppose the only really annoying thing is that when I start the car, it loads the default launcher instead of the one I installed, Agama, despite my having set Agama as the "home app."
The only thing I really want to do with a root is be able to have a custom UI that is much more functional and attractive. Agama is okay, but I don't truly like any of the head unit launcher apps on the Google Play store and I figure with a root I'll be able to install a custom ROM or something that will be more attractive. Ideally, I want it to look sleek and modern like the xtron unit UI (can't post the link because I'm a new user)

Gatnos said:
Not missing any functionality besides the main issues everyone has with it (CarPlay wireless sucks, and I know rooting would not solve this). I suppose the only really annoying thing is that when I start the car, it loads the default launcher instead of the one I installed, Agama, despite my having set Agama as the "home app."
The only thing I really want to do with a root is be able to have a custom UI that is much more functional and attractive. Agama is okay, but I don't truly like any of the head unit launcher apps on the Google Play store and I figure with a root I'll be able to install a custom ROM or something that will be more attractive. Ideally, I want it to look sleek and modern like the xtron unit UI (can't post the link because I'm a new user)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you give Agama system modification privileges when you set it as the home launcher? I haven't had any problems with my launcher, but you might have a different MCU. Might help if you share your MCU version. Is CarPlay native with your ROM or are you using an app/emulator for this? I know with emulators like Headunit Reloaded, a separate app for launching wireless is necessary and fixes these issues.
Honestly, given that you're new to Android and the issues you're describing, rooting probably wouldn't help you out unless you already had a ROM that you knew would work with your system and solve these issues. Since it's difficult to even find anyone that's successfully rooted this MCU, the odds of finding a ROM that works with it(let alone one that you like) is pretty minimal. Your issues sound like they can be addressed from the app side anyway.
I'd suggest looking through the launchers on here if you don't like Agama anyway. There's quite a few with a lot of complete customizability. And your wireless mirroring should be able to fixed with a bit more info.

bc8907 said:
Did you give Agama system modification privileges when you set it as the home launcher? I haven't had any problems with my launcher, but you might have a different MCU. Might help if you share your MCU version. Is CarPlay native with your ROM or are you using an app/emulator for this? I know with emulators like Headunit Reloaded, a separate app for launching wireless is necessary and fixes these issues.
Honestly, given that you're new to Android and the issues you're describing, rooting probably wouldn't help you out unless you already had a ROM that you knew would work with your system and solve these issues. Since it's difficult to even find anyone that's successfully rooted this MCU, the odds of finding a ROM that works with it(let alone one that you like) is pretty minimal. Your issues sound like they can be addressed from the app side anyway.
I'd suggest looking through the launchers on here if you don't like Agama anyway. There's quite a few with a lot of complete customizability. And your wireless mirroring should be able to fixed with a bit more info.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MCU version: Ts9.4.3-3-63-30-C06681-190618
Not sure if that is what you were asking for. CarPlay is through a program called TLink that came installed on the unit. I suppose I would be more happy with the unit if the launcher did its job - launched, when I started the car. Modification permissions are on. Someone in another forum mentioned changing some autostart settings, in autokit.apk, that would allow me to start the correct launcher or carplay when I start the car. I would be happy with either option really.

Gatnos said:
MCU version: Ts9.4.3-3-63-30-C06681-190618
Not sure if that is what you were asking for. CarPlay is through a program called TLink that came installed on the unit. I suppose I would be more happy with the unit if the launcher did its job - launched, when I started the car. Modification permissions are on. Someone in another forum mentioned changing some autostart settings, in autokit.apk, that would allow me to start the correct launcher or carplay when I start the car. I would be happy with either option really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes that's what I was referring to. TLink is just a crappy mirroring app. This is most likely where your problem is with the connection, not the headunit or the ROM. I'm assuming you're using Apple since you're referring to Carplay and not AA. If so, I don't have any specific recommendations but I would imagine there's better emulators/mirroring apps out there that will function reliably. I'd look into that rather than trying to make TLink work like it should. If you want a reference of an Android Auto example, look at headunit reloaded. This app emulates a native Android Auto connection so you're able to have wifi auto connects, usb auto connects and full AA function on a generic android headunit without any type of dongle. I would imagine there's something similar out there for Apple Carplay.
Your MCU is out of date, I'd try to get the update from my seller for you but I'm actually in the process of returning mine due to a display defect(most likely shipping damage). If it wasn't for this, however, I would have had no issues on the stock ROM.

which TLINK app version do you have? TLINK is actually ZLINK (modified). I can offer you version 3.7.5. Runs a lot better than other versions.

Hi there,
Gatnos said:
Hey all,
New member here. Recently purchased a Chinese Android head unit designed specifically for my 4Runner. I'm not an Android user, but I have just become introduced with the concept of "rooting." My understanding is it is similar to jail breaking an Apple device, which I have done before. I've heard of and seen others do it with other head units running various versions of the Android operating system. However, I am not familiar with the concept of rooting or the process of it. I just know it will unlock a whole new range of possibilities for the unit, with the possibility of making mistakes that could render it unusable.
I was wondering if anyone who has experience with this type of thing can walk me through the process? Or what types of things I can do after its done? Please keep in mind I have no idea what I'm doing. Below are some more details.
Operating System Android: 10
Processors: CPU - T9 Octa-Core Intel IA 1.872GHz, GPU - Dual-core ARM Mali T820
Storage - 64GB
Memory - 4G
Screen: Display - LCD Multi-Touch display with IPS, Resolution - 1024x600
Connectivity - Bluetooth, WiFi, MirrorLink
Thanks in advance! :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
here the how to root it, go to that sise://xethongminh.net/threads/huong-dan-root-dau-android-ownice-c960.3115/ hope it work for you.

comt said:
which TLINK app version do you have? TLINK is actually ZLINK (modified). I can offer you version 3.7.5. Runs a lot better than other versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@comt - 2 questions about TLINK 3.7.5 (I have it also):
Have you been able to get the steering wheel buttons to work with CarPlay apps? I want the voice button on the steering wheel to activate Siri. Right now, it is only mapped to TLINK which starts the TLINK app...
Have you been able to get it working in wired mode? For me, even though the headunit recognizes when I attached the phone via USB, I can never get CarPlay to work wired.
thanks!

I am interested in Tlink 3.7.5, I currently have version 1.1 I believe on my headunit and im getting lag, Echo during calls etc I dont know why my headunit has such an old version

Has anyone figured out how to train the steering wheel buttons in the TLink app to work with CarPlay? As long as CarPlay isn't active, there is a menu to set them, but no matter what I do, I can't train it - I wonder if I'm doing something wrong. My steering wheel buttons work fine with the default Android OS.

comt said:
which TLINK app version do you have? TLINK is actually ZLINK (modified). I can offer you version 3.7.5. Runs a lot better than other versions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you have to reactivate Tlink?
My head unit came with an old version of tlink that would never connect to my phone. I received a firmware "update" from the seller to address the issue which which caused a tlink error. I recently installed Tlink 3.7.5, no error but needs activation.
TS9 (Spreadtrum SC9853I)

Hardware for Alps ff-5000

I purchased a Mazda that has a Eonon in it. Which from what I can tell is a rebranded Alps FF-5000. But is only has the bare minimum to work connected to it. It there anyway I can get the wires for the USB ports and the backup camera and I want Android Auto too. Is there anyway to just get the parts or is my best option just to upgrade from Android 10 and just buy the entire new Android 11 unit?

First be aware that the Android version on the FF5000 will be 8.1 or 9 at best, the Chinese have modified the properties file to display a fake Android version number, this will apply to many of the new units too. Download 'Fake Device Test' from the play store and see what you actually have.
Many of the vendors have the cord sets available as a spare part but you may need to ask as they may not have them listed on their sale sites.
Despite what one certain member here says, I think the FF5000 is a reasonably capable unit but the various software apps let them down. Alps is the parent company of the well-known Alpine car audio, they've been around for a very long time.
Why do you want Android Auto? Why not run the apps directly on the head unit and put your phone away?

Mr.TT_NZ said:
First be aware that the Android version on the FF5000 will be 8.1 or 9 at best, the Chinese have modified the properties file to display a fake Android version number, this will apply to many of the new units too. Download 'Fake Device Test' from the play store and see what you actually have.
Many of the vendors have the cord sets available as a spare part but you may need to ask as they may not have them listed on their sale sites.
Despite what one certain member here says, I think the FF5000 is a reasonably capable unit but the various software apps let them down. Alps is the parent company of the well-known Alpine car audio, they've been around for a very long time.
Why do you want Android Auto? Why not run the apps directly on the head unit and put your phone away?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The current radio I have is crazy slow when running off my hotspot on my phone and I have problems with apps force closing after running a while. The whole thing is just laggy in general on the android side. I end up just bluetoothing my music to it anyway most the time. I put a wireless Android Auto radio in my other car and love it but I also really like being able to run android natively on the unit is why I was thinking about upgrading to the newest unit that claims to run android 11. Even if it doesn't actually run Android 11 it has a better chipset and I was hoping that would fix my lag issue, slow wifi connection, and force closing. Plus wireless Android Auto would just be a added bonus.

Android Auto - use without a phone

Hi there. I have recently installed an aftermarket Android 11 screen in my car. I set up the unit with a 4G SIM card so it has its own isolated internet connection, as I want this entire unit to be self-sufficient and never have the need to connect a smartphone to it.
Is there a way to run Android Auto on this Android unit as a stand-alone app without having to connect a phone or external device to it?
(this seems like it should be a basic and common question, but I could not find an answer using Search)
TIA.

No one knows what the head unit is, out of the many unit types and manufacturers.
What have you identified as a possibility to solve your problem from reading the forum

There is not really a "brand" per-se, it's a somewhat generic aftermarket Android unit manufactured in China and distributed by DMP Car Design for a Mercedes W205 chassis. The device is "unlocked" and I can install almost anything.
As a network device, It identifies itself as: 'Bengal for arm64'
Specs:
12.3" Screen | Android 11 | 6GB LPDDR4 Ram | 128GB Storage | Qualcomm SnapDragon 662 (sm6115) 8-core kyro 260 64-bit CPU
I would think most of this has no bearing on the app having the ability to run stand-alone (except for the Android version).
Thanks!

KeithW205 said:
There is not really a "brand" per-se, it's a somewhat generic aftermarket Android unit manufactured in China and distributed by DMP Car Design for a Mercedes W205 chassis. The device is "unlocked" and I can install almost anything.
As a network device, It identifies itself as: 'Bengal for arm64'
Specs:
12.3" Screen | Android 11 | 6GB LPDDR4 Ram | 128GB Storage | Qualcomm SnapDragon 662 (sm6115) 8-core kyro 260 64-bit CPU
I would think most of this has no bearing on the app having the ability to run stand-alone (except for the Android version).
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what reason you want to mess around with Android Auto?
This app is meant to connect a phone with an OEM head unit to mirror the screen of your phone to your head unit.
In fact:
Your new head unit is able to handle all the apps itself a lot better as any AA installation would do.
If you don´t have a phone connected, you won´t be able to make phone calls at least.
So I am really curious what you expect to get and the reason for your question.

Hi, did you resolve the problem with your android head unit because I've got the same predicament . Thanks

rigattoni said:
For what reason you want to mess around with Android Auto?
This app is meant to connect a phone with an OEM head unit to mirror the screen of your phone to your head unit.
In fact:
Your new head unit is able to handle all the apps itself a lot better as any AA installation would do.
If you don´t have a phone connected, you won´t be able to make phone calls at least.
So I am really curious what you expect to get and the reason for your question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since I have work accounts on my phone, I cannot connect to external devices. Additionally, I prefer not to have my car's system or devices be dependent upon an external device to function. From my perspective, the only requirement I should have to make everything in my car work is to have a key, that's it.
I like the clean UI of Android Auto and it works well for native Google navigation and music control in one simple interface which is why I was looking for an "easy" way to run Android Auto on my aftermarket Android car screen without having the dependency of a connection to a smartphone to function.

Charlieboy205 said:
Hi, did you resolve the problem with your android head unit because I've got the same predicament . Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi there. I did not spend a lot of time pursuing this as I ended up going down too many rabbit holes in search of a solution.
I dropped trying to run Android Auto as a stand-alone app without a smartphone connection and went with FCC Car Launcher. In the end, I gained a huge amount of functionality and customization by using FCC. I now have a Google moving map, music controls, and much more on a single home screen without any dependency on a smartphone. (my headunit has its own 4G internet connection)

KeithW205 said:
Hi there. I did not spend a lot of time pursuing this as I ended up going down too many rabbit holes in search of a solution.
I dropped trying to run Android Auto as a stand-alone app without a smartphone connection and went with FCC Car Launcher. In the end, I gained a huge amount of functionality and customization by using FCC. I now have a Google moving map, music controls, and much more on a single home screen without any dependency on a smartphone. (my headunit has its own 4G internet connection)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Fcc is surely the best solution.
As I said... Stand-alone Android Auto is not possible. you always need a Connection between phone and head unit. This is the way this app works...
I already use Fcc nearly since the start of development and I would not use anything else.

I have a 2016 RAV4 with Entune radio. Looking for a GPS Navigation capable unit. I have an Android phone. Seems like an Android OS wireless and wired head unit would work. Extensive research led me through Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony: all poor values. Car stereo dealers want a fortune to install. I value function and reliability. Any suggestions on a plug-and-play easy install unit that will keep my steering controls and factory backup camera? T'eyes CC3 and Dasaita Max 10 both are on my short list. Prefer to buy from US only.

Hello all,
I may be late, but you can use Headunit Reloaded Emulator (it's a paid App):
Headunit Reloaded Emulator HUR - Apps on Google Play
Turn your tablet or Android powered unit into a full blow Android Auto headunit.
play.google.com
You can run standalone Android auto server and app.
There is a trial version for testing:
Headunit Reloaded Trial for An - Apps on Google Play
This is a free trial version of the Headunit Reloaded Emulator.
play.google.com
Regards.

Eonon R80 - WiFi and ZLink Issue

I just recently installed an Eonon R80 (Android 11) unit in my 2009 Suburban. It has been a pain in my butt since the moment we got it installed.
I have my Android (Zfold 3) hooked up with the ZLink App via CarPlay. This is all well and good, but it has some quirks that I'm not able to figure out:
1) How do I get to anything beyond Navigation? I want to use Waze, not Google, and I want to be able to see other apps but can't figure out how to get to the menu.
2) The built-in apps seem to be largely inaccessible without WiFi, but when I try to go to the Settings, ZLink immediately comes up and thwarts all attempts at working in the Settings at all. I don't know how to get it to stop doing that, so currently, I can't get to Netflix, Spotify, or anything else, because they need WiFi but I can't get on my phone's WiFi due to ZLink.
Any help with this would be extremely appreciated! I'm going on vacation soon, and the whole purpose of this installation was so that I had a better head unit for the extremely long journey, but right now, I'm really disappointed and their manual is AWFUL.

First Post. Any Help Would Be Appreciated

Just installed a new headset with Android 10.0 and trying to get my head around how to use it. Got my head around Windows when it first came out and fine with that but must admit all the Android talk loses me a bit.
So.... Unit installed (just about) and running fine, have all the extras to add but just want to take it step by step. Bit disappointed that some of the things it said it can do, after reading up, it cannot. Also some things I thought would be basics are not included. Here are an example of each...
1. Netflix - Unit is shown as being able to view Youtube and Netflix. After not seeing them on there immediately I do some research online on how to find Google Play on unit and if it's as easy to download apps on there as it is on phone, only to find out what you can download is limited and mostly radio stations to be honest. Then I dig a bit deeper and find I actually have Youtube installed??
2. Copying Files From Phone - I foolishly assumed that there would be some sort of file manager that would be able to access phone once connected but it appears not. This seems ridiculous, unless I'm missing something?? Am I imagining it but although I have a device plugged in to get a file off of it (say image or video) I have to export that file to TF/USB then plug that in and read from it??
I've read people talk about 'rooting' their phones but this is not a road I want to go down as don't know enough and don't really want to learn tbh. Have APK installer in unit and it would seem that's how Youtube has come about, with a few other apps. From what I get and APK is a non Google app, is that right? As there are APK apps installed can I just download others like Netflix and Sky Go etc, and just install these straight onto unit or does everything have to go through Android Auto? (I have a Samsung Galaxy S9+). Have just downloaded AAAD and Screen2auto, managed to find it on unit and get it to work to a point but once you select app the screen loses control and you're back to using the phone. Also once screen times out on phone so it does on unit. These are probably just settings that need adjusting as have only just played with it for 5 minutes.
Basically I'm really disappointed in how the 2 devices communicate with each other and am trying to establish if it's me expecting to much or just lacking in knowledge. I was expecting to be able to use the unit as an individual device with whatever apps i wanted to put on it, and read from anything plugged in, or access and run whatever was on my phone. It seems this is nothing like that or am I completely missing something???
Any feedback appreciated and thanks for reading.

Nobody here that can point a beginner in the right direction?

Is unit Android auto or Chinese origin android head unit?
If chinese origin, incorrect forum, but post details from Android system information including MCU version to get post moved to appropriate forum

As far as I know it's Android Auto? It's running Android 10.0 and connects to phone via Android Auto but it is an Erisin Chinese unit. Model ES8746B to be exact.

Not Android-auto, requested moderator move to Android Head-Units forum.