How To Install Apple Carplay on Stock Headunit 2015 2016 Honda CRV EX EX-L No Navigation 

I called a local car audio place and basically told them that I would like to have apple CarPlay in my 15 CRV. They quoted me almost a grand. After watching this I installed it myself in like 20 minutes for free. You sir, are a king among men.

OMG! I just picked up a used 2016 CRV EX on Saturday and I hated the screen being on all the time. I was browsing around on YT to try and learn everything I can about the car and came across this. JUST updated it 10 mins ago using the method shown (with the exception of disconnecting the GPS wire off the head unit) and it worked! I haven't driven around yet to see if not removing the cable in the back has any affect but it is amazing so far. This has now changed my life and enhanced the purchase even more! Thank you!

THIS WAS FREEAKING AWESOME! 25 MINUTES AND I WAS DONE. Unbelievable how automakers get away with murder for software upgrades and charge thousands for this. My daughter couldnt be hppier, her car was the only one that didnt have carplay and now it does. thanks again!

If you’re struggling to pull the head unit out, just use leverage; I used my pry bar and inserted it behind the top clip and rest the end against the plastic piece behind the head unit and that’s the fulcrum point. Now gently pry the protruding end of the pry bar towards you and it’ll be a lot easier. Do this for both sides. Thanks again for this video. It’s a game changer!

Thank you so much. When I got the car not having carplay was my only disappointment. Now I have it. Much appreciated.

I can confirm that this Apple Carplay hack is still valid and does work. I just installed mine today 9/29/22 Definitely make sure your USB drive to formatted to FAT32 BEFORE downloading the firmware update.

This worked like a champ on my wife's 2016 CR-V EX. I reformatted an 8Gb USB 2.0 drive to FAT32, and the firmware file was the only thing on the drive. The reformatting did take a while, but you don't have to sit at the computer once it starts. After the USB was ready, it took me about 30 minutes including removing the unit to disconnect the compass wire. I very carefully removed the vents with a flat head screwdriver and that took lees than 5 minutes. Once I had everything working, the one thing that took a while to figure out was how to adjust the app volume versus the audio volume. For example, Apple Maps, Google Maps, etc. were practically yelling at me. The car audio controls will not work for this, but they do work for Music, Spotify, etc. To adjust the app volume, press the Home button at the upper left of the display, go to Settings, then System, go to Volume and adjust accordingly. Carplay was the one thing missing from this otherwise excellent car. Now we have that too!

Worked flawlessly, I was actually able to use a USB 3.0 drive for this and I used it in exfat instead of fat32 with no issues! Also was able to use an old credit card to pop off the vents and pull out the radio, so you can theoretically do this with stuff you have around the house already! Thanks for the guide!

Update on March 1 2024 it still works. I just did it to my CRV and I am in love with it espically now that i have car play Thank you so much for the video

Thank you soo much worked like a charm. I did not unplug the compass wire and the maps, both apple and google are working flawless so far. So is the compass. If anything changes, I will update about it Update: maps stopped working properly. I guess the compass wire will have to be taken out. Was worth a shot

I did it! I can’t believe this worked. Thank you! Works on my 2015 CR-V EX. I did not have to take the head unit out to disconnect the grey wire. My navigation still works just fine. All cameras and everything else work fine too! Thank you sir!

It is March 30, 2022. After stumbling a bit with downloading the software I am thrilled to report that I got it to work and will echo what most people have said that is a life changer. I was recently at my Honda Dealership and was told that there not plans for Honda to roll out a software update. I use waze for my navigation and you must remove the compass wire in order to get the right directions. I am thrilled beyond words and forever grateful to you for making this video. As others have indicated if everything runs smoothly it should take about 20 minutes to complete the process.. Stick with it and you will reap the rewards. I will be sending a contribution and I encourage others who have saved a great deal of money by this process to do the same. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.

This is absolutely a very nice upgrade. I install it in a 2015 crv. I had a little delay retrieving the file. I had to unzip the file, take it out of the folder, and leave only the executable file in the usb (looks like a photo). Everything else was easy. Average guy does an excellent job going through every step on the installation. I subscribed to his channel to show my gratitude for his time and effort.

Works like a Champ! Completed this in less than 30 minutes beginning to end. Thanks so much for helping us be less envious of newer cars. 🙂

You my friend are amazing! You saved me hundreds of dollars and a headache! I was going to pay thousands for a new car stereo then I met a guy who said that he could download software and do some rewiring and he would charge me like 500 bucks. he kept procrastinating and I got frustrated and decided to do a Google search and came upon this video! literally took me under 10 minutes with a Flathead and Phillips screwdriver and an old USB from high school! I can’t thank you enough you deserve all the credit!!

Thanks a lot for posting this Video. I never removed the head unit or disconnected the compass wire. I just upgraded the firmware posted and got the car play installed. It works perfectly fine without any issues.

Update from the land of 2022 … I just completed this install in about 30 minutes, including the wait time for the 99% “stall.” Everything worked exactly as described. When you get ready to pull the head unit out, it helps to know that there are three “sort-of clips” at the left, center and right of the bottom/front of the box. Once you get the two top clips unhooked, you can slide your plastic removal tool under the bottom of the faceplate and wiggle it just a little bit to loosen those clips. Then you need to take hold of the unit and pull straight out evenly on both sides. About the time it feel like you’re going to break it, the adhesive on those bottom three “sort-of clips” will release and it will slide out to the length of the hazard light switch cable. Again, the instructions are 100% correct. I just put my tablet on the dash and paused the video after each step. Bam! A half-hour later and no more looking down at my phone for maps and directions. Thanks, Average Guy, DIY for a great video and precise instructions … well done!

Superb video. Many kudos. I was able to upgrade, and Apple CarPlay works fantastic. SPECIAL NOTE: if you ever have your battery disconnected/replaced, your clock date gets set to year 2012. The only way to fix the year problem is: 1) disconnect the radio unit as per the instructions, 2) connect the GPS, 3) turn your car on, 4) wait for the GPS to update your clock, 5) disconnect GPS, 6) then reinstall radio head unit. [Make sure to perform this outside so the GPS has good reception. If the year update does not seem to occur, start you manual clock adjustment. This somehow triggered my GPS clock year to update]

Thanks for the video. This worked like a charm for my wife's CR-V! One quick note in case it helps anyone: I kept getting the "USB Error" the first time around. Switching it to the other USB outlet (the one closest to the driver seat) got it to work, even though the iPhone has to be connected to the one closest to the passenger seat for it to work with CarPlay. Hope that helps someone. Happy updating! 😀

This worked amazingly well! Thank you so much. I did it on my 2015 CR-V with no navigation. I rolled down the window before I started and plugged in the USB drive from outside the car so I could just let it run and was stuck in the car. It worked great! No issues. Note you plug your iPhone cable into port 1 for Carplay but install the software via port 2 as the video shows.

It worked like a charm on a 2015 Canadian SE model! Thank you so so much for this! 🙏🏻

I just finished the upgrade on my 2016 Honda CRV EX-L w/o navigation and everything went flawlessly. I tried leaving the Compass wire plugged in and had issues with Apple Maps, Google Maps and Waze from the beginning so I opened the dash (which was so simple and easy) and unplugged the Compass wire. Now CarPlay navigation works perfectly. In all the total job took 20-30 minutes from start to finish including the test drive. The software update took 4min 27sec total with 3min 44secs at 99%. yes, I timed it. Thank so much man for this awesome upgrade to my CR-V. CarPlay is far superior to the default Honda infotainment system for 2016.

works great had some issues with it not wanting to read the USB so i turned the car off WITH the usb left plugged into slot number two restarted and it worked seamlessly

Success on first try! It took about 10-15 minutes. I only used the usb to download, I did not take the head unit out. Thank you for this video!

This works perfectly! It took 6 minutes from the moment I plugged in the USB stick. I am going to wait until I have problems to disconnect the GPS wire. I suspect I won't have any issues. If I do, it will be a 10 minute project to disconnect that wire. Thank you so much!!!

Thanks for sharing this info as I have it installed and working and it’s great. I did run into one more issue that I would like to pass on though just in case someone else experiences it. After the install was complete and the icon for airplay displayed it wouldn’t work, turns out that because I had it running through the HDMI adaptor it won’t function. So just run your lightning cable by itself and it will work out excellent. Thanks again!

This is like my dream come true! thank you, my man.

Finally after 6 years I have apple car play!!! As a warning it took about three tries for my car to successfully download. Once it failed and I couldn’t get off the screen saying to remove my USB drive. If this happens to you, keep your USB drive inserted and restart your car.

It took a few tries but eventually the second usb slot worked. It didn’t at first so I tried the #1 slot. It would bring up the update screen but then fail. Anyway… decided to not put the usb stick in until about 5 minutes after putting car in accessory mode. Then put it in and boom. Success. Accessory mode works. No need to start the crv. I also used a usb 2.0 stick but formatted to EXFAT on my MacBook. Thanks so much!!! - oh - this was a Canadian CRV EX model. 👍👍

This really worked for me. Thanks, man for a great useful video. I have done this without opening any of the vents or cables. Copied software to pen drive and inserted in USB second port and it's automatically detected and asked for a software update. followed the instructions and updated. At last, it asked for the pin which I ignored and restarted the car. finally, boom... I could see the car play on the screen. My vehicle is crv 2015 exl model... But I see it only works with a USB cable 1 insert but not wirelessly.

This is great. I Tried on 2015 Honda CRV EX, it worked like charm. Dont even need to take out the head unit. Just used USB 2.0 with , downloaded google drive file as described and plug in to second usb port and waited for around 5 min . Its working well. Thank you!

Installed in my car perfectly! I didn’t unplug the compass wire and the only side effect is that it messes with Apple Maps and it messes with the compass built in to your car. I use Google maps so it’s no problem I haven’t had any issues with Google maps. Everything else works perfectly as well. So if you’re weary about removing the vent covers/head unit you can skip the step but your compass will no longer be accurate and you’ll have to use Google maps (or another gps system that doesn’t rely on the vehicle’s compass)

March 2024 - this worked like a charm. If you’re using a Microsoft computer, you can skip any USB formatting issues by buying a new USB from walmart ($5), they are default formatted to FAT32. Just make sure to delete any files that may be preloaded on the drive. He wasn’t kidding about using some elbow grease to get the head unit out- I thought I was going to break it lol. Whole process took about 30-45 minutes, awesome video and CarPlay works like a charm! Thank you!!

I’m so sad that I just found this video AFTER driving from Gulf Shores, Alabama to Las Vegas! 😭 This was so incredibly easy and works absolutely perfectly on my 2015 CRV-EXL. I quick formatted a USB 3 thumb drive to Fat32 and named it what you said. It was SO EASY!!

I rarely subscribe and comment but this one was so useful and valuable that i have to do this. You are awesome. Very nice instructions and exact detail required. However i had problem that i could not remove the hazard light. Clip was small and just did not budge and my nails hurt. So i just tried to take out the compass clip directly without completely pulling the unit. Assuming it was top right grey clip. It was reachable and cld take out. Saved me hundreds of dollar. Once again grateful for this video.

This is what the Internet was created for! It works like a charm. Did not even have to take the head unit out. Start to finish was 10 minutes. THANK YOU!!!! I'm going to try and pay this forward.

With your help I installed the software today! So easy it took like 20 minutes. You saved me hundreds of dollars. I can’t even get an appointment with Best Buy for a couple of months. If I could donate a little cash I would. You’ve helped a lot of people with this video. Thanks bro !

Brooooo appreciate that thanks from the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴

Thanks man! just sent some gratitute down your way, we've been thinking that our car is now dated, but this is a boost of life on the infotainment and has us reconsidering keeping a bit longer, pretty soon it will be ten years old and we will likely still run it! awesome

9-10-22, just did it on my wife's CRV. Worked like a champ, pretty straight forward. Very happy, thanks for posting this!

So are we sure that it will not work for Navigation enabled CRV’s? Even with unplugging the GPS wire?

Wish I'd seen this sooner! Performed this on my 2015 CRV EX (Feb 2024) and it worked like a charm. If you are struggling with the compass wire (it's hard to see precisely which one he's pulling) it's a black wire with a grey connector and has a single wire going into it (or perhaps two). Also, I was able to remove the dashboard items just using my fingernails - didn't need a tool, just determination). So happy to have this in the car!

Can somebody figure out how to do this for the 2015 civic!? They are virtually the same head unit

I had a little bit of trouble getting my phone connected, but I think it was just my phone being wonky. This is great! It added so much value to our CR-V! Thank you for sharing!

I did it and it works Great! it's a BIG update for my 2015 ex CRV. I really apreciate you put this video and gave us this instructions for free. I'm very thankful from Dominican Republic. I hope you keep helping people like this, Will donante for sure.

July 2023: Still works, software link works, I did not take apart my car. I Just formatted an old usb drive, Re-named it to USB20FD, downloaded software into usb drive. and followed instructions at 3:06. Whole installation took under 13 mins.

Second time installation success! A friend had a 2016 CRV EX-L and we successfully installed CarPlay by following your instructions. Her car got totaled, but she had fallen in love with the car so with the insurance money, she got ANOTHER 2016 CRV EX-L. This morning, in the snow, we played your video in her car, followed every step - and POW!!! Installation success a SECOND time. I just sent you another donation to thank you.

Hey man! Its awesome you got it working! But I’ve got a question. Might this work for the Honda Civic Type R FK2 (2015-2017)? Its the exact same screen and the software, but im worried to mess things up in case it doesn’t work. Could you please help? 🙏

Yay! I did it! Great tutorial. I love you showed your hands removing the pieces. Super helpful!

Worked perfectly on my 2015 CR-V, can't possibly thank you enough!

Sept 2024, and still worked great! After downloading the software to the drive make sure you change the name and format it to FAT32 first. Just follow the instructions on the video and you’re golden!

I just completed this upgrade last week. The only issue I had was with the radio code. I found an article online that gave directions on how to bypass (I think it was holding down the power button). Regardless, the process outlined in the video is spot on and well done - thank you! My vehicle is 2016 CRV EX.

This is a great how-to video. I got the whole job one in less than half hour. Used a 3.0 16gb Kingston’s drive and it worked well. The head unit really takes a low of effort to take off. The bottom had three clips.

Followed the instructions precisely on my 2016 CRV EX. Procedure worked perfectly. My head unit did not have the separate cable on the side.

I just installed it in less than half an hour. It was hard to bring the stereo out like your one but other than that, everything worked perfectly. Thank you so much.

Hi, out of curiosity, in case of any issues, is there any roll back option after upgrade back to the stock version? Thanks.

Works like a charm! Just saved a couple hundred dollars since I was planning to replace the head unit with a new one, and found this video instead. You are a hero, and savior of a couple hundred dollars!

By the way, I haven’t unplug the gray wire, on 16 EX with out factory navy and works perfect (so far ) without disconnecting the gray wire

I drive a 2016 Honda CRV EX-L (Canada) without built-in navigation. This video helped and it took less than 5 minutes to complete the update. I followed the instructions given in this video. However, I did not disconnect the compass/gray wire from the head unit and the Apple car play works well so far. I will test it for the next few months and keep you posted if I face any issues regarding navigation. Thank you for making this helpful video.

Success! With a weird quirk. I initially thought I had everything right, but my USB 2.0 thumb drive wasn't getting picked up by the car. For the hell of it, I double checked the files and also put it on a USB 3.0 stick, and that one worked instead! From there everything worked with no issue. Amazing walkthrough.

This works flawlessly. I just installed this myself. For anyone confused, download the software from the link in the video description, then simply move it over to your USB drive. I tried 3 times before it worked. The third time I used an old USB drive that was USB 2.0 and as soon as I plugged it into my car it worked. The other ones I tried were USB 3.0, so my problem was most likely the USB drives. Hope this helps😊 Also, nothing changes or is removed from your head unit, carplay is only added. All other functions and features remain working as they should.

Worked without a problem! For anyone who is having issues, make sure you’re using a USB 2.0 drive. Rename it “USB20FD” - make sure it’s FAT32 Plug into the USB 2 port in the center console and wait about ten seconds for it to ask for an update on the screen. Quick tip, don’t take apart your dashboard until after it’s installed just in case it doesn’t work

I guess I'm still trying to understand why you have to take the radio off. I did everything but that and it worked. I didn't unplug anything.

Installed flawlessly on my 2016 Canadian CRV-EX-L.. Software installed in under 4 minutes. Thank you Average Guy!

Haha. Needed to replace my screen and went through this a second time. Worked again without a hitch. Much appreciated to 408Kyle.

Update from Dec. 2022. This was a GIFT. I was able to use a flat head instead of the special tool, for those (like me) who are impatient and want to try this NOW. Unlocking the head unit was slightly terrifying since you really have to PULL. It pretty much feels like you're going to break it off. Like someone else said, a code screen came up but went away. The blank screen was there for a while, so I actually turned on the car (I was in accessory mode) and then held the power button down. And voila, Apple Car Play. I have a 2015 CRV

Worked like a charm. USB 3.0 in port #1 (closest to HDMI). Drove around for an hour. Stopped twice, turned off car. Restart; no problems. Flawless. 2016 CR-V EX. Did not open dash or remove GPS cable. Thank you Average Guy DIY !

I looked up several videos online. This one is the most clear step-by-step instruction for the upgrade. Thank you so much! A trivial correction: there are 6 clips for the headunit of my 2016 CRV, 3 white ones at the top and 3 red ones at the bottom. Feels like only the top ones are used to hold the unit. A less trivial comment: If you need to format USB to FAT32, make sure to choose default allocation unit size, which caused failure at my first try. System just did not recognize the USB.

Thank you. I did it without taking the unit out. And I did it with the engine running because that is what Honda suggested went updating maps. I figured if that worked with a nav system, it would work for a car without a nav system.

I was about to buy my mom a whole new installment for Christmas now I just have to set this up wowwwwww

WOW WOW !!! This worked !!! Thank you so much !!! Wife and I recently bought our CRV 2016 and then our son bought a Honda 2017. We were jealous of the Apple Carplay in his car. I called the salesman up wanting to return our car for the newer model just so we could have Carplay. When he told us the price increase we decided to just live without having it. Then I found this video and was nervous to try on my wife's car. Finally tried it today and the installation went perfect. I'm so happy now !!! Thanks for sharing and saving us thousands of $$$. - By the way - I didn't remove any panels figuring that I can later if the car compass messes with the phone compass. So far it has worked perfectly. Thanks again !!!!!!!!

I downloaded the software and put it into the 2nd port and that option never popped up on the screen for me to download onto the car

This worked Fantastically!!!! I have searched for quite a while how to get this done and was about to purchase a radio that would support it I love Carplay so much.. i followed the example you gave to a T and it worked flawlessly (for those who intend to do this, please note to "unblock" the file after downloading it and before you transfer it to the USB.. (right click the file after it downloads, go to properties, and at the bottom right of this window you should see a checkbox for unblock.) this allows windows to transfer the whole file and contents and not restrict them. If you dont see the option to unblock you are good to go..

It's a great help! I have CarPlay in my 2015 Honda CRV now. Thank you so much for the video! 10 out of 10.

This worked so well & I've installed in just 20 mins. Thanks for sharing, Much appreciated.

I upgraded my 2015 EXL CRV this morning in less than 25 minutes. Thank you for saving me a few hundred dollars, and a trip to the store that had very few options for the HUDs. This video outlined the exact process I went through the upgrade, and thank you so very much for putting it together! You are a hero! P.S: As someone else pointed out 2 months ago, I had 3 white clips at the top along with the red ones at the bottom as well.

Thank you for putting this video together. I just updated the firmware on my 15 EX-L following your procedures, and everything works great including backup and lane watch camera features. Feel like a brand new car :)

Hi will this work with 2016 Odyssey and what is that grey wire that you disconnected from the factory radio?

I just want to thank you for the great video , worked perfectly for my 2015 Honda LS (Canada) . I only wish I did it sooner .

WORKED!! Great Video! wish I would have came across this video years ago when I first bought the car

Incredibly thorough! I had Carplay installed in my CR-V in less than twenty minutes. All I spent on it was the $9 for the USB drive. Thanks so much for making this so accessible!

Can you revert back to old version in case you need to? Also after disconnecting gray wire for compass, does it disable the compass from the I-MID (small screen) in the center of the dash? Thanks!

Can you upload software for Touring Model

Hey there! 2015 CRV EX here. Just installed the software on my radio and did not unplug any harness! I believe it was with a older iOS where it was buggy I tested mine atleast 5 times and had 0 issues!

I followed every step with my 2016 Honda CR-V Touring and this did not work. Once USB was plugged in the update prompt never came up. I tried several different methods with no luck.

Amazing !!! It worked like a charm on 2015 Honda CRV EX. For proper functioning, removal of exiting GPS cable is a must !! Thanks a lot Average Guy DIY!! Hats off to your search and detailed video !!!

AverageGuy thank you! Got the install done in 10 minutes. Works perfectly. I was upset finding out this used Cr-V could not have CarPlay, but you changed everything! Cameras for side view mirror and backup camera work too! Where do you get these firmware updates in case I need to update it in the future? Thanks again!

You're amazing! Completed this install within 15 minutes which including all steps except for removing the head unit. Never had to unplug the compass wire however still works flawlessly!

Thank you so much for making a detailed explanation this currently works as of 2/19/23 bled a little bit but other then that pretty easy

Worked a dream! The first USB i tried the unit couldnt read it. Tried a different one and away it went. No issues and such a sweet upgrade. THANKS!!

Oh. My. Gosh. I just successfully pulled this off and I canNOT thank you enough!!!! I have been looking at new systems so I can have CarPlay and I mean, you just saved me so much money!! Serious thank YOU!!!! I did not think I would be able to do this but your video made it so easy to follow step by step. You’re amazing! And I’m so excited.

Hi, I need to tell you I am SOOOOO grateful of this post. We drove around for 2 years wishing we had Nav. I had even bought an Apple A/V adaptor for $75 and had researched this $100 cable sold by some odd outfit in the US that would let you mirror your iPhone's screen on the main screen of the CRV - but it was going to be a smaller picture because it was going to show black bars on the side because the iPhone itself shows a tall picture. I was about to google for this mysterious cable and buy it for my wife's birthday when I came across this post. I did everything exactly as you said, and it worked flawlessly. Well actually I first tried with a USB 3.0 stick and it did not work, in any port. I had to go buy a really expensive OLDER USB 2.0 stick from a variety store (other stores were closed due to COVID) but as soon as I used that, it worked like a charm. Even your tips on how to remove the unit itself by pulling hard helped. Also, I was able to do the entire procedure without removing the plug for the 4 way flashers, I had enough play to do that. I did get confused on what "grey" cable to pull out in the back, because they were all grey! So I watched the video again and just pulled the cable out that was most to the right and most to the top of the unit. Have had no issues since, it has been exactly 30 days. This mod is so good that my wife no longer feels she needs a new SUV. We were literally starting to shop for a new SUV because she said it was unsafe to use Waze with audio only and looking down at the phone sitting in the tray. We actualy should have had (and could still use) a good iphone dash holder, is the one you have a good model? So in the end my wife is OK with keeping the CRV -and in the meantime my boys and I bought a used Toyota Scion FR-S so that they can learn stickshift.. In any case we love the carplay. I am trying to figure out a way to upgrade the BRZ's head unit to have carplay too, but I think it is too old, sigh. Thanks again please keep making these cool videos.

THIS IS SO COOL . WORKED LIKE A CHARM . JUST WONDERING WHY DO WE HAVE TO UNMOUNT THE AIR VENTS AND HEAD UNIT. I WAS ABLE TO DO BY JUST PLUGGING IN USB. THANKS SO MUCH, I ACCIDENTALLY GOT HIS VIDEO TRYING TO SHOP FOR NEW HEAD SET AND THIS SAVED ME 100'S OF $S IS THERE ANY FIRMWARE UPGRADE TO GET ANDROID AUTO ALSO ?

Oh my oh my, this is amazing, installed it yesterday and love it. It feels like I just upgraded my car. Thank you so much🙏🏻👏🏼

I just updated mine and it’s working fine. Thank you Kyle 🐐

Beautiful it does work on 2015 honda crv , without opening radio , just try 2 -3 time plug and unplug usb and it works. Thanks

I just did this for my Mother-in-laws CRV. Wasn’t reading the usb stick. One blog stated that they didn’t change the name of the original file and that’s how he was able to get the radio to “see” the firmware upgrade. So grateful you made this video. She is thrilled.

Thank you so much. I did it taking the head unit out to unplug the gray wire in my 2016 Honda CRV EX. Really appreciate.

Thank you man! I was pretty skeptical something this cool would work but it's working perfectly!

Hello, thanks for the video! Do you mind sharing the part # for this unit? I read that the non-navigation unit is needed for the civic swap and I cant find any info on what part that is. Thank you!!