Kenwood - 7" - Android Auto/Apple® CarPlay™ - Built-in Bluetooth - In-Dash Digital Media Receiver - Black

Q: Is there a certificate for the free install, or how does that work? Install kit included? Thanks

A: If it says “free install” on the page, then Best Buy will install for free IN MOST SITUATIONS. Make sure to consult the install tech first, because that free installation covers 1 hr of labor. Therefore, if you have a vehicle with complicated or complex wiring or build that makes it take longer than an hour, you will still be coming out of pocket for some install fees. For your second question, the costs do not include the dash kit, so you will have to buy that as well (from Best Buy or on your own). Additionally, your specific vehicle may also require other equipment, such as a steering wheel interface module and antenna adapter. This is where your costs start to pile up. For my install this extra equipment was over $400. Again, this will be specific to your vehicle, so it may come out to far less. I’d advise you to speak with a Best Buy rep. They can plug in your car info and tell you exactly what everything will cost.

Q: Does this model come with a back up camera included?

A: If your vehicle has a backup camera it will allow it to be reconnected through the maestro adapter. My backup camera was factory in my rear view mirror. It does not have an independent camera to install with the unit.

Q: Does this radio work with wireless Android Auto?

A: Android Auto on this fine receiver requires a usb to whichever port cable your phone has in order to work. Google assistant allows some hands free tasks which are limited. I had the usb cable installed in my glove box. I connect the phone and close the glove box and I'm good to go for mapping software, music streaming (Pandora/Skype), phone calls, etc. While this is not a wireless receiver, at this price point, it's a good deal. You can still go bluetooth for music, etc if you wish. Also, I use Waze for mapping and subscribe to Pandora Premium. It's a breeze to connect your phone and both apps are already loaded and ready on the touch screen before I commute. Inbound text messages and other notifications alert you on screen. You can have the text read to you and reply hands-free. I'm still new to this and there may be more, but I love this receiver. Has a built-in adjustable EQ which will enhance the sound of your music compared to a standard manufacturer's receiver. At the end of the day, I have no cables present on my dashboard and I appreciate the clean look combined with all the features I expect.

Q: My Apple CarPlay icon will not appear on the monitor when I have my IPhone 8 plugged into USB port. According to the manual, only 7 plus through 5 will work for this unit.... Anyone else having this issue?

A: i have an iphone x and works fine

Q: It says Gps integrated...... does this mean the gps is built in ?

A: It’s misleading... this unit does not have a built in GPS, but if you’re using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, their GPS/maps feature can be be used on the touchscreen.

Q: My car has dual usb ports beneath dash. Can the usb in rear of this Kenwood be connected directly to these ports instead of using a cable extended thru the glove box?

A: It can, but you have to use the correct wiring harness to allow that to happen. The connection from the factory installed USB port to the factory radio is not a typical USB cable. It will be a cable with a small plastic connector on one end that goes into the back of the factory radio. The other end leads to your factory USB connection. Assuming you are installing it yourself, what you will need to do when removing the factory radio and all the plugs behind the stereo is to determine which cord is that USB connection. You will be able to easily determine this when you attach your new USB connection harness (that you will need to purchase separately) to that plug/connection. This new harness will then plug into the Kenwood's USB cable which runs from the back of that radio. Metra makes this for several car manufacturers including my Toyota Tacoma. Best Buy will either have this connection in stock or they can order it for you. If Best Buy is installing the stereo for you. you will need to tell them that you wish to use the factory USB, or they may just run the Kenwood's USB cable to your glove box, permanently disabling that factory USB port in your car. This harness is an inexpensive part, typically around 10-12 dollars and the installation of it should be included in the labor of a Best Buy-installed stereo, because in most instances this takes about 30 seconds to complete. One word of caution - this is my second Kenwood car stereo. In 2017, I purchased a Kenwood deck and had some issues with this USB harness, as it would not allow enough power to be drawn from the phone to allow Android Auto to work . It was a known issue by Google. Fast forward to 2019, I used this same connector and I have not had the same issue - though I have heard some inconsistencies still remain, depending on the car. You will get the most consistent performance plugging your phone directly into the Kenwood's supplied USB connection, but for 10-12 dollars, in my opinion, its worth a shot to see if you can maintain your factory USB port.

Q: Does this have GPS?

A: As long as your phone is connected to car play with a usb

Q: I had this stereo installed in my 2016 Rogue by Best Buy this week. The controls on my steering wheel that skip forward and back do not work and on the other side, my Bluetooth start and end call don't work. What could be wrong?

A: Best Buy probably sold you the wrong part. They had done this with me to the point were i would never go back to them for installation.