[JimLev]

I just bought a new 2016 XLE Highlander 2 days ago and joined the forum today.
The dealer was telling us about this Entune app to control the stereo/NAV from a cell phone.
Is it worth doing or does it just do the same thing as controlling everything from the dash controls.

 

[Vinny68]

That sounds backwards to me. The way Entune works is that it uses your smart phone's connection to connect to apps like Pandora and get weather/sports scores/stock price updates using your cellular connection. It's a way to get some smart phone functionality on the screen in your Highlander.

 

[StatCoder]

I'm not getting anything from the iPhone Entune App other than a nagging notification every time I plug into the USB data port. The dock connector/hard-wired mode doesn't seem as useful as the bluetooth connection and gets in the way as the default so I'm not even plugging into the data port anymore - just the one of the two front USB power ports.

 

[Taco Dad]

Entune Android App is OK but not what I was looking for. I wanted the ability to display WAZE travel app on HL screen. Entune is limited to a few apps, iHeart radio is about the only useful one to me.

 

[cb91710]

Entune Android App is OK but not what I was looking for. I wanted the ability to display WAZE travel app on HL screen. Entune is limited to a few apps, iHeart radio is about the only useful one to me.

This.
It's not even close to Android Auto. It gives some streaming apps, movie tickets, Opentable, and seems to use the web connection for some destination searches.

I knew it was less than ideal from using it in my wife's Rav, but I got it with the S-Premium package on the Corolla and it was the only way to get XM.
I'm seriously considering swapping it for a Kenwood and Maestro.

 

[kiseliok]

If you guys want android auto / carplay, you'll have to spring for an actual luxury vehicle or an aftermarket headunit. There are very few 'affordable' cars that have these features. Entune is actually highly praised for its ease of use and functionality. Believe it or not, there is MUCH worse out there.

There are threads on mirroring your phone to the screen, which requires a bypass cable - search the forum for details, but the options are very limited and it'll require you to pull the radio out.

I do recommend pairing your phone over bt and installing the entune app - that's how you get the updates for your software (not firmware). And I haven't had any issues with the app itself - no extra battery drain or force close or anything of that nature. It never even pops up for me; the only time I know it's working is when it runs updates.

 

[JimLev]

That sounds backwards to me. The way Entune works is that it uses your smart phone's connection to connect to apps like Pandora and get weather/sports scores/stock price updates using your cellular connection. It's a way to get some smart phone functionality on the screen in your Highlander.

OK, thanks for the info Vinny. When we were at the dealers he was showing us some of it's features, don't know if his phone was connected to it or not. Our phones were paired to it but the app wasn't downloaded.

 

[JimLev]

I do recommend pairing your phone over bt and installing the entune app - that's how you get the updates for your software (not firmware). And I haven't had any issues with the app itself - no extra battery drain or force close or anything of that nature. It never even pops up for me; the only time I know it's working is when it runs updates.

I'll install the entune app today and play around with it. We do like the whole package, it's way more of a system than we've had in any of our previous cars.
As long as we have NAV, Sirius, our own music, and a BT phone connection that is about all we will probably need for now.

 

[MARQEVANS]

Haven't used entune in over 6 months. Never remember to activate the Entune APP on my phone before I pull away and don't want to be messing with it while driving.

 

[chleourdog]

Entune Android App is OK but not what I was looking for. I wanted the ability to display WAZE travel app on HL screen. Entune is limited to a few apps, iHeart radio is about the only useful one to me.

Get the following: CRUX AVITY-01
http://cruxinterfacing.com/products/AVITY-01/index.html

Amazon link:
https://www.amazon.com/CRUX-AVITY-0...&qid=1483651731&sr=8-1&keywords=crux+avity-01

Not cheap, but allows you to bypass the Navigation limits while in motion (ie: allow you to enter addresses, etc.) and has a cable that enables audio input. Includes composite inputs for audio and video which is a new source for the head unit. Also has a composite to HDMI converter that can be used with iPhones (with HDMI converter) and many Android phones that have HDMI output.

I specifically use mine to display WAZE from my iPhone to the head unit. Remember though that you will also need to think about the audio source (I use the XMRadio App on my iPhone) or stream from other internet radio sources through my phone as well. You cannot display Waze and have a different audio source play from the head unit .... something to think about.

Now I use a mount next to the radio to hold my phone with Waze running - yes seeing it on the Toyota Entune head unit is cool, but you still need to interact with the phone itself. And the audio source is the same as the video source, so you have to listen to whatever your phone is broadcasting when Waze is in operation playing through the head unit.

 

[Bierboy]

We just got a '16 LE, and I'm puzzled as to why I can't register with the Entune iPhone app. I use the app to input my VIN, but it says either the VIN is invalid or my HU isn't Entune capable. Any help would be appreciated...

EDIT: this is the error I receive --

"Create Account - Error
Please ensure you have entered the VIN correctly and your vehicle is Entune or Enform App Suite capable."

I am positive the VIN is correct.

 

[JimLev]

Did you read the directions in the manual? IIRC the iPhone setup to the HU is much different than connecting an android phone.
My android Moto phone was easy to do.

 

[Bierboy]

Yes, I read the directions and followed them implicitly. But I can't even get past trying to set up an account. I have tried it through the app and also on myentune.com. I get the same error.

 

[Goldstar]

Here is the tech support phone number for Entune
Call Support

Call 1-800-331-4331

Mon-Fri: 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., CT
Sat: 7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., CT

 

[Bierboy]

Well, basically, I'm out of luck. Spent time with tech support. They ran the VIN and said my vehicle doesn't have Entune. Strange, because the manual (which I know covers various models and trims) shows a screen on my headunit as the one it describes as Entune. And it looks just like my screen. She did say it's rare that a vehicle doesn't have it, but it does occur.

 

[toto]

You have an Entune head unit, but not one that's capable of running Entune Apps. If it's listed as "Entune Audio", then it doesn't have any Entune Apps. You need either "Entune Audio Plus" or "Entune Premium Audio" for Apps.

There's no point in setting up the Entune phone app if your head unit only has the basic level of Entune.

 

[Cozzy]

Here is the tech support phone number for Entune
Call Support

Call 1-800-331-4331

Mon-Fri: 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., CT
Sat: 7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., CT

This number was perfect. I called and found out quickly that my 2021 Corolla, even though it has Entune available on the display in the car is using the Toyota App instead as they are phasing out the Entune. If you wanted Toyota and Alexa features, you can still download them. We also tried the Scout GPS Link, but was not successful. Ended up plugging in phone with cable and was able to use all the apps I needed. I highly recommend calling this phone number for support. So much better than trial and error.