Why Certain Apps May Not Display on Your Chigee Screen

“I would like to understand why my AIO-5 Play for BMW doesn't replicate apps like Myroute, and Osmand installed on my Samsung S23+ smartphone.” - FB group post.

To understand how apps are displayed on the Chigee AIO-5 series, you must understand how Android Auto (AA) and Apple CarPlay (ACP) function.

The information in this article is applicable to AIO-5, AIO-6, and XR-2.

Here’s a breakdown of common reasons why specific apps, like MyRoute and OsmAnd, may not appear and how you can potentially resolve the issue.

1. Understanding App Display Expectations

App Compatibility Limitations

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay limit which apps can be displayed on your vehicle screen.

Only apps that have been specially designed and approved by Google for Android Auto or by Apple for CarPlay will show up.

These systems prioritize safety by restricting certain features to avoid distractions while driving.

Apps without specific Android Auto or CarPlay versions are unlikely to display on your AIO-5.

Limited Feature Set for Safety

Even if an app is compatible with AA or ACP, it may display fewer features on the vehicle's screen than on your phone. This is intentional to ensure that only essential functions, like navigation, can be used while driving.

For example, OsmAnd should generally work on Android Auto, but some advanced map or tracking features might not display. To access more features, you might need a subscription. For ACP, OsmAnd can only be used with a subscription.

2. Checking Your Connection Method

Android Auto Connection

If your AIO-5 is connected via Android Auto, you should be able to see compatible navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, and potentially OsmAnd (if it’s set up correctly in your Android Auto settings).

Ensure you’re connected specifically through Android Auto, as this is designed for optimized and safer app integration.

Alternative Connection Methods

If you’re not using Android Auto, consider using other mirroring options or checking your settings. Certain Android Auto and CarPlay requirements must be met, such as having an updated app version and the correct AA/ACP settings for the apps to display.

3. How to Customize Your App Launcher

If OsmAnd or other compatible apps aren’t appearing, you might need to manually add them to the Android Auto launcher.

On Android

1. Launch the settings app.
2. Go into connection & sharing.
3. Tap on the Android Auto. You can also search Android Auto directly using the search bar to avoid the above 2 steps.
4. Scroll down a bit and tap on the “Customise Launcher” option.
5. Simply checkmark the app you want to show up on the screen. Ensure that OsmAnd (and any other desired apps) are selected in this list. This step will allow compatible apps to appear on the AIO-5 Play.

On iPhone

1. Launch the settings app.
2. Go into the General
3. Tap on the CarPlay.
4. Select your car.
5. Tap Customize.
6. Tap the Add buttonor Delete button to add and remove apps.

Tap and drag an app to change the order of the apps that appear on your phone.

Why Some Apps Still Don’t Appear

Not all apps are compatible with AA or ACP, as these platforms require a special build from developers, which may include only basic features to minimize driver distraction.

Many developers choose not to invest in creating AA/ACP versions, though this is improving over time as more apps become available.

Key Tips and Additional Workarounds For Improved Experience

Offline Maps for OsmAnd

If you’re using OsmAnd primarily for offline navigation, you can pre-download maps onto your phone. This allows you to navigate without a live data connection, ensuring smoother performance even in areas with weak signals.

Keep Everything Updated

Always keep Android Auto, the Chigee firmware, and your apps updated.

Compatibility may improve with each update, and new apps or features may become available over time.

Answer To Most Common Compatibility Questions

1. Does AIO-5 have a built-in app?

No, AIO-5 Lite & Play doesn’t have built-in apps. They rely on mirroring your phone's content to AIO-5 using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, primarily through CarPlay or Android Auto.

Ideally, if your phone's app supports CarPlay or Android Auto, you can use that app on your device. Please note that video software is not allowed for mirroring on motorcycles for safety reasons and to comply with regulations. Therefore, you can't use video apps such as YouTube or Netflix on an AIO-5 device.

SOURCE: Does AIO-5 have built-in APP?

2. Why do some mobile apps not run the same on Chigee devices?

In some cases, it is possible that some mobile apps may not function properly or may contain bugs when used on CHIGEE devices. This is mainly because CHIGEE devices mirror apps from your phone using CarPlay and Android Auto. Each app's performance will vary based on how well it is adapted.

Note: Due to app compatibility differences between CarPlay and Android Auto, you might not experience the same functionality as on your phone. For the best possible experience, reach out to app developers and request them to have their apps optimized for CarPlay and Android Auto.

SOURCE: Why Do Some Mobile Apps Not Run the Same on CHIGEE Devices?

3. Compatible navigation apps with your AIO-5?

The AIO-5 has been extensively tested on the Google Play Store and App Store and found to be compatible with a wide variety of commonly used navigation apps.

Here's the list of compatible navigation apps:

1. Google Maps
2. Apple Maps
3. Sygic GPS Navigation & Maps
4. Waze
5. MyRoute App
6. Roadtrippers
7. Karta GPS
8. REVER
9. Yandex Maps
10. Calimoto (Compatible with Carplay, Not compatible with Android Auto).
11. SCENIC (Compatible with Carplay, Not compatible with Android Auto)

SOURCE: Which navigation app can be used?

Preparing for Compatibility

Update the Apps

Ensure each app is updated to its latest version to avoid any glitches or compatibility issues.

Check Permissions

Go to your phone settings, find the navigation app, and confirm permissions are granted for location and data access. This may enable mirroring features on Chigee’s display.

Conclusion

We hope this clears up any questions about app mirroring limitations and offers helpful steps to get the most out of your AIO-5 Play device.

Let us know if we can help with anything else! 😊Or simply send an email to help@chigeego.com.

Additionally, you can join the Chigee Facebook group, where you can communicate with fellow Chigee users, ask questions, and get quick answers from the Chigee support team.

For the latest updates and firmware improvements, stay tuned to Chigee firmware release updates for AIO-5 Lite / AIO-5 Play.