newmoon

My 2012 A6 doesn't support Car Play or Android Auto, but Android Auto can be used directly on your phone with "Ok Google" voice recognition, reading aloud and sending text messages by voice, and a simplified driver friendly interface.

You just need to mount your phone somewhere. I used this CD slot mount for $9. Puts your phone within arms reach and not too low. It's sturdy enough and doesn't shake. Not sure if I'd trust it in the vertical orientation though because there would not be any tabs on the bottom holding your phone. My phone is an LG X Power with 5.3" screen.

NoVA_A6

Thanks for the tip, I used the ProClips mount and holder for 10 years on my C6 but it's not cheap as you need the mount and the cradle /holder.
I was going to buy one of these 2012 Audi A6 | Dashboard Mounts | ProClip USA but might try this first.

Greencat

How do you like it? Do you see improvements over using the phone as is?

I was thinking of using a small tablet for Android Auto and tether to my phone for data

newmoon

I think I will use it mostly for the phone functions like reading aloud and sending text messages by voice, and Google searches for addresses and stuff since I don't want to pay for Audi Connect. However, I will probably continue to use the car's built-in navigation, and jukebox since I don't stream music from my phone.

newmoon

I decided to take this project to the next level to mirror my phone's screen on the MMI display through composite video RCA connectors.

First of all, you will need to enable Video in Motion with VCDS or OBDeleven.

This is the Audi AMI video cable I used to plug into the AMI port in the center console, but it's currently unavailable. There are others available for around $10.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32870832231.html

The method to screen mirror or output video from your phone will vary depending on what phone you have. My phone, an LG X power with Android 6.0.1, needed this device for $39 that plugs into the micro USB and outputs composite video or HDMI.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32977330795.html

The device also connects via Bluetooth to play audio from your phone, and your phone can still connect to the car's Bluetooth at the same time for phone calls. Note that when the MMI is displaying Aux video, it will only play audio from your phone as well, so you can't listen to the radio or jukebox.

The resolution over composite video is adequate. Android Auto makes the text and icons large anyway. There is an MMI setting to switch to 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. There is a tiny bit cut off the sides, but not the top and bottom. I still put my phone in the CD slot holder so that I can use its touchscreen. You can also use 'Ok Google' voice commands.

If your phone can output HDMI through MHL, SlimPort, USB-C, Apple Lightning, etc, then you should get an appropriate adapter cable as well as a HDMI to composite video converter, e.g.:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32946661263.html

If your phone can Miracast, then there are devices for under $20 than can receive the Miracast wirelessly and output composite video, e.g.:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33006160178.html

Greencat

I was thinking RSNav but maybe these are good alternatives before I invest time and money in a more expensive option.

What do you think about Chromecast into a HDMI cable? I like the idea of wireless and I can't Miracast with my pixel phone.

newmoon

Yes, I think this is a much cheaper and easier option than installing RSNav. With your phone mirrored to the MMI screen which is nice and high in your line of sight, you can pretty much use any of your phone's functions. The only thing is you need to mount your phone somewhere to use its touchscreen.

I have actually installed an Android headunit in my other car and it is definitely a lot of work!:
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1510420

A Chomecast should work fine. You will still need a HDMI to composite video converter, and an Audi AMI composite video input cable. You will also need to run a wifi network in the car for the Chromecast to connect with your phone. I'm not sure if the Audi Connect wifi will suffice particularly if you don't have an active subscription, or your phone may be able to run a wifi hotspot.

The wireless screen mirroring device that I suggested before (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/33006160178.html) might actually work with your phone using a protocol other than Miracast because most Android phones have a screen casting function built-in. Look for the cast icon when you swipe down from the top for notifications. Unfortunately my phone doesn't have it.