[MTCD Android Head Units General] Tomatofudge:
Originally this thread was my stupid questions about how to update android car head unit. As a novice to these things it felt bit complicated but I assure you, it's actually easier than rooting a phone for example. I make simple steps, so people new to this can get the picture and not spam all threads with stupid questions (like we all do lol)

1. Update MCU

First things first, you need to update your head units MCU to most recent version. MCU stands for MicroControllerUnit, and you need to be specific and use ONLY right file for your head unit! (For example my unit is shown in picture, it's MTCD/E machine, it got PX5 coreboard and it's made by Leica semiconductor & electronics company, which is abbreviated as LM; So in this context I would download for example MTCE_LM_v3.67 file.

After downloading, unzip, put dmcu.img to root folder of the usb stick or sd card, stick it on and go to head units Settings > System > Update MCU.

It's really important that you use ONLY right file for your head unit!!!

Here you can find list of MCU files:

XDA - Comprehensive list of MCUs for MTCD/E head units

Yandex - Comprehensive list of MCUs for MTCD/E head units

2. Install new Android version

Newer android version can be referred as ROM or FirmWare (As I see it, FW is MCU and Android OS is ROM but let's not get into debate or complicate when I'm trying to KISS it)

user @marchnz has compiled nice thread on how to update to android 10.

If you don't have SD card on your hand or you are lazy/hesitant/what ever, you can use ModInstaller Pro made by @Hal9k_ It's safe and makes life a breeze!

I recommend updating step by step 6>7>8>9>10 and before proceeding to custom rom, install appropriate stock android version first. I advice to backup important files and do a factory reset before flashing new rom and after install wipe data/ factory reset (ModInstaller Pro does this for you after it's done installing). Also pay attention

Here's a list to stock android files.

Yandex - Stock android versions

It's best to check from factory settings what BT-module you have, before proceeding to upgrade. Make sure to check that your devices BT-module works with the android version you intend to install or you just waste time flashing different versions. And it's completely normal if you dont get it right the first time. I have WQ_BC6/8 BT-module and had to use WQ_BC8 before android 10 and now WQ_BC6 on android 10 (if i remember correctly). If you have MD-725 or SD-968 BT-module you can try using BT codec from earlier Android version. Don't even bother trying to get these modules work on Android 10, not gonna happen. It's better to solder a new BT-module if you really want Android 10.

If SD-968 was working in Android 8, but does not work in Android 9. Solution: replace the module driver /system/bin/sdsdk968 with the old version. Do not forget to set permissions 755 on the file. Same can be tried on MD-725 from Android 6/7 to Android 8, I don't guarantee it will work. Files are out there (and in your machine before making the update).

If you happen to install package with wrong resolution, you can try to fix it using this (yandex).

For different look you can try different launchers from google play or yandex link again.

That's it. Not too complicated. If you want to root your head unit, easiest way is to flash a custom rom that has It done for you already. I really recommend ModInstaller Pro even though it cost a bit. But it saves time and nerves and it's safe to use especially for novice. By doing yourself without knowledge you might end up bricking your device!

For me this new territory of android car head units was like a swampland even though I'm experienced on rooting and flashing android phones but for example adb sideloading is most of the time not even an option when playing with these head units.

I spent hours and days to get into this, but now I can update a head unit and make app installs and settings in under 1 hour.

Remember every unit is different! Not everything works on all devices. Get to know the unit you are playing with, update MCU, after that decide what android version is ok with your device (BT-module) then update (highly recommend ModInstaller Pro)

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