yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Android Head-Units] Khrattos:
Thanks @YR3 ! Quite comprehensive research and post. You summarized what I've found out and much more.

I have also tried many ways to load an apk on my Tugella 2023, with no avail. Will post any decent info I found on the ATLAS OS sideload/dev mode
[Android Head-Units] skmd:
Nice research bro. I have the same story exactly with the difference of azkarra instead of tugella. I hope if someone can guide us to enter the developer mode
[Android Head-Units] APZEE:
Hey... Thanks for the summary, as others have posted I have also reached a brick wall with this.. I was referred to the Russian Telegram group where I asked if anyone could help in my area. (I am in Saudi Arabia - Riyadh) But instead of a useful reply I was blocked.. There is a ton of info in the telegram group about GMC - Geely Mod Custom (https://gmcust.su/) which I assume is the name they give there custom firmware, but all info is in Russian. {Mod edit: Link removed! Oswald Boelcke, Senior Moderator}.. Joined up to this forum (XDA) in the hope that something comes up. I have already ordered the Carlink dongle even though I haven't actually yet bought the car, in the hope that there must be a way to get this to work. A few colleagues in my company (A new car company in Saudi believe it or not) have also got the Tugella and they all point this as the biggest disappointment. I do have some contacts within GEELY Auto in China, as I was working in the auto industry there before recently moving to Saudi, so I hope perhaps there are some resources from China I can leverage. I will probably switch search engines to Baidu (Google equivalent in China) to see if there are any hints from the PRC.. Will keep you posted here.

GMC Link for Tugellla (translated screenshot below) https://gmcust.su/geelytugella_atlaspro/
[Android Head-Units] APZEE:
Excellent… look forward to the receiving the telegram group to take this further. I think this news will make a lot of people happy in my company as I think we have around 6-7 Tugella owners all complaining about the lack of appleCarplay or Android Auto..
[Android Head-Units] skmd:
I'm also facing the same issue. I have the azkarra (same tugella software) and I live in Jordan. contacted the telegram groups mentioned above. they asked me to ship my informant screen to saudi arabia to do it which is obviously not a suitable solution. So, if any one got any idea how to do it (im a tech guy) please share it. What really is blocking me is that there is no way to push an apk through adb or any other way to the system. no known way on how to enter the engineering mode.
[Android Head-Units] RAFLE:
Hi skmd.

The only way to enter engineering/developer mode is by removing the HU. You can't reach it from inside the car. You can find a detailed step by step video of how to remove the HU, you can give it a try if you're tech savvy.

Google Drive: Sign-in

Access Google Drive with a Google account (for personal use) or Google Workspace account (for business use).

drive.google.com
[Android Head-Units] skmd:
I watched the video, but still it doesn't tell you how to enter engineering mode?!
[Android Head-Units] RAFLE:
No it doesn't. But it's a start. You can't program it from inside the car. It has to be removed first. I couldn't find any videos on how to program it, the people that know how to are charging money for that service.
[Android Head-Units] YR3:
Appreciated 🙏🏼
[Android Head-Units] YR3:
I’ve already ventured unto the Chinese Seas of forums and weird social sites Brother. Baidu and QQ chat became my most used apps lol.

I’ve gained more insights to be honest but this journey changes you man…

I saw someone like me who was looking for a solution to free his infotainment system about 3 years ago, he even got into trouble with the Russkies and pointed them out for “Withholding Knowledge” and that this behavior is “Why we will never develop as humans” and they blocked him. He was from Saudi Arabia like you.

Fast forward today the guy got his own OTA Server!!! And he’s selling the mod in your country double the price the Comrades are offerin 😂🤣

He even partnered up with them! they collab on developments and such (probably to figure out more ways to mislead people from unlocking the system 😂).

I give you my best pal, and may the search be with you ✨
[Android Head-Units] BinaskarAbdullah:
Hello, registered to share my insights so far.

A) The Chinese DNS version of the jailbreak is only applicable if your car has an App Market, which isn't the case for me.

B) There seems to be a way to mod the head unit using a software called Smart Phone Flash Tool. I'm not firm on this info but I think the Head Unit is of the MT6735 type, it looks like the software is able to flash a BIN file that contains the required mods. I'm uncertain of how to manipulate/modify the BIN file, or how to connect the head unit to the SP Flash Tool software (probably a connector/dongle of some sort is needed).

Again, I am completely basing my information on rough research through Chinese forums and video-sharing websites.

My next step/approach is to probably: A) Try to find a dongle to connect my PC to the head unit, B) backup the existing firmware to a BIN file, and C) try to figure out how to modify the bin file to include specific apk/software.

Would appreciate your thoughts, tho. I'm not seasoned nor experienced but I love to explore ;-)
[Android Head-Units] meezcal:
Hello everyone, here is how to enter engineering mode for Tugella, however it is in chinese and if anyone knows how to continue from here let us know please.

The code should be entered in the phone menu

month(+10) +day +hour

Example if date and time is

March 25, 2022 03:20PM

so the code should be

#*132503

Hope that helps
[Android Head-Units] skmd:
I tried this on azkarra but it didn't work. Could you please show a screen shot of the engineering mode may be we could help you
[Android Head-Units] BinaskarAbdullah:
Couldn't get it to work, unfortunately.
[Android Head-Units] skmd:
Can you post some of those "magic products" u found on Amazon?
[Android Head-Units] YR3:
I tried ADBing into it with a male usb to a male usb that you can find in amazon or any computers store.
[Android Head-Units] YR3:
I’m aware of this but apparently it’s just a utility shortcut/dashboard menu for the developers or the maintainers to quickly export logs and backup files and quickly install updates with USBs.

But to do that.. you have to input another password inside this password protected area.

Plus I don’t have a backup of this OS image, so If I’d brute force the pin and install another one and I’d be stuck with it and wont have a failsafe.

And this doesn’t let you access the engineering mode directly so please check your info before copy pasting and stop misleading people.
[Android Head-Units] YR3:
They’re everywhere pal, check this one out it’s the most popular and the best seller. Can you try it out and get back to us with updates?

Plus you guys are going to need something like it for GPS to work even after Unlocking/flashing/modding the screen.. smh..
[Android Head-Units] skmd:
Im aware of those dongles. They are not magical. Those can convert wired carplay /AA to wireless one. However, our cars lack even the wired carplay. You can use those dongles once you successfully install the carplay / AA on your screen
[Android Head-Units] skmd:
Dead end? ADB is blocked by geely as far as i know
[Android Head-Units] RayQatar:
Hello guys!

Just paid for my Geely Tugella yesterday and awaiting delivery, hopefully by Sunday.

Such a bummer to read that Apple CarPlay cannot be run on this car. I actually saw one of those Russian videos before purchasing the vehicle thinking it should be a piece of cake.

But after reading all the posts here, I realize it’s not possible without opening up the headunit.

Great work in researching from all the forums (Chinese and others) and websites 👍🏼

Let’s hope we can find a solution soon!

Cheers

Ray
[Android Head-Units] BinaskarAbdullah:
I assume the results weren't promising?
[Android Head-Units] skmd:
Thank you RayQatar. The issue is we are unable to pass the first step, which is installing any apk. The one you post is only applicable to android phones. I hope everone to share his knowledge and keep this post alive until we find a solution
[Android Head-Units] RayQatar:
Thanks for your response bro.

I’ve been trying to text the Geely Club Garage guys in Russia but they won’t respond. I don’t mind paying for it as long as they are able to provide the solution (which means without having physical access to the car).

Any update / progress on your side? I see that you’re in Saudi, sharing border with Qatar.

Bro, do you have the contact number of this guy you talked about in Saudi? Perhaps I could drive down to his city and have the CarPlay installed, in case I’m not able to resolve the issue anytime soon.

CarPlay for me is an absolute MUST!
[Android Head-Units] YR3:
ADB is blocked of course! I was hinting that you can use a Male to Male usb cable for your BIN File method.
[Android Head-Units] YR3:
I wouldn’t recommend it habibi
[Android Head-Units] RayQatar:
Is it because removing the head unit would void the warranty?
[Android Head-Units] meezcal:
I am sharing information that I found after months of search. With respect, I don’t accept you saying that am misleading people.
[Android Head-Units] meezcal:
This is their telegram group in Saudi. {Mod edit: Link removed! Oswald Boelcke, Senior Moderator}
[Android Head-Units] RayQatar:
Thank you. Have you got your car done yet?
[Android Head-Units] meezcal:
Yes, all done and carplay is working fine. All details are explained in the Telegram channel when you join. And I think there is one contact in Qatar in the channel who can guide you through.
[Android Head-Units] RayQatar:
Brilliant. Will try to find it. Although I don’t read Arabic 😀
[Android Head-Units] YR3:
It would create gaps too, in the decor and make noises while driving
[Android Head-Units] RayQatar:
Thanks for the heads up!
[Android Head-Units] YR3:
Your welcome, I bet nobody will ChatGPT that lol
[Android Head-Units] Vbarahonai:
Hello, I'm from Costa Rica and I'll like to know if someone can help me here? for my Azkarra
[Android Head-Units] TheWarrior99:
Found this article on chinese website: https://blog.csdn.net/weixin_43902400/article/details/109147731

worth to try, I don't own the car yet
[Android Head-Units] Ctu4:
Добрый день друзья. Я из России и тоже пытаюсь решить проблему с мультимедиа. Насколько я знаю, головное устройство достают из панели приборов для того, чтобы замкнуть контакты, которые блокируют режим разработчика. Я пока не нашёл какие контакты. Но у меня есть способ включать трансляцию экрана на весь экран и подключать телефон к машине без дополнительных вопросов. Если интересно, вот ссылка. https://www.drive2.ru/l/642848165950671859/

Mod translation: Good afternoon friends. I'm from Russia and I'm also trying to solve a problem with multimedia. As far as I know, the head unit is taken out of the instrument panel in order to close the contacts that block the developer mode. I haven't found any contacts yet. But I have a way to turn on screen casting in full screen and connect the phone to the car without further questions. If interested, here is the link. https://www.drive2.ru/l/642848165950671859/
[Android Head-Units] APZEE:
Hey All… I wanted to give a brief update here. I’m happy to say that I am now the proud owner of a 2023 Geely Tugella that has been updated so that I can enjoy Apple CarPlay.

I enlisted the help from somewhere that I’m located to get this done, which involved two steps. First of all the instrument cluster and main screen need to be removed. The instrument cluster is only temporarily removed to gain access to screws that hold the main display in place. Once the display is removed, it’s possible to then remove the head unit that is placed behind.

In my case one shop knowledgeable on how to do this helped me. And for reference the car is still driveable with the display removed. Of course the instrument cluster needs to be put back. This point was important for me as the person installing the apk and the shop dismantling the head unit were at different locations. The removal process took approximately 15mins.

The next step involved me taking the head unit to someone who “flashed” the head unit. This step was done behind closed doors. The head unit needs to be opened for this to happen, evident by the damaged warranty seal on the unit.

Once this “flash” was completed, time to reinstall the display.

All that is then needed for this to work is a Carlinkit USB dongle. After setup, Audio Is passed through the Geely Bluetooth, and AppleCar Play connects via wifi to the USB dongle.

There are apps available in addition to Apple CarPlay such as streaming video content players. These can only be used if you connect the head unit to a wifi hotspot. As Apple CarPlay uses wifi to connect it’s therefore not possible to use these apps at the same time as using Apple CarPlay unless you are connected wired and not wirelessly or using another wifi hotspot. These functions are not important to me.

Note this setup should work with Android auto also, but I am unable to confirm as I only have an Apple iPhone.

Hope this helps..
[Android Head-Units] atlasprouser:
Hi bro.

You pretty much answered how Russian Geely Hack team were able to hack and install something. But it is nothing useful for regular people, there is no information which might be useful for us.

To install updates you need two things.

a) you need to remove your head unit and locate test pins, then to lunch with shorted pins.

b) you need to use mtk flash tool to install custom recovery. Our system use mtk 6735 processor. You can find a scatter file, then download memory, and upload your own with modified twrp.

Then you can use kingroot or similar to have root of Android.

Unfortunately to do so you have to open your head unit and find person who are knowledgeable on Android head units.

----

There are no other way how to install any software. And yes bro your answer was ****ty.
[Android Head-Units] eizemazal:
Hi everyone,

I just bought a brand new Tugella, and the first thing I tried to do (after driving home) was for sure to hack into it.

Thanks a lot for your advice @meezcal - it WORKED for me to get into the service menu. Here is the screenshot of the service menu in Chinese (it is also scrollable, there are some items in the bottom).

View attachment 5900121

There are a lot of buttons to press, but the most interesting to me was to enable ADB mode (that with Latin letters ADB). After clicking it, it seems to change state, I see a flashing messages in Chinese "ADB enabled" or "ADB disabled" (I forgot much of Chinese that I learned before, but possible to use Google Translate camera). I did not manage to connect via ADB yet, but it seems to be possible to update software without removing the unit. So do not crash your dashboards guys.

The car is 2022 model year, assembled in China, and I am Russian (I read all things in Russian from the group here that flashes custom firmware, but they do not share much information how do they do it). The one more thing to mention is that I entered code after connecting the car to WiFi (not sure it makes difference but nevertheless need to mention, because some people did not succeed in entering password in phone menu).

BTW dealer warned me that flashing custom firmware will definitely invalidate warranty, and I am looking for some "lighter" options to install software onto the device from .apk, and also make research and have some better control over it.
[Android Head-Units] atlasprouser:
Is this official Russian or Chinese version?
[Android Head-Units] eizemazal:
This is the Russian version, the car was purchased from official Geely dealer in Russia.
[Android Head-Units] atlasprouser:
Will try today with AtlasPro. Hope it is possible to install Carlink. I do not need that fancy firmware offered by Geely Customs.

Also, if you are able - please, continue posting here on your progress 🙂
[Android Head-Units] eizemazal:
Great, please tell us whether this will work. You have to enter hours in 12h format even if you use 24h format for display. For instance, today is April 29, 19:20, and you need to enter

#*142907

(14 is number of month April 04 plus 10, 29 is date, 07 is hour). You should use phone app on your car screen, the menu will open without even pressing phone key.

Sure, when I have something to share :)
[Android Head-Units] atlasprouser:
It seems my result is a bit different than yours. Based on Google translation it gives me ability only to read logs, or update firmware via USB stick.

XDA says my image is too big so we'll attach it later.

View attachment 5901031
[Android Head-Units] Gremix:
I just Google translated this pic. Did you tried it yet?
[Android Head-Units] eizemazal:
yep, I tried it too, so figured out where is 'enable ADB' button. However, I am unable to communicate via ADB yet. And I do not see the device as peripheral on lsusb or what is used in lieu of it on MacOS.

What I am going to try is to read more about USB to check how to enable communication and to use some USB communication sniffing on the USB port. Since cell phone can communicate with the main unit via USB, it is connected via data lines and it is possible to interact with the system via it. I did not yet make changes on my computer that enable USB debugging.

The guys from Russian team shared an image of update on Telegram for their custom firmware to rollback original Tugella firmware. It is possible to extract files of the image from it to get better insight, but I did analyze the file in detail yet. I would also prefer working with stock car instead of relying on their work.

Your dev menu is much smaller than mine, but neither am I brave enough to use all the features like FPGA update (this can brick things).

You have an option for update of the software though. My guess is that 'U disk' is probably related to U-boot bootloader.

In my dev menu I can also check versions of all software apk packages that are installed in my system, but not to do any changes. Aside from dev menu, my main menu has an icon with tiles that seem to lead to list of apps in Chinese version of the car, but this button does nothing in my car. My goal would be to enable it and to install some .apk's. I am not sure if you have such a button in yours menu.
[Android Head-Units] TheWarrior99:
Found a complete guide on flashing custom ROM or backup existing (in Russian): {Mod edit: Link removed! Oswald Boelcke, Senior Moderator}

This method requires

disassembling the HU!
[Android Head-Units] atlasprouser:
Hello EVERYBODY. Look

View attachment 5909483
[Android Head-Units] atlasprouser:
No rooting, no Russian team hacking.

I will write a description soon, with a link to what and how to do.

It requires Head Unit to be removed and a USB-UART converter...
[Android Head-Units] atlasprouser:
All details are here, use a translator if you need help.

{Mod edit: Link removed! Oswald Boelcke, Senior Moderator}
[Android Head-Units] Ctu4:
Hi friends. I found instructions for installing applications on our car. Unfortunately, you need to remove the head unit. this instruction is on the Russian analogue of the site xda - {Mod edit: Link removed! Oswald Boelcke, Senior Moderator}
[Android Head-Units] Oswald Boelcke:
@APZEE @meezcal I've edited your above posts and removed the references to Telegram! Regarding social media links please observe that as an exemption from the last bullet of rule no. 5 of the XDA Forum Rules, we grant only developers the privilege to share references to their social media in their own development threads and if thorough support is provided in the thread. These conditions obviously don't apply to you, your posts or this thread. Additional information is also available here:

Telegram Chat Channels - Way Forward

WhatsApp/Telegram Groups and Channels - Going Forward Hello XDA family! Just notifying all members that posting certain links to Telegram and other sites like WhatsApp is now allowed on XDA. What does that mean? We will allow links to messages...

xdaforums.com

In future, please refrain from sharing of links or references to social media unless you do it in your own development threads!

Thanks for your cooperation.

Regards

Oswald Boelcke

Senior Moderator

@TheWarrior99 @Ctu4

I've removed the link to 4pda from your posts! 4pda is not only another phone related website (and not at all affiliated with xda-developers) but also well known for the distribution of malware and warez. Links or references to 4pda are not accepted on XDA at all.

XDA Forum Rules (excerpt):

Please refrain from sharing of such links or references in future! Thanks for your cooperation!

Regards

Oswald Boelcke

Senior Moderator

@atlasprouser With reference to rule no. 2.4 of the XDA Forum Rules I've removed the link to your own website that you provided in your above post. We do not allow political discussions or content on XDA.

Please refrain from such attempts in future! Thanks for your cooperation.

Regards

Oswald Boelcke

Senior Moderator
[Android Head-Units] 2ndGear:
Thanks guys for putting up such a collaborative effort. I got my new Tugella S yesterday and I also think there is no need to remove the head unit. The reason is there is a video for someone who was able to install the APK without removing anything to a Geely Monjaro. You can find it on Youtube by typing:

Geey Monjaro carplay
[Android Head-Units] atlasprouser:
No, as Tugella has old android and Monjaro has new version of system, as well as android.

If you have Monjaro - yes, you can install it without any hardware removal. For Tugella - you will need to use those UART as I mentioned in my instruction.
[Android Head-Units] Piligrim#:
Привет форумчане. Я смотрю видео Monjaro carlay. Инструкция живая и возможно ее применение к Tugella, но есть одно но! На видео видно, что кроме активации ADB есть возможность активировать "определение устройства". Есть подключение к ПК, и терминал отображает Tugella в списке устройств. В Tugella я не нашел эту функцию, поэтому даже при активации ADB в сервисном меню PC не указано головное устройство и, соответственно, apk-файл не устанавливает возможности в Tugella! Кто найдет нужную функцию, это будет точка в установке apk в Tugella! ( я пишу на русском, текст странно переводится, возможно смысл будет размытым но суть думаю понятна)

Mod Edit: English Translation Below

Hello forumers. I watch Monjaro carlay video. The instruction is alive and its application to Tugella is possible, but there is one but! The video shows that in addition to activating ADB, it is possible to activate "device detection". There is a connection to the PC, and the terminal displays Tugella in the list of devices. I did not find this function in Tugella, so even when ADB is activated, the head unit is not indicated in the PC service menu and, accordingly, the apk file does not install the features in Tugella! Who will find the desired function, it will be a point in installing the apk in Tugella! (I am writing in Russian, the text is translated strangely, perhaps the meaning will be blurry, but I think the essence is clear)
[Android Head-Units] shadowstep:
@Piligrim#

Spoiler content hidden.

Spoiler content hidden.
[Android Head-Units] atlasprouser:
There are already a way how to install APK without changing firmware by GMC customs, but via UART.
[Android Head-Units] Ctu4:
what app should be installed on the head unit to support android auto?
[Android Head-Units] atlasprouser:
Calinkit.apk and dongle from ALiexpress
[Android Head-Units] atlasprouser:
You need to PM me as the instruction was deleted.

You will need to answer 2 questions and will get free instruction in Ukrainian, yes, you will need to translate it)(
[Android Head-Units] Ctu4:
I searched a little and found the zlink application, which allows you to connect your smartphone to the head unit using the carplay and android auto protocol. dongle from aliexpress is not required when using this method
[Android Head-Units] atlasprouser:
Lio, no. But will not argue. Try it🥲😅
[Android Head-Units] ASO1443:
I have same your car , Did you find any solutaion to activate Carplay ?