Question for 2020+ owners with aftermarket HUs

So I’m curious about something. With kids, I’ve come to love and rely on the in-car WiFi through the factory head unit. Works great and lets the kids use their iPads on trips.

I wonder though...if you replace the HU with an aftermarket model, do you retain the in-car WiFi?

I’ve never put an aftermarket HU in a newer vehicle with integrated settings such as convenience options, mileage calculations, etc. If I’m not mistaken, I believe the Maestro boxes let you retain those features but is the In-car WiFi one of them? If not, I think that would prevent me from upgrading the HU.

Thoughts?

 

Do the 19+ actually have wifi through the HU or is it simply BTing to the phone your on?

 

It is Toyota WiFi. NOT through your phone (which is why I like it).

 

I just installed a Pioneer in my 2020.. I don't see wifi. I never used it on the OEM radio so I don't even know if it goes through the radio. Maestro does not show anything for wifi either.

 

Well crap. Maybe Pioneer and Alpine will make this a feature in future units.

 

My Pioneer and Kenwood HUs I've used in my 2014 have wifi, but it is only used to connect the HU to my phone for wireless Carplay.
It isn't like a hotspot that I think you are talking about...

 

I believe you are asking about the 2020+ models, as they only added CarPlay (and updated Entune) starting in MY2020.

 

The 2020+ head units have an ATT hotspot built into them that you can pay to activate and use in place of hotspotting from your phone. Comes with a 3 month trial or something along those lines. I activated it, but still haven’t even connected to mine. Of course, my kids are older and are seldom in the truck with me so it isn’t the sort of thing I’ll likely use after the trial. But i can see where road tripping with younger kids or trying to work from your truck it could be convenient (i hotspot my company ipad when i need wifi on the road)