CarPlay Head Unit for Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 (2013-2021): how to install Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

The Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 is one of those cars that ages well. A big, comfortable SUV with tough mechanicals —the 3.0 CRD V6 is an engine you stop worrying about— and an interior of quality materials that holds up over the years. That's why so many of them are still going strong in Spain today.

What hasn't aged as well is the Uconnect system. The 5" or 8.4" screen in the dashboard still works, but it never got the apps we all use every day, and its navigation runs on maps you have to pay for. The answer is a dedicated 9.7" Android head unit for the Grand Cherokee: it fits the original aperture, keeps the climate control and steering wheel buttons, and adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee have CarPlay as standard?

On most of the used examples sold in Spain, no. It depends on which generation of Uconnect the car has:

• 5" Uconnect, the entry-level system: radio, Bluetooth and little else. No CarPlay or Android Auto, and no official update that adds them.
• 8.4" Uconnect (Uconnect 3 and earlier), found on early Limited, Overland and Summit trims: it has its own navigation, but still doesn't support CarPlay.
• 8.4" Uconnect 4, in the final production years of the WK2: this is where CarPlay and Android Auto arrived, but over cable and only on cars that left the factory with that system.

If your Grand Cherokee is from the early years there is no official way to add them: the hardware predates it and no software update changes that. The only workshop route would be replacing the entire Uconnect unit with a later one, which between parts, wiring and programming easily exceeds 0 —and still doesn't give you wireless CarPlay.

The solution: Android head unit for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

This head unit is not a universal device forced into place: it comes with a Grand Cherokee-specific fascia and harness, so it slots into the console like a factory fit and replaces both the 5" and the 8.4" screen.

• 9.7-inch HD touchscreen, noticeably bigger than the original.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: your phone connects on its own when you start the car.
• Android system with the Play Store: Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, YouTube Music, online radio or whatever apps you want to install.
• Keeps the Uconnect climate control and steering wheel buttons thanks to the Jeep-specific CAN Bus module.
• Built-in GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth and hands-free, with offline maps if you don't want to use mobile data.
• Built-in DSP and 2 USB ports, with a clear improvement in sound over the original system.
• Reversing camera included free, switching automatically when you select reverse.
• OTA updates: the unit updates over WiFi with no workshop visit.

It comes in three memory configurations —4+32 GB, 6+64 GB and 8+128 GB— depending on how smooth you want it to be. For normal navigation and music use, the 6+64 GB version offers the best value.

Jeep Grand Cherokee compatibility: supported versions

• Grand Cherokee WK2 — 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
• Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit and Trailhawk trims, plus SRT and Trackhawk versions from the same period.
• Replaces both the original 5" and 8.4" screens.
• 3.0 CRD V6, 3.6 V6 and 5.7 V8 engines alike.
• Grand Cherokee WL (2022-2023): check with us before buying, as it depends on the trim and the original multimedia system.

If you have any doubt about your version, send us a photo of your current radio switched on via WhatsApp and we'll confirm compatibility free of charge within minutes.

What is the installation like?

It is plug & play: it uses the car's own connectors, with no cutting or splicing. Between 30 and 60 minutes with basic tools.

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal before you start.
2. Using plastic trim tools, release the centre trim around the screen and the climate controls.
3. Remove the screws from the original unit and carefully pull it towards you.
4. Unplug the factory connectors and attach them to the supplied specific harness, along with the aerial.
5. Connect the CAN Bus module: that's what keeps the steering wheel buttons, the Uconnect climate control and the car's warnings working.
6. Fit the microphone near the rear-view mirror and route the cable behind the windscreen trim.
7. Route the reversing camera's video cable to the tailgate along the side of the boot.
8. Before closing the dashboard, reconnect the battery and check sound, steering wheel buttons, climate control, CarPlay and camera.

The fascia is Grand Cherokee-specific, so once fitted there are no gaps or rough edges: it looks like the factory system from a newer car.

• Jeep dealership: there is no official CarPlay retrofit for the older Uconnect systems. Replacing the whole unit with a later one easily exceeds 0 between parts, wiring and programming.
• Updating the Uconnect navigation maps: between and per update, versus Google Maps or Waze always up to date and free.
• PantallasPremium: the dedicated 9.7" Android head unit for the Grand Cherokee starts at (4+32 GB), for the 6+64 GB version and for 8+128 GB, with fascia, harness and reversing camera included.

Frequently asked questions

Do I lose climate control when the Uconnect is removed?
No. The specific CAN Bus module keeps the climate control and its buttons working from the new screen.

Do the steering wheel buttons still work?
Yes: volume, track skip, phone and voice commands respond just as before.

What about the reversing camera and parking sensors?
They are retained. And if your Grand Cherokee didn't have a camera, one is included free with the unit.

Do I need mobile data for navigation?
Not necessarily: you can download Google Maps offline maps and use the built-in GPS with no signal.

Which memory version should I choose?
The 4+32 GB is fine for navigation and music; the 6+64 GB is smoother with several apps open and is the best seller; the 8+128 GB is for those who want maximum headroom.

See the CarPlay head unit for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

You can see real fitting photos, the box contents and all three memory versions on the product page for the CarPlay and Android Auto head unit for the Jeep Grand Cherokee. If you're not sure which Uconnect your car has, send us a photo and we'll confirm compatibility.