CarPlay update for 5th gen 2020-24 4Runner

Hello 4Runner Owners!

One of the best features of the 5th gen 4Runner is the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, a few years ago, I started experiencing issues after an Apple OS update. While using CarPlay, my calls would cut in and out, and the screen would suddenly become garbled and unusable. Recently, things got worse, with CarPlay completely locking up, and apps like Waze and Google Maps becoming unstable.

I searched for a solution but couldn't find one. Some people suggested resetting my iPhone or the infotainment system, while others recommended ensuring that the latest over-the-air Entune update was installed. Unfortunately, none of these worked.

Thankfully, I finally found the solution! Toyota offers a free update on their website. Here’s the link:
https://www.toyota.com/firmware-updates
I also created a YouTube video with step-by-step instructions!
https://youtu.be/EuX-Ly4I_1Y?si=1AnKcwtd-_Dbx1fV

I hope this helps anyone who has had issues with their infotainment system! Happy 4Running!

 

sweet. thank you so much

 

Most recent update for my 2021 with navigation is audio version 1162 and nav version 1150 from February 2022, so y’all with similar model years can check your radios first.

I run into the occasional bug where I have to go into CarPlay manually from the Menu instead of the home shortcut which doesn’t respond but no big deal. Just if anyone’s seen that too, you’re not alone!

 

Yep, I updated the firmware 2 years ago and the latest firmware still have bugs with blutooth audio disconnecting time to time and carplay google map glitches rarely.

(Just checked my video to see how old it is)

 

Welcome

 

Yeah, good to know it's not just me!

 

Does that update the navigation?

 

Thanks!

 

FYI

On my 2022 SR5P there is a selection for checking if SW updates are available. It is on the screen after selecting menu, setup, General, software updates. I selected it today and it showed mine is up to date. In fact this selection shows on the screen in the (OP) first post.

Seems first step is to check that to see if you have to go thru the download and install process‍♂️‍♂️‍♂️

 

Interestingly, I went to check versions of DCU and MEU on my 2024 4Runner Limited.

They are:

Audio 1225
Navigation 1260

Website only offers up to:

Audio 1162
Navigation 1150
(Update released on : Feb. 10, 2022)

I checked a few other vehicles, like Highlander and Corolla and they are equally old patches.

Someone should write to Toyota asking them to update website with newer patches.

 

@Cine4Runner Nice video. Thanks very much. I’ve had issues with the infotainment system recognizing USB sticks. Could you please check how the drive you used is formatted and report back? I checked the manual but it’s a little ambiguous.

ETA: I was experimenting with playing video on the infotainment screen when I was having this trouble. I got it to play finally but I can’t remember how. I thought it was a video format issue, but it wasn’t. Maybe the thumb drive had to be formatted to FAT16 instead of FAT32? I can’t remember. I’d retrace my steps but my work is all iPad based now, and USB formatting on the iPad is hobbled.

 

Now this is a quality post. Refreshing with all the other pointless threads on this site lol thanks OP!

 

I just checked my 2024 TRD ORP that I purchased in April 2024 and I'm showing the same as well:

Audio 1225
Navigation 1260


I agree, I would like to see regular updates. I'm not sure what the date released is for our versions. Can anyone confirm what the latest version is through Toyota Dealer?

 

Do yourself a favor and get a $40 wireless carplay / android auto adapter. The OEM wired system is a pain

 

You're welcome!

 

Thank you! So to answer your question I formatted a cheap 32GB USB2.0 thumbdrive with Fat32. It seemed to work well. FYI, the read speed is a bit slow so give it a couple minutes to see if the updates show up. You should see the "Current" and "New" versions appear unless you already have the latest version.

 

I agree! I noticed that too.

 

Well, I know it updates the navigation firmware, but I don't know if that includes the maps.

 

I can't confirm whether this will work, but Toyota has a site called TIS (Technical Information System) that is used by dealerships and requires a subscription. For $25, you can access the site for two days and check for any updates. I haven't personally used this site, so please proceed at your own discretion, but I hope it provides the latest information. You can visit it at: https://techinfo.toyota.com/

 

sub'd

 

My 23 updated over the air once since I bought it. Is that not the same thing?

 

I know some newer systems can be updated via over the air. I did that, but unfortunately, the over air updates did not include firmware updates for my unit. If you'd like to check to see if you're up to date (which you should be given that it's a 2023 model) then go to Toyota's firmware website and see you're at least up to date on that one. https://www.toyota.com/firmware-updates

 

Yes. I used that site and entered the vin. It says everything is up to date. Thank you for this post though. I’ll definitely check it from time to time.

 

Thanks for posting this .