Toyota Aqua Stereo Upgrade: CarPlay, English Menus and Radio Code

Most Toyota Aquas on NZ roads are Japanese imports, and nearly all arrive with a Japanese-only Toyota navigation unit that has no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The dash takes a double DIN unit with a Toyota fascia kit, so the usual upgrade is a wireless CarPlay and Android Auto head unit, keeping the steering wheel buttons and the factory reversing camera with the right adapters.

Does the Toyota Aqua have CarPlay?

Not the Japanese import units most NZ Aquas have. They have Japanese menus, a satnav loaded with Japan, and often a radio that misses part of the NZ FM dial. CarPlay comes from replacing the unit. The same car is sold overseas as the Toyota Prius c, so Prius c parts and advice usually apply.

What size stereo fits an Aqua?

The Aqua has a double DIN opening, wider than a standard aftermarket unit. A Toyota fascia kit fills the gap so a new unit sits flush. Our Toyota Aqua head unit page lists the fitting details, and single DIN vs double DIN explains the sizes.

Can I change the Aqua radio language to English?

Sometimes a factory unit hides an English setting, but most cannot be fully switched, and the navigation and voice guidance stay Japanese. Our guide on changing a Japanese car radio to English covers all three options.

The Aqua radio code or password

Some Japanese Toyota units ask for a security code or password after the battery has been disconnected, for example when the 12V battery is replaced. If you do not have the code, see what to do when a Japanese car radio asks for a code. Replacing the unit removes the problem for good.

Keeping the camera and steering controls

A new head unit can keep the Aqua's steering wheel audio buttons with a steering control harness, and the factory reversing camera with a Toyota camera adapter. Ask any installer to confirm both before the job.

Your options, from smallest to biggest

• Keep the factory unit and add an FM band expander: fixes the radio only. See the band expander guide.
• Translate the factory unit: English menus where possible, but still no CarPlay.
• Fit a CarPlay and Android Auto head unit: English, NZ radio, maps on your phone, and the camera kept, all at once.

We fit Aqua head units at your home or work: see Japanese car stereo conversion.

Frequently asked questions

Does a Toyota Aqua have Bluetooth?

Some Japanese units have Bluetooth, but the menus are in Japanese and pairing can be hard. A new head unit gives you Bluetooth, CarPlay and Android Auto in English.

Is the Aqua stereo single or double DIN?

Double DIN, with a wider Toyota opening that needs a fascia kit for an aftermarket unit.

Will I lose the reversing camera if I change the stereo?

No, if the installer fits a Toyota camera adapter. Ask for it before the job.

Is the Prius c the same as the Aqua?

Yes. The Aqua was sold in some countries as the Prius c, so stereo parts and advice are usually the same.