Can You Add CarPlay to an Infiniti QX50 or QX55? 12.3" Screen Upgrade Explained

If you own an Infiniti QX50 or QX55 and the factory infotainment system is starting to feel dated, one of the first questions you may ask is:

Can I add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto without removing the original Infiniti system?

Yes. A compatible Infiniti QX50 or QX55 can be upgraded with a 12.3-inch Android screen that adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while keeping the original Infiniti system and factory vehicle functions accessible.

This is especially relevant for owners searching for a 2019 Infiniti QX50 CarPlay upgrade, 2020 Infiniti QX50 screen upgrade, or a way to modernize the QX50 / QX55 infotainment system without replacing everything already built into the car.


Can You Add CarPlay to a 2019 Infiniti QX50?

Yes. If your QX50 has the compatible factory dashboard configuration, you can add wireless Apple CarPlay through a 12.3-inch Android screen upgrade.

Instead of removing the complete factory infotainment architecture, the upgrade adds a new screen and Android interface that works together with the original Infiniti system.

This gives you a much more modern interface for everyday driving while keeping access to the original vehicle system.

2019 Infiniti QX50 factory screen before and after 12.3 inch CarPlay upgrade

Infiniti QX50 factory screen compared with the 12.3-inch upgraded display.


What About a 2020 Infiniti QX50 Screen Upgrade?

The same basic upgrade idea applies to compatible 2020 QX50 vehicles: keep the original system and add a larger, smarter display.

The new 12.3-inch screen gives you access to wireless CarPlay, Android Auto and Android apps while the original Infiniti functions remain available.

So if your main complaint is not the car itself, but the age and limitations of the original screen, you do not necessarily need to replace the entire infotainment system.


Can You Upgrade an Infiniti QX55 with CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. The same type of 12.3-inch screen upgrade is also available for compatible Infiniti QX55 vehicles.

The purpose is the same: add a modern Android interface and wireless smartphone integration while continuing to use the vehicle's original Infiniti system when needed.

This means QX55 owners can gain a larger display and a more modern daily interface without treating the factory infotainment system as something that has to be completely removed.


How Does the QX50 / QX55 12.3" Screen Upgrade Work?

The easiest way to understand this upgrade is:

The new Android screen is added to the vehicle, but the original Infiniti system stays.

The 12.3-inch display becomes the main screen you interact with for CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation and Android apps.

When you need the original Infiniti interface or vehicle settings, you can still enter the factory system.

So this is not simply a universal Android radio being installed in the dashboard. It is a vehicle-specific upgrade designed to work with the existing Infiniti system.

Infiniti QX50 QX55 12.3 inch Android CarPlay screen front view

Actual 12.3-inch QX50 / QX55 Android screen assembly.


Can You Upgrade the Infiniti QX50 Dual-Screen System?

Yes — and this is one of the main questions QX50 owners ask before considering an upgrade.

The factory Infiniti dashboard is more integrated than a traditional single-DIN or double-DIN radio, so replacing the screen can look more complicated than it actually is.

Infiniti QX50 original dual screen factory dashboard before CarPlay upgrade

Original Infiniti QX50 factory infotainment layout before the upgrade.

The important point is that the upgrade does not require you to give up the original Infiniti system.

The new screen adds the modern interface while the original system remains part of the vehicle.

In practical terms, you are not choosing between:

Keep the factory Infiniti system
or
Get CarPlay and Android Auto.

The purpose of this upgrade is to give you both.


Will I Lose My Original Infiniti Functions?

This is more important than screen size or Android specifications.

When upgrading a modern vehicle, the real risk is not whether the new screen looks good. It is whether the upgrade interferes with functions already integrated into the car.

With this QX50 / QX55 upgrade, the original Infiniti system is retained.

The upgrade is designed to retain:

  • Original Infiniti infotainment system
  • Original car settings
  • Factory steering wheel controls
  • Factory audio system
  • Factory camera functions on equipped vehicles
  • Other original functions supported through the factory system

You can still enter the original Infiniti Car Settings after the screen upgrade.

That is a key part of the upgrade: modernize the interface without unnecessarily removing the functions the vehicle already has.


How Does the Audio Work?

Audio from the Android system is integrated with the vehicle through AUX.

When you are using CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, Spotify or other Android media, the sound is sent through AUX into the original vehicle audio system.

This means the upgrade does not need a completely separate speaker or aftermarket audio system just to produce sound from the Android screen.

Important: When using audio from the Android system, AUX needs to be selected as the vehicle's audio source.


What Do You Gain After the Upgrade?

The biggest change is not simply replacing a smaller screen with a 12.3-inch screen.

It is about making the infotainment system more useful in everyday driving.

Wireless Apple CarPlay

Connect a compatible iPhone wirelessly and use CarPlay for navigation, music, calls, messages and Siri without plugging in your phone every time you enter the car.

Wireless Android Auto

Android phone users can access compatible navigation, communication and media functions through Android Auto.

Google Maps and Waze

Use modern navigation apps on the larger display instead of relying only on the original navigation interface.

Spotify and Other Music Apps

Stream music through the Android interface and play the audio through the original vehicle sound system via AUX.

Android Apps

Because the screen includes its own Android system, compatible apps such as YouTube, Netflix and other Android applications can also be used when the screen has an internet connection.

Safety: Video and entertainment apps should only be used while the vehicle is safely parked.


What Hardware Is Used in This QX50 / QX55 Upgrade?

The configuration shown in this article uses:

Display 12.3 inch
Memory 6GB RAM
Storage 128GB
Apple CarPlay Wireless
Android Auto Wireless
Original Infiniti System Retained
Original Car Settings Accessible
Android Audio Via AUX

The point of this article is not to compare every hardware configuration. If you want to see the available versions and full product specifications, those are listed on the product page.


How Difficult Is the Installation?

The QX50 / QX55 screen is designed as a vehicle-specific upgrade rather than a universal radio installation.

Installation generally involves removing the original upper display area, installing the new screen assembly, connecting the vehicle-specific wiring and interface, and then testing both Android and factory functions before the dashboard is reassembled.

Infiniti QX50 QX55 Android screen CarPlay upgrade wiring harness

Actual vehicle-specific wiring supplied for the QX50 / QX55 screen upgrade.

Before putting all dashboard trim back in place, the installer should test:

  • Android system
  • Apple CarPlay / Android Auto
  • Audio through AUX
  • Original Infiniti interface
  • Car Settings
  • Steering wheel controls
  • Factory camera functions where equipped

If you are experienced with automotive interior removal and infotainment wiring, DIY installation may be possible.

Otherwise, using a professional car audio or infotainment installer is the safer choice.


How Do I Know If It Will Fit My QX50 or QX55?

Do not rely on the model year alone.

Factory configurations can vary by vehicle and market, so the original dashboard is an important compatibility reference.

Before ordering, check:

  • Infiniti QX50 or QX55
  • Model year
  • Country
  • Original dashboard configuration

If you are unsure, send a clear photo of the original dashboard before ordering so compatibility can be confirmed.


Is an Infiniti QX50 / QX55 CarPlay Screen Upgrade Worth It?

It depends on what you are trying to fix.

If the original Infiniti system is working properly and your main complaint is that the interface feels dated, the screen is small, or you want modern smartphone integration, then replacing everything in the car may be unnecessary.

A 12.3-inch Android screen takes a different approach:

Keep the original Infiniti system and factory functions.
Upgrade the interface you actually use every day.

For a QX50 or QX55 owner who mainly wants wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, modern navigation and a larger screen, that is the main reason this type of upgrade makes sense.


Infiniti QX50 / QX55 CarPlay Upgrade FAQ

Can I add Apple CarPlay to my 2019 Infiniti QX50?

Yes. A compatible 2019 QX50 can be upgraded with a 12.3-inch Android screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay while retaining the original Infiniti system.

Can I upgrade the screen in a 2020 Infiniti QX50?

Yes. Compatible 2020 QX50 vehicles can use the 12.3-inch screen upgrade to add a larger Android interface, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto.

Can I add Android Auto to an Infiniti QX50?

Yes. The upgraded screen supports wireless Android Auto as well as wireless Apple CarPlay.

Can the Infiniti QX55 screen be upgraded?

Yes. Compatible Infiniti QX55 vehicles can also use this 12.3-inch Android screen upgrade.

Does the upgrade remove the original Infiniti system?

No. The original Infiniti system remains in the vehicle and can still be accessed after the upgrade.

Can I still access the original Car Settings?

Yes. The original Infiniti Car Settings remain accessible through the system.

How does the Android screen send sound to the car?

Android audio is sent through AUX to the vehicle's original audio system.


Check the QX50 / QX55 12.3" Screen Upgrade

If you have confirmed that this is the type of upgrade you want, the next step is to check the complete product page for compatibility, available configurations, retained factory functions and installation information.

Infiniti QX50 / QX55 12.3" Android Screen Upgrade

Wireless Apple CarPlay · Wireless Android Auto · Original Infiniti System Retained · Original Car Settings Accessible

View QX50 / QX55 Screen Upgrade
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