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Software update

Update your 9 inch Mk3 head unit

Latest update: March 2026

This update improves general system performance, Bluetooth stability, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, touch response, and Play Store behaviour. It also helps resolve black screen and boot loop issues. Install via USB in about 10 to 15 minutes.

Download update.zip Estimated install time: 10 to 15 minutes

What's new in this update

  • Improved Bluetooth stability and pairing reliability.
  • Improved wireless CarPlay and Android Auto handling.
  • Better touch response.
  • Fixes for Play Store sign-in and update issues.
  • Helps recover units suffering black screen or boot loop after a previous update.

Before you start

  • Use a blank USB drive of 16 GB or smaller, formatted as FAT32.
  • Only update.zip goes on the USB. Do not place any other files on it.
  • Where possible, use the CarPlay USB port on the unit.
  • Keep battery voltage stable. Engine running is ideal.
  • Do not switch the ignition off during the update.
  • A factory reset will delete your apps, settings, and Google account sign-in. Back up anything important first.

Update your head unit

  1. Download update.zip and format your USB

    Download update.zip from the button above. Format a blank USB drive (16 GB or smaller) as FAT32. On Windows: right-click the drive and choose Format. On macOS: open Disk Utility, select the drive, and erase as MS-DOS (FAT).

  2. Copy update.zip onto the USB

    Copy update.zip to the root of the USB drive. Do not place any other files on the USB. The update will not start if there are extra files.

  3. Boot the head unit, then insert the USB

    Turn the ignition on and let the head unit boot fully to the home screen. Plug the USB drive into the CarPlay USB port on the unit.

  4. Confirm the update prompt

    An update prompt will appear on the screen. Select the update and allow the unit to begin installing.

  5. Wait for the update to finish

    Do not turn the vehicle off, pull the USB, or interrupt the unit. The unit will reboot itself when the update is complete.

  6. Decline the second prompt and remove the USB

    When the unit returns to the home screen, the update prompt may appear a second time. Select No and remove the USB drive. The update is complete.

If you run into trouble

If your unit has a black screen or boot loop

If the head unit is stuck on a black screen, boot logo, or reboot loop, you'll need to use Android Recovery to factory reset the unit before installing the update.

  1. Make sure the USB has only update.zip on it.
  2. With the head unit off, plug the USB into the CarPlay USB port.
  3. Keep the ignition switched off.
  4. Press and hold the Home button on the head unit.
  5. While holding Home, turn the ignition on.
  6. Keep holding Home until the Android Recovery menu appears.
  7. Tap the Home button to step through the menu until Wipe data / factory reset is highlighted.
  8. Press and hold Home to select it, then confirm the factory reset.
  9. Once the wipe completes, navigate to Apply Update from SD Card or USB.
  10. Press and hold Home to select. The unit will install the update and reboot itself.
  11. When the home screen returns and a second update prompt appears, select No and remove the USB.

Important: for black screen or boot loop recovery, the USB must be inserted before the ignition is turned on. A factory reset deletes all apps, account sign-ins, and saved settings.

If you don't see the update prompt

Make sure the USB is formatted as FAT32 and contains only update.zip at the root (no folders, no other files). Try the CarPlay USB port specifically. If the prompt still doesn't appear, try a different USB drive of 16 GB or smaller.

After recovery: reinstall once more

Once the unit has recovered and boots normally, run the update one more time through the normal on-screen prompt. This gives you the cleanest install. Insert the same USB, accept the update when prompted, then decline the second prompt and remove the USB.

If Bluetooth or CarPlay misbehaves after updating

Forget the device on your phone, then re-pair it. If the issue persists, perform a factory reset on the head unit (Settings > System > Reset).

Update history

March 2026

General system performance improvements. Bluetooth stability, wireless CarPlay / Android Auto, and touch response improved. Play Store behaviour fixed. Recovery support for black screen and boot loop units.

Need a hand?

If you run into trouble during the update, the PVS team can walk you through it.

Contact PVS support