The RiderNav R7M delivers Android Auto functionality to your BMW motorcycle through a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen with seamless wireless connectivity. Designed for Android riders who demand intelligent navigation and media control without compromising road focus.

What Android Auto Offers on R7M

After wirelessly connecting your Android phone, the R7M provides access to Android Auto-compatible apps optimized for riding safety:

Navigation Apps

• Google Maps – Comprehensive navigation with real-time traffic and multi-stop routing
• Waze – Crowd-sourced traffic alerts and hazard warnings
• Sygic GPS Navigation – Offline maps ideal for remote riding
• TomTom GO Navigation – Premium routing with advanced planning features

Music & Audio Apps

• Spotify – Leading music streaming platform with full Android Auto support
• YouTube Music – Stream songs, playlists, and personalized mixes
• Amazon Music – Extensive catalog with offline download capability
• Audible – Audiobooks and spoken-word content for long rides
• Podcast Apps – Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, and other podcast platforms

Communication & Voice Control

• Phone Calls – Hands-free calling through Google Assistant
• Google Assistant – Voice-activated commands for navigation, music, and more
• WhatsApp – Voice message playback (varies by app version and region)

❗Important Limitation: Unlike Apple CarPlay, Android Auto does not support SMS/text message notifications or readback on the R7M display.

💡 Note: R7M mirrors your phone's Android Auto interface—it doesn't run apps independently. The examples above represent common compatible apps; availability varies by region, Android version, and app updates. Verify Android Auto compatibility through your app's official documentation.

Understanding Audio Routing – Critical for Android Users

Android Auto requires a specific audio setup that differs from CarPlay:

Dual-Channel Bluetooth Headset Required

To receive audio through your helmet/headset while using Android Auto on R7M, you need a dual-channel Bluetooth communication system (such as Cardo or Sena models that support two simultaneous device connections).

Connection Architecture:

🔵 Channel 1: Headset ↔ R7M Display
🔵 Channel 2: Headset ↔ Android Phone

Why This Setup?

• Your R7M handles the Android Auto display interface
• Your phone processes all audio (navigation, music, calls)
• Audio routes: Phone → R7M → Bluetooth → Headset

What R7M Does NOT Do:

❌ R7M has no built-in speaker
❌ R7M does not output audio directly
❌ R7M cannot connect to single-channel Bluetooth headsets for audio

Signal Flow:

• Visual Interface: Android Phone → Android Auto → R7M Display
• Audio Playback: Android Phone → R7M (bridge) → Bluetooth Headset

Google Assistant Voice Control

Once your Bluetooth headset connects to the R7M, Google Assistant becomes available for voice commands during Android Auto sessions. However, whether you can activate Google Assistant by saying "Hey Google" depends on your headset model—not the R7M itself.

Headset Compatibility:

✅ Supports "Hey Google" Wake Word:

• Cardo communication systems (Packtalk, Freecom series)
• Sena 50S/50R models

❌ Manual Activation Only:

• Sena SRL series – Requires pressing phone button for 4 seconds; does not respond to "Hey Google"

Why Voice Activation May Seem Inconsistent:

When stationary with your engine off, your phone's built-in microphone may pick up "Hey Google" commands even from inside a tank bag—creating the false impression that your headset triggered the assistant. Once riding with engine noise and wind, this ambient activation becomes unreliable.

Recommendation: Verify Google Assistant voice wake-word support with your specific headset manufacturer before relying on hands-free activation while riding.

First-Time Setup Guide

Step 1: Mount & Power

Insert the R7M into your BMW Navigation Cradle until it clicks securely, then lock with your BMW key. Start your motorcycle—R7M powers on automatically.

Step 2: Prepare Your Android Phone

• Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
• Open Settings → Connected devices → Connection preferences → Android Auto
• Keep your phone unlocked during initial pairing

Step 3: Pair Android Auto Wirelessly

• On R7M, select Android Auto (Wireless)
• On your phone, tap R7M when it appears in available devices
• Confirm all connection prompts
• Grant necessary permissions (Location, Contacts, Notifications)

Step 4: Connect Your Dual-Channel Headset

This is the most critical step for Android Auto audio:

4a. Pair Headset to R7M (Channel 1)

• Activate pairing mode on your headset for "Device 1" or "Phone 1"
• On R7M: Navigate to Bluetooth Settings → Select your headset
• Confirm pairing

4b. Pair Headset to Phone (Channel 2)

• Keep headset in pairing mode or activate "Device 2"/"Phone 2" mode
• On Android Phone: Settings → Bluetooth → Select your headset
• Ensure these permissions are enabled:
  • ✓ Phone Calls
  • ✓ Media Audio
  • ✓ Contact Sharing

Step 5: Verify Audio Routing

• Play music from your phone
• Confirm audio plays through your headset
• Test navigation voice prompts
• Make a test call to verify two-way communication

Daily Riding Routine

Once configured, Android Auto reconnects automatically:

1. Start your motorcycle → R7M powers up
2. Android phone detects R7M → Android Auto launches automatically
3. Bluetooth headset connects to both R7M and phone
4. Control via touchscreen or BMW Wonder Wheel (on compatible models)
5. Use Google Assistant for hands-free operation (if supported by your headset)

Common Questions

Does R7M produce any audio?
No. R7M only displays the Android Auto visual interface. All audio routes through your phone to your Bluetooth headset.

Does R7M require mobile data?
No. It uses your Android phone's cellular connection for maps, streaming, and Google Assistant.

Can I install apps directly on R7M?
No. Apps run on your Android phone. R7M wirelessly mirrors the Android Auto interface.

Why can't I see my text messages?
Android Auto on motorcycle displays does not support SMS notification display or text-to-speech readback for safety reasons. This is a platform limitation, not an R7M restriction.

Navigation shows on screen but I hear no voice guidance—why?
Check your phone's audio output settings. Verify your headset is properly paired to both R7M and your phone, with media audio permissions enabled.

Troubleshooting

Android Auto Won't Connect

• Verify Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your phone
• Open Android Auto app on your phone → Settings → Connected cars → Remove R7M, then re-pair
• Restart your phone and power-cycle R7M (turn motorcycle off/on)
• Update Android Auto app to the latest version

No Audio Through Headset

• Confirm headset is paired to both R7M and your phone
• Check phone's Bluetooth settings: Ensure headset has Media Audio permission enabled
• Disconnect other Bluetooth audio devices to prevent routing conflicts
• Test headset connection by playing music directly from your phone

Audio Cutting Out or Delays

• Keep your phone physically close to the headset's Bluetooth module
• Ensure headset firmware is up to date
• Reduce interference by turning off unused Bluetooth devices
• Check headset battery level—low power can cause connectivity issues

Google Assistant Not Responding to "Hey Google"

• Verify your headset model supports voice wake-word activation (see compatibility list above)
• Check phone settings: Google → Settings → Google Assistant → Hey Google & Voice Match (ensure enabled)
• For headsets without wake-word support, use the manual phone button (press and hold 3-4 seconds)

Android Auto Disconnects After Short Stops

• Keep phone's screen unlocked briefly after starting the engine
• Wait 5-10 seconds for Android Auto to reinitialize
• Check Developer Options → Ensure "Stay awake while charging" is disabled (can cause conflicts)

Key Takeaways

✅ R7M wirelessly mirrors your Android phone's Android Auto interface—it does not output audio
✅ Dual-channel Bluetooth headset required for simultaneous R7M and phone connectivity
✅ All audio routes: Phone → R7M → Bluetooth Headset
✅ Android Auto does not support text message display on motorcycle displays
✅ Google Assistant voice activation depends on your specific headset model
✅ Use Google Assistant or BMW controls for safe, hands-free operation while riding