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Carlinkit TBox Plus: Variants, Codes, Firmware and Support

Carlinkit TBox Plus hub: tell EM 668 from EAU 138, engineering codes, the Android 11 to 13 firmware path, accessories and how to report a bug.

Specifications

Chipset (SoC)
SM6125 (QCM6125) / SM6225
Android
11, 12 (EAU only), 13
RAM / storage
4 GB / 64 GB, 8 GB / 128 GB, 6 GB / 128 GB (early units, as reported)
Variants
EM (668), EAU (138), NA / JP (138 firmware)
How to tell it apart
Blue case. The label on the back says EM (668 firmware) or EAU, JP or NA (138 firmware); Box Settings → Version shows an Autokit-Box Plus version string. Android 11, 12 or 13 in Settings → About.
Official pages
SupportFirmware downloads

Identify your unit

The TBox Plus is the blue Carlinkit box, sold since 2022. Carlinkit’s product page lists it as model CPC200-Tbox Plus with Android 13, an SM6125 or SM6225 octa-core processor, a nano SIM slot, a microSD slot and a USB-C port. Owners know the original units as QCM6125 boxes, the industrial name for the same chip family.

What matters most is the variant, because firmware is not interchangeable:

  • EM (668): “EM” printed on the back. Its own firmware line.
  • EAU (138): “EAU”, “JP” or “NA” on the back. Most units sold outside China are this one.

Carlinkit also tells you to check Box Settings → Version, where the version string starts with Autokit-Box Plus. If you are not sure whether you have a Plus, an Ambient or an Ultra, the which TBox do I have page walks through case colour, lights and the Android version.

Early units shipped with Android 11. Memory was 4/64, 6/128 or 8/128 GB; the current product page offers 4/64 and 8/128 GB.

Engineering menu & codes

The hidden settings live under Settings → Other → Factory settings, where a keypad asks for a code. The codes owners use on the Plus:

Code entry under Settings → Other → Factory settings. Reconstructed screen, labels may differ by firmware.
  • 4545 opens the factory menu. Under Other you find the start-up delay, the left navigation bar switch (on Android 13 builds) and the temperature display. See remove the navigation bar and floating button.
  • 166888 opens the audio settings, including the 44.1 kHz option some owners prefer; see improve sound quality at 44.1 kHz.
  • 110144 clears the cache, the first thing to try when a new firmware build feels glitchy.

Every code and what it changes on each model is in the engineering codes table. Photograph the factory settings before you change anything, so you can put them back.

Firmware

Carlinkit publishes TBox firmware on its own website under Support → Downloads, and explains how to request a specific build on the firmware request page. If your build is missing, email [email protected] with the model, variant, current firmware and car. This site does not host or link firmware files.

Updates are installed with the FOTA app from a FAT32 microSD card; the steps are in update TBox firmware with FOTA. Set the stock launcher as default before any update, as explained in set the stock launcher first.

Builds the community discussed (dates as published; “no change log” means the maker gave none):

Firmware dateVariantAndroidWhat changed, as reported
30 Jun 2023EAU12Final Android 12 build. The community advised installing it before moving to Android 13.
29 Jul 2023EAU13First Android 13 build for EAU units.
10 Oct 2023EAU13Split-screen ratios 3:7 and 2:3 added in factory settings.
21 Nov 2023EAU13Third-party launchers no longer clash with the Recents screen; “Split app” added to Settings.
4 Jul 2024EM13Fixed mobile data not working with some SIM cards.
7 Jan 2026EAU13Build listed on Carlinkit’s download page at the time of review. No change log.
23 Jul 2026EM13Newest EM build owners discussed. No change log.

EAU Plus builds also install on the rare TBox Ambient with a QCM6125 chip, but the forum notes that its LED lighting may stop working. The full history for every model is in the firmware tracker.

Accessories that matter

  • Y-cable. If the Plus reboots under load or with a SIM inserted, power is the usual cause. A Y-cable moves the power draw to a second USB port; see AI box keeps rebooting.
  • Cooling. The plastic case holds heat in summer. Turn on the temperature display with code 4545 → Other, and read how hot is too hot before you add a heatsink.
  • FAT32 microSD card. A card of 32 GB or less, formatted FAT32, for local firmware updates and recovery files. Insert it the way the drawing on the case shows; owners regularly mix up the SIM and card slots.
  • Data SIM. The Plus uses the SIM as a modem. If mobile data does not work, see AI box SIM card not working.

How to report a bug

Collect this before you write to anyone:

  1. Variant (EM or EAU, from the back label) and the firmware date from Settings → About.
  2. Car make, model, year and head unit, and whether you use CarPlay or Android Auto.
  3. What you were doing when it happened, and whether a SIM was inserted.
  4. A short phone video of the fault.

Send it to Carlinkit at [email protected]; the Carlinkit T-Box FAQ lists the support hours. The checklist for every brand is on how to report a bug.

Known issues and guides for this device

Generated from every article tagged with this device, most-confirmed first.

Power & connection

Heat & throttling

Audio & calls

Firmware & recovery

SIM, Wi-Fi & GPS

Apps & launchers

ADB, root & tinkering