According to Marinel Sigue of BGR, old Android tablets can be repurposed as DIY Android Auto head units using an open-source app called Headunit Revived. Rather than purchasing an expensive dashboard display, motorists driving older vehicles can utilize their existing hardware by running the $4 application from the Google Play Store or downloading the APK for free from GitHub.
How Headunit Revived Turns Old Tablets into Dash Displays
Headunit Revived operates similarly to built-in infotainment screens found in modern cars, according to BGR. The open-source software acts as an Android Auto receiver that connects to an Android phone via a USB cable or wireless protocols, providing access to navigation apps like Google Maps alongside media platforms such as Spotify. The app is compatible with Android tablets and phones running Android 4.1 or newer, as well as Amazon Fire tablets via the Amazon Appstore for a $4.70 fee, as reported by BGR.
Pro Tip: According to the app developer cited by BGR, configuring your tablet’s orientation to Landscape during the initial setup prevents some issues with Google Maps.
Configuring Tablet Settings and Optimization
Before establishing a phone connection, users must complete the Quick Setup Wizard within the Headunit Revived application. BGR outlines that users need to grant location and audio permissions, accept safety terms, select their specific screen size, and choose a display orientation. The software automatically applies layout optimizations based on these parameters. Drivers can further adjust settings manually, including right-hand drive configurations, user interface scaling, auto dark mode, and screen resolution.
Connecting via USB Cable
Wired connections offer a reliable and straightforward setup process for pairing a smartphone to the tablet receiver. According to BGR’s guide, users must connect both devices with a suitable USB cable, navigate to the phone’s notification panel to set USB control to “This device,” and select “Transferring files/Android Auto.” Afterward, launching Headunit Revived on the tablet, tapping the USB option, and authorizing the connection allows Android Auto to launch. BGR notes that users experiencing recognition failures should swap out cables to ensure the wire supports data transfer.
Pairing Wirelessly via Wi-Fi Direct
Wireless connections eliminate cable clutter inside the cabin using alternative pairing methods. BGR states that the app developer recommends Wi-Fi Direct (P2P) to bypass the need for an external hotspot or local network. Users navigate to the app settings, select Wireless Helper, set the helper strategy to Wi-Fi Direct, and note the Wi-Fi direct name displayed. By opening the Wi-Fi Helper app on the smartphone, entering that specific device name, and initiating the connection, the system mirrors Android Auto wirelessly.
Did You Know? Beyond Google Maps and Spotify, the platform supports an app drawer accessible from the bottom-left corner of the interface, allowing drivers to launch compatible third-party applications like Maps.me.
Mounting Options for Tablet Head Units
Once the software interface loads, motorists can interact directly with navigation and media controls. According to BGR, drivers can secure their tablet-turned-head unit using various mounting hardware available on the market. Popular choices include cup holder mounts like the eSamcore Tablet Holder, dashboard-installed cradles, or windshield-adhering hardware such as the Apps2Car Tablet Car Mount.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Headunit Revived cost?
According to BGR, the app costs a one-time fee of $4 on the Google Play Store and $4.70 on the Amazon Appstore, though it can also be installed for free using the APK file from GitHub.
Which operating systems are compatible with the app?
Headunit Revived works on Android devices running Android 4.1 or higher, as well as Amazon Fire tablets, as reported by BGR.
What are the connection options for the tablet receiver?
Users can connect their smartphones via a standard USB data cable or wirelessly utilizing Wi-Fi Direct through the Wireless Helper companion app, according to BGR.
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