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ars edited this page Jan 25, 2026 · 8 revisions

Wireless Android Auto

HeadUnit Revived allows you to connect your phone wirelessly via WiFi. Unlike official Android Auto head units, this app currently does not use Bluetooth for the initial handshake. Instead, it relies on a WiFi connection established via a helper app or manual IP entry.

Prerequisites

  • Phone: Android 10 or higher with Android Auto installed.
  • Head Unit (Tablet): Android device with WiFi.
  • Network: Both devices must be connected to the same WiFi network. This can be:
    • A mobile hotspot created by the phone.
    • A mobile hotspot created by the head unit.
    • An external WiFi router (e.g., in-car LTE router).

Connection Methods

1. Using "Wireless Launcher" (Recommended)

This method uses a small helper app on your phone to automatically find the Head Unit and initiate the connection.

  1. Install Helper App: Download and install the "Wireless Launcher" (or "Wifi Launcher") app on your phone. (Note: This is a separate app, often available as an APK or on F-Droid/Play Store under various names compatible with HUR).
  2. Head Unit Setup:
    • Open HeadUnit Revived.
    • Go to Settings -> General.
    • Enable Wireless Headunit Server. This starts a background server listening for connections.
  3. Connect:
    • Open the "Wireless Launcher" app on your phone.
    • It should scan for the Head Unit and connect automatically.
    • HeadUnit Revived will launch and start the projection.

2. Android Auto Developer Mode (Manual)

This method requires no extra apps but involves manual steps on the phone.

  1. Enable Developer Mode:
    • Open Android Auto settings on your phone.
    • Scroll down to the "Version" section.
    • Tap on "Version" 10 times until Developer Mode is enabled.
  2. Start Server:
    • In Android Auto settings, tap the three-dot menu (top right).
    • Select Start Headunit Server.
  3. Connect from Head Unit:
    • Open HeadUnit Revived.
    • Tap the WiFi button.
    • Enter the IP address of your phone.
    • Tap Connect.

3. Self-Mode (Same Device)

If you want to run Android Auto on the same device where HeadUnit Revived is installed (e.g., using the tablet as both phone and screen):

  1. Open HeadUnit Revived.
  2. Tap the Self Mode button (or "To Android Auto").
  3. The app will connect to itself via localhost (127.0.0.1).

Troubleshooting

  • Black Screen: If the screen remains black, try enabling Force Software Decoding in Settings -> Video.
  • Lag / Stuttering: Ensure you are using a 5GHz WiFi connection. 2.4GHz is often too slow. Lower the resolution or FPS limit if necessary.
  • Connection Fails:
    • Verify that both devices are on the exact same network (check IP addresses).
    • Ensure no firewall/VPN is blocking the connection.
    • Restart the "Headunit Server" on the phone.

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