Skip to content

Wireless

Jump to bottom
ars edited this page Jan 15, 2026 · 8 revisions

Wireless Android Auto

HeadUnit Revived supports wireless Android Auto connections, allowing you to project your phone's screen without a USB cable.

Prerequisites

  • Phone: Android 11.0 or higher (compatible with 5GHz WiFi). Some Android 10 phones also work if "Wireless Android Auto" is enabled in Android Auto developer settings.
  • Head Unit: A device with WiFi (5GHz recommended for 1080p/60fps) and Bluetooth.
  • App: HeadUnit Revived installed and granted Location (for WiFi scanning) and "Display over other apps" permissions.

Connection Modes

1. Hotspot Mode (Recommended)

In this mode, the Head Unit creates a WiFi Hotspot, and the phone connects to it. This is the standard method used by commercial Android Auto head units.

  1. Enable Hotspot: Turn on the WiFi Hotspot on your Android Head Unit.
  2. Bluetooth: Pair your phone with the Head Unit via Bluetooth.
  3. Launch: Open HeadUnit Revived.
  4. Wait: The app should detect the Bluetooth connection and automatically negotiate the WiFi credentials with your phone. The phone will then connect to the hotspot and start projection.

2. Client Mode / Local Network (Experimental)

In this mode, both the Head Unit and the Phone connect to the same external WiFi network (e.g., a home router or an in-car LTE router).

  1. Connect WiFi: Connect both devices to the same WiFi network.
  2. IP Address: You may need to manually trigger the connection if automatic discovery fails.
  3. Discovery: The app attempts to discover compatible phones on the local network using NSD (Network Service Discovery).

Wireless Launcher Mode

This feature allows the app to run a background service that listens for wireless connections even when the app is closed.

  • Enable: Go to Settings -> General and enable Wireless Launcher Mode.
  • Function: When enabled, a foreground service (WifiProxyService) runs in the background. It monitors Bluetooth connections and network traffic. When it detects an Android Auto projection request from your phone, it automatically launches the HeadUnit Revived activity.
  • Battery Usage: This service may consume a small amount of battery as it keeps the CPU awake to listen for connections.

Manual Connection (Tasker / Intents)

You can trigger a wireless connection manually using Android Intents. This is useful for automation apps like Tasker or MacroDroid.

  • Action: android.intent.action.VIEW
  • Data URI: headunit://connect?ip=<PHONE_IP_ADDRESS>
  • Package: com.andrerinas.headunitrevived

Example (ADB):

am start -a android.intent.action.VIEW -d "headunit://connect?ip=192.168.1.100" com.andrerinas.headunitrevived

Troubleshooting Wireless

  • Stuttering / Lag:
    • Ensure you are using 5GHz WiFi. 2.4GHz is often too slow and congested for smooth streaming.
    • Lower the FPS Limit to 30 in Settings.
    • Lower the Resolution to 800x480 or 1280x720.
  • No Connection:
    • Verify Bluetooth is connected.
    • Ensure "Wireless Android Auto" is enabled in the Android Auto settings on your phone.
    • Toggle Wireless Launcher Mode off and on.

Clone this wiki locally