A spare tablet, a USB cable, and a modest investment of can transform your workspace or kitchen counter into a hub for Android Auto, the software designed primarily for car dashboards. This innovative approach allows users to repurpose older devices, breathing new life into them while enhancing their daily routines.
My own experience with an aging Samsung Galaxy Tab, which had seen better days in terms of battery life, led me to discover this unconventional application of Android Auto. While it served as a Google Home control panel, the potential to utilize it as an Android Auto display piqued my interest. This software, typically reliant on a car’s display, can be adapted for use on a tablet with the right third-party app, effectively turning your device into a “car screen” without the need for a vehicle.
How to use Android Auto without a car
To set up a wired connection, you will need an Android phone running Android 11 or newer, a spare Android tablet or phone, and a data-capable USB cable. Android Auto is already integrated into compatible phones, so the next step is to install a receiver app on the secondary device. One popular option is Open Headunit, available for just .99 on Google Play. This app is compatible with devices running Android 5.0 or newer, making it suitable for many older tablets. However, be mindful that not all older tablets will support the necessary USB connections. Another alternative is Headunit Reloaded, priced at .99.
Once you have Open Headunit installed on the tablet, follow these steps:
- Connect the tablet to your phone using a USB cable (an OTG adapter may be necessary).
- Select Android Auto in your phone’s USB options, if prompted.
- Open the app on the tablet, tap USB, grant permission, and select your phone from the device list. Approve any additional connection prompts on your phone.
Upon completion, Android Auto should be visible on the tablet. For those who prefer a wireless setup, both apps offer a Self-Mode feature that allows Android Auto to run on the same device. However, this requires a functioning Android Auto installation, which may not be guaranteed on older tablets. Additionally, the developer of Open Headunit notes that Android Auto version 17.4 and later may necessitate starting the head unit server through the developer settings before Self-Mode can be utilized. While wireless connections are possible, they involve a more complex setup. The USB option is straightforward but occupies the tablet’s charging port, which can be problematic if the battery is already aging.
What’s the point when your phone is right there?
Android Auto’s design is optimized for driving, serving as a distraction filter that simplifies interactions. With larger controls, users can easily pause music or skip podcasts without the need to unlock their phones. Messages can be read aloud and responded to via voice commands, enhancing convenience. On compatible systems, the platform can even manage smart home devices through Google Home, although this feature may not always function reliably.
Moreover, Android Auto limits the array of apps displayed, reducing the temptation to get lost in social media when you simply want to check a song title. A spare tablet can be positioned conveniently next to your monitor or on a kitchen stand, performing essential tasks without demanding constant attention.
However, there are trade-offs to consider. If your primary goal is to access Spotify or Google Home, running those apps directly on the tablet may be a more straightforward solution. When connected to Android Auto, the dashboard can become dominated by navigation maps, and normal tablet applications will not be available. Additionally, notifications for messages may be visible to anyone nearby.
Both USB and wireless setups require your primary phone to remain connected, and services like Spotify Premium still necessitate their own subscriptions. While Google’s official guidelines do not address using Android Auto on a tablet at home, this creative workaround offers a fun novelty, albeit with some quirks to navigate.
