Open Headunit

Open Headunit

André Rinas·4.1 ★·£3.59

Screenshots

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Description

Open Headunit: The Ultimate Android Auto Receiver for your Tablet!

📢 IMPORTANT REBRANDING & ANDROID AUTO 17.4+ NOTICE:

NEW NAME: "Headunit Revived" is now "Open Headunit"! This is a seamless app update—all your settings, purchases, and features remain 100% intact.
ANDROID AUTO 17.4+ WIRELESS & SELF-MODE NOTICE: Starting with Android Auto 17.4, wireless connections (including Wireless Helper) and Self-Mode require the Headunit Server (Port 5277) to be running on your smartphone. Without an active Headunit Server on your phone, wireless connections will fail on Android Auto 17.4+. USB connections remain fully functional.

Breathe new life into your Android tablet or car headunit by transforming it into a fully functional, modern infotainment system. Open Headunit allows you to experience Android Auto on almost any Android device—whether via USB, wirelessly, or using the innovative Self-Mode.

This project is an open-source revival of the original "Headunit" app by Mike Reid, modernized with the latest technologies and a sleek Material 3 interface.

Key Features at a Glance:

🚀 Flexible Connectivity
USB: Plug & Play. Supports stable, low-latency connections via USB-OTG.
Wi-Fi Direct & Nearby: Modern wireless pairing without needing a shared mobile hotspot.
Wireless (NSD): Automatically detects your phone on the same Wi-Fi network (requires Headunit Server on AA 17.4+).
Self-Mode: Run Android Auto directly on your phone (local simulation), ideal for large displays or testing.

🎥 High-Performance Video & Audio
Hardware acceleration for H.264 and H.265 (HEVC) decoding.
Crystal-clear projection up to 1080p, 1440p, and 4K 2160p (on supported hardware).
Adjustable FPS (30/60) for smooth navigation and menus.
Audio Gain Offsets: Separately adjust volumes for music, navigation prompts, and voice assistant (0% to 200%).

🎨 Modern Design & Customization
Material 3 UI: A clean, intuitive interface that fits seamlessly into modern car interiors.
Dynamic DPI Scaling: Customize icon and text sizes to fit your exact screen dimensions.
Automatic Day/Night Mode: Switching based on time, GPS sunset, or light sensor.

🛠 System Integration for Pro Users
App Shortcuts & Automation: Trigger connections via Tasker, MacroDroid, or homescreen shortcuts.
System Navigation Provider: Registered as an Android navigation app for seamless launcher integration.

How to use:
Install Open Headunit on your tablet/headunit.
Wired (USB): Connect your phone via USB-OTG cable and grant permissions.
Wireless: Ensure Headunit Server is running on your phone (especially for AA 17.4+) or use our free companion app "Wireless Helper".

Requirements:
Tablet/Headunit running Android 4.1 or newer.
Smartphone with Android Auto installed.
Optional: USB-OTG cable for wired connections.
Note: Open Headunit is an open-source project and is not affiliated with Google LLC. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.

Developer

André Rinas

Developer ID: 4955996881963563299

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Ratings & Reviews

4.1

357 ratings

10,000+ downloads

5★
59%
4★
18%
3★
9%
2★
3%
1★
12%

Recent Reviews

doug. reitz

v3.4.0

This app just saved me money as I was looking for one of the readily available CarTablets. I had an old Android tablet and started looking for options. Reddit lead me to Open Headunit, downloaded it and had it working in about 1/2 hour-only took that long because I had to figure which connection was going to work. Have to use wifi as my version of AA won't update anymore because tablets to old. Works like a charm and I'm super happy. Well worth the buck I paid because of a "coupon".

Developer Response

Thank you so much :)

3 Oct 2026

2 Oct 2026

Jared Roberson

v3.4.0

seems okay so far, I am having an issue getting my calls to route through the app, is this even something the app can do? I don't know and I will look into it further. everything else works fine after I played with some settings and figured things out.

Developer Response

Hey, thanks for your Review. Android Auto can only work with calls via Bluetooth. It is not supported via Usb. :)

30 Sept 2026

30 Sept 2026

Satrio Cendrawasih

v3.4.0

was working for a month, after that wireless helper stopped working, it somehow cant connect to headunit apps. only wired works now. sad.

Developer Response

Hey, which mode do you use? Can you contact us via headunit@andrerinas.com or at github.com/andreknieriem/open-headunit please.

30 Sept 2026

30 Sept 2026

Kostadin Stoychev

v3.4.0

The Globe Icon for changing the keyboard languages does not work - It stays in English and nothing happens when you tap on it. I have gboard on my pixel with secondary language which does not appear on Android Auto via the Open Headunit app. Please help! Otherwise - flawless!

Developer Response

Hey, thanks for your review. We do not have anything to do the keyboard. Seems to be a known bug in Android Auto itself. https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidAuto/s/gJpywmC3ZJ Please google it and see what might cause the issue for you.

29 Sept 2026

28 Sept 2026

Seth Adkins

v3.4.0

I'm using this with my Z fold 8 in an old pickup truck and being able to use my phone as a touch screen stereo is really cool. hats off to the dev who brought this to fruition

Developer Response

Thank you so much :)

26 Sept 2026

26 Sept 2026

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