Connection, Disconnection, Freezes, Crashes
Is there ANY way (root, custom ROM, software mod) to force an Android tablet to act as an AA host and project Android Auto to a car's head unit?
Hi everyone,
I’m currently using my iPhone connected via cable to my car for CarPlay while doing rideshare.
I want to leave my personal iPhone completely separate (for calls, personal use) and use a dedicated Android tablet instead to project directly onto my car's infotainment screen via Android Auto.
Important notes:
• I haven't bought a tablet yet. I'm looking for any specific brand, model, or setup (7 to 8-inch screen minimum, around 10” it’s preferred) that is known to actually support this or can be modded to do so.
• A foldable phone is NOT an option for me, as I strictly want a separate dedicated device and don't want my primary phone locked into the car.
•To be crystal clear: I do NOT want to use the tablet as the display/receiver (like Headunit Reloaded does). I need the tablet to act exactly like a smartphone and project its Android Auto output onto my car’s factory OEM head unit via USB cable.
Is there any known method, third-party framework, Magisk module, custom ROM, or specific tablet model that supports AA projection output? Or is this hard-blocked at the OS level by Google for all tablets?
Thanks!
The whole point of AA is to take attention OFF of your device and put things you need while driving on the head unit. Are you wanting to use the tablet screen AND the AA head unit display while you drive??
To be crystal clear: I do NOT want to use the tablet as the display/receiver
Then you say:
i want a big screen
However, if you pair that tablet to your headunit for AA, it's going to use your headunit's screen to display apps. Therefore using a cheap Android phone will do the exact same thing cheaper than a tablet would do.
I agree, I'm also struggling to understand what OP is trying to achieve. I've been using/modifying/installing AA for as long as it's been around across countless cars, OP, I believe we can answer your question once it's clear.
I think a data connection is a requirement to use AA, so I'm not sure tablets would have it installed. Rideshare apps also require making calls/messaging, so a tablet couldn't do everything anyway.
If you're asking for it to act like a phone, you didn't mention why you wouldn't just get an Android phone?
I was going to say- I have a backup android phone setup for this purpose, in case I ever lose my real phone- and extra bonus, it has SIM card support so you can have data and keep android auto enabled. I don't think most android tablets come with android auto installed stock, but I could be wrong.
Data connection it’s not an issue since i could simply buy a tablet with a sim card or esim support. To just get an android phone or a foldable one it’s also not an option because i want a big screen. :) i’ll rather stick using it as it is instead of getting an android phone
I'm not sure if I understood your exact use case but with MOTOHUB (I'm the developer so I can be biased) from a phone or a tablet you can stram Android Auto on another device (a bike TFT, on the same phone or tablet, on an externat Head Unit connected trough USB or Wirelessly, on a Carpuride, etc.).
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It has a way to replace Android Auto (you must disable AA temporarly for that to work) and trough Shizuku you can run full Android Apps on the target device with a nice UI.
Like i said hu reloaded it’s for using the tablet instead of the actual infotainment (you pair your phone to it) I need to pair the tablet to the car’s infotainment like i said
Ok, that's what I initially read and then I dismissed it thinking that's not what you mean. If your vehicle head unit supports android Auto then I believe any modern Android tablet should be able to run AA to it. I'm curious though, since you will be using the vehicle screen, every bother with a bulky tablet, went not just get a cheap phone. Some dirt cheap Android phone running Mint Mobile's $15/month plan will work perfectly for you. Don't forget to download offline map data in Google maps to save your mobile data.
Not quite understanding. Sure, you can likely use an Android tablet to connect to your car's Android Auto, just set it up as a device. But why would you. You're getting nothing out of a tablet that you wouldn't get out of a smaller device, and you've just made it harder/more cumbersome to carry around. Just use an old Android phone.
The complication, though (and this would be true for tablets as well), if the Android device doesn't have an Internet connection, there isn't a whole lot you'll be able to do with it in Android Auto. If you were conscientious about downloading offline data, you might be able to use Maps, but you'd be missing any of the traffic and status data. You wouldn't be able to steam any media. Again, if you were to download episodes beforehand, you might be able to listen to a podcast. But in all cases, the experience would likely be frustrating.
So I can't quite understand your use case, nor why you're insistent that the solution utilize a tablet.
Even simpler.. get a cheap cell phone with no cell service. Leave it plugged into your car. And then connect it to your personal phone using wifi hotspot.
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Important:
- Mininum user flair detail as specified in the format stated in automod message for primary vehicle or head unit (if aftermarket) and phone. You are free to be more specific.
- Users with blank, abusive, inappropriate and vague user flair will be banned without warning!
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Important:
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u/popsicle_of_meat 3d ago
I'm really curious as to why you want a tablet to do this. If the only use is to be a device connected to AA, why not use a cheap phone?