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Turn Your Android Tablet into a Car Head Unit: Step-by-Step Guide

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In many pre-2017 cars, there is no way to install Android Auto or CarPlay. However, there are always workarounds, and one of them is to use an Android tablet as head unit to display GPS navigation apps on your car dashboard. This solution gives you a handy device with a big screen that functions as a tablet car radio and multimedia system.

Using an Android tablet for car head unit replacement is an economical and smart choice for many car owners who need the GPS navigation and entertainment features without installing an expensive new car stereo.

Table of Contents

Is my Android tablet compatible with car head unit installation?

  • Almost any modern Android tablet for car use will work with Android Auto
  • You will need the Headunit Reloaded Emulator HUR to make your tablet work as a car head unit; also check the system requirements to install it (Android 4.1 and up)
  • Stable Wi-Fi access to connect your tablet wirelessly to the internet
  • Dashboard mount or tablet car mount to install tablet in car in a comfortable position
  • Android Auto app (most often already installed on your Android tablet)

What functions will be available through the tablet car stereo

  • Maps and GPS navigation will be available on the screen
  • You will be able to make and receive calls
  • Car multimedia system: music (Spotify), videos (YouTube, Netflix)
  • Other features available in Android OS as you would on any tablet car radio

Step 1: Installing the Headunit Reloaded App (HeadUnit Reloaded Alternative)

First, you need to install the special Android app called Headunit Reloaded. You can download it through the Play Market. This is the primary tablet head unit software that makes Android Auto on tablet possible.

It is not updated very often, but the reviews of this tablet car stereo app are mostly positive, so there is no reason not to trust the developer. If you're looking for a headunit reloaded alternative, this remains the best option for Android Auto head unit server functionality.

Once you have downloaded Headunit Reloaded App, run it.

If you are not going to subscribe, we suggest you take advantage of the free trial mode that gives you access to all the features for a limited time. The headunit reloaded setup process is straightforward once installed.

The full version price is €4.99.

Step 2: Android Auto Settings for Tablet Head Unit

Although the Android Auto app is part of the mobile OS, it is not easy to find its icon. If you don't find this navigator through the app drawer, use the search.

In the search results, Android Auto settings will be available (we will return to them later).

Step 3: Access Developer Settings for Android Auto on Tablet

The Headunit Reloaded app needs access to the developer settings to function as a proper tablet car radio.

This is a normal procedure and does not compromise the security of the operating system when you install tablet in car configurations.

Getting access to developer settings on your Android tablet for car installation is very easy:

  1. Go to Android Settings (see above) - About phone - Software information.

  1. Tap the Build number info line several times.

  2. The corresponding message will appear.

  1. The developer settings are activated.

Step 4: Setting up the Head Unit Server for Android Auto Tablet

Head unit server is a necessary function for emulating Android Auto on tablet. This is a critical part of the process when you want to turn your Android tablet into a car head unit. You can activate it as follows:

  1. In Android Auto settings, tap on the button with three dots on the right.
  2. In the menu, select the "Start head unit server" command. It is located next to the Connect the car button.

This step enables your tablet as head unit to communicate with your phone's Android Auto app.

Step 5: Activating Mobile Hotspot for Car Tablet Radio

Setting up mobile hotspot is an important step in configuring the tablet car stereo, because this way you can ensure that the data between the phone and the Android car tablet is synchronized.

Almost all modern Android phones have this feature. Go to the settings (you can use search) and activate the mobile hotspot, so that the phone starts distributing the Internet.

  1. Go to Settings

  2. Tap Connections

  1. Tap Mobile Hotspot and Tethering
  1. Tap Mobile Hotspot

  1. Tap the switch to turn the hotspot on

  2. Edit the Network Name and Password if needed

  3. Tap Save

  1. Your Mobile Hotspot should now be activated.

Step 6: Connect Your Tablet Head Unit to an Access Point

Once your phone starts streaming the internet, go to your Android tablet for car settings and connect to the access point created in the previous step. This establishes the connection needed for the tablet car radio functionality.

Step 7: Connecting Headunit Reloaded to WiFi for Tablet Car Stereo

Go into the Headunit Reloaded app and tap on the appropriate icon to connect to the internet via your phone's hotspot. The headunit reloaded settings should now be properly configured.

You don't need internet access directly on the tablet, however the internet connection must be active on your phone, as the device is used as an access point for the Android car tablet where Android Auto navigation works.

Step 8: Using Android Auto on Your Tablet as Head Unit

Once you complete the steps above, Android Auto navigation will be available on your tablet car stereo.

The tablet should be placed in a convenient place on your car dashboard. To install tablet in car properly, use any tablet car mount available. You can find such dashboard accessories on eBay and other online retailers.

In addition to the Wireless connection, you can try the usual wired connection via OTG USB cable (that is, the phone connects to the tablet via a USB port) to use your tablet as head unit.

However, this option when running Android Auto on tablet is not optimal, as you will not be able to charge both the phone and Android tablet for car simultaneously.

Other Apps for Tablet: Alternative to Android Auto for Car Head Unit

You will find many Android tablet car launchers on Play Store that are designed to replace the car's head unit in a software-based way. These can be excellent alternatives if you want to use Android tablet as car GPS without the full Android Auto experience.

We advise you to explore such apps for Android car tablet. By the way, it is not necessary to install them on your tablet for cars, you can limit yourself to a mobile phone app.

Best car launchers for Android

In addition to the Android tablet radio options, there are budget Amazon Fire tablets available - they can be a good replacement for the head unit. The tablet car stereo can be used not only for navigation but also for listening to music, watching YouTube videos. There's no need to unlock extra features or pay to use your tablet for car entertainment.

Best Tablets for Car Head Unit Replacement

When choosing the best tablet for car head unit use, consider these factors:

  1. Screen Size: 7-10 inch tablets work best for most car dashboards
  2. Mounting Options: Ensure your dashboard can accommodate the tablet mount
  3. Processing Power: Choose a tablet with sufficient RAM and processor speed to run navigation apps smoothly
  4. Storage: More storage allows for offline maps and media
  5. Connectivity: Look for tablets with good WiFi reception and Bluetooth capabilities

Popular choices for tablet head unit installations include:

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab A series
  • Lenovo Tab M series
  • Amazon Fire HD (with Google Play installed)

Headunit Reloaded Settings for Optimal Performance

To get the most out of your tablet car stereo setup with Headunit Reloaded, customize these settings:

  1. Display Settings: Adjust brightness for day/night driving
  2. Audio Output: Configure to work with your car's speakers via Bluetooth or aux cable
  3. Touch Sensitivity: Optimize for gloved or quick touches while driving
  4. Auto-Launch: Set up the app to launch automatically when the tablet powers on
  5. Power Management: Configure sleep settings to prevent battery drain

With proper headunit reloaded setup, your Android tablet as car GPS and entertainment system will function almost identically to a factory-installed Android Auto head unit, but at a fraction of the cost.

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I'm Mike, your guide in the expansive world of technology journalism, with a special focus on GPS technologies and mapping. My journey in this field extends over twenty fruitful years, fueled by a profound passion for technology and an insatiable curiosity to explore its frontiers.