HeadlessUnit

HeadlessUnit turns any Android phone, tablet, or Android-powered head unit into an Android Auto display.

Connect your phone through USB or Wi-Fi, or run Android Auto directly on the same device. HeadlessUnit is free, simple, and built to just work.

=== Connect the way you want ===

- USB: plug a phone into the display device with a data-capable cable.
- Wireless: pair a phone through Bluetooth and let Android Auto connect over Wi-Fi.
- Self: run Android Auto directly on the same phone, tablet, or head unit if the device supports it.
- Projector: connect two HeadlessUnit devices wirelessly, with optional on-screen remote controls on the projecting device.

Wireless setups can use a shared or saved Wi-Fi network, a hosted access point, or Wi-Fi Direct.

=== Simple from the first connection ===

- A guided setup checks device capabilities and walks you through only the options your setup needs.
- Connected touchscreens, rotary controllers, keyboards, D-pads, and gamepads can be detected automatically.
- HeadlessUnit watches video playback and can recommend a more compatible codec or decoder when a device struggles.
- Built-in guides, live connection details, and exportable diagnostic logs.

=== A profile for every setup ===

Create named profiles for different cars, displays, devices, or connection methods. Each remembers its connection, display, input, and audio settings. Profiles can be switched, duplicated, renamed, reordered, backed up, imported, and exported.

=== Advanced when you need it ===

HeadlessUnit starts with sensible defaults while giving you detailed control:

- Display and video: choose automatic resolution or 480p through 1440p, 30 or 60 FPS, H.265 or H.264, hardware or software decoding, aspect ratio, screen density, orientation, and left- or right-hand-drive layout.
- Controls: use touch, rotary, touchpad, keyboard, D-pad, or gamepad input. Record buttons and key combinations, map them to Android Auto or media actions, and use an on-screen rotary dial or touchpad from a paired projector device.
- Audio: choose the microphone and playback device independently, or keep playback on the projecting phone.
- Appearance and behavior: keep the screen awake, control day/night mode, switch at sunrise and sunset, and return HeadlessUnit to the foreground during calls.
- Automation and support: gracefully stop HeadlessUnit from an automation app, inspect the active connection, and export app logs and device details for troubleshooting.

=== Drive safely ===

Set up HeadlessUnit while parked. Do not configure or interact with the app while driving.

=== A note about VPN usage ===

Android Auto wireless projection needs a network to start. If Wi-Fi is unavailable, HeadlessUnit may briefly start Android's VpnService to create the required virtual network. It is used only for Android Auto projection and does not collect, inspect, or share personal data.

HeadlessUnit is not affiliated with Google LLC. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.