HeadlessUnit

HeadlessUnit turns an Android phone or tablet into a virtual Android Auto head unit. Use Android Auto directly on the same screen, or connect another Android device through USB or Wi‑Fi and let HeadlessUnit handle the projection.

It is built for testing, experimenting, and custom setups where you want Android Auto without a supported car head unit.

Important: HeadlessUnit is intended for safe, stationary use. Do not configure or interact with the app while driving.

To use HeadlessUnit, your device or the device you intend to project from must have Android Auto installed. HeadlessUnit is not affiliated with Google LLC. Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.

———What you can do———

- Run Android Auto on the same device:

Self mode starts a local head unit session and launches Android Auto on your device.

- Use another device as the Android Auto projector:

Connect a device over **USB** or **Wi‑Fi** and show its Android Auto session on the HeadlessUnit device.

- Project this device to another HeadlessUnit device:

Projector mode lets this device advertise itself so another HeadlessUnit device can connect over Wi‑Fi.

- Choose the connection mode that fits your setup:

Switch between Self, USB, Wi‑Fi, and Projector modes from the app.

- Tune the video stream:

Configure resolution, 30/60 FPS target, H.265 or H.264, aspect ratio behavior, and hardware or software decoding depending on your device.

- Use touch, rotary, and external input:

HeadlessUnit can advertise different input profiles and handle physical input devices where available.

- Control with virtual inputs:

In projector setups, use an on-screen rotary dial or touchpad as a remote control.

- Automatic day/night mode:

Follow system theme, force day/night mode, or switch based on sunrise and sunset using location.

- Automation-friendly intents:

Integrate with automation apps using the exposed broadcast intent.

———How to use———

Choose a connection mode from the menu bar. Follow the on-screen instructions for USB, Wi‑Fi, Self, or Projector mode.

If the menu bar is hidden, swipe from the screen edge to reveal it.

———Notes about VPN usage———

Android Auto wireless projection requires a network connection to start. When no Wi‑Fi connection is available, HeadlessUnit may start an Android `VpnService` for a brief moment to provide the virtual network needed for wireless projection.

This VPN is used only to enable Android Auto projection in this case. It does not collect, inspect, or share personal data. HeadlessUnit only configures routing for `198.18.0.0/15`, a range reserved for benchmarking and testing networks.