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ars edited this page Mar 25, 2026 · 7 revisions

Wireless Android Auto

HeadUnit Revived allows you to connect your phone wirelessly via WiFi. In addition to standard network connections, the app now supports Wi-Fi Direct (P2P) for a seamless experience without needing a shared hotspot.

Prerequisites

  • Phone: Android 10 or higher with Android Auto installed.
  • Head Unit (Tablet): Android 4.1+ device with WiFi.
  • Network Options:
    • Wi-Fi Direct (P2P): (v2.0.0+) Best for stability. No hotspot required.
    • Shared WiFi: Both devices connected to the same external router or mobile hotspot.

Connection Modes

1. Helper Mode (Recommended)

This is the most reliable way to connect. It uses the Wireless Helper app on your phone to trigger the connection.

  • Wireless Helper
    • Multi-Auto Support (v1.5.0): Add multiple WiFi SSIDs and multiple P2P device names.
    • Hybrid Trigger: Reliable launch even on Gearhead 16.4+ (Android 14/15).
    • Zero-Config: Automatically finds the headunit via NSD or P2P.

How to setup:

  1. Head Unit: Set Wireless Mode to Helper Mode in Settings.
  2. Phone: Open Wireless Helper, select your connection mode (Wi-Fi Direct is recommended), and start the service.
  3. Result: The phone finds the tablet and launches Android Auto automatically.

2. Auto-Scan Mode

The Headunit actively scans your network for phones running the native "Headunit Server".

  1. Phone: Start the "Headunit Server" in Android Auto Developer Settings.
  2. Head Unit: Set Wireless Mode to Auto-Scan Mode.
  3. Result: Automatic connection as soon as both devices are on the same network.

3. Manual Mode

Classic manual connection. Tap the WiFi button on the dashboard, then click Scan or enter the phone's IP manually.

Technical Details: Android Auto Developer Mode

To use Auto-Scan or Manual Mode, you must enable the native server:

  1. Enable Developer Mode: Tap "Version" in Android Auto settings 10 times.
  2. Start Server: Tap the three-dot menu (top right) and select Start Headunit Server.

Note: This method is often blocked by mobile hotspots. Use Helper Mode if you experience connection issues.

Wi-Fi Direct (P2P) Setup

  1. In HURev Settings, ensure Wireless Mode is set to Helper Mode.
  2. In Wireless Helper on your phone, set the mode to Wi-Fi Direct.
  3. (v1.5.0+) You can now enter multiple target names if you use different tablets. The default is HURev.

Troubleshooting

  • H.265 Artifacts: Update to v2.1.0 for optimized 4MB buffers and NAL parsing.
  • Connection Drops: Ensure you are using 5GHz WiFi for high-bitrate streams.
  • Audio Issues: Ensure Audio Sink is enabled in Settings if you want sound on the tablet.

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