Smartphone Transformed into Affordable Android Auto Head Unit

The author's wife had an old car without a modern infotainment system. To add Android Auto capabilities without breaking the bank, he repurposed his old smartphone as a head unit.

A phone holder was necessary to keep the device in place and easily accessible while driving. The ESR Omnilock Magnetic Car Charger was chosen for its secure magnetic grip, built-in fan, and integrated Qi2 wireless charger.

The Open Headunit app, available on Google Play Store for around $5, emulates Android Auto on the phone. After inputting settings like language and display size, the app connected to the phone's microphone, speakers, location, etc.

With Open Headunit running smoothly on his Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, he had hands-free access to Google Maps, Spotify, and other essential apps. The interface mimicked a head unit in another car, allowing him to customize which apps were displayed.