How to us your old Android Tablet to power Android Auto in your car

Hey friends, Jessica here!

If you’re anything like me, you probably have an old Android tablet sitting in a drawer somewhere. It might not be fast enough for Netflix binges or gaming anymore — but guess what? You can give it a whole new purpose by turning it into an Android Auto-style dashboard screen for your car.

And trust me, this DIY setup feels so cool. It’s like upgrading your car infotainment system without spending hundreds of dollars on a new head unit. You’ll be able to run navigation, music streaming, voice commands, and even smart-driving apps right from your tablet.

So in this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use your old Android tablet to power Android Auto features, step-by-step — even though Android Auto doesn’t natively run on tablets. Yep, we’ll use workarounds, tricks, and the right apps to mimic that full experience!

Ready? Let’s turn that dusty tablet into a smart car command center!

Why Use a Tablet Instead of a Phone?

Here’s why using an old tablet makes sense:

• Bigger display — great for navigation
• Permanent setup — your phone stays free
• Saves battery on your main phone
• More storage for offline maps and music
• Cheaper than replacing your car stereo

A tablet basically becomes your car’s personal co-pilot.

What You’ll Need

Before we start, gather these:

✅ Old Android Tablet (Android 7 or newer recommended)

✅ Data or Wi-Fi hotspot (from your phone is fine)

✅ Tablet car mount (dashboard or CD-slot mount)

✅ Car charger with fast charging output

✅ Bluetooth or Aux audio system (optional for audio streaming)

You don’t need built-in LTE — you can hotspot from your phone and it works perfectly.

Step-by-Step: Turning Your Tablet into an Android Auto Display

Step 1: Reset & Prepare the Tablet

If the tablet is slow or cluttered, reset it:

Settings → System → Reset → Factory reset

Then update to the latest software it supports.

Step 2: Install Essential Apps

Because Android Auto doesn’t officially run on tablets, we replicate it with apps.

Install these from Play Store:

The key app here is a Car Launcher. It gives your tablet the look and feel of Android Auto.

Step 3: Connect Tablet to Your Phone Internet

Since most older tablets don’t have LTE, do this:

Phone → Hotspot ON
Then connect tablet to your phone’s hotspot automatically.

Pro tip: enable Hotspot automation on Samsung or Pixel, so whenever Bluetooth in your car connects, hotspot starts automatically.

Step 4: Mount the Tablet in Your Car

Pick a quality mount:

• Dashboard mount (best for SUVs)
• CD-slot mount (great for sedans)
• Vent mount (not ideal for tablets, too heavy)
• Suction windshield mount (legal in some states only)

Place it where it’s easy to see without blocking the road.

Step 5: Connect Audio

To play music/navigation audio through car speakers, choose one:

✅ Bluetooth
✅ Aux cable
✅ FM Bluetooth transmitter (if your car is older)

If your car has Android Auto built-in, disable auto-USB connect so it doesn’t fight for control.

Step 6: Customize Your Car Launcher

A launcher like Agama Car Launcher gives:

• Big buttons
• Quick access buttons (Maps / Music / Phone)
• Speedometer & clock
• Car theme dashboard look

Set your home screen with:

• Navigation shortcut
• Music player widget
• Weather widget
• Assistant mic button

This is where your tablet starts feeling like a Tesla-style dashboard.

Step 7: Enable Voice Commands

Turn on Hey Google / Voice Match:

Settings → Google → Voice → Voice Match → Enable

Now you can say:

“Hey Google, navigate to Starbucks.”
“Hey Google, play 80s rock.”
“Hey Google, send a text to Jason.”

Hands-free = safer driving.

Step 8: Power Management

Your tablet needs to stay charged constantly.

Use a Fast Car Charger (18W or more preferred)

Settings to change:

• Disable sleep timeout or set to long
• Enable Always-on Display mode if supported
• Turn on battery health features if tablet has them

Plugins like Tasker can auto-wake tablet when car starts.

Optional Features and Upgrades

Use Offline Maps

Download offline maps in Google Maps to save data.

Add Dashcam Functionality

Install a dashcam app and mount a rear camera if supported.

Use OBD-2 Car Data

If you own a Bluetooth OBD-2 scanner (around $15-$30), pair it with apps like:

• Torque Pro
• Car Scanner ELM OBD2
• OBD Auto Doctor

Now your tablet becomes your car dashboard showing:

• Speed
• RPM
• Engine temp
• Fault codes

Feels futuristic!

Best Android Tablets for Car Install (If Upgrading)

If you want to buy a cheap second-hand tablet instead:

Avoid <2GB RAM tablets — too laggy.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

• Cheap car tech upgrade
• Large display for GPS
• Saves phone battery
• Customizable dashboard
• Works even in older cars

❌ Cons

• Not official Android Auto
• Needs hotspot or data
• Can be messy if not mounted right
• Requires setup effort

But totally worth it in my experience!

Final Tips from Jessica

• Clean the screen often (fingerprints become glare magnets)
• Use matte screen protector for better visibility in sun
• Keep charging cable tidy with clips or velcro
• Turn on Dark Mode for night driving

My setup genuinely feels like a premium car infotainment system, and I spent maybe $20 total. Such a fun DIY project!

Final Thoughts

Repurposing an old Android tablet for your car is smart, sustainable, and surprisingly easy when you know the right apps and settings. You’ll get a tablet-powered Android Auto environment without spending hundreds on car upgrades.

If you try this setup, tell me how it goes — I love hearing your tech hacks!