AAWirelessGateway
Enjoy Wireless Android Auto in your car, even if it has only wired Android Auto support. Use a spare device as gateway/proxy to enable Wireless Android Auto from your regular phone.
The app needs to be installed in the gateway (device connected to the car with USB). It can connect to the the wireless client (the phone which will connect to the car wirelessly) using the native Android Auto connection method and does not need any apps or modification on the wireless client.
In case the native Android Auto connection does not work, the app can be installed in both the gateway and the wireless client. Enable the relevant mode (wireless client or gateway) from the app settings and configure other options accordingly.
Inspired by the work done by Emil (@borconi, https://github.com/borconi/AAGateWay) and others. Thanks!
How it works
Native Android Auto connection (recommended)
- The app in gateway mode automatically starts when an Android Auto enabled headunit is connected via USB.
- Enabled the Wifi hotspot.
- Connects to the wireless client via Bluetooth and replicates the communication Wireless Android Auto expects, including instructions and credentials to connect to the Wifi and start Wireless Android Auto.
- Android Auto on the wireless client connects seamlessly.
Custom connection
In gateway mode:
- Automatically starts when an Android Auto enabled headunit is connected via USB.
- Enables the Wifi hotspot.
- Tries to signal the selected wireless client via Bluetooth and waits for it to connect back.
- Once connected, it starts forwarding communication between USB and the wireless client.
In wireless client mode:
- Automatically starts when the selected gateway tries to connect via Bluetooth.
- Connects to the gateway Wifi hotspot and start Wireless Android Auto pointing it to the gateway.
- If everything works, the Android Auto should start on the car display wirelessly.
Features
- Supports native Android Auto connection, no need to install the app on wireless client.
- Also provides an option for custom connection with more options
- Easily configure the gateway and wireless client with in-app configuration options.
- Refuse wireless connection in case of low battery or power saving mode in the wireless client device.
- An option to fallback to the local Android Auto from the gateway device in case wireless connection fails (root required in gateway device for this).
- Root is not required, but can provide enhanced features when present in gateway device.
- Both gateway and wireless clients only wake up when there is a connection possible. The app doesn't run in background always.
How to use
Install the app in both the devices. You can build the app from the source code or use of the prebuilt apks.
Native Android Auto connection
On gateway device:
- Enable "Use this device as gateway" option.
- Ensure all the permissions are granted. Scroll to the bottom of the config page to check status.
- In "Gateway device settings" section, select "Client Bluetooth Device" as the device you want to use as the wireless client.
- You may need to pair the device using bluetooth if not already available. You can pair by navigating to "Pair Bluetooth Device" first.
- Setup Hotspot name and password as you wish from Android Settings, make a note of it.
- Make sure "Native AA Connection" option is enabled.
- Enter "Hotspot SSID", "Hotspot password" and "Hotspot BSSID" to match the system configuration.
- (Optional) If your gateway device is rooted, make this app an system app. This enables more options such as USB Android Auto fallback.
- On the first USB connection after this, it'll ask to select which app to handle the USB accessory. Select this app and select "Always".
- Make sure your Bluetooth and Wifi are enabled in the device.
- Connect the gateway device to the car with USB.
Custom connection
On gateway device:
- Enable "Use this device as gateway" option.
- Ensure all the permissions are granted. Scroll to the bottom of the config page to check status.
- In "Gateway device settings" section, select "Client Bluetooth Device" as the device you want to use as the wireless client.
- You may need to pair the device using bluetooth if not already available. You can pair by navigating to "Pair Bluetooth Device" first.
- Setup Hotspot name and password as you wish from Android Settings, make a note of it.
- Disable "Native AA Connection" option.
- (Optional) If your gateway device is rooted, make this app an system app. This enables more options such as USB Android Auto fallback.
- On the first USB connection after this, it'll ask to select which app to handle the USB accessory. Select this app and select "Always".
- Make sure your Bluetooth and Wifi are enabled in the device.
For wireless client:
- Enable "Use this device as wireless client" option.
- Enter the gateway Hotspot details in "Gateway Wifi SSID" and "Gateway Wifi password".
- Enable "Use Gateway Wifi for Internet" or enter "Gateway Wifi BSSID".
- Select the gateway device in "Gateway Bluetooth Device". Make sure the device is already paired.
- On the first connection there might be a notification or dialog for allowing Wifi connection. Make sure you allow that.
- Make sure your Bluetooth and Wifi are enabled in the device.
This should make it work. Try connecting the gateway device to car with USB.
Please note that this hasn't been heavily tested in different cars and devices and won't necessarily work in all scenarios.