Having a car with Android Auto is a significant advantage over using your phone with a holder, since the interface is adapted to be more comfortable, safer and more useful while driving. But if you don't have a screen with Google's infotainment system in the car, no problem: there are other ways to have Android Auto in the car. Fortunately, Updating a car to install Android Auto doesn't have to be expensive.
The first thing that probably comes to mind is probably to go all out and buy a double DIN radio with Android Auto to replace yours. This decision costs several hundred dollars and although you can change it yourself, it depends on your expertise and knowledge, you may prefer to go to specialized personnel. Another more affordable alternative that doesn't require any installation or modification to your car is to purchase a screen like the one from Carpuride that we tested. However, there are also models around 30 dollars which work moderately well. If you are a maker, this option with Raspberry Pi can also be an interesting and affordable challenge. But if you want to spend as little money as possible, this is the best alternative for have Android Auto free or almost and also recycle.
With an application and an old Android tablet or mobile
All you need is an old cell phone or tablet and the Headunit Reloaded app.
It is relatively normal to have this cell phone at home that you keep in a drawer just in case (in my case, when I go out to San Fermines) and that you replace with a more recent one or even a tablet which we barely use. Well, even though it's a few years old and not the most powerful thing in the world, it's still enough to have Android Auto in the car practically without spending a single euro.
Of course, you will need a compatible mount since you will need to place it in an area of the dashboard in a horizontal position. Then, to convert your old phone to Android Auto, you will only need an internet connection (your own phone can act as a hotspot) and go to the Google Play Store to download Headunit Reloaded.
Our advice is to download the free trial version to see if it convinces you and if so, open your wallet to pay the 4.89 dollars that the full version costs. It's not free, but it certainly is. the cheapest way to have Android Auto in the car.
Bonus: If you already have a screen with Android (but not Android Auto)
This is a somewhat special case which involves having a screen in the car with Android but not Android Autobut in essence we will do the same thing: go to the Play Store and download Headunit Reloaded. We insist: in a few minutes you will be able to use the interface to use Android Auto wired or wireless, simply by following the steps on the screen.
In this process you will need to access Developer Options and like before you will also need Internet. Then you can log in from the console, accept permissions and configure Android Auto step by step from scratch.
In Xataka Android | I have an old car: all the ways to put Android Auto in it (valid for any vehicle)
Cover | Montage with photo by Alejandro Alcolea and Google Inc., public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
