Can You Use an iPad as a Head Unit? (Car Stereo)

A head unit is also called an infotainment system. It is a component that has a unified interface for your car stereo system.

Many cars come with a head unit, which includes GPS, a car stereo, and other features and settings. If your car is not outfitted with one, you may wonder if you can use your iPad as a head unit.

The answer is that you can use your iPad as a head unit, and it offers a bigger display and a lot of functionality. While it is possible to install an iPad as a head unit, it can be complicated and difficult to install. Instead, you can fit an Apple Car Play head unit which is purpose-built for cars and has similar features and layout to an iPad.

How to Install Your iPad as a Car Stereo

Many people think that it is only a matter of time before the head unit in many cars is an iPad. Apple CarPlay is a segway to this happening in the future.

See our car-specific guides to find the best wireless Apple CarPlay method for your vehicle. As seen in the image below:

If you are still adamant you want to replace your car stereo with an iPad, it is possible. But, you’ll need to start with a mounting kit.

Using an iPad a built-in head unit: Steps

You can find an iPad dash kit that is compatible with your car. The kit should include the plastic mount body, the iPad, and some magnets that will connect it to the dashboard.

1. First, you will place a plastic sheet on the tray, and then place the iPad on the plastic sheet in the tray.
2. Next, you need to connect the cable that is in the dashboard through the plastic tray so that your iPad can be mounted onto the dash. You will also join the magnet by placing it in the place where it will be attracted to its circuit.
3. Finally, you can find a kit that connects easily to your car system, and you will have your iPad with its bigger screen. This makes the Maps feature excellent for directions.

You can also play music, and you can see your messages, and take calls. However, this will not come through your car’s audio system unless connected via Bluetooth. This is the biggest downside to using your iPad as a car stereo system.

Watch this video example of an iPad dash kit install:

Tips for having a built-in iPad as Car Stereo

• You also need to make sure that you have your iPad plugged into a power source so that it remains charged. The cable behind the iPad that is connected to your car audio system should be neat and free of any twists or knots. We would recommend a high-quality cord such as the CarPlay lighting cables we suggest.
• You also need to make sure that you avoid getting the iPad wet, as this can ruin it. It would be best if you did not place any pressure on your iPad because it can break. Instead, make sure that you use a kit and mount it where it won’t crack or break.
• Get a screen protector for the glass.
• Remember to remove the iPad when not in the vehicle, as car radio theft still occurs. (It’s a pain, but your iPad will be a prime target if it’s spotted – Similar to removing or interchanging a stereo faceplate)

Benefits of Using an iPad as a Head Unit

You can listen to your music library, or you can use apps such as iHeart radio or SiriusXM. You can also use any streaming services that you subscribe to, like Amazon, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud (Not available on CarPlay, so thus is a bonus to use your iPad), and more.

You can use your maps apps, such as Waze, Google Maps, or Apple Maps, and have a large display with directions when driving in unfamiliar territory.

This can make it easy for you to get where you are going or to find a store where you need to stop; as long as your iPad is connected to the internet via its own data plan or by personal hotspot, you’ll be able to do all the amazing things your iPad can do while on the open road.

Just don’t use it while you’re driving, as this is highly illegal in many countries, similar to texting and driving.

It can tell you the weather (similar to CarPlay weather apps), and show you your text messages and your calls. In addition, you can use Siri so that you don’t have to touch the screen.

You can download other feature-specific apps.

You can download an app such as gas buddy, which will tell you the best prices for gas near you. It will also tell you if there are wait times. This is an excellent option if you want to find the best deals on gas.

There are far more features by using an iPad rather than a built-in head unit, but it can be challenging to install, and it’s worth remembering that an iPad is not designed to be installed in a car.

Many car head units have a safety feature that does not allow you to watch videos, for instance, while driving, so as not to cause a distraction. E.g., Playing Youtube in your car.

How Much Does It Cost to Install an iPad as a Head Unit?

People often decide to install an iPad as a head unit because it does a great job. 

The simple way to install it is to get a mount that holds it in place. This is very inexpensive, and you can do it yourself.

However, you can also remove the current head unit and replace it with your iPad. This is much more involved, but there are custom kits that you can use to install the iPad directly into your dash.

You can pay anything from $100 for an iPad install, or you can pay around $800 or more to have someone install it professionally.

iPad in Car: iPad Dashboard Mount

As we’ve said, instead of hard mounting your iPad into the car, it may be worth considering getting a dashboard mount, as can be seen in the picture.

These are relatively inexpensive, sort of like an iPad car stereo replacement, and can be picked up on Amazon, such as the Woleyi Telescopic Tablet Mount.

This will then allow you to easily remove the iPad from your car so that it doesn’t get stolen or so that it can be used somewhere else.

Woleyi Telescopic Dashboard Car Tablet Mount

 

 

 

【High Flexibility】This car suction cup mount features an adjustable telescopic neck (adjustable length range 3.5-7 inch). 

【Durability Up】The sturdy arms and stable ball joints make it more durable.

【Broad compatibility】This universal dashboard tablet holder for car, the adjustable side clamps extend from 4.7 in to 10.2 in, compatible with all 4 – 13 inch smartphones and tablets.

【Full Protection】WOLEYI Car phone tablet mount won’t scratch or damage your device due to the soft silicone padded surface.

Check Price

iPad Pro & iPad Mini as Car Stereo

All the above options will work for all iPad models, including the Pro and the mini models allowing an iPad in-car dash experience. 

Just consider if you’ll have room in the dash for each option. An iPad Pro will also take up a lot of space on the dash!

You can install an iPad in your car as a head unit. It’ll provide you with everything you need in your car, but it’s not necessarily the best solution.

If you wish to use your iPad as a driving aid, it may be better to use a tablet mount rather than hardwiring it in place.

There are many car-specific stereos that have Apple CarPlay installed, which have similar features to an iPad, and are more well-suited to the in-car experience.

Lastly, consider how long you’ll be keeping your car and if it is worth the time and money to hard mount the iPad. There are also potential resale problems if the new car owner wants a stereo rather than an iPad dash mount.

Meaning they could reduce the car’s sale price to compensate for the cost of a new car radio.