Question How to make and answer calls on a car tablet connected to a phone?

[grahamf]

I got an aftermarket stereo for my car that is a full fledged android tablet, it has something called zlinks which handles android auto, but is there a way to connect it to my phone via Bluetooth to make and receive calls without having to launch android auto all the time?

 

[VidJunky]

What phone do you have?

What tablet/head unit do you have?

Google says this.

To make calls from a tablet using a connected phone, you'll need to utilize features like Call & Text on other devices (for Samsung devices) or Wi-Fi calling, or VoIP apps like Google Voice or Skype. Some carriers also offer features like DIGITS (T-Mobile) or Apple FaceTime that allow you to make calls from other devices using your phone's number. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Detailed Steps (for Samsung Galaxy devices):

1. Log in to the same Samsung account: Ensure both your phone and tablet are logged in with the same Samsung account. [2, 6]
2. Enable "Call & Text on other devices": On both devices, swipe down from the top to open the quick settings panel and tap the "Call & text on other devices" icon. If the icon isn't visible, you might need to add it to your quick settings panel. [2]
3. Connect via Wi-Fi: Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. [7]
4. Call & Text: You can now make and answer calls or send messages from your tablet using your phone's number. [2]

General Options:

• Wi-Fi Calling: If your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling, you can make and receive calls over Wi-Fi using your tablet. [5]
• VoIP Apps: Apps like Google Voice, Skype, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger offer internet-based calling and messaging. [1, 3, 8]
• Mobile Hotspot: You can use your phone's data connection to make calls on your tablet via a mobile hotspot. [9]

This video demonstrates how to enable voice calls across devices with Samsung:

I guess it will depend on if the tablet is truly a tablet or if it is a head unit. Many smart head units look like tablets, allow users to install apps the way you might if it were a tablet but at their core they are different than an actual tablet.

 

[StarryKnight04]

If you're trying to make and answer calls from a tablet in your car, your best bet is to pair it with your phone using an app like Tablet Talk or Bluetooth HFP. These let the tablet control calls, but the audio still goes through your phone—so you'll need a Bluetooth headset or your car's Bluetooth to handle the actual conversation.
If your tablet is running Android Auto (or you’re using it like a head unit), you can connect your phone via Bluetooth and use your car's mic and speakers for a more integrated, hands-free experience.

 

[grahamf]

What phone do you have?

What tablet/head unit do you have?

Google says this.

To make calls from a tablet using a connected phone, you'll need to utilize features like Call & Text on other devices (for Samsung devices) or Wi-Fi calling, or VoIP apps like Google Voice or Skype. Some carriers also offer features like DIGITS (T-Mobile) or Apple FaceTime that allow you to make calls from other devices using your phone's number. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Detailed Steps (for Samsung Galaxy devices):

1. Log in to the same Samsung account: Ensure both your phone and tablet are logged in with the same Samsung account. [2, 6]
2. Enable "Call & Text on other devices": On both devices, swipe down from the top to open the quick settings panel and tap the "Call & text on other devices" icon. If the icon isn't visible, you might need to add it to your quick settings panel. [2]
3. Connect via Wi-Fi: Ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. [7]
4. Call & Text: You can now make and answer calls or send messages from your tablet using your phone's number. [2]

General Options:

• Wi-Fi Calling: If your carrier supports Wi-Fi calling, you can make and receive calls over Wi-Fi using your tablet. [5]
• VoIP Apps: Apps like Google Voice, Skype, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger offer internet-based calling and messaging. [1, 3, 8]
• Mobile Hotspot: You can use your phone's data connection to make calls on your tablet via a mobile hotspot. [9]

This video demonstrates how to enable voice calls across devices with Samsung:

I guess it will depend on if the tablet is truly a tablet or if it is a head unit. Many smart head units look like tablets, allow users to install apps the way you might if it were a tablet but at their core they are different than an actual tablet.

If you're trying to make and answer calls from a tablet in your car, your best bet is to pair it with your phone using an app like Tablet Talk or Bluetooth HFP. These let the tablet control calls, but the audio still goes through your phone—so you'll need a Bluetooth headset or your car's Bluetooth to handle the actual conversation.
If your tablet is running Android Auto (or you’re using it like a head unit), you can connect your phone via Bluetooth and use your car's mic and speakers for a more integrated, hands-free experience.

My phone is a Motorola RAZR Plus 2023 and the "tablet" is generic android from a Chinese manufacturer. The android device is built into the dash and completely replaced the existing stereo system, so there is no other system to connect via Bluetooth. It has an Android Auto app called zlinks, it since it has a LTE modem there would be times where I don't want to rely on Android Auto but would still like it to handle calls.

 

[VidJunky]

I asked Google if head units were the same as tablets and got this reply.

Yes, Android car head units and tablets share the same Android operating system, but they have key differences. While both can run Android applications, car head units are designed specifically for vehicle use, often with features like built-in amplifiers and radio tuning, and a user interface tailored for driving. Tablets are more general-purpose devices, lacking these specialized car-oriented features.
Here's a more detailed comparison:
Similarities:

• Operating System: Both utilize the Android operating system, meaning they can run Android apps.
• Touchscreen: Both typically have touchscreens for user interaction.
• GPS Navigation: Both can be used for GPS navigation, though tablets may require additional apps or hardware.
• Design and Features:
  
  • Car Head Units: Designed for in-car use, often with built-in amplifiers for speakers, radio tuning, and a user interface optimized for driving.
  • Tablets: More general-purpose devices, lacking dedicated car features like built-in amplifiers or radio tuners.
• Installation:
  
  • Car Head Units: Typically installed in place of the car's existing stereo, requiring some wiring and installation.
  • Tablets: Can be mounted in the car, often with a holder, and require external connections for power and audio.
• Audio Output:
  
  • Car Head Units: Often have dedicated audio output to connect to the car's speakers, potentially with a better sound quality.
  • Tablets: May require external audio connections, like a car amplifier, and may not have as good sound quality as a dedicated head unit.
• Android Auto:
  
  • Car Head Units: Some car head units can integrate with Android Auto, providing a simplified interface for using your phone's apps while driving.
  • Tablets: While tablets can emulate Android Auto using apps like "Headunit Reloaded," they are not designed for the same level of integration with the car's system.
• Durability and Heat Resistance:
  
  • Car Head Units: Designed to withstand the heat and vibrations of a car's environment.
  • Tablets: May not be as durable or designed for prolonged exposure to heat and vibrations.

For this reason I believe you are limited to actions and functions through and related to Android Auto.

 

[spARTacus]

I think most people would need to understand the precise make and model of the head-unit/tablet in question, to be able to offer up further advise. The screenshot posted seems to indicate things like CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi/4G. Presumably, it can connect via Bluetooth to a phone to offer handsfree calling (via the vehicle speakers/mic the head unit is now connected to). However, maybe the indicated Bluetooth is only for connecting other handsfree accessories, to the head unit itself. The CarPlay/AndroidAuto indication presumably means about for connection with an Apple or an Android phone, for normal CarPlay/AndroidAuto features of most traditional head units. Not sure what the 4G indication is about. Perhaps the head unit is capable of having a SIM inserted into it and being connected to a cellular service provider with its own dedicated telephone number (and for receiving/sending calls, text/SMS, etc). Some people would like that. Others may not (instead preferring to only let the phone itself have a cellular connection). Not sure what the WiFi indication means. Perhaps that's only about for connecting between phone and head unit for wireless CarPlay/AndroidAuto (which does make use of WiFi). Or, perhaps the head unit can also be connected (when the vehicle is parked) to a WiFi hotspot.

Did you get an installation, instruction or operating manual, when you got the head-unit/tablet? From where was it purchased?

In my experience, CarPlay and AndroidAuto in vehicles basically aim to fully replace normal vehicle handsfree Bluetooth, and then calls are done through the features of CarPlay/AndroidAuto (not through just plain old Bluetooth handsfree). And, if one wants to not use CarPlay/AndroidAuto for handsfree, then one often needs to disconnect from CarPlay/AndroidAuto, to see if the vehicle/head-unit has a separate Bluetooth handsfree capacity that can be used.

 

[grahamf]

I bought it off aliexpress, there isn't really a lot of details on the brand and model but it seems to be a "TS18"

Android Auto für Dodge Caravan 4 für Chrysler Voyager 2000-2007 Autoradio Multimedia Video Player GPS Navigation Nr. 2din DVD - AliExpress 34

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

I bought the "Color: 6G-128G-CAMS" version

It is running full android 13, and has the google play store and Google maps right on it. if i had a sim card with a data plan i can run google maps, google music, and any app from the google app store directly on it without a phone. I just want it to make calls when connected to my phone, not when it has it's own phone number

 

[spARTacus]

My suggestion is for you to keep searching the internet for more detailed information about what you bought, by make and model.

Unless they designed/developed it in an awkward manner (which they probably didn't or else they aren't going to have enough success with sales), it probably tries to closely mimic what major automobile manufacturer default factory provided head units do, in terms of Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto functions and features, in which case you should be able to use it paired with your phone for handsfree (via CarPlay and/or AndroidAuto), and perhaps also via Bluetooth non-CarPlay/AndroidAuto. How to do that however, is probably not known to anyone that is not very familiar with that specific make/model of unit. In theory, it should be somewhat intuitive from the screen, if it is a decent unit.

There could be a chance that someone else here in AC has the exact same unit and they might then also chime in and indicate what they know. However, you'll probably just need to wait and see, if you can't figure out anything else.

The inability to have some installation, instruction or operating manual details doesn't help.

 

[mustang7757]

I'll test my radio tomorrow to see what happens