Grid
Player, calendar, weather and app panels on the left and right.
Dashboard launcher
for your Android
head unit
Dashboard themes, widgets, music control and vehicle data over OBD — on the screen of your Android head unit.
Dashboard themes
Dashboard themes for your head unit
Five home screen themes, from a dense widget grid to a large media player with a video background and OBD gauges. Themes switch with one tap.
Columns
Clock, detailed weather, a large player, sensors and a calendar.
Media
Video background, large player buttons and quick access to apps.
Features
Flexible interface customization
Dashboard appearance
The dashboard background can be a solid color, a gradient, an image from the gallery or a live video background. The accent color for the whole interface is set separately. The interface can be dark or light: set manually, following the system or on a schedule.
- Backgroundan image from the gallery or built-in options
- Video backgroundbuilt-in animated backgrounds for the home screen
- Accent colorfrom the palette or any custom shade
- Light modein all five themes
Built-in and third-party widgets
The dashboard shows the clock and date, weather, a calendar, GPS signal level and the device CPU temperature with a graph. The weather, calendar, GPS and CPU temperature blocks can be replaced with widgets from installed apps.
- Built-in widgetsclock, weather, calendar, GPS
- CPU temperatureof the head unit with a graph
- Third-party app widgetson the dashboard
Music control
Cover art, progress, seeking and a Like button — the player is built into the dashboard.
Split screen
Two apps side by side — navigation and media at the same time.
Quick access
App panels along the edges of the screen.
Updates
Check for and install new versions from the launcher.
Vehicle data
Vehicle data over OBD ELM327
With any ELM327 Bluetooth adapter, the launcher reads vehicle data and shows it on the head unit dashboard: RPM, speed, engine temperature, battery voltage and other parameters.
Vehicle readings on the dashboard
Once you select the adapter, the launcher detects the protocol automatically and starts polling. The set of gauges is configurable. Protocols from CAN to K-line are supported.
- Connectionto an ELM327 over Bluetooth in a few taps
- Automatic protocol detectionwith manual selection
- Configurable setRPM, speed, temperatures, voltage
Download the head unit launcher for free
Free, no ads, no sign-up. APK for Android head units.
Download the APK from GitHub Releases to the head unit.
In Android settings, allow installation from unknown sources.
Open the APK in a file manager and install it.
Set CarDash as the default launcher and set up the dashboard.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is CarDash Launcher?
A home screen (launcher) for Android car head units. It replaces the stock home screen with a dashboard with themes, widgets, music control and vehicle data from an OBD adapter.
Which devices does it run on?
Android car head units with Android 8.0 or newer.
Is it free?
Yes. The app is free, and the APK is available on GitHub.
Do I need an OBD adapter?
No, the launcher works fully without it. OBD is only needed for vehicle data; any ELM327 Bluetooth adapter will do.
How do I install it on a head unit?
Download the APK, allow installation from unknown sources in Android settings, open the file in a file manager and install it. Then set CarDash as the default launcher.
Do I need root?
No. Root access is not required; CarDash installs and works as a regular launcher.
How do I restore the stock launcher?
Open Settings → Apps → Default apps → Home app and select the stock launcher. Or uninstall CarDash, and the system returns to the stock launcher.
Are there ads? Does it work offline?
There are no ads. The launcher and dashboard work offline; internet is only needed for weather and update checks.