Maps
Safe to disable
Google Maps, the navigation and places app preinstalled on phones that ship Google apps.
Google package
Android Auto
Advanced: com.google.android.projection.gearhead Advanced Vendor documentation
Google's driving interface that puts maps, music, calls and messages on a compatible car display. You can disable it, with a caveat: read what stops working first.
Searching for it by name? Read the full answer on Android Auto .
What it does
Android Auto connects the phone to a compatible car display, by USB cable or wirelessly, and shows a simplified interface for navigation, media, calls and messages with voice control. On recent Android versions it is built into the phone instead of installed as a separate app, and its settings live under the connected devices section of Settings. It updates through the Play Store and runs when you connect to a car.
If you disable it
The phone stops connecting to Android Auto in the car. Nothing else on the phone uses it.
How to disable it
On most phones Settings greys out Disable for this package, so ADB is the way to turn it off. The commands below work without root and can be undone.
Disable it (reversible)
adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.google.android.projection.gearheadTurn it back on
adb shell pm enable com.google.android.projection.gearheadThe stronger option removes it for your user only; the original copy stays on the phone and a factory reset brings it back. Prefer disabling: it is easier to undo.
Uninstall for the main user
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.projection.gearheadRestore after an uninstall
adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.projection.gearheadNew to ADB? Set it up in about ten minutes.
Data and battery
Shares location, contacts, call and message details and media with the connected car display, and Google collects usage data under its privacy policy.
Where it appears
- Made by Google LLC.
- Listed on Google Play: Android Auto on Google Play.
Questions people ask
What is com.google.android.projection.gearhead?
com.google.android.projection.gearhead is Android Auto. Google's driving interface that puts maps, music, calls and messages on a compatible car display.
Can I disable Android Auto?
You can disable it, with a caveat: read what stops working first. On most phones it takes ADB.
What happens if I disable Android Auto?
The phone stops connecting to Android Auto in the car. Nothing else on the phone uses it.
Sources
- Google Play: Android AutoGoogle Play listing
- Android Auto Help: Set up Android AutoVendor documentation
- Universal Android Debloater list entryCommunity list
Each source answered when this page was checked on 25 October 2026.
Confidence: Vendor documentation. Backed by the maker's own documentation, the Android source or the Play listing. How we decide a verdict.
Cite this page: https://mysystemapp.com/packages/com.google.android.projection.gearhead/ (verified 25 October 2026). Something wrong or out of date? Request a correction.