Disabling HFP (Hands-Free Profile) on Android: A Comprehensive Guide

The inability to simultaneously enjoy music playback and engage in phone calls due to the activation of the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) on Android devices is a common frustration. This article provides a detailed exploration of methods to disable HFP, enabling uninterrupted audio enjoyment while maintaining call functionality. We will delve into diverse techniques, ranging from utilizing Magisk modules to employing ADB commands and exploring alternative Bluetooth codecs, ensuring a solution for various user preferences and technical proficiencies. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to customize your Android audio experience effectively.

Understanding the Hands-Free Profile (HFP)

The Hands-Free Profile (HFP) is a Bluetooth profile that enables car hands-free kits to communicate with mobile phones in the car. It commonly uses the lower quality SCO codec to transmit audio, which drastically reduces audio quality during a call and often prevents simultaneous media playback. When an HFP connection is established, your Android device may prioritize the call audio, interrupting music or other audio streams. While convenient for hands-free communication, this behavior can be undesirable for users who prefer to listen to music or podcasts during calls or desire superior audio fidelity.

Method 1: Leveraging Magisk Modules for HFP Disablement

For rooted Android devices, Magisk modules offer a powerful and flexible solution to modify system behavior, including disabling HFP. Magisk Modules provides a range of options, and the Magisk Module Repository is the best place to look for one tailored to your needs. We can explore a few popular modules or provide instructions on creating a custom module:

1.1 Finding and Installing Existing HFP Disabling Modules

The Magisk Module Repository may contain modules specifically designed to disable HFP. The key is to search using relevant keywords like “HFP disable,” “Bluetooth audio,” or “call audio routing.”

Steps for Installation:

Open the Magisk Manager App: Launch the Magisk Manager application on your rooted Android device.
Navigate to the Modules Section: Tap the “Modules” icon (usually a puzzle piece) in the bottom navigation bar.
Search for Relevant Modules: Use the search bar at the top to find modules related to HFP disabling.
Download the Module: Tap the download icon next to the module you want to install.
Install the Module: After the download completes, Magisk Manager will prompt you to install the module. Tap “Install.”
Reboot Your Device: Once the installation is finished, reboot your Android device for the module to take effect.
Test the Configuration: After rebooting, test if HFP is disabled by making a call and attempting to play music simultaneously.

1.2 Creating a Custom Magisk Module (Advanced)

If a suitable pre-built module is unavailable, creating a custom Magisk module offers a tailored solution. This process involves modifying system files to disable HFP and packaging these changes into a Magisk module.

Steps for Creating a Custom Module:

Identify the Relevant System Files: The key files involved in Bluetooth audio configuration are typically located in /system/etc/bluetooth/. These files often contain parameters related to HFP and audio routing. The specific files and parameters may vary depending on your Android version and device model. A good starting point is to investigate files named audio_policy.conf, bluetooth.conf, and similar configuration files.
Modify the System Files: Use a root-enabled file manager (such as Solid Explorer or Mixplorer) to access and modify the identified system files. Look for entries related to HFP or Hands-Free Profile. You might find parameters like EnableHFP=true or similar flags that control HFP functionality. Change these values to disable HFP, for example, by setting EnableHFP=false or commenting out the relevant lines. Important: Back up the original files before making any changes. Incorrect modifications can lead to system instability.
Create the Module Structure: Create a new folder on your device to serve as the base directory for your Magisk module. Within this folder, create the following subfolders:
- module.prop: This file contains metadata about your module, such as its name, ID, and description.
- system/: This folder mirrors the system directory structure where you made changes. Place the modified files in the corresponding subfolders within this system/ directory. For example, if you modified /system/etc/bluetooth/audio_policy.conf, you would create the folder structure system/etc/bluetooth/ within your module directory and place the modified audio_policy.conf file there.

Populate the module.prop File: Create a text file named module.prop in the root directory of your module. Add the following lines, replacing the values with your own:

id=disablehfp
name=Disable HFP
version=1.0
versionCode=1
author=Your Name
description=Disables the Hands-Free Profile (HFP) to allow simultaneous audio playback during calls.

Create a Flashable Zip File: Zip the entire module folder (the one containing module.prop and system/) into a flashable zip file. Ensure that the zip file contains only the module folder and not the folder itself. You can use a zip utility on your computer or a file manager app on your Android device to create the zip file.
Install the Module via Magisk Manager: Open Magisk Manager, navigate to the Modules section, and tap the “+” button to install a module from storage. Select the zip file you created and tap “Install.”
Reboot Your Device: After the installation is finished, reboot your Android device for the module to take effect.
Test the Configuration: After rebooting, test if HFP is disabled by making a call and attempting to play music simultaneously.

Disclaimer: Modifying system files can be risky. Ensure you have a backup of your device and proceed with caution. We are not responsible for any damage or data loss resulting from these instructions.

Method 2: Utilizing ADB (Android Debug Bridge) Commands

ADB (Android Debug Bridge) provides a command-line interface for interacting with Android devices. We can use ADB commands to modify system settings and potentially disable HFP. This method typically requires a rooted device but may work on some devices without root access, depending on the specific settings and Android version.

2.1 Setting Up ADB on Your Computer

Download ADB Binaries: Download the ADB binaries for your operating system from the official Android Developer website or a trusted source.
Extract the ADB Binaries: Extract the downloaded zip file to a folder on your computer.
Add ADB to Your System Path (Optional): To easily access ADB from any command prompt or terminal window, add the ADB folder to your system path. This step is optional but recommended for convenience.
Enable USB Debugging on Your Android Device: On your Android device, go to Settings > About Phone (or About Tablet) and tap the “Build number” entry seven times to enable Developer Options. Then, go to Settings > Developer Options and enable “USB debugging.”
Connect Your Android Device to Your Computer: Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
Authorize ADB Connection: On your Android device, you may see a prompt asking you to authorize the ADB connection. Grant the authorization.
Verify ADB Connection: Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer and type adb devices. If ADB is set up correctly, you should see your device listed in the output.

2.2 Using ADB Commands to Disable HFP (Requires Root in Most Cases)

Note: These commands require root access. Without root access, you may not be able to modify system settings.

Open a Command Prompt or Terminal Window: Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
Connect to Your Device via ADB: Type adb devices to ensure your device is connected and recognized.
Enter ADB Shell with Root Privileges: Type adb shell to enter the ADB shell. If you have root access, type su to gain root privileges. Your device may prompt you to grant root access to the ADB shell.
Modify System Settings (Example): You can use the settings command to modify system settings related to Bluetooth audio. However, the specific settings that control HFP may vary depending on your device and Android version.
Example Command (May Not Work on All Devices):
```
settings put global bluetooth_sco_quality 0
```
This command attempts to set the Bluetooth SCO audio quality to 0, which might disable HFP. However, its effectiveness depends on your device’s implementation.
Another Example (Requires Investigation of System Settings):
You may need to explore the settings database to identify specific settings related to HFP. You can use the following command to list all settings:
```
settings list global
```
Examine the output for settings related to Bluetooth, audio, or HFP. If you find any relevant settings, you can try modifying them using the settings put command.
Reboot Your Device: After modifying the settings, reboot your device for the changes to take effect.
Test the Configuration: After rebooting, test if HFP is disabled by making a call and attempting to play music simultaneously.

Warning: Modifying system settings via ADB can be risky. Incorrect modifications can lead to system instability. Proceed with caution and ensure you have a backup of your device. We are not responsible for any damage or data loss resulting from these instructions.

Method 3: Exploring Alternative Bluetooth Codecs

The audio codec used for Bluetooth communication can significantly impact audio quality and HFP behavior. By switching to a different codec, you might be able to bypass HFP or improve the overall audio experience.

3.1 Understanding Bluetooth Codecs (SBC, AAC, aptX, LDAC)

SBC (Subband Codec): The standard Bluetooth audio codec. It offers decent audio quality but can be lossy.
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding): A more advanced codec that provides better audio quality than SBC at similar bitrates. Commonly used by Apple devices.
aptX: A proprietary codec developed by Qualcomm. It offers higher audio quality and lower latency than SBC and AAC.
LDAC: A proprietary codec developed by Sony. It offers the highest audio quality among the common Bluetooth codecs, supporting bitrates up to 990 kbps.

3.2 Selecting a Different Codec in Developer Options

Enable Developer Options: If you haven’t already, enable Developer Options on your Android device by going to Settings > About Phone (or About Tablet) and tapping the “Build number” entry seven times.
Navigate to Developer Options: Go to Settings > Developer Options.
Find Bluetooth Audio Codec Setting: Scroll down to the “Networking” section and look for the “Bluetooth Audio Codec” setting.
Select a Different Codec: Tap on the “Bluetooth Audio Codec” setting and select a different codec from the available options (e.g., AAC, aptX, LDAC). The available codecs will depend on your device and the connected Bluetooth accessory.
Test the Configuration: After selecting a different codec, test if HFP behavior has changed by making a call and attempting to play music simultaneously.

3.3 Considerations for Codec Selection

Compatibility: The selected codec must be supported by both your Android device and the connected Bluetooth accessory (e.g., headphones, speaker). If the codec is not supported, the device will typically fall back to SBC.
Audio Quality: Higher-quality codecs like aptX and LDAC offer better audio fidelity but may consume more battery power.
HFP Behavior: Experiment with different codecs to see if any of them bypass HFP or improve the audio experience during calls.

Method 4: Bluetooth Auto Connect Apps

Some third-party applications available on the Google Play Store will enable turning HFP off for specific connected devices. Some Apps that will handle this are “Bluetooth Auto Connect”. We have to configure the apps that manage these services.

Download and Install App: Go to the Google Play Store and download the application.
Setup and Configure App: Setup the application, with the appropriate settings that we want to assign for HFP.
Grant Permissions: Give the application the appropriate permissions to work.

Method 5: Disabling HFP within Bluetooth Device Settings (If Available)

Some Android devices or custom ROMs might offer a setting to disable HFP directly within the Bluetooth device settings for a specific paired device.

Steps:

Go to Bluetooth Settings: Open the Settings app on your Android device and navigate to the Bluetooth settings.
Find the Paired Device: Locate the Bluetooth device (e.g., headphones, car kit) for which you want to disable HFP in the list of paired devices.
Access Device Settings: Tap on the gear icon or settings button next to the paired device to access its settings.
Look for HFP Option: Look for an option to disable HFP or “Hands-Free Profile.” The exact wording may vary depending on your device and Android version.
Disable HFP: If the option is available, disable it.
Test the Configuration: Test if HFP is disabled by making a call and attempting to play music simultaneously.

Note: This option is not available on all Android devices. Its presence depends on the device manufacturer and the Android version.

Conclusion

Disabling HFP on Android devices is achievable through various methods, catering to different user preferences and technical expertise. From utilizing Magisk modules for rooted devices to employing ADB commands and exploring alternative Bluetooth codecs, we have provided a comprehensive guide to customize your audio experience. Remember to exercise caution when modifying system settings and always back up your device before making significant changes. We encourage you to experiment with these techniques to find the solution that best suits your needs and allows you to enjoy uninterrupted audio playback while maintaining call functionality.

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