Android Auto How to & Troubleshooting Guide

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Android Auto is a smart driving companion that helps users stay focused, connected, and entertained with the Google Assistant. Like other similar platforms, Android Auto brings apps to your phone screen or car display so you can focus while you drive. It allows a driver to control features like navigation, maps, text messages, calls, and music.

Also like other car connectivity platforms, Android Auto can have its fair share of problems, issues and challenges that a user will have to resolve to be able to make the most of the platform. In the following guide, we look at common Android Auto issues, and the necessary troubleshooting steps to follow to identify and fix the problems.

Why is My Android Auto Not Working?

A number of issues can cause Android Auto not to work. The problem could be on your car or phone, or even a bad connection. Before checking these issues, make sure you have an Android phone running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and higher, with a data plan. For the best performance, make sure you have the latest version of Android.

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Then follow these troubleshooting steps to fix Android Auto that is not working:

  1. Check your phone

If your Android Auto app used to work but no longer does, try these tips:

  • Check Google Play for updates. You might need to install all system updates, as well as the latest updates for all Android Auto compatible media and messaging apps, before you can continue using Android Auto.
  • If all your apps are updated, try turning your phone off and back on.

  1. Check if your car is compatible

Your car needs to be compatible with Android Auto or have an aftermarket unit installed to be able to use Android Auto on your car display.  Android Auto will not work on all vehicle equipped with a USB port. Check your vehicle’s manual or contact your vehicle manufacturer to find out if your car is compatible.

  1. Check your USB cable

If your car is compatible with Android Auto, another thing to check if Android Auto still does not work is your USB cable. Not all USB cables will work with all cars. Try using a high-quality USB cable if you are having difficulties connecting to Android Auto.

To ensure you are using the best USB cable for Android Auto, follow these tips:

  • Use a USB cable that is not any longer than 6ft and avoid using cable extensions.
  • Make sure your cable has the USB icon.
  • Replace your USB cable if Android Auto used to work properly and no longer does.

  1. Check your car or receiver

  • Check to see if Android Auto is turned on in your car’s infotainment system. If not, turn it on.
  • Restart your car’s infotainment system.
  • If you are using an aftermarket receiver, such as a Kenwood or Pioneer unit, check the manufacturer’s website to see if a firmware update is available. If there is, make sure you update the firmware to the latest version.

  1. Check your settings if you are connecting to a second car.

If you are having problems connecting to second car, follow these troubleshooting steps:

  • Unplug your phone from the car.
  • On your phone, open the Android Auto app.
  • Select Menu, and go to Settings> Connected cars.
  • Uncheck the box next to the “Add new cars to Android Auto” setting.
  • Try plugging your phone into the car again.

Make sure the car is compatible with Android Auto and that Android Auto is turned on.

What Exactly Does Android Auto Do?

Android Auto brings the most useful apps from your phone to your vehicle’s screen, optimized for easy glancing and control while driving. You will be able to control things like navigation, maps, text messages, calls, and music, all from your vehicle’s screen.

To use Android Auto, you need the following:

  1. An Android phone running Android 6.0 or higher with a data plan.
  2. An Android Auto- compatible vehicle.
  3. A USB cable

Any phones already running Android 10.0 or higher will automatically have the android Auto software installed and should be good to go right out of the box.

Can I Use Android Auto Without USB?

Yes, you can use Android Auto without USB, by activating the wireless mode feature in the Android Auto app. But, this is of course after you have followed the initial setup procedure. When you use Android Auto for the very first time, you will need to plug your phone into your car directly, in order to manually sync up the wireless connections between it and your radio.

To use wireless Android Auto on your car display, you need:

  • A compatible Android phone with an active data plan, 5GHz Wi-Fi support, and the latest version of the Android Auto app. Wireless projection is compatible with these Android versions:
  1. Any phone with Android 11.0
  2. A Google or Samsung phone with Android 10.0
  3. A Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, or Note 8, with Android 9.0
  • A compatible car or stereo. Contact your phone manufacturer to find out if your phone has 5 GHz Wi-Fi support. Contact your car manufacturer to find out if your specific car model is compatible with wireless Android Auto.

Also important to note is that in the EU, in order to use 5GHz, smartphones must comply with additional requirements. On Google smartphones, only Pixel 3 and newer models comply with this requirement.

Why Does My Android Auto Keep Disconnecting?

USB issues are often the cause of Android Auto connectivity problems. Your cable or ports might have a connection problem. Besides that, other factors such as the car, phone, and software can also cause connectivity issues.

Check the USB ports on the phone, head unit, and cable for pocket lint or debris and clean them out. If that does not fix the problem, then a defective USB cable could be the culprit. USB cables tend to wear out over time, and you might need to replace your cable to fix the issue. Also, consider switching to shorter, tested USB cables to sustain a reliable connection.

If the problem persists even after the above steps, here are other troubleshooting tips you can try:

  • Make sure the Android Auto app and Google App are up-to-date.
  • Try force-stopping the Android Auto app running on your phone. Open phone Settings> Apps & notifications> Android Auto> Tap Force stop. Then plug your phone to your car and start Android Auto.
  • Try clearing cache/storage for the Android Auto app, Google App, Google Play services and the Google Play Store. For Android Auto, open phone Settings> Apps & notifications> Android Auto> Storage> Clear cache and clear storage.

Android Auto Not Working After Update

Many users have reported having issues with Android Auto after updating to Android 11. The problem is likely a software issue. To fix Android Auto not working after update, first check the version of Android Auto and Google apps. If any updates are available, install them before trying to connect the phone once again.

If Android Auto is still not detected, try clearing storage and cache of Android Auto, Google, and Google Play services on your Android phone. Follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings> Apps & notifications> Android Auto> Storage> Clear cache and clear storage
  • Settings> Apps & notifications> Google> Storage> Clear cache and clear storage
  • Settings> Apps & notifications> Google Play Services> Storage> Clear cache and clear storage

Try the above steps with the engine turned off and the phone not connected to the car.

Android Auto Stopped Responding- Causes & Fixes

If your Android Auto app is not connecting, there could be a few things that are causing it:

  • A corrupt app
  • A bad wired or wireless connection.
  • Your car or smartphone may not be compatible.
  • You may have changed some settings that are affecting the connection.

Whatever the reason, you will want to get your Android Auto working again. Here are troubleshooting steps to follow to fix Android Auto that has stopped responding:

  1. Check to make sure your vehicle and car stereo are compatible with Android Auto.
  2. Check your connections to make sure everything is working fine. Whether you are using a cable or a wireless connection, make sure everything is in a good working condition and is connected correctly.
  3. Make sure both your phone and your Android Auto app are updated. Outdated apps or operating systems can keep everything from working properly.
  4. Restart your phone. A restart can clear out any minor errors or conflicts that might be interfering with the connection between the phone, car, and the Android Auto apps.

How to Connect Android Auto Wirelessly

To connect Android Auto wirelessly, first ensure you have compatible devices. Once you confirm that, then you can set it up following the steps below:

  1. Prepare your phone and car. Ensure your phone meets the minimum requirements and your car is compatible with Android Auto. Also, ensure your phone has a strong and fast cellular data connection.
  2. Connect your phone. If it is your first time connecting your phone to the car, you are required to pair your phone and car via Bluetooth. For best results, keep Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Location services turned on during setup. Make sure your car is in park (P) and allow time to set up Android Auto before you start your drive.
  • Plug a USB cable into the USB port in your vehicle and plug the other end of the cable into your Android phone.
  • You may be asked to download the Android Auto app or update to the latest version of the app.
  • Follow the on on-screen instructions to complete setup.
  1. Start Android Auto. Your wireless connection might take a few seconds to start. You might need to tap Android Auto on your car display.

How to Play Video on Android Auto

For safety reasons, Android Auto does not support video play. But, there is a way to incorporate the video play on Android Auto. By enabling video playback, you can watch YouTube videos on your car when parked or entertain the car occupants.

Accessing YouTube in Android Auto is the tricky part because you can’t actually download it from the Google Play Store. In order to download the YouTube Auto app then you will need to sideload it onto your device using APK sideload. Once you have done that, you will then have to run the Android Auto system in developer mode, otherwise, the service will block the app from running.

Follow these steps:

  1. First, start by making sure you have the official YouTube app on your Android smartphone. If not, download it from the Google Play Store.
  2. Then, download and install Android Auto.
  3. Download and install CarStream. In the list, look for YouTube Auto.
  4. Once you have installed both of them, launch Android Auto.
  5. Click the hamburger menu displayed on the top left corner of the application.
  6. Tap the button indicated as “About Android Auto”.
  7. Tap the gear icon on the top right corner, scroll all the way down and tap the version information until the Developer Mode is enabled.
  8. Click the menu button and tap on the developer settings button. The version information will expand with new information.
  9. Press the three dots on the top right corner and tap Developer Mode settings.
  10. Activate the unknown Resources box and set your video quality at 720p or 1080p.
  11. Leave the developer settings and launch the CarStream app.
  12. Start watching YouTube videos with Android hack.

How to Play Music on Android Auto

You can listen to media through your car’s or phone’s speakers with Android Auto. You can find your compatible music, audiobook, and podcast apps when your select the app launcher. During setup, you will see all your compatible media apps in Android Auto. Select media you would like to listen to by selecting the app launcher. Make sure you are signed into that app on your phone.

To listen to YouTube music with the display:

  1. On your display, select the app launcher> YouTube Music
  2. Once you are in YouTube Music, select Menu
  3. You can choose from the following:
  • Your Mixtape.
  • Last Played.

To listen to other compatible apps with voice commands:

  1. Say “OK Google” or select the microphone.
  2. Say “Play music”.

Below are some examples of things you can say:

  • “Play Adele Radio on iHeartRadio”.
  • “Play Rock my world on Amazon Music”.
  • “Play my ‘Rock!’ playlist on Spotify”.

How to Split Screen on Android Auto

Android Auto recently received split-screen support on wide-screen head units. With the new layout, the primary app takes up a larger portion of the display and the secondary app takes up a comparatively smaller portion of the display.

While the split-screen mode is only available on wide head units by default, there is a workaround to get it on smaller head units. You can download and use an app like HeadUnit Reloaded to modify the Android Auto head unit.

How to Add Apps on Android Auto

You can use some of your favorite apps with Android Auto, including services for messaging, music, and news among others. There are many different apps that are compatible with Android Auto, like Spotify, Messenger, WhatsApp Messenger, Google Play Books, Audible, and more

There are different steps in order to be able to customize Android Auto with all the apps you want. First, you need to make sure that the apps you want to add are compatible. The main condition for your application to be compatible with Android Auto, and that you can install it is that it is available on the Play Store catalog.

  1. On Android Auto, tap the 3 small parallel bars at the top left of your screen. Then, click on “Android apps”.
  2. This will bring you to the main catalog of compatible applications.
  3. Select the application you want to install on Android Auto and download it.

Does Android Auto Work Over Bluetooth?

No, unfortunately not. Although Android Auto was recently updated to include wireless capability, this is achieved via a Wi-Fi connection. Bluetooth does not have enough bandwidth to render audio and video for Android Auto.

Android Auto Common Problems and Fixes

  1. Frozen screen or screen goes black on Oppo phones

The Oppo team has addressed this issue through software upgrade. To fix the problem, update the device to Android 10 OS and all OTAs.

  1. Android Auto stopped showing messages

There is an issue in Android Lollipop (5.0) through Android Oreo MR1 (8.1) that sometimes prevents Android Auto from showing messages. If you are running an affected OS version of Android and you can’t see your non-sms messages (i.e Hangouts, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, etc.), try restarting your device to address the issue.

  1. Steering wheels controls not working

This problem is due to a bug in older Android Auto version. A fix has been applied for the newer Android auto app version. To fix the issue, try updating the app.

  1. Audible app playback issue

Update the Audible app and Android Auto app to the latest version to fix the problem.

  1. Android Auto will not accept voice commands for navigation

To fix the issue, update your Google app and Android Auto app to the latest version to have a better experience.

  1. I can’t browse all music on Android Auto’s display

For driving safety, browsing is limited on Google Play Music and most third-party audio apps. To find what you would like to listen to, try the following things:

  • Use voice commands to talk to Google and search for what you want. You can say something like “Play X song”.
  • When you are not driving, use the app on your phone or on your computer to create playlists and mark your favorite content. This will make browsing easier.

  1. “ You could not install or update XXX app” error message

If you see an error message indicating you could not install or update a particular app when you launch Android Auto app, you may need to update Play Store on your phone first to install/update the apps like Google app, Google Maps, Google Play Music working with Android Auto.

  1. Open the Google Play Store app.
  2. Tap Menu, then go to Settings> Build Version or Play Store version. Build version or Play Store version is usually at the bottom of the settings list.
  3. Press “ok” when “A new version of Google Play Store will be downloaded and installed” dialogue box appears.

  1. Trouble with voice commands and volume

If Android Auto is having trouble understanding voice commands try the following things:

  • If you are using the voice command button on your steering wheel, make sure to press and hold until you hear the beep. If you do not press it long enough you might exit Android Auto and have to restart it.
  • Start speaking after you hear Android Auto beep. The beep is confirmation that Android Auto is listening.
  • Try to minimize the noise around you when you speak.
  • If you are using an aftermarket receiver, make sure your microphone is working properly. Check with your installer if unsure.

If you are having issues with volume:

  • In some vehicles, the volumes for navigation, media, and voice may be controlled separately. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to learn more.

  1. I can’t find the Android Auto app on my phone

Starting with Android 10, Android Auto is built into the phone as a technology that enables your phone to connect to your car display. This means you no longer have to install a separate app from the Play Store to use Android Auto with your car display.

Check this too: Apple Carplay How to & Troubleshooting Guide

If you do not have a car that is compatible with Android Auto or prefer to access Android Auto on your phone screen, you have the following options:

  • If upgrading your phone from Android 9 to Android 10, make sure that your phone has Android Auto already installed before you upgrade. If so, the app icon will carry over to your newly upgraded device.
  • Use Google Backup to backup and restore from another device that already has the Android Auto app installed.
  • Go to Play Store and download Android Auto for Phone Screens, which is only available on Android 10 devices. After installing the app, you can continue to use Android Auto on your phone screen.