With Android Auto, you can keep your focus on the road while still accessing maps, music, podcasts, messages, phone calls, and more from your Android smartphone. Designed to work with Android Marshmallow 6.0 and up, your favorite apps can appear on your dashboard while driving, providing you with a more connected digital experience.
With Google Assistant built-in, you can issue voice commands hands-free to remain safe on the road. If you have an Android device and want to get started, follow our guide on how to set up Android Auto.
Do you own an Apple iPhone? Be sure to check out our guide on how to set up Apple CarPlay to access what’s important to you while you’re on the road.
Acquiring the necessities
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Before we can get started with Android Auto, you’ll need to make sure that you have everything required for the experience. As a starter, you will need an Androidsmartphone running Android Marshmallow 6.0 or greater. Wireless Android Auto, available on some vehicle stereos, requires Android 10 or higher. Some Samsung Galaxy devices, including the S8, S8+, and Note 8, will work running Android 9.0 or greater.
Additionally, you will need a car or stereo compatible with Android Auto. To check if your vehicle or stereo is compatible, visit Google’s website, where they list all brands currently supported and which models support wireless Android Auto. If your car or stereo does not support a wireless connection (most will require a wire), you will need a USB cable to connect your smartphone.
Setting up Android Auto (Wired)
The most common type of Android Auto connection is wired, which uses a USB cable to connect your smartphone to your car stereo. Ensure that you select a cord with the proper connectors; for example, a car with a USB-A port and a smartphone with a USB-C port will need a USB-A to USB-C cable for the connection process. When ready, follow these steps to connect your Androidsmartphone:
Step 1: Ensure that you are in a safe location and put your vehicle into Park.
Step 2: Turn on, and unlock, your Androidsmartphone.
Step 3: On your smartphone, if not already present, download the AndroidAuto app from the GooglePlay store.
Step 4: Using the USB cable, plug your smartphone into your vehicle.
Step 5: Your smartphone will display a Welcome to Android Auto screen; if it does not, check your car’s stereo display for any confirmation prompts.
Step 6: Accept Google’s notices and permissions by clicking OK or Next.
Step 7: From your vehicle’s touchscreen, select AndroidAuto if it has not automatically launched. For more information on your vehicle, contact your automotive manufacturer or reference your vehicle’s instruction manual.
You can now begin using Android Auto in your vehicle. For more assistance using Android Auto, reference our How to use Android Auto guide.
Setting up Android Auto (Wireless)
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Some new stereo units and vehicles offer Android Auto Wireless connectivity. If you choose, you can use the wireless option to use Android Auto without needing to plug your smartphone in with a USB cable. Remember to check Google’s website for compatibility to see if your smartphone and stereo both support the wireless feature.
Step 1: Ensure that you are in a safe location and put your vehicle into Park.
Step 2: Turn on, and unlock, your Androidsmartphone.
Step 3: On your smartphone, if not already present, download the AndroidAuto app from the GooglePlay store.
Step 4: On your vehicle’s stereo, navigate into settings, then locate the Bluetooth option. For more information on your using your car, contact your automotive manufacturer or reference your vehicle’s instruction manual.
Step 5: On your smartphone, open the Settings app, then select Bluetooth.
Step 6: Within the Bluetooth menu on your smartphone, select your car to begin the pairing process; you may need to confirm a PIN.
Step 7: Once connected, your smartphone will display a Welcometo Android Auto screen; if it does not, check your car’s stereo display for any confirmation prompts.
Step 8: Accept Google’s notices and permissions by clicking OK or Next.
Step 9: From your vehicle’s touchscreen, select AndroidAuto if it has not automatically launched. For more information on your using your car, contact your automotive manufacturer or reference your vehicle’s instruction manual.
You can now begin using Android Auto in your vehicle. For more assistance using Android Auto, reference our How to use Android Auto guide.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are game-changing smartphone interfaces, and now wireless versions of both systems are rolling out in new cars. If you've got an older car with wired Android Auto only, though, Motorola is unveiling a way to cut the cord at CES 2022.
The Motorola MA1 is an adapter that can add wireless Android Auto to existing cars. Motorola said in a press release that it licenses the technology from Google. Since the company hasn't made a similar arrangement with Apple, CarPlay users are out of luck for now.
Amazon Music now has a car mode, but don’t use it while driving
The Amazon Music app for iOS and Android now comes with an optional car mode that offers up a simplified interface that can automatically launch as soon as you connect to your car's Bluetooth system.
It looks like the ideal solution for those who don't have an infotainment system that's compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto but want to stream music from Amazon Music while driving. According to an email from Amazon's PR partner, the new feature was designed "to limit extensive browsing while driving." Curiously, however, on the webpage that promotes car mode, Amazon warns its customers that they should not "interact with this app while operating your vehicle." Which naturally raises the question: Why give the app a car mode at all?
Maybe your vehicle’s stereo has gone kaput, or perhaps it’s time for an upgrade. Maybe you’re just tired of humming along to a washed-out, tinny sound. Whatever the reason, an aftermarket head unit is usually the solution. Many people have Android smartphones and would also like to take advantage of Android Auto, which allows popular phone features to be projected into the vehicle’s dash. No matter the need, there are several options available, but before you run out and buy a new stereo, consider these things first:
How much room do you have: Different vehicles have different dash configurations that make picking a head unit a bit more challenging. Some vehicles have what is known as a double-DIN stereo, which is essentially two “slots” stacked together. Others have a single-DIN stereo, which is a smaller space overall. You’ll need to know which units will fit before shopping.
Installation: Many car audio shops will install anything purchased in their store, but if you’re buying online, you’ll need to make sure your local shop will accept the job. Installing yourself is an option, but newer vehicles’ electronics are very complex and there may be additional parts (brackets, mounts, etc) that you didn’t know you needed.
Other vehicle systems: In some vehicles, removing the stereo will cause all sorts of problems with other systems, such as airbags, climate controls, and theft deterrent systems. It’s important to know how your vehicle will behave once the stock head unit is removed.
Appearance: If you have an older vehicle, you may want to preserve the stock look of the dash. In these cases, a custom install or running your smartphone separately might be a good idea, because Android Auto head units take up a lot of space. They also don’t look particularly period-correct. In other cases, make sure that the head unit’s color scheme and appearance fit with the rest of your vehicle’s interior aesthetic.
