Android Auto is a handy feature that integrates your Android phone with your car's infotainment system. It lets you navigate, make calls, send messages and listen to music safely while you drive. In this detailed article we explain step by step how to set up Android Auto and get the most out of it.

What is Android Auto?

Android Auto is an app developed by Google that provides a simplified, driving-focused interface on your car's screen. The interface is specially designed to minimize distraction while driving, with large buttons, voice control and limited features that show only the essential apps.

With Android Auto you can use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, make phone calls to your contacts, have messages read aloud and reply with your voice, and stream music through Spotify, YouTube Music or other apps. Everything is controlled through your car's screen or simply by saying "Hey Google".

Requirements for Android Auto

Before you can use Android Auto, check that you meet the following requirements:

Phone requirements

  • An Android phone running Android 8.0 or newer
  • The Android Auto app (preinstalled on most modern Android phones)
  • An active mobile data connection for navigation and streaming
  • Google Maps or another compatible navigation app

Car requirements

  • A car with built-in Android Auto support, or
  • An aftermarket car stereo with Android Auto support
  • A good-quality USB cable (for a wired connection)
  • Wireless Android Auto support (optional, for a wireless connection)

Setting up Android Auto with a cable

The most reliable way to use Android Auto is with a USB cable. Follow these steps for the first-time setup:

Step 1: Download Android Auto

Open the Google Play Store on your phone and search for 'Android Auto'. If the app is not preinstalled, download and install it. On newer Android versions, Android Auto is built into the system and you only need to adjust the settings.

Step 2: Start your car

Start your car and make sure the infotainment system is turned on. It is important that the car is idling during the first-time setup.

Step 3: Connect your phone

Use a good-quality USB cable to connect your phone to your car's USB port. Preferably use the original cable that came with your phone. Some cheap cables only support charging and not data transfer.

Step 4: Accept permissions

Several permission requests appear on your phone. Accept them to give Android Auto access to your contacts, messages, location and other required features. You also need to accept the terms and conditions.

Step 5: Select Android Auto on the car screen

A prompt to select Android Auto may appear on your car's screen. Tap it, or navigate to the Android Auto app in your infotainment system's menu.

Setting up wireless Android Auto

More and more cars support wireless Android Auto, so you no longer need a cable. This is especially handy for short trips.

Requirements for wireless

For wireless Android Auto you need:

  • A phone running Android 11 or newer (some phones running Android 10 are also supported)
  • 5GHz Wi-Fi support on your phone
  • A car with wireless Android Auto support

First pairing

The first time you set up wireless Android Auto, you may still need a cable to establish the pairing. Follow the steps for a wired connection. Once the first pairing is complete, you can turn on the wireless option in the settings.

Connecting automatically

After the first pairing, your phone connects to your car automatically as soon as you get in and Bluetooth is turned on. Android Auto then starts wirelessly within a few seconds.

Using Android Auto

Once Android Auto is active, you see a custom interface on your car's screen. These are the main features:

Tap the navigation icon to open Google Maps or Waze. You can enter a destination by speaking, or by typing when the car is stationary. Route directions are given both visually and by voice.

Music and media

Tap the music icon to open your favorite streaming app. Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer and many other apps are compatible with Android Auto. You can browse through playlists, albums and podcasts.

Messages and calls

Android Auto can read incoming messages aloud through your car's speakers. You can reply by speaking, after which your message is converted to text and sent. To make a call, tap the phone icon or say "Hey Google, call [name]".

Google Assistant

Google Assistant is fully integrated into Android Auto. Say "Hey Google" or press the microphone button to give commands. You can navigate, make calls, send messages, play music and even control smart devices at home.

Adding apps to Android Auto

Not all apps on your phone appear in Android Auto. Google only approves apps that are safe to use while driving. You can check which apps are available in the Android Auto settings on your phone.

Open the Android Auto app or go to Settings > Connected devices > Android Auto. Here you see a list of installed apps that are compatible. You can turn apps on or off as you like.

Android Auto on your phone screen

Don't have a car with Android Auto support? You can also use Android Auto directly on your phone screen. This is called 'Android Auto for phone screens' and offers the same simplified interface.

Note: this feature is gradually being replaced by Google Assistant Driving Mode on newer Android versions. Driving Mode turns on automatically when your phone detects that you are driving and offers similar features.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes Android Auto doesn't work as expected. Here are solutions to common problems:

Connection is not recognized

Try a different USB cable. Cheap cables often cause problems. Use a cable that supports data transfer, not just charging. Also try a different USB port in your car if one is available.

Screen stays black

Restart both your phone and your car's infotainment system. Check that you have the latest version of Android Auto installed. If needed, clear the Android Auto app's cache via Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Clear storage.

Voice recognition doesn't work

Check that your car's microphone works properly. Test this by making a phone call over Bluetooth. Make sure Google Assistant is set up and working on your phone.

Tips for getting the most out of it

Here are some tips to get the most out of Android Auto:

  • Set your home and work addresses in Google Maps for quick navigation
  • Download offline maps for areas where you drive often
  • Customize the interface in the settings to put your favorite apps at the top
  • Use a phone mount if you use Android Auto on your phone screen
  • Turn on 'Do Not Disturb while driving' for extra safety

Conclusion

Android Auto makes driving safer and more convenient by seamlessly integrating your phone with your car. With voice control, easy navigation and access to your favorite music apps, you can stay focused on the road. Follow the steps in this article to set up Android Auto and enjoy a smarter driving experience.

Frequently asked questions

Does Android Auto work with every car?

No, your car must support Android Auto. It is built into many newer cars, but you can also install an aftermarket car stereo with Android Auto support. Check your car's specifications or consult the manufacturer.

Is Android Auto free to use?

Yes, Android Auto is completely free. You do need a mobile data connection for navigation and streaming, which depends on your phone plan.

Can I use Android Auto wirelessly?

Yes, if your car supports wireless Android Auto and your phone runs Android 11 or newer with 5GHz Wi-Fi support. Not all cars support wireless Android Auto, so check the specifications.

Which apps work with Android Auto?

Only apps approved by Google work with Android Auto. These include navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze, music apps such as Spotify and YouTube Music, and messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram.

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