If you’re having trouble using Android Auto, whether it’s not connecting to your car or it’s just being unreliable, these Android Auto troubleshooting steps will help fix the problem.
Android Auto is a great feature that allows you to use your Android phone as a navigation system for your car. It works by connecting with the phone through Bluetooth, and it comes pre-installed on some vehicles.
Unfortunately, sometimes the connection doesn’t work properly, and you’ll get an error message when trying to do something like changing the music or using a voice command. This can be frustrating—but don’t worry! We’re going to tell you how to fix Android Auto problems so that you can get back on the road in no time.
How To Fix Android Auto Not Working?
Causes of Android Auto Not Connecting
When you have trouble with your Android Auto setup, it’s important to remember that there may be multiple reasons for the problem. Many factors can affect your connection, so we’ll cover all of them & help you with fixing them as well.
A bad connection, either wired or wireless. If you have a wired connection, try unplugging your phone and then plugging it back in. If that doesn’t help, try plugging in an extension cable—the extra distance may allow you to get a better signal.
A corrupt app. If you’ve installed an update recently, make sure that it hasn’t messed up any settings in the app itself (such as turning off location services).
To uninstall and reinstall Android Auto, go to the Google Play Store and search for “Android Auto“. Tap the “Install” button to reinstall Android Auto.
Android Auto might be trying to connect to the wrong vehicle. Ensure your car’s Bluetooth is switched on and enabled (see below).
Your car or smartphone might not be compatible. Before connecting your phone and vehicle, check with your manufacturer about whether they’re compatible with each other. Or if there’s any way for them to work together!
Check Your Phone
First, make sure you have an Android phone running Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher with a data plan. We suggest using Android’s most recent version for optimal performance. Beginning with Android version 10, Android Auto is a feature that lets your phone connect to the display in your car.
This implies that in order to utilize Android Auto with your car display, you are no longer required to download a separate software from the Play Store.
You can check whether the Android Auto app is updated to the latest version or not. If not, try updating Android Auto from the Play Store.
If you’re still having trouble, the next thing to check is your car’s display. Make sure it’s compatible with Android Auto and that it’s turned on and connected to your phone.
Check if your car is Compatible
If you’re an Android user, you might be wondering if you can use Android Auto in your car. The answer is, it depends on your car. Android Auto is only compatible with certain cars or if you have an aftermarket unit installed.
So, if you’re considering using Android Auto in your car, check compatibility first.
Check your USB Cable
You might think that all USB cables are the same, but that’s not the case when it comes to using them with Android Auto. Not all USB cables will work with all cars, so it’s important to use a high-quality USB cable for the best quality and reliability. You can check a few recommended cables below.
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The first thing you should do if Android Auto is functioning properly before but isn’t doing so now is to change your USB cord. The following hints will help you choose the ideal USB cable for Android Auto:
- Use a cable that is no longer than 3 feet (1 meter).
- Avoid using USB hubs or cable extensions.
- If possible, use a cable that’s made specifically for Android Auto.
- Try the cable that came with your mobile phone.
- For instance, a Pixel phone should function well with the Pixel connector. A Samsung Galaxy phone should function properly with a Samsung USB cord.
Cables made by independent producers may be a wise choice if they adhere to USB Implementers Forum specifications.
You can find out if a cable has been certified recently or if you wish to buy one by looking at the certification date.
Check Your Car or Receiver
Ensure that Android Auto is turned on in your car’s infotainment system. If it is, try restarting your car’s infotainment system.
If you’re using an aftermarket receiver, like carplay adapters, you may need to update the firmware on your receiver. Typically, you can accomplish this by going to the manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest firmware for your particular model.
If you’re still having trouble, it’s possible that your car’s infotainment system is not compatible with Android Auto.
In this case, you’ll need to consult your car’s manual or contact the manufacturer to find out if there’s a way to make it compatible.
Make sure you are not connected to any other car by mistake
If you’re connecting to a second car and having trouble, make sure you check your settings.
You may have unplugged your phone from the car before you started driving. If so, that’s where this guide comes in handy. Here’s how to prevent losing your phone once again:
1. Open the “Android Auto” app on your phone
2. Select “Menu.”
3. Select “Settings” (the gear icon) and then Connected Cars (the plus sign)
4. Uncheck the box next to the “Add new cars to Android Auto” setting
5. Once again, try “Connecting” your phone to the car
Android Auto cache
- Go to Your Phone “Settings” and navigate to Apps
- Find “Android Auto” from the list of apps
- Now locate and click on the “Storage” option.
- You’ll see the “Clear Cache” button.
To reset Android Auto, go to “Settings” > “Apps & notifications” > “See all apps” > “Android Auto” > “Force stop.”
Check after clearing the cache if the device started working with your car’s Android auto or not.
Still, facing an issue? We have found a useful video for you that can help you fix your Android auto. Check it out below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Auto Stop to Stop Working?
Auto stop, or the feature that automatically turns off your car’s engine when idle, might stop working for several reasons.
Common culprits include a depleted car battery, a malfunctioning sensor, or an issue with the auto-stop software itself. Sometimes, turning your car off and then on again can reboot the system and resolve the problem.
How Do I Update My Android Auto in My Car?
Updating Android Auto generally involves updating the app on your smartphone. Open the Google Play Store, search for Android Auto, and click the ‘Update‘ button if available.
Some car manufacturers also offer system updates that include Android Auto compatibility; you’ll typically find this in your car’s settings menu under ‘Software Update.‘
Does Android Auto Require a Special USB Cable?
No, Android Auto doesn’t require a special USB cable. However, it’s crucial to use a high-quality cable that can handle data transfer and not just charging. A faulty or subpar cable can cause connectivity issues.
Can Android Auto Connect via Bluetooth?
Android Auto can connect via Bluetooth for some functionalities, but a USB cable is necessary for the projection of the user interface onto your car’s display. Bluetooth may handle calls and audio streaming, but the initial setup and interface projection usually require a wired connection.
Is There an Alternative to Android Auto?
Absolutely, there are several alternatives to Android Auto. Apple’s CarPlay is the obvious choice for iPhone users. Other options include MirrorLink and various car manufacturer-specific apps and systems.
Some newer cars also come with their own built-in infotainment systems that offer navigation, music, and other features without needing to connect to a smartphone.
Wrapping Up
We tried to cover all possible scenarios where Android Auto cannot work, from missing updates to app errors with the car’s system.
The way we see it, there are a few simple steps that you can take to improve your Android Auto experience. With these solutions in hand, you will not face any issues when using this brilliant app.
If one or more of them do not work for you, then just post your question on the Android auto-help forum & get assistance.
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