4 methods so as to add Android Auto to your automo...

I am on file endorsing Apple CarPlay, however I do not dislike Android Auto — I simply want one in every of them extra, given a selection. I might nonetheless reasonably use Android Auto than nothing in any respect, or over most vehicles’ built-in infotainment methods. In truth, I might gladly purchase a car primarily based on Android Automotive, just like the Rivian R2, since it would save me the difficulty of connecting my telephone each time I need to drive someplace.

If you wish to add Android Auto to your personal automotive, there are solely two official choices from Google. There are third-party options in case your automotive does not have native assist, however count on to spend some more money within the course of, particularly if you need one thing slick.

1 Utilizing a USB cable

Probably the most easy course of

In case your car is appropriate with Android Auto — test your handbook, or Google’s official compatibility list — USB setup might be the only methodology. Wi-fi pairing is not at all times an possibility, and when it’s, there are typically additional steps concerned. Typically wi-fi is not even that handy post-setup, since you will should plug your telephone in anyway if it is low on energy.

Comply with these steps for USB setup:

1. Replace your telephone to Android 9.0 or later if you have not already. You will additionally need to update the Android Auto app.
2. Flip in your automotive, however maintain it in Park. If it’s good to, swap in your infotainment system (sprint show) as properly.
3. Double-check that your telephone has an honest mobile sign.
4. Join your telephone to your automotive with an applicable USB cable. You might want to purchase a brand new one or an adapter — whereas most Android telephones are geared up with USB-C, many vehicles nonetheless use USB-A ports.
5. Your telephone needs to be routinely detected. Comply with any prompts in your telephone and/or your sprint show.

If there’s any hassle, attempt restarting your telephone and/or your automotive. It is also that you just want a special USB cable — some cables are solely designed to ship energy, not information, and people are incompatible with Android Auto.

Associated

How to share files like a pro with Android’s Quick Share QR code feature

It is a good fallback whenever you in any other case need to maintain a lid on privateness.

2 Utilizing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

A couple of extra hoops to leap by way of

That is trickier than you would possibly suppose. As I discussed, not each automotive that is appropriate with Android Auto helps wi-fi pairing, so test your handbook or producer’s web site earlier than persevering with. As soon as that is locked down, each your telephone and car must have Bluetooth and 5GHz Wi-Fi enabled. Bluetooth establishes a handshake, whereas Wi-Fi handles the majority of Android Auto itself.

Assuming your automotive helps wi-fi Android Auto, this is the method:

1. Replace your telephone to Android 11 or later, and replace the Android Auto app.
2. Flip in your automotive, however maintain it in Park. If it’s good to, swap in your infotainment system (sprint show) as properly.
3. Ensure that each your telephone and automotive have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. In your telephone, you possibly can toggle these radios through the use of the Settings app, or by swiping down from the highest to disclose Fast Settings.
4. Double-check that you’ve an honest mobile sign.
5. In your telephone, go to Settings > Bluetooth to have it prepared.
6. Your automotive ought to have a voice command button on the steering wheel. Maintain this down for a couple of seconds to set off telephone pairing.
7. Comply with any prompts in your telephone and/or sprint show to finish the pairing course of.

As soon as that is finished, your telephone ought to (usually) launch Android Auto each time you get into your automotive and switch it on. Some automobiles might make you faucet an Android Auto icon, and it’s possible you’ll want to modify units utilizing sprint menus if you happen to share the motive force’s seat with one other individual.

Associated

The 7 must-have tech tools for travel I always keep in my bag

In case your philosophy is to journey gentle, these are the seven tech instruments that ought to at all times be in your bag.

3 Utilizing an aftermarket head unit

Store correctly, however do not skimp

Plenty of firms promote aftermarket sprint shows — head models — that may add Android Auto to automobiles with out it. I am not going to listing all of the accessible merchandise right here, however the most secure wager is to seek for well-reviewed models that particularly point out Android Auto assist. You need not lay our a fortune, however do not be too low cost, both. Inferior models might have issues like sluggish efficiency, weak contact response, or incompatibility along with your rearview digital camera wiring.

Then there’s the matter of set up. A 3rd-party head unit replaces the one constructed into your sprint, so you will should put money into the time, studying, and instruments to deal with that your self, or else pay for a automotive AV specialist to do it for you. Most individuals ought to select the second possibility, notably since you should purchase a unit and have it put in in a single fell swoop.

Associated

How I play offline Android games

The actual trick is figuring out offline-compatible video games.

4 Utilizing an outdated Android telephone

Your outcomes might fluctuate

Third-party apps exist that may flip an outdated Android telephone or pill right into a head unit, corresponding to Headunit Reloaded Emulator (HUR). Some apps are higher than others, nonetheless, and your expertise will fluctuate primarily based on the system you are utilizing — do not count on a Pixel 6a to run Android Auto in addition to your Pixel 9 Professional. So, on high of the app’s price, it’s possible you’ll find yourself spending on higher Android {hardware}, and/or a mount to maintain that {hardware} in place.

Keep in mind that if in case you have a mount, there’s typically no want to make use of Android Auto. Fashionable smartphones are likely to have 6-inch shows, and apps like Spotify and Google Maps are designed with driving in thoughts. Android Auto is simply extra handy for launching and controlling apps.

Headunit Reloaded Emulator

Allows you to use a secondary telephone or pill as a goal for Android Auto.

Associated

What I think Samsung should do with the Galaxy S26

It could’t play it secure with smartphone design ceaselessly. Or can it?