Android Auto brings supported phone apps, maps, calls, messages, and audio controls to a compatible car screen with a driving-friendly interface. The first setup usually takes only a few minutes, but the cable, port, permissions, and car support all matter.
These steps apply to Android phones running Android 10 or later connected to a built-in Android Auto screen or a wireless Android Auto head unit.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if your phone has never been paired with your car before, Android Auto does not appear on the car display, or you want to switch from wired setup to wireless Android Auto.
Set Up Android Auto with USB
USB is the most reliable first setup method and works with the widest range of Android Auto-capable vehicles.
- Update Android Auto from the Google Play Store. On Android 10 and later it is built in, but updates still help.
- Start the car or put it in accessory mode.
- Plug the phone into the car USB port with a USB data cable. Some cables only charge and will not start Android Auto.
- Watch the car display and phone for the Android Auto prompt.
- Accept the requested permissions for contacts, location, notifications, and app access.
- Wait for Android Auto to load on the car screen.
Set Up Wireless Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto works only when both the phone and the car or head unit support it.
- Confirm wireless Android Auto support in the car manual or infotainment settings.
- On the phone, open Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Android Auto.
- Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Bluetooth starts the connection, then Wi-Fi Direct handles the active session.
- On the car screen, open the Android Auto, phone projection, or connectivity menu.
- Choose the phone and approve the pairing prompts.
- Wait a few seconds for Android Auto to appear.
Fix a Car That Does Not Detect the Phone
- Try another USB data cable, preferably the cable that came with the phone.
- Try another car USB port. Some ports are charging-only.
- On the phone, open Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Storage, then clear the cache.
- Restart the phone.
- Restart the car infotainment system or turn the car off and back on.
- Check whether the car has an infotainment software update.
Useful Android Auto Notes
Multiple Phones Can Use the Same Car
Android Auto can remember more than one paired phone. Disconnect one phone and connect the other; a new wireless phone may need to be chosen from the car menu the first time.
Only Compatible Apps Appear
Navigation, music, podcast, calling, and messaging apps built for Android Auto can show on the car display. Open Android Auto settings on the phone to customize the launcher.
Maps and Streaming Use Phone Data
Android Auto depends on your phone connection for maps, music, and messages unless the content is downloaded. For long drives on limited plans, download playlists, podcasts, or offline map areas first.
Sources
- Google Support: Set up Android Auto in your car
- Google Support: Connect Android Auto wirelessly
- Android Auto Help: Compatible phones and cars