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

I am on document endorsing Apple CarPlay, however I do not dislike Android Auto — I simply choose one among them extra, given a selection. I might nonetheless fairly use Android Auto than nothing in any respect, or over most automobiles’ built-in infotainment programs. Actually, 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 alternate options in case your automotive would not have native assist, however count on to spend some more money within the course of, particularly in order for you one thing slick.

1 Utilizing a USB cable

Essentially the most easy course of

In case your car is suitable with Android Auto — test your guide, or Google’s official compatibility list — USB setup might be the only methodology. Wi-fi pairing is not at all times an choice, and when it’s, there are usually further steps concerned. Typically wi-fi is not even that handy post-setup, since you may need to 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 may additionally need to update the Android Auto app.
2. Flip in your automotive, however preserve it in Park. If you have to, change in your infotainment system (sprint show) as effectively.
3. Double-check that your telephone has an honest mobile sign.
4. Join your telephone to your automotive with an applicable USB cable. You could want to purchase a brand new one or an adapter — whereas most Android telephones are geared up with USB-C, many automobiles nonetheless use USB-A ports.
5. Your telephone needs to be robotically detected. Comply with any prompts in your telephone and/or your sprint show.

If there’s any bother, attempt restarting your telephone and/or your automotive. It may be that you simply 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 if you in any other case need to preserve a lid on privateness.

2 Utilizing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

A number of extra hoops to leap by

That is trickier than you may suppose. As I discussed, not each automotive that is suitable with Android Auto helps wi-fi pairing, so test your guide 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, here is the method:

1. Replace your telephone to Android 11 or later, and replace the Android Auto app.
2. Flip in your automotive, however preserve it in Park. If you have to, change in your infotainment system (sprint show) as effectively.
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 have 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 performed, your telephone ought to (usually) launch Android Auto each time you get into your automotive and switch it on. Some automobiles could make you faucet an Android Auto icon, and you might want to modify units utilizing sprint menus when you share the driving force’s seat with one other particular person.

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

Quite a few 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 out there merchandise right here, however the most secure guess is to seek for well-reviewed models that particularly point out Android Auto assist. You needn’t lay our a fortune, however do not be too low cost, both. Inferior models could have issues like gradual efficiency, weak contact response, or incompatibility along with your rearview digicam wiring.

Then there’s the matter of set up. A 3rd-party head unit replaces the one constructed into your sprint, so you may need to spend money on 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 choice, notably since you should buy a unit and have it put in in a single fell swoop.

Associated

How I play offline Android games

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

4 Utilizing an previous Android telephone

Your outcomes could range

Third-party apps exist that may flip an previous Android telephone or pill right into a head unit, akin to Headunit Reloaded Emulator (HUR). Some apps are higher than others, nonetheless, and your expertise will range primarily based on the machine 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 value, you might find yourself spending on higher Android {hardware}, and/or a mount to maintain that {hardware} in place.

Keep in mind that when you have a mount, there’s usually no want to make use of Android Auto. Trendy 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 actually’t play it secure with smartphone design endlessly. Or can it?