Want to use your car’s infotainment system as if it were your smartphone? Android Auto allows you to do just that, with quick and easy access to a host of applications for users of Android phones.
An alternative to Apple CarPlay for owners of a non-fruit-based phone, Android Auto is a service that lets you connect your Android phone to the car's infotainment system to display sat-nav apps, legally take phone calls, reply to messages and play audio.
All of these functions are accessed via large icons on your infotainment screen, as well as voice commands. Google, the company behind Android Auto, says the software aims to reduce your levels of distraction as much as possible, so the icons should be easy to reach when you're driving.
As car manufacturers try to grapple with the relentless development of smartphones, many drivers prefer to use mirroring services like Android Auto over the standard operating system (OS) fitted to their cars. It's no surprise, then, that around 150 million cars on our roads worldwide have Android Auto installed.
How do I access Android Auto?
If you have an Android phone - that’s a phone developed by companies such as Samsung, OnePlus, Huawei, Nokia, Sony or Google itself - Android Auto will come pre-installed on your phone if it's operating on Android 10 or above. It’s also free to install on the Google Play Store.
Connecting to your car is an easy process, as Android Auto works using a USB cable. Some newer cars offer a wireless Android Auto connection too, through Bluetooth or a wi-fi connection. If you're unsure of your car’s method of connection, have a quick look at the car's manual.
Is my phone compatible with Android Auto?
There are a few caveats to this one but stick with us. To connect your phone to Android Auto using a USB cable, it has to be running on Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher and have an active data plan.
If you want to connect it wirelessly to the infotainment system and you have an Android phone that isn't made by Samsung or Google, make sure it’s running on Android 11.0 or later.
Samsung or Google phones can use Android 10.0 or later, while Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, or Note 8 models work with Android 9.0 or later.
Remember: all phones require an active data plan and 5GHz wi-fi support. Most phones have the latter, but if you're experiencing connection issues, it may be down to this. To resolve it, contact your phone manufacturer.
How do I enable Android Auto in my car?
There are two ways of doing this: via USB connection or wirelessly. Firstly, ensure your car is compatible with Android Auto. You can consult Android's guide to every car compatible with the system here.
Join the debate
Add your comment
Built-in satnavs become outdated after 3 years max, involve subscription fees, are never as accurate as the map systems on your phone be it Android or iOS, and add to the cost of the car.If you want to live in the dark ages, kudos to you. But Ferrari was absolutely correct in not offering their own satnav in the Purosangue.
Rubbish, never paid a subscription for my built in sat nav and never needed wifi, never recieved a notification or advert, it's never tracked me or sent my location to third parties. Accurate within 8 meters which is only 3 metres more than the car is long.
Manufacturers are taking the easy route in allowing apple and android to battle it out by providing the media interface etc. Will never be as simple and as cheap as jumping in the car without a phone and inputing the postcode, end of.
"what is Android Auto"? It's what the "cool kids" - i.e. under 60s - use!
Tech Candy like this is what's selling cars these Days,min some cases it's a deal breakers especially for those who have grown up with it, I find it's too much of a distraction and most unknowingly break the law every day, you were always told that before you set off anywhere that you setup what your using so that you didn't get tempted to, I experienced this just the other day and was shocked how close I had gotten to the vehicle in front. Today's World is a very busy place technology has helped to connect instantly with clients but there is the others who strat there day talking to there friends, they continue this conversation into the car and talk till they arrive wherever. I always thought that phones could only be used while stationary, it wouldn't be hard solve for manufacturing, people would just have to accept that they're going to have to stop, no,I still think that only what's essential for driving should be active, who knows it might improve some peoples driving skills.