Android Auto is a value for money feature that goes beyond the conventional approach of connecting smartphones with a car via Bluetooth. This feature opens up new ways to utilise your device while in the car, assisted by Google services.
While the service is a delight, if Android Auto stop working, it can be a real headache real quick, especially if you’re travelling. However, you don’t have to worry; we have got you covered. Below we have discussed a few troubleshooting tips to find the problem and solve the same in a jiffy.
What causes the Android Auto not working issue?
- A bad connection, either wired or wireless.
- Android Auto is setup with multiple vehicles and now trying to pair with the wrong one.
- A corrupted or outdated app.
- Either car or smartphone is not compatable with Android Auto.
- You may have changed some software settings that are affecting the connection.
Most of the time, the problem is not that complex. All you need to do is follow few steps, and you are good to go. Below are few tested solutions to fix the Android Auto not working issue, using which your Android Auto will start working again as new.
Also read: How to add Apps to Android Auto?
How to fix the Android Auto Not Working error?
These Android Auto troubleshooting tips will help you fix the feature when it isn’t working right, so you don’t miss out on valuable features and capabilities.
Restart your Mobile
We sometimes stuff our smartphones with the latest apps or updates for the old ones to try them all simultaneously. This makes a smartphone hang or its processor run hay-wire. The best way to solve this glitch is to restart the device and then try connecting your vehicle and smartphone via Andriod Auto.
On most devices, you can do this by holding the Power button until a menu appears. Choose Restart if it’s available; otherwise, hit Shut Down and then turn your phone back on after a minute or two.
Make sure you have compatable smartphone
Buying the latest smartphones has become a norm of the day, and it is improbable that your new smartphone does not have an Android Auto.
So if you are trying out the Android Auto feature with an old smartphone, make sure your is running at least Android version 6.0 (Marshmallow) or newer, an active data plan, and the latest version of the Android Auto app.
If you want to use the app on your phone screen for Android 10 or higher, you can install the Android Auto for Phone Screens app on your device.
Also read: Google Play Services keep stopping: 9 Fixes
Update your Phone and the Android Auto App
If you have been using Android Auto for quite some time and this is the first time you have encountered an error, then this might mean that the App or operating system needs a quick update. To update your device, go to Settings > Software update, or Settings > System > Advanced > System Update; from here, download and install any available updates.
- Open mobile settings and go to Software Updates.
- Here click on the download button; if any update is available.
- On the pop-up menu click continue.
Afterwards, open the Google Play Store and tap on your profile picture at the top-right and select My apps & games. Then from the list, either click Update all or just the Android Auto app.
- Open Google Play Store and tap on the profile picture at the top-right corner of the screen.
- Then Click on My apps & games.
- Here either update all the apps by clicking on Update all button or just the Android Auto app and tap on the Update button..
Confirm that your Car Supports Android Auto
Not all cars have Android Auto configured in their infotainment system and if your cars infotainment system does not show an Android Auto application, then chances are you don’t have the feature regardless of a USB port in the vehicle.
The Android Auto Compatibility page will help you figure out if your specific car and stereo are compatible or not. If they are not, you can purchase an external stereo that supports Android Auto and get it installed in your vehicle.
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Change the USB cable
Android Auto has advanced to Wireless connections, but USB cable tethering is still in use. If your smartphone and vehicle both support Android Auto but Android Auto not working error arises, then it is recommended you change the USB cable because either it is of poor quality or is somehow damaged.
Try replacing your USB cable with another one you know is of high quality; the cable that came with your phone is usually a good fit. And also, make sure the cable supports data transfer and is not just for charging.
Check your paired car settings
You can pair Android Auto with multiple cars; this sometimes changes the pair settings of the application. It is possible you might have accidentally added your car to the Rejected Cars list or turned off Add new cars to Android Auto. Go to the settings of the app and remove the car from the rejected list in case.
- Open Android Auto app and tap the three horizontal lines at the top left corner of the screen.
- Then open Settings.
- Now click on Previously connected cars.
- Here remove any listed car under Rejected cars list and make sure the toggle besides Add new cars to Android Auto is always swiped right.
If you are still unable to connect, open the Android Auto app, tap the three-dot menu button at the top-right, hit Forget all cars, and try Setting up Android auto in your car again.
- If you want to forget all cars at ones then click on the three dotted horizontal button at the top right corner of the screen.
- Tap on Forget all cars.
- Finally press OK to confirm the step.
Also read: Mobile network not available: 8 Fixes
Clear Cache and Storage for the Android Auto App
If you don’t find the above-mentioned problems with the connection, then temporary files may have accumulated and interfered with your Android Auto app. In this case, clearing the cache of the Android Auto app will give you a clear picture.
To do so, first, disconnect the mobile from your USB cable and then go to smartphones Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Storage > Clear Cache.
- Open mobile Settings; scroll down to click on App management button.
- Click on App list.
- Now find and Click on Android auto button to open App info.
- Click on Storage usage.
- Now clear the temporary files by taping on Clear cache button.
In all likeliness, clearing the cache should fix the Android Auto not working error.
Troubleshoot Your Car’s Infotainment System
If Android Auto does not start automatically on your car’s display, then maybe you have not chosen the transfer file option on the smartphone. If it still doesn’t appear on your display, you should check for problems with your car’s head unit. Make sure you’re launching the Android Auto app from the main menu of the infotainment system. Remember to keep the software of the vehicles up-to-date all the time.
If nothing else works
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer or your dealer because you probably have a more serious problem with either your car or phone. There’s a chance that something is wrong with your car’s internals, causing Android Auto not to work.
Try connecting your phone to another vehicle that supports Android Auto or connecting another Android phone to your car, if possible. This will help you nail down the Android Auto not working error.
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