Car infotainment systems have been evolving through the ages with radio to cassettes to CDs to aux or Bluetooth connected mobile phones playing music. However, the current evolution in the in-car infotainment system has brought the power of smartphones (including Android and iOS) to our cars, allowing you to sync your Android phone with your vehicle to access apps and various helpful features like voice command and navigation, among others.
Previously Android Auto used to be a wired-only feature. But with the tech advancements, it now supports wireless connectivity for added convenience.
So if you are new to this fantastic smart in-car entertainment tech and want to know how to take advantage of it, then follow the step-by-step guide below to set up Android Auto on your car and smartphone.
- Setup Android Auto with USB
- Setup Android Auto using Bluetooth
- Setup Android Auto using wireless projection
Android Auto setup requirements
- You will need an Android device running Android marshmallow 6.0 and up with a data plan for starters.
- A USB cable if your car’s infotainment system or stereo does not support a wireless connection
- Android Auto app.
If you have Android 10 or higher installed on your mobile, then there is no need to download the App. It is pre-installed. Update the app before you start the setup procedure and if you are looking for wireless projection, you need to have a Google or Samsung phone with Android 10.0 or any smartphone with Android 11.0 compatibility. Although for Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, or Note 8, Android version 9.0 works just fine.
Also read: How to empty the trash on Android?
How to set up Android Auto (Wired)?
The wireless projection of Android Auto was rolled out in 2018. Before that the cars coming with Android Auto compatibility commonly support a wired connection.
Make sure that the wire supports file transfer and is not torn from anywhere. When ready, follow these steps to connect your Android smartphone.
This process needs undivided attention, so don’t do this while driving. Turn on your mobile phone, make sure the Android Auto app is installed and up to date and follow the steps mentioned below.
Step 1: Connect the phone to the vehicle using a USB cable.
Step 2: As the device connects, the smartphone will automatically display the Welcome to Android Auto screen; click on Next.
Step 3: Now, accept all the follow-up prompts by taping on the Next button. For the first time setup, the application will ask you to give specific permissions; click on Allow button to grant the necessary access to the app.
Step 4: Then hit the Andriod Auto toggle under notifications access.
Step 5: Finally, Select Android Auto on the vehicle’s infotainment system display if it has not automatically launched; press OK on all the instructional prompts.
Now every time you plug your phone into the vehicle’s infotainment system via USB, it will connect automatically.
If using a wired connection isn’t convenient, you can choose to pair your phone with Bluetooth using the guide below.
Also read: How to fix ‘phone not allowed for voice’?
How to set up Android Auto (Wireless)?
Not all vehicles support wireless Android Auto connection. To know whether you are driving the one supporting this feature, visit the Google Android Auto vehicle and stereos compatibility window. And if it does, then follow the guide below to setup Android Auto on your vehicle.
This process needs undivided attention, so don’t do this while driving. Turn on your mobile phone, turn on its Bluetooth, make sure the Android Auto app is installed and up to date and follow the steps mentioned below.
Step 1: Pair your phone and car via Bluetooth. For that, navigate to the Settings menu of your vehicle, click on Device Connections and then on Bluetooth. Confirm the PIN on your phone.
Step 2: Once connected, your smartphone will display a Welcome to Android Auto screen; click on Next.
Step 3: Now, accept all the follow-up prompts by taping on the Next button. For the first time setup, the application will ask you to give specific permissions; click on Allow button to grant the necessary access to the app
Step 4: Finally, Select Android Auto on the car infotainment system display if it has not automatically launched; press YES on the consensus screen to enable the feature.
Also read: What is com.android.mms?
How to set up an Android Auto connection using wireless projection?
Not all vehicles support wireless projection to know whether your car has the feature or not. You have to either ask the dealers or try to connect yourself. Remember to keep the Bluetooth of your mobile on at all times.
On mobile
Open the Android Auto app on your smartphone and follow the steps mentioned below.
- Click on the three-line horizontal button on the top left corner of the screen.
- Then click on settings; if you have an Android 10 or higher version device, go to your phone’s Settings and search for Android Auto.
- Scroll down to the end of the window and click on Version (10 times) to enable the Developer Settings.
- Click on the three-dotted horizontal line on the top right corner of the screen.
- Go to Developer Settings.
- And finally, enable Add wireless projection to settings by tapping on the tick box beside.
On car’s infotainment system
Step 1: Go to the Settings menu of your car
Step2: Then Click on Device Connections.
Step 3: Finally, click on Phone Projection and pair the mobile with your car via Bluetooth.
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