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Android Auto Not Working? Here’s How to Troubleshoot and Fix Common Issues

If you’re experiencing issues with Android Auto app, don’t worry! In this article troubleshooting guide for Android Auto app issues, we’ll walk you through some common problems and provide solutions to get your Android Auto app up and running smoothly.

In addition to the common issues faced with Android Auto, users might also encounter regional restrictions and content limitations while using the platform. Fortunately, there are free VPN (Virtual Private Network) solutions available for Android that can help alleviate these problems. By installing a reliable free VPN for Android devices, you can bypass geographical restrictions and access Android Auto from anywhere in the world.

However, it’s important to choose a reputable free VPN service that offers fast and secure connections, as not all free VPNs provide the same level of reliability. Keep in mind that while free VPNs can be helpful for accessing Android Auto and other geo-restricted services, they may have limitations on data usage and server locations, so it’s essential to read user reviews and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Android Auto app is a popular platform that allows users to use their Android devices while driving. Android Auto is a great app that lets you use your Android phone with your car’s infotainment system. You can access Google Maps, music apps, make and receive calls, and reply to messages with your voice while driving.

With its voice-activated features and easy-to-use interface, it’s no surprise that more and more people are using it every day.

However, like any technology, sometimes Android Auto app can sometimes run into issues and may not work as expected. You may encounter issues like connection problems, blank or blurry screen, app crashes, or compatibility errors.

In this article, we’ll go over some of the most common problems that users experience with Android Auto and provide solutions to help you troubleshoot and fix Android Auto app not working problem.

Android Auto Not Working? Here's How to Troubleshoot and Fix Common Issues

Common Android Auto Issues

  • Android Auto Not Connecting to Car
  • Android Auto App Connection issues: Android Auto requires a stable and strong internet connection to work properly. If your device is not connected to the internet, or if the connection is weak, Android Auto may not work.
  • Android Auto Not Responding
  • Android Auto Crashing
  • Android Auto Not Working with Samsung Phones
  • Android Auto Not Working with Your Music App
  • Android Auto Not Showing Maps
  • Android Auto Not Responding to Voice Commands

Common Reasons Why Android Auto is Not Working

If you are experiencing issues with Android Auto, the following reasons may be the cause:

  • Connection issues: Android Auto requires a stable and strong internet connection to work properly. If your device is not connected to the internet, or if the connection is weak, Android Auto may not work.
  • Compatibility issues: Android Auto is not compatible with all devices and car models. Make sure your device and car are compatible with Android Auto before attempting to use it.
  • Outdated software: Outdated software can also cause issues with Android Auto. Make sure your device and car are running the latest software updates.

Pre-check

While Android Auto is a powerful and reliable system, it’s not immune to the occasional glitch or bug. If you’re experiencing issues with Android Auto, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. First, make sure your phone is updated to the latest version of Android and that the Android Auto app is up to date. You can also try restarting your phone and your car’s infotainment system, or disconnecting and reconnecting your phone’s USB cable.

Troubleshooting Android Auto

While Android Auto is designed to be simple and easy to use, you may run into issues from time to time. Here are some common problems you may encounter, and how to troubleshoot them:

Android Auto Not Connecting? Here’s What You Can Do

If your Android Auto isn’t connecting to your car, there are a few things you can try to fix the issue.

First, make sure that your phone is compatible with Android Auto and that you have the latest version of the app installed, compatible car or aftermarket head unit. You can check the list of compatible phones on the Android Auto website.

If your phone is compatible and you have the latest version of the app, make sure your phone is connected to your car’s USB port, and try restarting both your phone and your car. This can often solve the problem. If that doesn’t work, try disconnecting your phone from your car and then reconnecting it. You can also try using a different USB cable or port.

If none of these solutions work, you may need to check your car’s manual or contact the manufacturer to see if there are any specific requirements for using Android Auto.

Android Auto Not Responding, Freezing or Crashing? Here’s What You Can Do

If your Android Auto is freezing or not responding, try these steps to fix the problem. First, make sure that your phone is unlocked and that the Android Auto app is open on your phone. If your phone is locked or the app is closed, Android Auto will not work.

If your phone is unlocked and the app is open, try restarting your phone and your car. You can also try clearing the cache and data for the Android Auto app. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Storage > Clear cache and Clear data.

Try clearing the cache and data for the Android Auto app, or uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Make sure your phone is running the latest version of Android, and that you have the latest version of the Android Auto app installed.

If Android Auto still isn’t responding, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Uninstall. Then, reinstall the app from the Google Play Store.

Android Auto Not Working with Your Music App or Not Playing Music? Here’s What You Can Do

If you’re having trouble playing music through Android Auto, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure that the music app you’re using is compatible with Android Auto. You can check the list of compatible apps on the Android Auto website.

If the app is compatible, try restarting your phone and your car. You can also try disconnecting your phone from your car and then reconnecting it. If that doesn’t work, try using a different music app or checking the app’s settings to make sure that it is set up correctly for use with Android Auto.

If that doesn’t work, try using a different music app or checking the app’s settings to make sure that it is set up correctly for use with Android Auto.

How to Fix Android Auto Connection Issues

If you are experiencing connection issues with Android Auto, try the following solutions:

Check your internet connection: Make sure your device is connected to a stable and strong internet connection. Try resetting your Wi-Fi router or switching to a different network to see if the issue is resolved.

Restart your device: Restarting your device can also help resolve connection issues with Android Auto. Hold down the power button until the restart option appears and select it.

Clear cache and data: Clearing the cache and data of the Android Auto app can also help fix connection issues. Go to your device’s settings, select Apps, find Android Auto, and select Storage. From there, select Clear Cache and Clear Data.

How to Fix Android Auto Compatibility Issues

If your device or car is not compatible with Android Auto, you may need to try the following solutions:

Check compatibility: Check if your device and car are compatible with Android Auto on the official Android Auto website. If they are not compatible, consider upgrading your device or car to a newer model.

Use a compatible cable: Make sure you are using a compatible USB cable to connect your device to your car’s display. Some cables may not be compatible with Android Auto, causing it to not work.

How to Fix Android Auto Outdated Software Issues

If your device or car’s software is outdated, you can try the following solutions:

Check for software updates: Check if there are any software updates available for your device and car. Make sure to install the latest updates to ensure Android Auto works properly.

Update Android Auto: If Android Auto is not working properly, try updating the app from the Google Play Store. Open the Play Store app, search for Android Auto, and select Update.

Android Auto Not Responding to Voice Commands? Here’s What You Can Do

If you’re having trouble with voice commands in Android Auto, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure that your phone’s microphone is working properly. You can test this by using the voice recorder app on your phone.

If your microphone is working properly, try restarting your phone and your car. You can also try clearing the cache and data for the Google app. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Google > Storage > Clear cache and Clear data.

If voice commands still aren’t working, you can try disabling and re-enabling the Google app. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Google > Disable. Then, re-enable the app and try using voice commands again.

Android Auto Not Showing Maps? Here’s What You Can Do

Android Auto is a great app that lets you access Google Maps and other apps on your car’s infotainment system. However, sometimes you may encounter problems with the app not showing maps or displaying a blank screen. This can be frustrating and potentially dangerous if you rely on navigation while driving. Fortunately, there are some possible solutions that you can try to fix this issue. Here are some of them:

Restart your phone and car: Sometimes, a simple reboot can solve many glitches and errors. Try turning off your phone and car completely and then turning them back on. This may refresh the connection between your phone and car and fix any temporary issues.

Clear the Android Auto app cache and storage: Another possible cause of the problem is corrupted or outdated app data. You can clear the cache and storage of the Android Auto app to remove any unwanted files and free up some space. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your phone.

Step 2: Tap on Apps & notifications > See all apps and scroll until you find Android Auto.

Step 3: Tap on Android Auto and then tap on Storage & cache.

Step 4: Tap on Clear cache and then tap on Clear storage.

Step 5: Confirm your action and restart your phone.

This will reset the app to its default settings and may resolve the issue.

Update the Android Auto app and Google Maps: Sometimes, the problem may be caused by outdated or incompatible versions of the apps. You should always keep your apps updated to the latest version to ensure optimal performance and security. To check for updates, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store app on your phone.

Step 2: Tap on the Menu icon (three horizontal lines) and then tap on My apps & games.

Step 3: Tap on Updates and look for Android Auto and Google Maps.

Step 4: If there are any updates available, tap on Update next to each app.

Alternatively, you can also update the apps manually by visiting their respective pages on the Google Play Store and tapping on Update.

Check your USB cable and settings: If you are using a wired connection between your phone and car, you should also check your USB cable and settings. Make sure you are using a high-quality cable that supports data transfer and not just charging. Also, make sure the cable is not damaged or loose. You can try using a different cable or port to see if that makes a difference.

Additionally, you should also check your USB settings on your phone. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Connect your phone to your car via USB.

Step 2: Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the notification panel.

Step 3: Tap on the notification that says Android System or USB charging this device.

Step 4: Tap on File transfer or Android Auto (depending on your device).

Step 5: This will enable data transfer mode and allow Android Auto to access Google Maps.

Switch to Android Auto Wireless: If none of the above solutions work, you may want to try switching to Android Auto Wireless instead of using a wired connection. This way, you can avoid any issues with cables or ports and enjoy a more seamless experience. However, not all phones, cars, or stereos support Android Auto Wireless, so you will need to check their compatibility first.

To use Android Auto Wireless, you will need a phone that runs at least Android 11 (or Android 10 for some Google and Samsung phones) and supports 5GHz Wi-Fi. You will also need a car or stereo that supports Android Auto Wireless (you can check the official list here). Additionally, you will need an active data plan as Android Auto Wireless uses mobile data for navigation and other features.

To set up Android Auto Wireless, follow these steps:

Step 1: Make sure your phone has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.

Step 2: Start your car and turn on its stereo system.

Step 3: On your phone, open the Android Auto app and tap on Get started.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to pair your phone with your car via Bluetooth.

Step 5: Once paired, tap on Turn on when prompted to enable Android Auto Wireless.

Step 6: Wait for a few seconds until Android Auto launches on your car’s screen.

You can now use Google Maps and other apps wirelessly without plugging in your phone.

Android Auto isn’t working with your favorite app? Here’s What You Can Do

Not all apps are compatible with Android Auto, so make sure the app you’re trying to use is supported. You can check the list of compatible apps in the Android Auto app settings.

Solution 1: Check Your Microphone

Make sure that your phone’s microphone is working properly. You can test this by using the voice recorder app on your phone.

Solution 2: Restart Everything including Your Phone and Car

Sometimes a simple restart can fix many problems with Android Auto not working. You should try restarting your phone, your car’s infotainment system, and the Android Auto app to clear out any glitches or conflicts that might be interfering with the connection.

Start by unplugging your phone from your car’s infotainment system and turning off your car. Then, turn your phone off and wait a few minutes before turning it back on.

To restart your phone, press and hold the power button until a menu appears and tap on Restart.

To restart your car’s infotainment system, refer to your car’s manual or contact your dealer for instructions.

To restart the Android Auto app, open the Settings app on your phone and tap on Apps & notifications (or Apps on some devices). Then tap on Android Auto and select Force stop.

Tap on Android Auto and select Force stop.

Once your phone has restarted, turn your car back on and plug your phone back into your car’s infotainment system. This should reset the connection and help you get your Android Auto working again.

Solution 3: Ensure Phone is Unlocked and Android Auto app is Opened

Make sure that your phone is unlocked and that the Android Auto app is open on your phone. If your phone is locked or the app is closed, Android Auto will not work.

Some cars may require you to enable Android Auto in their settings before you can use it with your phone. You should check if your car has such an option and turn it on if it is off.

To do this, refer to your car’s manual or contact your dealer for instructions. You may also need to grant some permissions or accept some terms and conditions before using Android Auto in your car.

Solution 4: Check Your Internet Connection

Make sure your device is connected to a stable and strong internet connection. Try resetting your Wi-Fi router or switching to a different network to see if the issue is resolved.

Solution 5: Check Your Phone and Car Compatibility to ensure your phone and car are compatible

Not all cars are compatible with Android Auto. Make sure that your phone is compatible with Android Auto and that you have the latest version of the app installed. You can check the list of compatible phones on the Android Auto website. Check the list of compatible cars on the Android Auto website to see if your car is included. If they are not compatible, consider upgrading your device or car to a newer model.

You can check the car and third-party stereo compatibility on Google’s official list here: https://www.android.com/auto/compatibility/

You can also check if your phone supports Android Auto by opening the Settings app on your phone and tapping on Connected devices. Then tap on Connection preferences and look for Android Auto. If you don’t see it, your phone may not be compatible.

Check Your Phone and Car Compatibility to ensure your phone and car are compatible

Solution 6: Check Your Music App Compatibility

Not all music apps are compatible with Android Auto. make sure that the music app you’re using is compatible with Android Auto. You can check the list of compatible apps on the Android Auto website to see if your app is included.

Solution 7: Check Your Bluetooth Connection

Android Auto relies on Bluetooth to communicate with your car’s infotainment system. Make sure that your phone is paired with your car and that Bluetooth is turned on.

If your Android Auto is still not working, it may be because of a problem with your Bluetooth connection. Make sure that your phone is paired with your car’s infotainment system via Bluetooth. If it is not, go to your phone’s Bluetooth settings and pair it with your car. If your phone is already paired, try unpairing it and then pairing it again. This should help reset the connection and get your Android Auto working again.

Solution 8: Check Your Phone, and USB Cable Connection or Use a Different USB Cable

One of the most common reasons why Android Auto won’t connect is because of a faulty cable. Try using a different cable to connect your phone and see if that solves the issue.

If you are using a wired connection to use Android Auto, you should make sure that your cable is in good condition and properly connected. Sometimes a faulty or loose cable can cause connection issues or prevent Android Auto from launching.

You should use a high-quality USB cable that supports data transfer and fast charging. You should also try using a different cable if possible to rule out any cable problems. Additionally, you should check if your car’s USB port is working properly and clean it if necessary.

The first step in fixing Android Auto is to ensure that your phone and cable are connected properly. Check that your phone is unlocked and that the cable is securely plugged into both your phone and the car’s USB port. If you’re using a wireless connection, make sure that your phone and car are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Another possible reason why Android Auto isn’t working is because of a faulty USB cable. If your USB cable is damaged or not functioning properly, it may not be able to connect your phone to your car’s infotainment system.

Make sure that you’re using a high-quality cable that is compatible with your phone and car. If you’re not sure, try using a different USB cable or USB port and see if that fixes the issue. It’s also important to note that some USB ports in cars may not be compatible with Android Auto, so you may need to try a different one. If your Android Auto starts working with a different cable, then you know that your original cable was the problem.

If changing the cable doesn’t work, make sure that your phone is not set to charge only mode. To do this, go to your phone’s Settings and look for Developer options. In the Developer options, make sure that the USB configuration is set to MTP or File transfer mode.

Make sure that the USB configuration is set to MTP or File transfer mode.

Solution 9: Use a compatible cable

Make sure you are using a compatible USB cable to connect your device to your car’s display. Some cables may not be compatible with Android Auto, causing it to not work. If you’re not sure, try using a different USB cable or USB port. It’s also important to note that some USB ports in cars may not be compatible with Android Auto, so you may need to try a different one.

Solution 10: Check for Software Updates

Make sure that both your phone and car are running the latest software updates. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues between Android Auto and your car.

One reason why Android Auto may not be working is because your phone or car’s software is out of date. Make sure that both your phone and Android Auto app are updated to the latest versions. To check if there are any updates available, follow these steps:

  • For your phone: Go to Settings > System > System updates.
  • For your car: Consult your car manual or contact the car manufacturer’s support team.

If there are updates available, download and install them. Once you’ve done that, try using Android Auto again.

Solution 11: Update Your Phone and Apps

The first step to fixing any issue with Android Auto not working is to install updates. Google recommends having the latest version of Android installed. You will need at least Android 8.0 (Oreo) to run Android Auto. As of Android 10, the app is preinstalled, so you don’t have to worry about installing it separately from the App Store.

You should also update the apps that you use with Android Auto, such as Google Maps, Spotify, WhatsApp, etc. To check for updates, open the Google Play Store app on your phone and tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) on the top left corner. Then tap on My apps & games and select Update all.

Solution 12: Check for App Updates

It’s also important to make sure that the Android Auto app is up to date. To check if there are any updates available, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store app.

Step 2: Tap on the three horizontal lines in the upper left-hand corner of the screen.

Step 3: Tap on My apps & games.

Step 4: If an update is available for Android Auto, tap the Update button.

Once you’ve updated the app, try using Android Auto again.

Solution 13: Update Your Android Auto App

Another common issue with Android Auto is that your phone may not be running the latest software version. If you are running an older version of Android, you may experience issues with Android Auto. To check if your phone is up to date, go to your phone’s settings and look for system updates. If there is an update available, download and install it. This should help fix any issues you are experiencing with Android Auto.

Update Your Android Auto App

Solution 14: Update Google Play Services

Here are the steps to update Google Play Services:

Step 1: Go to your phone’s Settings > Apps (Apps & notifications) > See all apps > Google Play services > App details in store.

Step 2: Google Play Services will open in the Play Store, then tap Update if you see that option.

Alternatively, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your Android phone.

Step 2: Scroll down and select Apps & Notifications.

Step 3: Choose See All X Apps (where X is the number of apps installed on your phone).

Step 4: Scroll down in the list to find and tap Google Play Services.

Step 5: Tap Advanced at the bottom and tap App details or tap App details in store.

Step 6: Tap the Update button if you see an update button is available.

Update Google Play Services

Solution 15: Update Google Maps

Here are the steps to update Google Maps on Android:

Step 1: Open the Play Store app on your device.

Step 2: Tap (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner of the screen.

Step 3: Tap My Apps & Games.

Step 4: Scroll down to Google Maps (or Maps – Navigation & Transit).

Step 5: If you see an Update button next to Google Maps, tap it.

Update Google Maps

Solution 16: Clear Android Auto App Cache and Data

If your phone and cable connection are working correctly, the next step is to clear the Android Auto app cache and data. The cache is a temporary storage area that stores some data and files to make the app run faster and smoother. However, sometimes the cache can get corrupted or outdated and cause performance issues or errors.

Clearing the data and cache for the Android Auto app can also help resolve issues with the app. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on Android Auto.

Step 3: Tap on Storage & cache.

Step 4: Tap on Clear storage and then Clear cache.

Clear Android Auto App Cache and Data

Once you’ve cleared the data and cache, try using Android Auto again. This should reset the app and fix any issues that may have been causing it to malfunction.

Solution 17: Setting Up Android Auto App Correctly

To use Android Auto, you’ll need a few things. First, you’ll need an Android phone running Android 6.0 or higher. You’ll also need a compatible car or aftermarket head unit, as well as a USB cable to connect your phone to your car.

Once you have everything you need, setting up Android Auto is easy. Simply download the Android Auto app from the Google Play Store, connect your phone to your car, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.

Solution 18: Turn on USB Debugging

Here are the steps to turn on USB debugging on Android:

Step 1: Go to Settings on your Android device.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap About phone (or About tablet).

Step 3: Scroll down again and tap Build number for seven times. You will see a message that says “You are now a developer!”.

Step 4: Go back to Settings and scroll down to Developer options.

Step 5: Tap Developer options and then toggle on USB debugging.

Turn on USB Debugging

Solution 19: Disable Battery Optimization

Battery optimization is a feature on some phones that can interfere with Android Auto’s functionality. To disable battery optimization for Android Auto, go to your phone’s settings, select Battery, and then Battery optimization. From there, find the Android Auto app and select Don’t optimize.

Disable Battery Optimization

Solution 20: Uninstall and Reinstall Android Auto App

If Android Auto still isn’t responding, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Uninstall. Then, reinstall the app from the Google Play Store.

Uninstall and Reinstall Android Auto App

Solution 21: Check for Car Infotainment System Firmware Updates

Sometimes Android Auto may not work properly if your car’s infotainment system has outdated firmware or software. You should check if there are any updates available for your car’s system and install them if there are.

To do this, refer to your car’s manual or contact your dealer for instructions. You may need to connect your car to a Wi-Fi network or use a USB drive to download and install the updates.

Solution 22: Reset Your Car’s Infotainment System

If none of the above steps have worked, you can try resetting your car’s infotainment system. Consult your car manual or contact the car manufacturer’s support team for instructions on how to do this.

Solution 23: Factory Reset Your Phone

If you’ve tried all the above solutions and Android Auto still isn’t working, a factory reset may be necessary. Keep in mind that this will erase all data on your phone, so make sure to back up any important files before proceeding. To perform a factory reset, go to your phone’s settings, select System, and then Reset options.

Solution 24: Check car’s manual or contact manufacturer

If none of these solutions work, you may need to check your car’s manual or contact the manufacturer to see if there are any specific requirements for using Android Auto.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to Android Auto issues:

Question: Why is Android Auto not compatible with my phone or car?

Answer: Android Auto is compatible with most Android phones running Android 6.0 or higher, and most cars that have a USB port or a wireless connection. However, some phones or cars may not support Android Auto due to hardware or software limitations. You can check the compatibility list on the official Android Auto website or contact your phone or car manufacturer for more information.

Question: How can I use Android Auto wirelessly?

Answer: Android Auto wireless is a feature that allows you to use Android Auto without a USB cable. However, this feature is only available for certain phones and cars that support it. You can check the compatibility list on the official Android Auto website or contact your phone or car manufacturer for more information. To use Android Auto wirelessly, you need to have a Wi-Fi connection and Bluetooth enabled on your phone and car. You also need to have the latest version of the Android Auto app and Google Play Services on your phone, and the latest firmware on your car. You can then pair your phone with your car and follow the instructions on the screen to set up Android Auto wireless.

Question: How can I use Android Auto on my phone screen?

Answer: Android Auto on phone screen is a feature that allows you to use Android Auto on your phone without connecting it to a car. This feature is useful if your car does not support Android Auto or if you want to use Android Auto as a standalone app. To use Android Auto on phone screen, you need to have the latest version of the Android Auto app on your phone. You can then launch the app and tap the Android Auto icon on the bottom right corner of the screen. You can also use a car mount or a dashboard holder to place your phone in a convenient position.

Summary

Android Auto is a useful and convenient way to connect your smartphone to your car and access your favorite apps, navigation, music, and messages. However, sometimes Android Auto may not work as expected and cause frustration for the users.  If these steps do not solve your problem, you can contact the Android Auto support team or visit the Android Auto help center for more assistance.

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