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

I am on report endorsing Apple CarPlay, however I do not dislike Android Auto — I simply desire one in every of them extra, given a selection. I would nonetheless moderately use Android Auto than nothing in any respect, or over most automobiles’ built-in infotainment methods. In truth, I would gladly purchase a automobile primarily based on Android Automotive, just like the Rivian R2, since it would save me the difficulty of connecting my cellphone each time I wish to drive someplace.

If you wish to add Android Auto to your individual automobile, there are solely two official choices from Google. There are third-party options in case your automobile does not have native help, however anticipate to spend some extra cash within the course of, particularly if you would like one thing slick.

1 Utilizing a USB cable

Probably the most easy course of

In case your automobile is appropriate with Android Auto — examine your handbook, 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 additional steps concerned. Typically wi-fi is not even that handy post-setup, since you will must plug your cellphone in anyway if it is low on energy.

Comply with these steps for USB setup:

1. Replace your cellphone to Android 9.0 or later if you have not already. You will additionally wish to update the Android Auto app.
2. Flip in your automobile, however preserve it in Park. If it is advisable, swap in your infotainment system (sprint show) as effectively.
3. Double-check that your cellphone has an honest mobile sign.
4. Join your cellphone to your automobile with an applicable USB cable. You could want to purchase a brand new one or an adapter — whereas most Android telephones are outfitted with USB-C, many automobiles nonetheless use USB-A ports.
5. Your cellphone ought to be mechanically detected. Comply with any prompts in your cellphone and/or your sprint show.

If there’s any hassle, attempt restarting your cellphone and/or your automobile. It may be that you just want a unique USB cable — some cables are solely designed to ship energy, not information, and people are incompatible with Android Auto.

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2 Utilizing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

A couple of extra hoops to leap by means of

That is trickier than you would possibly suppose. As I discussed, not each automobile that is appropriate with Android Auto helps wi-fi pairing, so examine your handbook or producer’s web site earlier than persevering with. As soon as that is locked down, each your cellphone and automobile have to have Bluetooth and 5GHz Wi-Fi enabled. Bluetooth establishes a handshake, whereas Wi-Fi handles the majority of Android Auto itself.

Assuming your automobile helps wi-fi Android Auto, this is the method:

1. Replace your cellphone to Android 11 or later, and replace the Android Auto app.
2. Flip in your automobile, however preserve it in Park. If it is advisable, swap in your infotainment system (sprint show) as effectively.
3. Make sure that each your cellphone and automobile have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. In your cellphone, you may 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 cellphone, go to Settings > Bluetooth to have it prepared.
6. Your automobile ought to have a voice command button on the steering wheel. Maintain this down for a couple of seconds to set off cellphone pairing.
7. Comply with any prompts in your cellphone and/or sprint show to finish the pairing course of.

As soon as that is carried out, your cellphone ought to (usually) launch Android Auto each time you get into your automobile and switch it on. Some automobiles could make you faucet an Android Auto icon, and you might want to change gadgets utilizing sprint menus when you share the motive force’s seat with one other particular person.

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3 Utilizing an aftermarket head unit

Store correctly, however do not skimp

Quite a few corporations promote aftermarket sprint shows — head models — that may add Android Auto to automobiles with out it. I am not going to checklist all of the obtainable merchandise right here, however the most secure wager is to seek for well-reviewed models that particularly point out Android Auto help. 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 digital camera wiring.

Then there’s the matter of set up. A 3rd-party head unit replaces the one constructed into your sprint, so you will must spend money on the time, studying, and instruments to deal with that your self, or else pay for a automobile AV specialist to do it for you. Most individuals ought to select the second choice, significantly since you should buy a unit and have it put in in a single fell swoop.

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4 Utilizing an outdated Android cellphone

Your outcomes could fluctuate

Third-party apps exist that may flip an outdated Android cellphone or pill right into a head unit, reminiscent of Headunit Reloaded Emulator (HUR). Some apps are higher than others, nevertheless, and your expertise will fluctuate primarily based on the system you are utilizing — do not anticipate a Pixel 6a to run Android Auto in addition to your Pixel 9 Professional. So, on prime 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 in case you have a mount, there’s typically no want to make use of Android Auto. Trendy smartphones are inclined 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 cellphone or pill as a goal for Android Auto.

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