4 methods so as to add Android Auto to your automobile

I am on document endorsing Apple CarPlay, however I do not dislike Android Auto — I simply favor considered one of them extra, given a alternative. I might nonetheless moderately use Android Auto than nothing in any respect, or over most vehicles’ built-in infotainment techniques. The truth is, I might gladly purchase a automobile based mostly on Android Automotive, just like the Rivian R2, since it would save me the difficulty of connecting my cellphone each time I need 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 would not have native assist, however count on to spend some more money within the course of, particularly if you need one thing slick.

1 Utilizing a USB cable

Essentially the most simple course of

In case your automobile is suitable with Android Auto — test your handbook, or Google’s official compatibility list — USB setup might be the best methodology. Wi-fi pairing is not at all times an choice, and when it’s, there are typically additional steps concerned. Generally wi-fi is not even that handy post-setup, since you will must plug your cellphone in anyway if it is low on energy.

Observe these steps for USB setup:

1. Replace your cellphone to Android 9.0 or later if you have not already. You may additionally need to update the Android Auto app.
2. Flip in your automobile, however hold it in Park. If you should, swap in your infotainment system (sprint show) as properly.
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 vehicles nonetheless use USB-A ports.
5. Your cellphone needs to be mechanically detected. Observe any prompts in your cellphone and/or your sprint show.

If there’s any hassle, attempt restarting your cellphone and/or your automobile. It is also that you simply want a special USB cable — some cables are solely designed to ship energy, not knowledge, and people are incompatible with Android Auto.

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2 Utilizing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Just a few extra hoops to leap by way of

That is trickier than you may assume. As I discussed, not each automobile that is suitable with Android Auto helps wi-fi pairing, so test 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 hold it in Park. If you should, swap in your infotainment system (sprint show) as properly.
3. Be sure that each your cellphone and automobile have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. In your cellphone, you possibly can 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’ve 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 just a few seconds to set off cellphone pairing.
7. Observe 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 chances are you’ll want to change units utilizing sprint menus if you happen to share the motive force’s seat with one other individual.

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3 Utilizing an aftermarket head unit

Store properly, however do not skimp

A lot of corporations promote aftermarket sprint shows — head items — that may add Android Auto to automobiles with out it. I am not going to checklist all of the accessible merchandise right here, however the most secure wager is to seek for well-reviewed items that particularly point out Android Auto assist. You need not lay our a fortune, however do not be too low cost, both. Inferior items 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, notably 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, similar to Headunit Reloaded Emulator (HUR). Some apps are higher than others, nonetheless, and your expertise will fluctuate based mostly on the machine you are utilizing — do not count on a Pixel 6a to run Android Auto in addition to your Pixel 9 Professional. So, on high of the app’s value, chances are you’ll find yourself spending on higher Android {hardware}, and/or a mount to maintain that {hardware} in place.

Keep in mind that when you’ve got a mount, there’s typically no want to make use of Android Auto. Fashionable smartphones are likely 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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