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

I am on document endorsing Apple CarPlay, however I do not dislike Android Auto — I simply desire one among them extra, given a alternative. I might nonetheless quite use Android Auto than nothing in any respect, or over most vehicles’ built-in infotainment techniques. In actual fact, I might gladly purchase a car based mostly on Android Automotive, just like the Rivian R2, since it would save me the difficulty of connecting my telephone each time I wish to drive someplace.

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

1 Utilizing a USB cable

Essentially the most easy course of

In case your car is suitable with Android Auto — verify 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 typically further steps concerned. Generally wi-fi is not even that handy post-setup, since you may must plug your telephone in anyway if it is low on energy.

Observe these steps for USB setup:

1. Replace your telephone 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 maintain it in Park. If you want to, swap in your infotainment system (sprint show) as nicely.
3. Double-check that your telephone has a good mobile sign.
4. Join your telephone to your automobile with an acceptable USB cable. Chances are you’ll want to purchase a brand new one or an adapter — whereas most Android telephones are geared up with USB-C, many vehicles nonetheless use USB-A ports.
5. Your telephone must be robotically detected. Observe any prompts in your telephone and/or your sprint show.

If there’s any bother, attempt restarting your telephone and/or your automobile. It may be that you simply want a special 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

Just a few extra hoops to leap by means of

That is trickier than you would possibly assume. As I discussed, not each automobile that is suitable with Android Auto helps wi-fi pairing, so verify your handbook or producer’s web site earlier than persevering with. As soon as that is locked down, each your telephone and car 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 telephone to Android 11 or later, and replace the Android Auto app.
2. Flip in your automobile, however maintain it in Park. If you want to, swap in your infotainment system (sprint show) as nicely.
3. Be certain that each your telephone and automobile have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. In your telephone, you possibly can toggle these radios by utilizing the Settings app, or by swiping down from the highest to disclose Fast Settings.
4. Double-check that you’ve a good mobile sign.
5. In your telephone, 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 telephone pairing.
7. Observe any prompts in your telephone and/or sprint show to finish the pairing course of.

As soon as that is accomplished, your telephone ought to (usually) launch Android Auto each time you get into your automobile and switch it on. Some automobiles might make you faucet an Android Auto icon, and it’s possible you’ll want to modify gadgets utilizing sprint menus for those who share the driving force’s seat with one other individual.

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3 Utilizing an aftermarket head unit

Store correctly, 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 listing all of the out there 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 might have issues like gradual efficiency, weak contact response, or incompatibility together 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 may must put money into 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 purchase a unit and have it put in in a single fell swoop.

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4 Utilizing an previous Android telephone

Your outcomes might fluctuate

Third-party apps exist that may flip an previous Android telephone or pill right into a head unit, akin to Headunit Reloaded Emulator (HUR). Some apps are higher than others, nevertheless, 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 price, it’s possible you’ll find yourself spending on higher Android {hardware}, and/or a mount to maintain that {hardware} in place.

Keep in mind that if in case you have a mount, there’s usually no want to make use of Android Auto. Trendy 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

Permits you to use a secondary telephone or pill as a goal for Android Auto.

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