Google developed Android Auto for motorists who are frustrated with their car’s native infotainment system. Like rival software Apple CarPlay, Android Auto gives drivers the option of embedding a familiar, smartphone-like interface into their touchscreen.
Setting up Android Auto is a straightforward process, and it’s relatively easy to use. Here’s what you need to know.
How to set up Android Auto to run on the phone’s screen
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Unlike Apple CarPlay, which runs only on a vehicle’s infotainment screen, Android Auto can run directly on a mobile phone in vehicles that either don’t have a screen or can’t run the software. The functionality is the same as it would be on the in-dash screen, but it allows the user to play audio over Bluetooth instead of needing to plug in. Regardless of the connection, the basic Android Auto functionality is the same. To get started:
Make sure your device is running at least Android 5.0 (Android 6.0 is recommended)
If you’re using Android 9 or lower, you’ll need to download the Android Auto app from the Google Play Store. Android 10 (the latest version as of writing) comes with the app built in.
Once you’ve downloaded the app and checked your phone’s operating system, you’ll need to start the app for the first time. Your phone may ask you to download updates to other apps that are used by Android Auto, like Google Maps. The app will also require you to review a safety notice and acknowledge terms and conditions, but only the first time you use Android Auto.
How to set up Android Auto to run with a USB connection
Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends
Just like running Android Auto on the device’s screen itself, using a wired USB connection requires that you have a device that is running at least Android 5.0, but there is an extra step involved in the vehicle’s settings. You’ll need to make sure that your vehicle is compatible with Android Auto (dozens are) and that it’s enabled in your vehicle. The first time you plug in your phone, you will be prompted to download the Android Auto app if you don’t have it already. If you’re running Android 10 or higher, the app is already included.
To complete the setup:
Make sure your vehicle is running and safely parked
Unlock your phone’s screen
Pair your phone and car via Bluetooth
Update any required apps, like Google Maps
Review the safety reminder
Turn on notifications for Android Auto
Until you disable it, Android Auto will auto-start whenever you plug your phone in.
How to update Android Auto
There’s good news for people who worry about software updates. Android Auto is easy to keep up-to-date using the Google Play Store. Since the software runs primarily on your phone, you shouldn’t need to make any major updates to your vehicle’s infotainment system. If one is needed, you’ll likely receive it via an over-the-air (OTA) software update pushed directly by the manufacturer, or as part of a normal check-up at an approved shop or dealership.
How to use Android Auto
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The 2019 update brought a redesigned interface and new features to Android Auto. Previously, many consumers thought it was a somewhat bare-bones system. Switching from an Androidsmartphone to Android Auto felt anything but seamless. Thankfully, improvements to the design have us rethinking the system’s previous evaluation. The overhaul starts with the system’s menus. Instead of a “launcher bar” at the bottom of the screen, the updated interface has an app drawer. In fact, the drawer looks much like the one on the phone itself. There’s a new launch screen that takes the place of the home screen from previous versions. Now, when you plug in your phone, you’ll see the navigation app with a group of suggested destinations. The system is smart and will remember whether you were using Google Maps or Waze as your navigation software. Music or a podcast will start playing automatically as well. You can also disable the feature, though. On each screen of the interface, there is a home button that will return you to the app launcher. From there, you can select a different function.
Getting the most out of the app is relatively easy. All you have to do is tap the icon like you would on your phone to open the app. Remember that the app won’t close until you want to switch to a different app. The app will also close if you unplug your phone from the charger or if you turn off your car. You can use voice control to operate many of the features, making for an undeniably convenient and safe driving experience for drivers. It also offers clearly-labeled and easy-to-read icons and menus for users to browse through when they aren’t behind the wheel.
We can assure you that Google Assistant will fulfill your needs. It’s currently the top voice control system available today, so you’re bound to love what it has to offer. It has almost all of the same features in your car as it does on your smartphone, giving you the ability to ask for directions and make or take phone calls while on the road. Users can set and edit reminders and task updates throughout the day and request music to be played by title, group, or genre.
The fantastic thing about Android Auto is its high growth potential. This software is capable of more than what we see now. We’re excited to observe how the platform evolves in the years to come. Over the years, infotainment systems have drastically improved. Android is working hard to remain steady and offer software that matches vehicles’ capabilities. Each year we see more and more companies equipping their vehicles with Android Auto. If you’re looking for a new car, you’ll probably discover that Android Auto is included. For dedicated Android fans, pairing with Android Auto is a welcome experience each time they enter their car.
You’ll soon be able to watch YouTube videos in your Android Automotive car
Google is making a bigger play for the in-car infotainment system. At Google I/O 2023, the company took the wraps off of a series of improvements to both Android Auto and Android Automotive, allowing those who want Google-based services in their car to get more features and better account integration.
As a reminder, the two systems may have a similar (almost identical?) name, but are actually quite different. Android Auto essentially just projects content from your phone, whether through a wireless or wired connection. It's Google's answer to Apple's CarPlay, and doesn't work without your phone. Android Automotive, however, is a version of Android that runs in the car itself, as the car's main infotainment system. It works whether you have a connected phone or not. Collectively, Google refers to the systems as Android for Cars -- yes, yet another name.
GM plans to phase out Apple CarPlay for EVs, go all-in on Android integration
General Motors plans to stop using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity in future EVs in favor of infotainment systems developed with Google based on the company's tech. First reported by Reuters, the move is surprising given the popularity of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which allow users to project content from smartphones onto a car's touchscreen, bypassing the native infotainment systems.
GM's decision to stop offering these systems on future EVs, starting with the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, could help the automaker capture more customer data, Reuters noted, providing insight into how vehicles are used. But it will likely be detrimental to the user experience, as customers will have to learn to use built-in infotainment systems, rather than the smartphone interfaces they're used to.
The Kia EV3 could be the cheap electric SUV we’ve been waiting for
The Kia EV9 was already one of the cheapest ways to get an electric SUV, but now the company is taking things to the next level. After teasing the Kia EV3 last year, the car is now official.
The EV3 is built to be a slightly smaller, cheaper version of the EV9 -- following the path of the Rivian R2, which arrived after the Rivian R1S. It's certainly not as technologically advanced as the EV9, but it still looks unmistakably like a modern Kia, and is clearly a sibling of the larger SUV. On the outside, the vehicle has the same split taillights and very similar Tiger Face front. But it is quite a bit smaller. The vehicle will be available in nine finishes -- however only "Aventurine Green" and "Terracotta" are being announced right now.
