4 methods so as to add Android Auto to your automotive

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

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

1 Utilizing a USB cable

Probably the most simple course of

In case your automobile is appropriate with Android Auto — examine your guide, or Google’s official compatibility list — USB setup might be the best methodology. Wi-fi pairing is not all the time an choice, and when it’s, there are usually 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 may additionally wish to update the Android Auto app.
2. Flip in your automotive, however maintain it in Park. If it’s worthwhile to, change 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 automotive with an acceptable USB cable. You could 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 automotive. It is also that you just want a unique 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

A number of extra hoops to leap by means of

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

Assuming your automotive 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 automotive, however maintain it in Park. If it’s worthwhile to, change in your infotainment system (sprint show) as nicely.
3. Make certain each your telephone and automotive have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. In your telephone, 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 have a good mobile sign.
5. In your telephone, go to Settings > Bluetooth to have it prepared.
6. Your automotive ought to have a voice command button on the steering wheel. Maintain this down for just a few 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 finished, your telephone ought to (usually) launch Android Auto each time you get into your automotive and switch it on. Some automobiles could make you faucet an Android Auto icon, and it’s possible you’ll want to modify units utilizing sprint menus in the event you share the driving force’s seat with one other individual.

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3 Utilizing an aftermarket head unit

Store properly, however do not skimp

Various firms 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 accessible merchandise right here, however the most secure guess is to seek for well-reviewed models that particularly point out Android Auto assist. 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 together with your rearview digicam 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 automotive 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 previous Android telephone

Your outcomes could range

Third-party apps exist that may flip an previous Android telephone or pill right into a head unit, resembling Headunit Reloaded Emulator (HUR). Some apps are higher than others, nonetheless, and your expertise will range based mostly 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 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 typically no want to make use of Android Auto. Fashionable 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

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

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