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 want considered one of them extra, given a alternative. I might nonetheless reasonably 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 would save me the difficulty of connecting my telephone each time I need 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 count on to spend some more money within the course of, particularly if you need one thing slick.

1 Utilizing a USB cable

Probably the most simple course of

In case your automobile is suitable with Android Auto — verify your handbook, or Google’s official compatibility list — USB setup might be the best technique. Wi-fi pairing is not all the time an choice, and when it’s, there are typically further steps concerned. Typically wi-fi is not even that handy post-setup, since you may need to 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 need to update the Android Auto app.
2. Flip in your automotive, however maintain it in Park. If it’s essential to, change in your infotainment system (sprint show) as nicely.
3. Double-check that your telephone has an honest 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 outfitted with USB-C, many vehicles nonetheless use USB-A ports.
5. Your telephone ought to be mechanically 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 may be 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

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 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 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 automotive helps wi-fi Android Auto, here 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 essential to, change in your infotainment system (sprint show) as nicely.
3. Make sure that each your telephone and automotive 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 an honest 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 might make you faucet an Android Auto icon, and it’s possible you’ll want to modify gadgets utilizing sprint menus if you happen to share the driving force’s seat with one other particular person.

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3 Utilizing an aftermarket head unit

Store properly, however do not skimp

Quite a lot of firms 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 guess is to seek for well-reviewed items that particularly point out Android Auto assist. You needn’t lay our a fortune, however do not be too low cost, both. Inferior items might have issues like sluggish efficiency, weak contact response, or incompatibility along 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 need to spend money on 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, significantly 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 range

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, nonetheless, and your expertise will range based mostly on the system you are utilizing — do not count on a Pixel 6a to run Android Auto in addition to your Pixel 9 Professional. So, on prime of the app’s value, 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 in case you have a mount, there’s typically 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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