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 choose certainly one of them extra, given a alternative. I would nonetheless quite use Android Auto than nothing in any respect, or over most vehicles’ built-in infotainment programs. In actual fact, I would gladly purchase a car primarily based on Android Automotive, just like the Rivian R2, since it’d save me the difficulty of connecting my cellphone each time I wish 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 alternate options in case your automobile 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 car is suitable with Android Auto — test your guide, or Google’s official compatibility list — USB setup might be the only technique. Wi-fi pairing is not at all times an choice, and when it’s, there are typically further steps concerned. Typically wi-fi is not even that handy post-setup, since you will need to 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 wish to update the Android Auto app.
2. Flip in your automobile, however hold it in Park. If it is advisable to, swap in your infotainment system (sprint show) as nicely.
3. Double-check that your cellphone has a good mobile sign.
4. Join your cellphone 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 cellphone ought to be routinely detected. Observe any prompts in your cellphone and/or your sprint show.

If there’s any bother, attempt restarting your cellphone and/or your automobile. It is also that you just want a unique 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

A number of extra hoops to leap by means 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 guide or producer’s web site earlier than persevering with. As soon as that is locked down, each your cellphone and car must 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, here 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 it is advisable to, swap in your infotainment system (sprint show) as nicely.
3. Make certain each your cellphone and automobile have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled. In your cellphone, you may 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 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 a couple of 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 performed, your cellphone 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 chances are you’ll want to modify gadgets utilizing sprint menus if you happen to 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

Various 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 wager 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 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 will need to 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, 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 cellphone

Your outcomes might range

Third-party apps exist that may flip an previous Android cellphone or pill right into a head unit, reminiscent of Headunit Reloaded Emulator (HUR). Some apps are higher than others, nonetheless, and your expertise will range primarily based on the gadget 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, 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 you probably 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

Helps you to use a secondary cellphone or pill as a goal for Android Auto.

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