A few years ago, having an in-car navigation system felt like a real luxury. But these days, built-in systems often fall short — the maps don’t always reflect current traffic conditions, and updates can lag behind. When you head into a newly developed area or a city that’s still expanding, it’s common to find that the roads aren’t even on the map yet, or that businesses have changed names and the system hasn’t caught up. Because of that, most people end up relying more on smartphone navigation apps than on the car’s built-in unit.
What is Android Auto?
Android Auto, developed by Google, is a platform that connects your Android smartphone to your car’s infotainment system. It’s designed to let you safely use phone features while driving. The interface is simplified, works with voice commands, and helps you stay focused on the road without being distracted.
You can use Android Auto in a few ways: some cars come with it already built-in, some head units support it, and you can connect either through a cable (wired) or wirelessly. Here, I’ll go over how to use it in cars with built-in support using a wired connection.
How to Connect Android Auto with a Cable
What you’ll need:
- A USB cable (use the original cable or one that supports data transfer; cheap charging-only cables won’t work).
- An Android smartphone (Android 6.0 or later).
- A compatible car or head unit that supports Android Auto.
Tip: I prefer a short USB-C to USB-C cable so it doesn’t dangle around. But the type depends on your car and phone. Even a standard Samsung cable works fine.
If your phone runs Android 10 or newer, Android Auto is already built-in, so you don’t need to install it separately. Otherwise, download it from the Play Store. Even if it’s pre-installed, it’s a good idea to check for updates.
Latest Version of the Android Auto Application
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.projection.gearhead&hl=EN&pli=1
In the Android Auto settings, you can customize which apps show up, change the UI, tweak voice command options, and more. You can also browse Android Auto-compatible apps directly on the Play Store.
Official Google Android Auto Website
https://www.android.com/intl/EN/auto/
Step-by-step connection:
Plug the USB cable into the car’s Android Auto port (it usually has a phone + display icon; locations vary by car — center console, glove box, etc.).
Plug the other end into your phone.
Once connected, you’ll see “Starting Android Auto” on the car’s screen, and your phone will show that it’s linked.
Important: Don’t plug into the cigarette lighter socket or a standard charging-only port — Android Auto won’t work there.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
If you see “Can’t start Android Auto” or “Connection lost,” the problem is usually the cable or the phone itself. Try swapping cables first.
Older phones often disconnect in tunnels or after a while. That’s because newer Android Auto versions aren’t always supported on older hardware.
If the versions between your phone and car system don’t match, you might run into errors. In many cases, upgrading to a newer phone solves the issue.
Using Android Auto
Once connected, you’ll see the main Android Auto screen. The “puzzle piece” icon at the bottom left lets you split the screen to run two apps at once (for example, navigation + music).
You can make calls, listen to music, use navigation, and check texts. However:
- Voice recording during calls isn’t supported. If you need that feature, disconnect Android Auto first.
- You can view text messages but typing replies is very limited — hopefully that improves in future updates.
Overall, Android Auto makes it much easier and safer to use your phone’s core features while driving, even if there are a few limitations.
We’ve now gone over how to use Android Auto with a wired connection. Beyond navigation and calls, it also supports a wide range of features like games, podcasts, calendars, and weather updates, making it a really useful driving companion.
These days, wireless Android Auto is becoming more common as an option. With the wired version, you always have to plug and unplug your phone, which can feel inconvenient.
If you’d like a more seamless experience and don’t mind spending a little extra, using a wireless Android Auto adapter could be a great solution.