Can you change default music app Android Auto?

Android Auto is an interface developed by Google to allow Android smartphones to integrate with car infotainment systems. It allows drivers to access key features and apps from their phone in a simplified format optimized for use while driving. Android Auto projects onto the car’s built-in display screen and is controlled through the dashboard buttons, touchscreen, or steering wheel controls.

The main purpose of Android Auto is to minimize driver distraction by limiting interactions to only essential functions. It provides easy access to navigation, music, calling, and messaging while locking out more distracting apps. Android Auto aims to improve driving safety by enabling drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Default Music App in Android Auto

The default music app in Android Auto is Google Play Music. This means when you connect your Android phone to your car’s infotainment system through Android Auto, Google Play Music will automatically open and begin playing music. Google Play Music comes pre-installed on most Android devices, and sets itself as the default music player.

Some users, however, prefer using other music apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music etc. Unfortunately, these apps will not automatically open when connected to Android Auto, unless they are specifically set as the default music player. This is because Android Auto has Google Play Music hardcoded as its default music app.

Changing the Default Music App

It is possible to change the default music app in Android Auto. The default music app in Android Auto is Google Play Music. However, you can set a different app as the default if you prefer to use a different music streaming service.

To change the default music player in Android Auto, first make sure you have the Android Auto app installed on your phone and that you have connected your phone to your car’s infotainment system at least once. You will also need to have the music app you want to set as the default installed on your phone.

Then, open the Settings app on your Android phone and go to Apps & Notifications > Default Apps. Scroll down and select Music Player and choose the app you want to set as the default. For example, if you want Spotify to launch automatically in Android Auto, you would select Spotify here.

The next time you connect your phone to your car and open Android Auto, your selected music app will launch automatically instead of Google Play Music. You can still access and use other music apps in Android Auto, but your chosen default will launch first [1].

Requirements for Custom Music Apps

In order for a music app to work with Android Auto, it must be designed to support the Android Auto API. There are a few key requirements:

• The app must target Android 6.0 (API level 23) or higher (source: https://developer.android.com/training/cars/media/auto)
• It must implement the MediaBrowserService to allow Android Auto to browse and play media (source: https://developer.android.com/training/cars/media/auto)
• The app should optimize for driver safety by having easy-to-use controls and voice commands (source: https://www.android.com/auto/)

By supporting the Android Auto API, music apps can integrate seamlessly with the Android Auto interface and provide media playback directly from a car’s head unit system. This allows for safe, driver-friendly music controls using touch, dials, or voice instead of handling the phone directly while driving.

Steps to Change the Default

Changing the default music app in Android Auto is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:

Google support thread outlines the steps as follows:

1. Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
2. Go to Settings > Media Apps.
3. Under “Music player,” tap on the current default app.
4. Select the new app you want to set as the default.

Once you change the default, Android Auto will now open and use the new music app for playing audio automatically. For example, if you ask Google Assistant to play a song, it will open in the newly selected default music player.

The key steps are accessing the Media Apps settings in Android Auto and choosing the desired new default music app. Make sure the app you select is compatible with Android Auto.

Compatible Music Apps

There are many excellent music apps that are compatible with Android Auto and allow you to change the default music player. Here are some of the most popular options:

Spotify (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spotify.music&hl=en_US&gl=US) – Spotify is one of the most widely used music streaming services, with over 170 million monthly active users. Its Android Auto integration allows full voice control and navigation.

YouTube Music (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.youtube.music&hl=en_US&gl=US) – Google’s official music streaming app, with over 80 million songs available. It offers playlists, radio, and podcasts.

Pandora (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pandora.android&hl=en_US&gl=US) – Popular internet radio app with music discovery features. It creates personalized stations based on artists, songs, or genres.

Amazon Music (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amazon.mp3&hl=en_US&gl=US) – Amazon’s music app with tens of millions of songs available. It offers playlists and stations for Prime members.

Deezer (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=deezer.android.app&hl=en_US&gl=US) – Music streaming service with over 90 million tracks. It provides flow personalized stations and expertly curated playlists.

Troubleshooting

Here are some solutions for common issues that may arise when trying to change the default music app in Android Auto:

If you don’t see your preferred music app as an option to select, make sure the app is installed on your phone and you are signed in. Under “More music services” in the Android Auto settings, you can link additional compatible music apps [1].

On Samsung devices, check that you have customized launcher enabled for Android Auto. Go to Settings > Connections > Android Auto > Customize Launcher. If this option is missing, try updating to the latest version of Android Auto [2].

If you previously selected “Always” for a music app but now want to change it, first remove that app as the default by selecting “Only when using app” before choosing your new preferred app. Restarting Android Auto can also help reset the default [3].

As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall the Android Auto app. This will reset all settings and allow you to freshly choose a new default music player.

Limitations

There are some restrictions when it comes to changing the default music app in Android Auto. The main limitation is that only apps that support Android Auto’s media browsing APIs can be set as the default music player.

This means that not all music apps are compatible to be set as the default. For example, according to users on Reddit, apps like Spotify do not support Android Auto’s media browsing APIs, so Spotify cannot be set as the default music player in Android Auto. Instead, the default remains whichever music app came with the phone, like Google Play Music.

Tips for Using Custom Music Apps

When using a custom music app as your default in Android Auto, it’s important to follow best practices to ensure seamless access to your music library. Here are some tips:

Make sure the app you select is optimized for Android Auto. Look for apps designed specifically for in-car use, like Another Music Player or Hi-Res Music Player. These will have larger buttons and voice controls optimized for in-car use.

Make sure you grant the necessary permissions so Android Auto can access your music library in the new default app. You may need to grant access to external storage or enable background playback.

Use voice commands as much as possible to search for and play music hands-free. Say “Ok Google, play X song by Y artist on Z app” to start music instantly.

Curate playlists specifically for driving so you spend less time browsing and more time listening. Add playlists to your Favorites for quick access.

Switch to audio only mode in bandwidth-intensive apps like YouTube Music to prevent streaming interruptions.

Bookmark frequently accessed music in the Android Auto home screen for one-tap access. Long press a suggestion to add it to your bookmarks.

Adjust app settings before driving to enable larger text, voice feedback, and other accessibility options.

By following these tips, you can enjoy seamless access to your music library using your preferred app in Android Auto.

Conclusion

In summary, Android Auto does allow you to change the default music app from Google Play Music or Spotify to a third party app like Amazon Music or YouTube Music. However, the app must meet certain requirements around media button controls, notifications, and voice commands to be compatible with Android Auto. The steps involve updating the Android Auto app, granting various permissions, and selecting the new default from the settings. With some trial and error, most major music streaming services can successfully be set as the default player. Just be aware of potential limitations around compatibility with your car display and troubleshooting any issues that arise. Overall, changing the default music app in Android Auto is possible, allowing you to listen to the music service you prefer while driving.