Can you use voice commands with Android Auto?

What is Android Auto?
Android Auto is a smartphone projection system developed by Google that allows Android phones to connect to car displays and control apps and services through the dashboard interface (https://www.lifewire.com/android-auto-vs-apple-carplay-7494971). It enables drivers to access key features of their Android device without having to interact directly with the phone, keeping their eyes on the road for a safer driving experience.
When connected to a compatible car display, Android Auto projects a simplified version of the Android interface, with Google Maps for navigation, Google Assistant for voice commands, and access to music, messaging, calling and select third party apps. It is designed specifically for use in vehicles to minimize distractions. Android Auto was first announced in 2014 and has since expanded to support more than 500 car models from over 50 brands.
Voice Command Capabilities
Android Auto has built-in voice control through Google Assistant. This allows you to use your voice to control many features of Android Auto without needing to touch the screen or buttons. According to Google support, you can use voice commands to make calls, listen to music, get directions, send messages, and more.
Some examples of voice commands you can use include:
- “Call Mom”
- “Play rock music”
- “Navigate home”
- “Send a text to John”
Android Auto’s voice control is designed to allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. With just your voice, you can control many key functions and access entertainment, navigation, communications and more while driving.
Activating Voice Control
There are a few different ways to activate voice control with Android Auto:
Tap the microphone icon on the Android Auto screen. This will open up the voice command interface so you can start speaking commands. The microphone icon is located in the lower right corner of the Android Auto screen.
Say “Ok Google” or “Hey Google” to activate voice commands hands-free. Android Auto will listen for these wake words and launch voice control when it hears them. You don’t need to touch anything, just speak the wake words loudly and clearly.
Press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel, if your car is equipped with this. Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact location. This functions the same as tapping the microphone icon.
Once you activate voice control in one of these ways, you’ll see the microphone icon light up and you can start speaking commands. Speak naturally as you would to a person.
For more tips on activating voice control, check out Google’s support page.
Voice Commands for Navigation
Android Auto allows you to navigate to destinations and find nearby places using just your voice. Here are some of the key voice commands to use for navigation:
To get directions to a destination, say “Navigate to [destination]” or “Get directions to [destination].” You can provide an address, city, business name, contact name, etc. Android Auto will provide route options and begin navigation.
To find nearby restaurants, gas stations, shops, etc., say “Find nearby [place]” or “Search for nearby [place].” You can search for generic categories like restaurants, gas stations, parking, or specify a business name. Android Auto will show results and let you select a location.
Other useful navigation voice commands include:
- “Add a stop at [location]” – Add a waypoint along your route
- “Wake up” – Restart Android Auto if the screen dims
- “Stop navigation” – End route guidance
- “Where am I?” – Get current location
Overall, Android Auto’s voice recognition for navigation is quite robust. It can understand variations of phrasing for the same commands. The key is speaking clearly and formatting your request appropriately to get accurate results.
Voice Commands for Media
You can easily control music and audio playback in Android Auto using just your voice. Here are some of the most useful media voice commands:
To play music from your favorite apps like Spotify, YouTube Music or Pandora, try saying commands like:
- “Play [song name]”
- “Play songs by [artist]”
- “Play “
You can also tune into radio stations and podcasts by voice. Examples include:
- “Tune to [radio station]”
- “Play [podcast name]”
So whether you want to rock out to your favorite tunes or catch up on the latest podcast episode, Android Auto makes it easy with intuitive voice controls for media playback. Just press the voice command button and say what you want to listen to!
Voice Commands for Messaging
Android Auto allows you to send and receive text messages hands-free using only your voice. To send a text message, simply say “Hey Google” or press the voice command button, then say something like “Send a text message to John Smith”. Android Auto will ask you to confirm the contact name and then ask what message you want to send. Speak your message naturally and Android Auto will transcribe it into a text message.
You can also have Android Auto read incoming text messages out loud. After receiving a new text, you will get an audio prompt saying you have a new message. Say “Read it” or “Read messages” and Android Auto will read the sender’s name and the message content out loud. This allows you to stay focused on the road while still being able to receive and respond to text messages.
Android Auto works with the default messaging app on your phone as well as popular third party apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Hangouts, and more. The voice commands work the same regardless of which app you use for messaging. Android Auto requires permission to access your text messages in order to provide hands-free messaging features.
Voice Commands for Calling
Android Auto allows you to easily make calls hands-free using only your voice while driving. Here are some of the key voice commands for calling with Android Auto:
To make calls to saved contacts, simply say “Call [contact name]” and Android Auto will dial that contact. For example, saying “Call John Smith” will initiate a call to that contact if they are saved in your phone.
You can also return recent calls using your call history by saying “Return call”. Android Auto will call back the most recent call you received or dialed. You can also specify a name from your recents by saying “Return call to [name]” (source: https://www.slashgear.com/1368468/android-auto-voice-commands-you-should-use/).
To dial a specific number, say “Call [phone number]”. Android Auto will dial the exact number you state. For example, “Call 555-123-4567”. This makes it easy to dial numbers not stored in your contacts.
Overall, Android Auto’s voice calling capabilities allow you to easily make calls on the go without taking your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.
Other Useful Commands
There are many other useful voice commands available in Android Auto beyond just navigation, messaging, and media controls. You can use your voice to quickly check the weather, your calendar, battery status of your phone, and more. Some examples include:
“Hey Google, what’s the weather like today?” – Android Auto will provide a weather report for your current location.
“Hey Google, what’s on my calendar today?” – View your schedule for the day.
“Hey Google, what’s my phone’s battery level?” – Find out how much battery you have left on your connected Android device.
You can also use voice commands to open up apps on your Android Auto system like Spotify, YouTube Music, etc. Just say “Hey Google, open [app name]” to quickly launch the app.
Adjusting basic controls in your car is easy with voice commands too. You can say things like:
“Hey Google, turn up the volume.”
“Hey Google, set brightness to maximum.”
This allows you to keep your focus on the road while using your voice to control your Android Auto system.
Limitations
While Android Auto does offer robust voice command capabilities, there are some limitations to be aware of. According to a Reddit thread, certain apps may not fully support voice controls when connected to Android Auto [1]. Users report issues launching apps or using voice commands within apps like Spotify or Audible. The integration with Android Auto’s voice control seems to be inconsistent across third-party apps.
In addition, very complex voice commands may not work properly in Android Auto. Asking Google Assistant to complete multi-step tasks or convoluted requests does not always yield the desired result. The voice recognition capabilities work best for straightforward navigation, calling, media, and messaging commands. Users may need to simplify their requests into clear, discrete steps to ensure Google Assistant understands and executes the desired action.
Tips for Using Voice Control
To get the most out of Android Auto’s voice control capabilities, keep these tips in mind:
Speak clearly and precisely when issuing voice commands. Android Auto relies on voice recognition technology, so clear enunciation and pronunciation are important. Mumbling or trailing off at the end of sentences can result in misrecognition.
Avoid background noise when possible. Loud music, open windows, multiple passengers talking, and other noise can potentially interfere with Android Auto’s microphone and make it hard for voice commands to be understood.
Know which voice commands are available. Android Auto only supports certain predefined voice commands. Trying random phrases usually won’t work. Review the list of available commands so you know what you can say. Useful commands include “Navigate to [location]”, “Play [song/artist/album]”, “Call [contact name]”, and “Send a text to [contact name]”.
For a full list of voice commands, check out this MakeUseOf article.