How do I install Android system in my car?

What is Android Auto?

Android Auto is a software system developed by Google to allow Android phones to interface with car infotainment systems. It enables drivers to access apps and services from their phone in a safer, more convenient way while driving. Android Auto displays a simplified interface on the car’s in-dash screen, with Google Maps for navigation, media playback controls, voice commands through Google Assistant, and more. According to Asurion, Android Auto is designed to minimize distractions so drivers can focus on the road. It mirrors features and apps from your Android phone onto the car’s display.

Is My Car Compatible With Android Auto?

To determine if your vehicle is compatible with Android Auto, you’ll first need to check the model year. Android Auto was first introduced in 2014, so vehicles from 2014 model year and newer are the most likely to support Android Auto. According to Android.com, popular car makes that are compatible include Acura, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Subaru, Volkswagen and many more.

You’ll also want to check how your car connects to Android Auto – via wired USB connection or wireless Android Auto. Most cars with native Android Auto support require a wired connection through USB. However, wireless Android Auto allows you to connect your phone without any cables. Wireless Android Auto started appearing in 2019 model year vehicles. Some examples of vehicles with wireless Android Auto include the Acura RDX, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, Lexus NX and more.

In summary, check your vehicle model year and connectivity method to determine if it natively supports Android Auto. 2014 model year and newer vehicles, especially 2019 and newer for wireless Android Auto, are the most likely to be compatible. Refer to compatibility lists to check your specific car make, model and year.

Requirements for Android Auto

In order to use Android Auto, there are certain requirements that your smartphone and vehicle must meet. First, your phone will need to be running Android 8.0 or newer. Older versions of Android are not supported. According to Google’s support page, the following Android phones are compatible with Android Auto as of August 2022:

• Google Pixel series (Pixel 2 and newer)
• Samsung Galaxy S series (S8 and newer)
• Samsung Galaxy Note series (Note 8 and newer)
• LG phones (LG G5 and newer)
• Moto phones (Moto Z and newer)

You’ll also need to download the Android Auto app from the Google Play Store. This app allows your phone to connect to your car’s infotainment system. In addition to an Android phone running Android 8.0+, your vehicle will need to be compatible with Android Auto. Most cars from 2016 or newer support Android Auto, along with many aftermarket stereos. Refer to your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to confirm compatibility.

Lastly, you’ll need an active data plan on your phone, as Android Auto relies on cellular data connectivity to access many of its features. WiFi-only devices are not supported. As long as your Android phone meets the version and compatibility requirements, has the Android Auto app installed, and maintains a cellular data connection, you should be ready to connect it to your compatible vehicle.

Installing the Android Auto App

To get started with Android Auto, you will first need to download the Android Auto app on your Android smartphone. The app is available for free on the Google Play store.

To install the app, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Search for “Android Auto”. The app should be published by Google.
3. Tap on the Android Auto app from the search results.
4. Tap on the “Install” button.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.

The Android Auto app is now installed on your device. The next step is connecting your phone to your car’s infotainment system via USB cable or wirelessly to access Android Auto’s features. See the next section for instructions on connecting your phone.

For more information on downloading the Android Auto app, visit the Android Auto page on the Google website.

Connecting to Car via USB

To connect Android Auto to your car’s infotainment system via USB, you will need a compatible USB cable. This is usually the charging cable that came with your Android phone.

First, plug the larger USB-A end of the cable into the USB port in your car’s center console or dashboard. This is the port that is designated for Android Auto and CarPlay connections. If you’re unsure which port it is, check your owner’s manual.

Next, plug the smaller USB-C or micro USB end of the cable into your phone. Your phone may automatically launch the Android Auto app at this point. If not, manually launch Android Auto on your phone.

The first time you connect, you may need to follow some on-screen prompts to enable Android Auto to access certain features like Bluetooth and location services. You may also need to enable a connection prompt on your car’s infotainment screen.

Once connected via USB, Android Auto will launch on your car’s infotainment screen allowing you to access its various features. As long as your phone remains plugged in, you’ll stay connected.

To disconnect, simply unplug the USB cable from your phone. You can also disable Android Auto from the quick settings in your car’s infotainment system.

Connecting Wirelessly to Android Auto

Many newer vehicles allow you to connect to Android Auto wirelessly using Bluetooth, without the need for a USB cable connection. This offers more convenience and flexibility when using Android Auto. Here’s how to connect wirelessly:

First, check if your vehicle supports wireless Android Auto. The owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website will indicate if your car’s infotainment system is compatible. Most cars from 2019 onwards with Android Auto support offer wireless connectivity.

You’ll also need an Android phone running Android 10 or higher. On your phone, make sure Bluetooth is enabled and that you have the latest version of the Android Auto app installed. Open the app and enable wireless Android Auto in the settings if prompted.

The next step is pairing your phone with your car’s infotainment system via Bluetooth, similar to connecting a wireless headset. Refer to your owner’s manual for the specific pairing process required. Typically, you’ll need to access Bluetooth settings on your car’s display screen and select your phone when it appears as an available device.

Once paired over Bluetooth, Android Auto should connect wirelessly each time you enter the vehicle. Your phone may prompt you to complete the connection on first launch. You can then use Android Auto features like Google Maps, music apps, calling, and voice commands without directly plugging in your device.

According to this source, wireless Android Auto connectivity provides up to 15 meters of Bluetooth range from the infotainment system for convenience.

Using Android Auto Features

One of the best parts of Android Auto is the powerful features it offers to make driving easier and safer. Here are some of the most popular Android Auto features to take advantage of:

Google Maps – Get turn-by-turn navigation and real-time traffic updates right on your car’s display. Easily search for destinations and points of interest. Android Auto prioritizes Google Maps so it’s always just a tap away.

Voice commands – Use your voice to make calls, send messages, play music and podcasts, get directions, and more hands-free. The Google Assistant is built-in to Android Auto for helpful voice control.

Music & podcasts – Stream your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, Pocket Casts and more. Android Auto makes it easy to access your entertainment.

Personal assistant – Get reminders, calendar alerts, weather updates and other personalized info through the Google Assistant. It can also control smart home devices, find nearby restaurants/businesses, and answer questions.

Vehicle information – Monitor fuel level, range, tire pressure, and other vehicle stats directly on the Android Auto display when supported by your car.

Third-party apps – In addition to core functions, many third-party apps are optimized for Android Auto like messaging, EV charging, parking, and more. Browse the Android Auto section of the Play Store to discover compatible apps.

Customization – Change background colors, adjust app layouts, set dark mode and other settings to tailor Android Auto to your preferences.

Customizing Android Auto

Android Auto allows you to customize certain aspects of the interface to personalize the experience. Here are some ways to customize Android Auto:

Changing the Background

You can change the background image in Android Auto by going to Settings > Customization in the Android Auto app on your phone. From here, you can choose from preset wallpapers or use your own photo. Just make sure any custom wallpaper is a landscape image for best fit.[1]

Customizing the Launch Screen

The launch screen in Android Auto is the main menu that appears when you first connect your phone. You can customize the layout and which apps appear here. Go to Customization in Settings and select “Customize launcher.” From here you can add, remove, and rearrange apps on the launch screen.[2]

Changing Display Settings

Under Display settings in Android Auto, you can change options like font size, screen brightness, and whether to keep the display on when charging. Tweaking these settings can improve visibility and accessibility when using Android Auto.

Night Mode

Enable Night Mode in Android Auto for a darker display that’s easier on your eyes when driving at night. You can find this under Customization settings.

Split-Screen Mode

Android Auto has an optional split-screen mode to display map navigation and media controls simultaneously. Enable this under Display > Split screen in Settings.

With some customization, you can personalize Android Auto to best suit your needs and preferences while driving.

Troubleshooting Android Auto

If you are having issues getting Android Auto to work properly, there are some troubleshooting steps you can take:

First, make sure your phone, car, and Android Auto app are all compatible and up-to-date. Sometimes an app or software update can fix connection issues. Restart your phone and try reconnecting to Android Auto.

Check that the USB cable you are using is high-quality and can transfer data. Some charging-only cables may not work properly for Android Auto. Try connecting your phone directly to the USB port rather than any adapters or hubs.

In your car display settings, confirm Android Auto is enabled and try toggling any related settings on and off. You may need to consult your owner’s manual for instructions on accessing these settings.

If you get error messages in the Android Auto app, note the exact wording and search online for solutions. Connection issues like “Error 412” may indicate an incompatible cable [1]. Other fixes involve clearing the app’s cache/data or uninstalling updates.

As a last resort, you can try resetting the infotainment system in your car. This restores factory settings which may resolve software glitches. Make sure to backup any saved settings before resetting.

If nothing seems to resolve your Android Auto issues, you may need to contact tech support for further troubleshooting. Be prepared to provide details on your phone model, car make/model, and any error messages.

Tips for Using Android Auto

Here are some tips to help you get the best experience using Android Auto:

Adjust the placement of your phone in your car to get the best GPS signal and Bluetooth connection. Place it high on the dashboard or invest in a phone mount. Be sure to keep the USB or wireless charging port clear of obstructions.

Regularly clean out lint and debris from the USB port and wireless charging pad in your car. This will ensure a solid connection to Android Auto.

Switch to a high-quality USB cable if you notice connection issues. Not all cables reliably transmit data for Android Auto.

If using wireless Android Auto, be sure your phone’s battery is charged sufficiently before each drive. The constant Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS connections in the car can drain your battery.

Adjust Android Auto’s voice prompt volume in your car’s audio settings so you can hear navigation guidance clearly.

Customize which apps show in the Android Auto interface for quick access to your most-used apps for maps, music, calling, and messaging.

Consider subscription services like YouTube Music to have unlimited ad-free music on the road.