How do I play videos while driving on Android Auto?
Android Auto is Google’s in-car interface that allows drivers to access apps and services from an Android phone in a safer, driver-friendly format. When connected to a compatible car or head unit, Android Auto projects an interface optimized for driving onto the vehicle’s display. This allows drivers to access certain apps hands-free using voice commands, steering wheel controls, and simplified onscreen interfaces.
One of the core features of Android Auto is media playback from streaming, radio, and audio apps. With proper setup, drivers can safely play music, podcasts, audiobooks and other media while keeping their eyes on the road. However, video playback is restricted for safety reasons. This article covers how to play media in Android Auto, with a focus on video playback capabilities and limitations.
Enabling Video Playback in Android Auto
By default, Android Auto does not allow video playback on the car’s display for safety reasons. However, there are a few methods to enable video playback in Android Auto:
The easiest way is to install an app called Android Auto Apps Downloader or AAAD. This app allows you to enable an internal setting in Android Auto to allow video playback from both media apps and internal storage (1).
Alternatively, you can use ADB commands to enable the “video playable” setting directly on your Android head unit. This involves connecting your phone to a computer and entering some commands. Instructions can be found on sites like Reddit (2).
Once you have enabled video playback, you can launch videos from media apps or your phone’s local storage onto your car’s display.
Playing Videos through Media Apps
Certain popular media apps like YouTube are compatible with Android Auto, allowing you to stream videos directly to your car’s display. To play videos through media apps on Android Auto:
– Install the Android Auto app on your phone and connect it to your car’s infotainment system. Make sure you have an active data connection.
– Open the compatible media app on your phone and select a video to play. Apps known to work for video include YouTube, Netflix, and Google Play Movies & TV.
– The video should begin playing on your car’s display screen automatically. Use your steering wheel controls or touchscreen to pause, skip, adjust volume, etc.
– Depending on app restrictions and your car’s capabilities, you may be limited to audio-only or unable to access certain streaming video features.
Playing Videos from File Storage
One way to play locally stored video files through Android Auto is by using a third party video player app. Apps like Local Media Player and AAAD (Android Auto Apps Downloader) allow you to play videos stored on your Android device through the Android Auto interface.
To use these apps, first download and install them on your Android phone. Then simply launch the app and select the video file you want to play. The video will then play directly on your car’s display that is connected to Android Auto. Most common video file formats like MP4 are supported.
The advantage of using these specialized apps rather than a regular media player is that they are designed to work seamlessly with Android Auto. The video playback controls are optimized for use while driving. You can easily pause, play, rewind or fast forward the video using your steering wheel buttons, voice commands or the on-screen interface.
One thing to note is that video playback may not be supported by all cars and headunits. You’ll want to check compatibility before relying on this feature. But overall, these third party apps provide a handy way to watch videos stored locally on your phone during long drives.
Video Playback on the Car Display
When playing a video through Android Auto, the video will not appear directly on your car’s display or head unit. This is due to safety and distraction concerns. Android Auto is designed to minimize driver distraction, so videos will not play directly on your car’s screen.
Instead, the audio from any videos will be played through your car’s speakers, while the video itself plays only on your phone’s screen. So you will be able to hear the video playing through your car stereo system, but the visuals will only be viewable on your phone and not mirrored onto your car’s display.
According to the Android Auto Apps Downloader website, while apps like CarStream can bypass some of Android Auto’s restrictions, any video shown on your car’s display is converted to an audio waveform visualization for safety reasons. The actual video visuals still remain only on your phone’s screen.
Overall, Android Auto does not allow videos to play directly on your car’s display for safety reasons and to minimize dangerous distraction while driving. The audio will come through your car speakers but the visuals will stay on your phone screen.
Controlling Video Playback
Once you start playing a video on Android Auto, there are a few options for controlling the playback:
Use the touchscreen display to pause, play, skip forward or back, and adjust the volume. Tapping the video on the screen will bring up playback controls like pause/play and a progress scrubber bar.
Use voice commands by saying “Hey Google, pause”, “Hey Google, skip to next”, etc. This allows you to control the video without taking your hands off the wheel.
Use the steering wheel media buttons, if your car is equipped. The skip, play/pause, volume buttons will control the Android Auto media playback.
Adjust settings in the Android Auto app on your phone. You can disable video playback entirely or change other preferences that affect your in-car experience.
The playback controls are designed to be simple and hands-free while driving. However, interacting with a touchscreen to control videos can be distracting, so voice commands are ideal when possible.
Overall, Android Auto aims to prioritize safety and minimize driver distraction, while still allowing convenient media controls.
Restrictions and Safety Concerns
Though Android Auto allows for video playback in certain cases, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid distracted driving. As noted by Dual AV, Android Auto implements various restrictions to prevent unsafe use while the vehicle is in motion. For example, the keyboard and certain apps may become limited or inaccessible.
According to 9to5Google, some automakers like GM argue that restricting features like Android Auto and CarPlay improves safety by reducing potential distractions. However, others contend that integrated systems are safer than handling a phone manually.
Ultimately, local laws should be followed, and driving safety prioritized over entertainment. As one Reddit user cautions, “I do have the safety pauses when driving.” While Android Auto offers useful hands-free tools, drivers should remain attentive to the road and avoid video playback or interactions that could cause distracted driving.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you are having issues with video playback in Android Auto, here are some troubleshooting tips to help get videos working again:
Make sure your phone is compatible with Android Auto and has the latest version of the Android Auto app installed. Older phones may not properly support video streaming through Android Auto. Check the Android Auto website for a list of compatible phones.
Check that the USB cable you are using is a high-quality cable capable of both data transfer and charging. Some cheaper cables may not reliably transfer enough data for video playback. Use the cable that came with your phone if possible.
Restart both your phone and car stereo/head unit. This can clear out any software glitches preventing videos from playing. Make sure Android Auto fully re-launches after restarting both devices.
Consider switching to a wireless Android Auto connection using an adapter like the Motorola MA1. Wireless Android Auto is less prone to connectivity issues that can disrupt video playback.
Check for Android Auto app updates on your phone and update your car’s firmware if available. Staying updated can resolve compatibility issues causing video playback problems.
As a last resort, try uninstalling updates for the Android Auto app on your phone, which reverts it to the factory version. Re-update Android Auto after this to potentially fix software glitches.
Alternative Options
If Android Auto is not working properly or you want additional functionality, there are some alternative options to consider:
One option is to use phone mirroring apps like AutoMirror or Easy Connection to mirror your Android phone’s screen directly onto your car’s display. This allows you to access all the apps and functions on your phone as if you were interacting with the phone itself. The main downside is that mirroring does not provide any specialized driving mode optimizations that Android Auto offers.
Another alternative is to use other driving assistant apps like Google Assistant driving mode, AutoMate, or Car Dashdroid. These provide voice commands, navigation, and media controls optimized for driving without needing Android Auto. However, integration and consistency with your car’s systems may not be as seamless.
You can also consider switching to third-party head units or infotainment systems that have their own interfaces and apps built in. Brands like Pioneer, Kenwood, and JVC offer alternatives to factory infotainment with Android Auto-like functionality. Just keep in mind that replacing head units involves complex installation and loss of some OEM features.
In summary, while native Android Auto is ideal, mirroring and third-party driving apps can provide alternative options if you want video playback or other features not supported by Android Auto.
Summary
Android Auto allows you to play videos through supported media apps while your car is parked. When driving, video playback on the car display is restricted for safety reasons. You can enable video apps in Android Auto settings if they don’t appear automatically. Videos stored locally on your device can also be accessed through file manager apps. Controlling playback, like pausing and skipping, is done using voice commands, steering wheel controls, or tap gestures on the car display. Face certain limitations around video formats and app availability. With some adjustments to in-car settings, you can play videos safely and legally using Android Auto.
The key points covered in this guide include:
- Enable video apps in Android Auto settings
- Play videos through apps like YouTube and Netflix
- Access locally stored video files
- Control playback with voice, steering wheel buttons, or touch
- Video playback only works when parked
- Troubleshoot issues like incompatible formats
- Consider alternative options like audio-only playback
Following this advice allows you to safely and legally view videos using Android Auto when your car is parked. Remember to always prioritize driving when on the road.