How do I use Android Auto on my Honda CR-V?

ByJael Lawler

What is Android Auto?

Android Auto is a smartphone projection system developed by Google that allows you to access apps and services from an Android phone on a car’s infotainment display (https://www.android.com/auto/). It requires a compatible Android phone running Android 6.0 or higher and a compatible car or aftermarket head unit.

When connected, Android Auto presents a simplified interface optimized for use while driving. The home screen shows Google Maps, media playback controls, communications options and voice commands. Drivers can access Google Maps for navigation, play music through apps like Spotify, and make calls or send messages hands-free using Google Assistant.

Android Auto aims to provide a safer and more seamless experience by limiting distractions and simplifying the interface. Core phone functions are mirrored on the head unit’s touchscreen in a clean format suited for in-vehicle use. The system relies on the phone’s data connection and the head unit for output.

Is my Honda CR-V compatible with Android Auto?

The 2016 and newer Honda CR-V models are compatible with Android Auto. This includes all trims like the LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. To verify if your specific CR-V is compatible, check your owner’s manual or contact your local Honda dealer.

According to Honda (source), Android Auto compatibility began with the 2016 model year redesign. So if you have a 2015 or older CR-V, it will not be able to run Android Auto unfortunately. The head unit and entertainment system need to be compatible in order to use Android Auto.

As long as you have a compatible Android phone running Android 5.0 or higher, a compatible CR-V model year, and the Android Auto app installed, you should be able to use Android Auto in your Honda CR-V without any issues.

What Do I Need to Use Android Auto in My CR-V?

To use Android Auto in your Honda CR-V, you will need:

As long as your Android phone is running Android 5.0 or newer, it should be compatible with Android Auto. You’ll need the charging cable that came with your phone to connect it to your CR-V’s USB port. The Android Auto app, available on the Google Play Store, enables the interface and allows you to project apps from your phone onto your car’s display. And an active data plan is required for features like navigation, streaming audio, and voice commands.

How to connect Android Auto on a Honda CR-V

Connecting your Android phone to your Honda CR-V’s Android Auto is simple. Here are the steps to get started:

  1. First, plug your compatible Android phone into one of your Honda CR-V’s USB ports using the phone’s USB cable. The USB port is usually located in the center console or armrest storage compartment (Autonationhondaohare.com).
  2. Once connected, the Android Auto app will launch on your CR-V’s display screen. Follow the on-screen prompts to allow access and begin the Android Auto setup process.
  3. You’ll be asked to allow Android Auto to access certain apps and phone functions like SMS, contacts, calling, and Google Maps. Accept the prompts to enable full integration.
  4. After allowing the necessary permissions, Android Auto will take a moment to optimize apps for your car’s display.
  5. You’re now ready to use Android Auto! The interface will display on your CR-V’s center screen.

Once connected the first time, your phone should automatically connect to Android Auto when plugged into your CR-V in the future. You’ll be able to access maps, music, calls and messages simply using your car’s display screen or voice commands.

Android Auto features and interface

The Android Auto interface is designed to provide easy access to key smartphone apps and functions while driving. The home screen displays Google Maps front and center for navigation, with media playback controls, phone calling capabilities, and app icons along the bottom. You can tap any of these icons to open the respective app.

Android Auto allows for extensive voice control, so you can keep your hands on the wheel. Using the “OK Google” command or tapping the microphone icon, you can make calls, get directions, play music and more. Commands are formatted conversationally, like “Navigate to the nearest gas station” or “Play my driving playlist.”

The Android Auto home screen is customizable, so you can choose which apps appear along the bottom. Just hold and drag any icon to move it or remove it from the main view. You can also adjust display settings like light/dark mode and font size.

Overall, the Android Auto interface aims to provide simplified access to key apps and functions through voice commands or easy tapping, minimizing driver distraction. The focus remains on Google Maps navigation and media playback, with phone, messaging, and third-party apps just a tap away.

Using Google Maps on Android Auto

One of the most useful features of Android Auto is the ability to access Google Maps for navigation right on your vehicle’s display. With Google Maps integration, you can get turn-by-turn directions, traffic alerts, and voice guided navigation.

To start navigation in Google Maps through Android Auto:

  • Tap the Maps icon on the Android Auto home screen.
  • Enter a destination using voice commands or on-screen controls.
  • Tap “Navigate” and Google Maps will begin providing turn-by-turn directions.

Google Maps makes navigating unfamiliar areas easy by providing clear voice guidance for turns and lane changes. You’ll never miss an exit again with Android Auto!

Google Maps also provides real-time traffic information and can automatically reroute you around delays, accidents, and heavy congestion. This helps optimize your route and minimize time stuck in traffic.

Overall, the Google Maps integration is one of the most useful advantages of Android Auto. With voice commands and clear on-screen directions, Google Maps on Android Auto allows for safe, efficient navigation without ever having to take your eyes off the road.

Source: https://www.hondainfocenter.com/2021/Accord/How-To-Videos/LX/Audio-and-Connectivity/How-to-Connect-and-Use-Android-Auto/

Playing music and audio

One of the main features of Android Auto is the ability to easily stream music and audio from your smartphone. Once connected, you can access your favorite music streaming apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, and more. The audio will play directly through your Honda CR-V’s speakers.

You can control the playback using the steering wheel buttons in your CR-V. The buttons allow you to pause/play, skip tracks, adjust volume, and more without taking your hands off the wheel. This is much safer than using your phone while driving.

Android Auto also has built-in voice commands that allow you to control your music hands-free. You can use commands like “Play rock music on Spotify” or “Skip to the next song” to queue up music without touching your phone. The voice commands work very well and make it easy to find and play music while staying focused on the road.

Overall, Android Auto makes it incredibly convenient to stream music apps and control playback in your Honda CR-V. The integration with steering wheel controls and voice commands allows you to access your music library safely while driving.

Sources:

https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidAuto/comments/yjtd90/music_automatically_starts/

Making calls with Android Auto

One of the key features of Android Auto is being able to make and receive phone calls hands-free while driving. There are a few different ways to make calls using voice commands through your car’s infotainment system with Android Auto:

  • Make calls by voice command: You can place calls by speaking the contact’s name or saying “call [contact name or number]” then confirming when prompted. Android Auto will use your phone’s contacts to find the right person to call.
  • View contacts: Your phone contacts are accessible directly on your car’s display screen. You can scroll through the list to find a contact then select to place a call. This is helpful if you don’t know the exact name to use for the voice command.
  • Send text messages: Android Auto has built-in voice dictation for hands-free texting. You can compose and send text messages by speaking. When a new message comes in, you can have it read out loud so you don’t need to look at or touch your phone.

According to user reports on the Drive Accord forums, there may be issues making or receiving calls through Android Auto on select Honda vehicles due to hardware limitations. If the audio cuts out or other call problems occur, try a reboot of your car’s infotainment system as a troubleshooting step.

Customizing settings and preferences

Android Auto allows you to customize certain settings and preferences to tailor the experience to your needs. When it comes to the interface, you can rearrange the home screen, choose between light and dark modes, and adjust volume levels.

To rearrange apps on the Android Auto home screen, press and hold any app icon until you enter edit mode. Then drag the icons around to put them in your preferred order. Keep in mind that certain core apps like Maps and Phone may not be movable.

You can opt for a Day or Night visual theme under Settings > Display. The Day theme uses bright backgrounds and text while the Night theme makes use of darker shades that may be easier on your eyes at night.

Volume levels for media, calls, notifications, and the voice assistant can be adjusted under Settings > Sound. You can drag the sliders for each audio type or toggle sound altogether with the main volume slider if needed.

Another useful setting is enabling Driving mode from the Android Auto menu. This will automatically launch Android Auto when your phone connects to your CR-V so you don’t have to manually open the app every time.

For more customization options, explore the full Settings menu. But keep safety as the priority rather than being distracted with extended tweaking while driving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you experience problems using Android Auto on your Honda CR-V, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:

Reconnect USB cable
The most common reason for issues is a faulty USB connection. Unplug the USB cable from your phone and the vehicle’s USB port. Inspect the connectors for damage or obstructions and plug the cable back in securely.

Restart your phone
Sometimes restarting your phone or the CR-V’s infotainment system can help clear out software glitches and get Android Auto working again. Turn your phone completely off and turn it back on again after 30 seconds. You can also try restarting your CR-V to reboot the infotainment system.

Check for Android Auto updates
Go to your phone’s app store to see if there are any pending updates for the Android Auto app, and update it to the latest version. Also make sure your phone’s OS is up to date. Honda may also provide updates for your CR-V’s infotainment system via https://support.google.com.

Reset app preferences
Within Android Auto’s settings menu, select Reset App Preferences. This will clear saved settings and allow you set up Android Auto connection again from scratch which may resolve software issues.

If you still cannot get Android Auto to work, contact Honda support for further troubleshooting of connectivity issues. Make sure to also check Android’s forums for the latest bug reports and fixes.

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