Which music apps are supported by Android Auto?
Android Auto is Google’s in-car platform that allows drivers to access apps and services from their Android smartphone in a simplified interface adapted for driving. One of the key features of Android Auto is its ability to integrate with popular music streaming apps to provide access to playlists, radio stations, and more while on the go.
Android Auto works by connecting an Android smartphone to the vehicle’s infotainment system, either wirelessly or via USB cable. Once connected, Android Auto displays supported apps on the vehicle’s center screen. For music apps, this includes playback controls, recommendations, and voice commands. Android Auto aims to provide convenient access to music while minimizing driver distraction.
While the default music experience on Android Auto is Google Play Music, many third-party apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora and others are also fully supported. This integration allows access to music libraries and streaming without needing to touch your phone.
Google Play Music
Google Play Music is Google’s own music streaming service that comes pre-installed on Android devices. As you would expect, Google Play Music has seamless integration with Android Auto [1]. Once you connect your Android phone to your car, the Android Auto app will automatically open Google Play Music for you.
With Google Play Music, you can access your personal library of uploaded or purchased music directly through Android Auto. You can also stream any of the 30+ million songs available through Google Play Music. Just use voice commands or the Android Auto interface to search for artists, albums, playlists and more. Google Play Music allows you to easily control playback or queue up music without ever touching your phone.
Since Google Play Music comes pre-installed on most Android phones, it can be one of the easiest options for playing your music library via Android Auto. However, some users have complained that Google Play Music’s interface is not optimized for Android Auto [2]. But if you rely on Google Play Music for your music, it seamlessly integrates with Android Auto right out of the box.
Spotify
Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming services, with over 180 million active users worldwide. It was also one of the first apps integrated with Android Auto when it launched in 2015 [1]. Spotify gives you access to over 82 million songs that you can stream directly through Android Auto.
To get started, you simply need to connect your Android phone to your car, open the Android Auto app, and select Spotify from the media apps. Your Spotify playlists, albums, songs and podcasts will be available to browse and play. The interface is optimized for safe driving with large buttons and text. You can use voice commands, steering wheel controls, or the touchscreen to navigate Spotify.
One limitation is that you can’t create playlists or “like” songs through Android Auto itself – you’ll need to do that in the Spotify mobile app. Otherwise, the Android Auto version of Spotify provides the core playback features and music discovery options that users expect. Many find it more convenient than connecting over Bluetooth and interacting with their phone.
Some users have reported bugs with Spotify on Android Auto, like issues loading playlists or playback stuttering [2]. However, Spotify tends to address these quickly through app updates. Overall, it’s a seamless way to access Spotify’s huge music catalog while driving.
YouTube Music
YouTube Music is Google’s other music streaming service, in addition to Google Play Music, that is supported by Android Auto. YouTube Music offers access to official songs, albums, thousands of playlists and artist radio plus YouTube’s catalog of remixes, live performances, covers and music videos.
YouTube Music comes pre-installed on many Android devices and can be easily enabled in Android Auto. Users can ask Google Assistant to play songs, playlists, albums, etc. from YouTube Music just like any other music app. One benefit over Spotify or Pandora is the availability of video content, although video playback is limited for safety reasons while driving.
Overall, YouTube Music provides a comparable experience to other streaming services on Android Auto. With Google Assistant integration and YouTube’s massive catalog of music content, it stands out as a top option for Android users.
Amazon Music
Amazon’s streaming service Amazon Music is supported on Android Auto, allowing you to access your music library and streaming content through your vehicle’s infotainment system. To use Amazon Music, you’ll need to download the Android Auto app on your phone and connect your phone to your car.
Once connected, Amazon Music should automatically appear in your Android Auto menu. You can then browse featured content, stations, playlists and more. Voice commands also work with Amazon Music, so you can ask Android Auto to play songs, albums, playlists and stations just by speaking.
One limitation with Amazon Music is that you cannot download songs for offline listening within the Android Auto app itself. Your phone will need an internet connection to stream content from Amazon Music. However, if you download content to your phone from the Amazon Music app before connecting to Android Auto, you’ll still be able to access those downloaded songs without an internet connection.
Overall, Amazon Music provides a full-featured music experience through Android Auto, with access to tens of millions of songs, playlists, stations and more. With Alexa built-in, hands-free voice controls make it easy to navigate your music library while staying focused on the road.
Pandora
Pandora has been a popular internet radio service since launching in 2005. The app lets you create customized radio stations based on your favorite artists or songs. Pandora gained Android Auto support in 2018, allowing you to access your personalized stations directly from your car’s dashboard.
While Pandora offers a seamless Android Auto experience for most people, some users have reported bugs or glitches. Common complaints include the app not closing properly when disconnecting from Android Auto, problems skipping songs or switching stations, and difficulties launching the app after connecting to Android Auto [1] [2]. However, these appear to be minor bugs that don’t affect overall usability.
In general, Pandora provides a solid Android Auto experience due to its simple, ad-free radio streaming. The ability to access customized music stations makes it a handy Android Auto choice for long-time Pandora users.
Tidal
Tidal is another popular music streaming service that offers high fidelity, lossless audio quality. As stated on their website, Tidal provides music streaming at up to 9216 kbps, which is one of the highest quality streaming services available.
Tidal integrated with Android Auto in 2018, allowing users to stream music through the Android Auto interface in vehicles (Unhappy with Tidal Android Auto : r/TIdaL). This allows access to Tidal’s large library of high quality music directly on the Android Auto in-dash display.
Some key things to note about using Tidal with Android Auto:
– Streaming is through the lossless HiFi tier which provides CD-quality audio in the car (How to Play Tidal on Android Auto | by Czhuoyue).
– Tidal offers customized recommendations and playlists.
– Support for voice commands to control music playback (How to Get Tidal on Android Auto [Updated]).
Overall, Tidal provides another high-fidelity music option for Android Auto users looking for maximum audio quality.
SoundCloud
SoundCloud offers a massive catalog of user-generated audio content, making it a popular choice for Android Auto users who want access to remixes, podcasts, and other unique content. With over 30 million tracks and growing, SoundCloud has one of the largest libraries compared to other streaming services according to Lifewire. The platform is known for hosting content that can’t always be found on mainstream services. This includes remixes, DJ mixes, and other user-generated recordings. Android Auto users can access all of this content directly from their vehicle’s infotainment system.
Other Options
Android Auto supports a variety of other music apps beyond the major players like Spotify and YouTube Music. Some other options worth checking out include:
iHeartRadio – iHeartRadio gives you access to thousands of live radio stations, podcasts, and custom stations based on your favorite artists and songs. It offers both free and paid subscription options.
SiriusXM – For access to SiriusXM satellite radio channels, the SiriusXM app is compatible with Android Auto. Paid subscription required.
TuneIn Radio – Stream live news, sports, music, and talk radio from around the world with TuneIn. Basic features are free but a paid subscription unlocks additional content.
Stitcher – Enjoy Stitcher’s library of podcasts through Android Auto. Create customized stations and listen to original comedy shows, exclusive radio programs and much more.
There are many niche and specialty streaming apps that also work with Android Auto, so explore your options if the major music services don’t meet your needs. With the variety of apps available, you should have no problem finding an excellent music experience for your car.
Conclusion
In summary, the key music apps supported by Android Auto include Google Play Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, Tidal, and SoundCloud. These streaming services allow you to access your music library, playlists, podcasts and more through your car’s infotainment system using Android Auto.
One of the biggest strengths of Android Auto for music is its seamless integration with top apps like Spotify, giving you safe access to your favorite tunes while driving. You can use voice commands to search for artists, songs, playlists and more hands-free. Android Auto also recommends music based on your listening habits and can even suggest new releases you may like.
While the selection is more limited compared to what’s available on your phone directly, Android Auto provides a simplified interface to control your music while staying focused on the road. Easy voice controls, personalized recommendations and access to leading services make it a convenient option for music in the car.