Why does my Android Auto keep skipping?
Android Auto is a smartphone projection system developed by Google to allow Android phone users to safely access apps and services while driving. It connects an Android device to the infotainment system built into a car and projects a simplified interface onto the vehicle’s display.
One common issue that Android Auto users report is audio playback that skips, stutters or cuts out intermittently. This can happen with music streaming, podcast playback or audiobooks and leads to a frustrating listening experience. The skipping tends to occur randomly and may only last a few seconds before the audio resumes normally. However, the frequency of skips can make services essentially unlistenable.
Possible Causes
One common cause of Android Auto skipping is a bad or faulty USB cable. Many users have reported issues with third-party or low-quality USB cables causing connection problems and skipping in Android Auto. According to Android Central, Google has identified bad USB cables as a frequent source of issues for Android Auto users. Using an approved, high-quality USB cable designed for data transfer can help resolve skipping problems.
Not all USB cables are created equal. Cheap aftermarket cables may not properly transfer data between your phone and car display. The cable needs to support both power delivery and data to work smoothly with Android Auto. Using the cable that came with your phone is recommended. You can also look for cables certified by the USB Implementers Forum.
If your existing USB cable is damaged, frayed, or deteriorating, this can also interfere with the connection. Inspect your cable for any issues and replace it if needed. Avoid using cables longer than around 6 feet, as longer lengths are more prone to data transfer problems.
Possible Causes
One possible cause of Android Auto skipping is having an outdated version of the Android Auto app. According to Android Authority, not staying up-to-date with the latest version of Android Auto can lead to performance issues and bugs. Older versions may not be fully compatible with new Android versions, new phones, or new car infotainment systems. It’s important to check for app updates frequently and install the latest Android Auto version from the Play Store. An outdated app may fail to connect properly or exhibit glitches like skipping during navigation or playback.
Buggy Android Auto Update
One of the most common reasons Android Auto starts skipping is a buggy app update. As per AutoEvolution, many users have reported issues with Android Auto skipping after installing the July 2022 update. It seems this particular update introduced bugs that cause the app to malfunction and skip during use.
Problems started arising for users after updating to versions 7.7, 7.8 or 7.9 of Android Auto. The app starts skipping tracks, has trouble launching, and sometimes stops working altogether after the update. Downgrading to an older version of Android Auto before the buggy updates seems to resolve the skipping issues for most affected users.
It’s likely that Google will need to release a patch to properly address the bugs introduced in the recent Android Auto updates. But in the meantime, reverting to a previous version of the app is the easiest way to stop the skipping behavior if it started after an Android Auto update.
Possible Causes
One common cause of Android Auto skipping is issues with Bluetooth connectivity between your phone and car stereo. The Bluetooth connection allows Android Auto to stream music and communicate
with your car’s systems. If the Bluetooth connection is spotty or cutting in and out, it can cause interruptions and skipping in Android Auto.
Potential Bluetooth issues include:
- Problems pairing your phone initially with your car stereo system
- Frequent disconnections of the Bluetooth pairing
- Weak or intermittent Bluetooth signal causing skips and lag
- Incompatibility between your phone’s Bluetooth version and your car stereo
- Bluetooth antenna issues in your phone or car stereo
- Too much distance between your phone and the car stereo receiver
- Interference from other devices using the 2.4GHz Bluetooth frequency
Checking for Bluetooth connection issues is one of the first troubleshooting steps when diagnosing Android Auto skipping. Ensuring a strong and consistent Bluetooth pairing between your phone and car can significantly improve the performance of Android Auto.
Incompatible Audio System
One of the most common reasons Android Auto may keep skipping is an incompatible or faulty audio system in your car. Android Auto has specific hardware and software requirements in order to function properly. According to the Android Auto compatibility page, Android Auto is compatible with vehicles from over 50 major brands and several thousand individual car models. However, even if your car model is listed as compatible, the specific audio system installed in your vehicle may not work properly.
Many newer vehicles come equipped with audio systems designed for Android Auto, but in older cars you may need an aftermarket stereo receiver with Android Auto built-in. There are many options for aftermarket Android Auto car stereo receivers available from brands like Sony, Kenwood, JVC, Pioneer and others. If your car’s stock stereo is older, replacing it with an aftermarket unit with Android Auto may resolve skipping issues.
Possible Causes
One common cause of skipping in Android Auto is issues with WiFi connectivity between the phone and car stereo system. Android Auto wirelessly connects using WiFi, so any disruptions in the WiFi signal can lead to music or navigation skipping.
Potential WiFi-related issues include:
- Weak WiFi signal – If the phone and car stereo are too far apart or have obstructions blocking the signal, this can interfere with connectivity.
- WiFi interference – Other devices using the 2.4GHz WiFi frequency in the car like Bluetooth can disrupt the connection.
- Outdated WiFi network – Old WiFi hardware in the car may have compatibility issues or lack the bandwidth to smoothly run Android Auto.
Checking the WiFi signal strength and minimizing interference sources are good first steps. Updating the car’s WiFi network with newer hardware may also help resolve skipping if WiFi is the root cause.
Possible Causes
One common cause of Android Auto skipping is conflicts with other apps on your phone. According to AndroidAuthority, software conflicts, especially with apps that access the microphone or Bluetooth, can interrupt and cause skipping in Android Auto. If you recently installed a new app, check if uninstalling it fixes the skipping. You can also try disabling microphone access for non-essential apps in your phone’s permissions settings. This prevents software conflicts from interfering with Android Auto’s ability to process voice commands properly.
As Asurion recommends, go to your phone’s Settings > Apps > Android Auto and clear the cache/data for the app. This wipes out any problematic temporary files that may be contributing to software conflicts. You can also try fully uninstalling and reinstalling the Android Auto app to eliminate incompatibility issues.
Solutions
One solution to try is updating the Android Auto and connected apps to the latest versions. Older versions of apps can sometimes cause issues with Android Auto. Here are some steps to try:
On your Android phone or tablet:
- Open the Play Store app.
- Search for “Android Auto” and check that you have the latest version installed. Install any available updates.
- Also update any media, messaging, or navigation apps you use with Android Auto like Spotify, Google Maps, etc.
In your car’s settings:
- Check for any software updates for your car’s infotainment system and install if available. Updates sometimes improve Android Auto connectivity.
- Consult your owner’s manual if unsure how to check for updates.
After updating, check if the skipping issue is resolved. Updating to the latest versions of apps can help fix compatibility issues with Android Auto.
Sources:
https://9to5google.com/2023/12/21/android-auto-app-status-icons-update/
Solutions
One of the first things to try if Android Auto keeps skipping is using different cables and connections. Not all USB cables are created equal when it comes to Android Auto compatibility. According to AndroidCentral, the best USB-C cable for Android Auto is the Belkin BoostCharge Pro Flex USB-C cable, thanks to its long length and braided design.
Trying cables designed specifically for Android Auto, like the Belkin cable mentioned above, can help improve connectivity and reduce skipping issues. You may also want to try different USB ports on your car or head unit. Sometimes one USB input provides a better, more stable connection for Android Auto.
If possible, use the shortest high-quality USB cable needed to connect your phone to your car. Longer cables can degrade the signal and contribute to Android Auto performance problems. Aim for a cable around 1-3 feet in length for best results.
Switching to a new USB-C to USB-C cable can bypass any adapters and provide a direct wired connection. USB-C cables are ideal for newer Android phones with USB-C ports. Just make sure the cable is rated for USB 2.0 or higher speeds.
With some trial and error using different cables and connections, you can hopefully resolve any constant skipping issues with Android Auto playback and navigation guidance.