Why is the audio not working on my Android Auto?

Android Auto is Google’s car infotainment system that allows you to easily access apps and services from an Android phone on your car’s display. It enables hands-free use of navigation, media playback, messaging and more while driving. A common issue many users face is Android Auto not playing any audio or sound through the car speakers. This can be frustrating as audio is a key function of Android Auto.

This article will discuss potential causes and solutions to troubleshoot and fix audio not working on Android Auto. We will go through steps like checking connections, audio settings, app updates, restarting devices, factory resetting the head unit, and more. The goal is to help identify the root cause and resolve the no audio problem with Android Auto.

Verify Connections

One of the most common reasons for Android Auto audio not working is a faulty connection between devices. Here are some connection points to check:

USB Cable – Make sure the USB cable connecting your Android phone to the car’s head unit is not damaged, is securely inserted at both ends, and is the cable that came with your phone. Some USB cables are for charging only and will not transmit data for Android Auto.
Bluetooth – Check that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and paired to your car’s audio system. Android Auto relies on a Bluetooth connection in addition to USB.
Head Unit – Ensure the car’s infotainment/head unit is powered on and recognizes your device. Try unplugging and reconnecting the USB cable or toggling Bluetooth off and on.

If the connections are solid, move on to software troubleshooting steps. But if you find any loose connections, damaged cables, or pairing issues, addressing these is likely to solve Android Auto audio problems.

Check Audio Settings

One of the most common reasons for no audio in Android Auto is incorrect volume or mute settings. First, ensure the volume on your Android phone is turned up and not muted when connected to Android Auto. You may need to manually adjust the volume in the Android Auto app the first time you connect.

Also check that the volume in your car’s infotainment system or head unit is turned up and not muted. There may be independent volume controls for Android Auto that need to be adjusted. Refer to your car’s manual for instructions on adjusting volume levels specifically for Android Auto.1

Verify that the Android Auto app has permissions to access your phone’s microphone and media audio. You can check this in your phone’s app settings. Grant permissions if they were previously denied. Audio issues can occur if Android Auto does not have full permissions.2

Finally, inspect the app audio settings within the Android Auto app itself. Look for options relating to media volume and microphone levels. Make sure nothing is muted and volumes are set appropriately.

Update Apps and Software

One of the most common solutions for fixing audio issues in Android Auto is to ensure all relevant apps and software are up to date. This includes updating the Android Auto app itself, as well as any vehicle infotainment system software from the car manufacturer. Android Auto regularly receives bug fix updates that address common issues like broken audio.

According to online reports, the Android Auto 9.6 update specifically targets and fixes audio bugs: “Android Auto 9.6 Fixes One of the Biggest Bugs Ever” (source). Vehicle manufacturers like Honda and Toyota also provide infotainment software updates that can improve Android Auto connectivity.

In addition to system software, check that key apps like Google Maps, Spotify, and podcast apps are fully updated. Buggy app versions can disrupt the audio pipeline in Android Auto. Going into the Google Play Store and triggering an update check on all apps is advisable.

Clear App Data and Cache

One common solution for fixing audio issues with Android Auto is to clear the app data and cache for Android Auto and any media apps you use, like Spotify or Google Play Music. This erases temporary data that can get corrupted over time and cause problems.

To clear the data and cache for Android Auto on Android, open the Settings app and go to Apps. Find Android Auto in the list and select it. Then choose Storage > Clear Data and Clear Cache. This will reset Android Auto to default settings.

You’ll also want to clear data and cache for your preferred media apps like Spotify, Pandora, etc. Follow the same steps as above, but select the media app instead of Android Auto. According to a user on the XDA forums, clearing data on Chrome Canary resolved Android Auto audio issues for them (source).

On iOS, open Settings > General > iPhone Storage and select the app. Tap Offload App, then reinstall it. This will clear the app data and cache (source).

After clearing app data, check if Android Auto audio is restored. This simple fix resolves audio issues for many users.

Restart Devices

Restarting your phone and your vehicle’s head unit or infotainment system is one of the simplest troubleshooting steps to try when experiencing issues with Android Auto. This can clear any software glitches and reset connections between the two devices. According to Google Support, restarting your Android phone can help resolve crashing issues and other problems by clearing out any recent changes or unstable apps that may be causing conflicts.

To restart your Android phone, hold down the power button for about 30 seconds until you see the power off prompt. Tap ‘Restart’ and wait for your phone to reboot. For your vehicle’s head unit, consult your owner’s manual for how to restart – there is usually a reset option in the settings menu. Performing a simple restart like this will reboot both devices and can often resolve glitches with Android Auto.

If you are still experiencing issues after restarting, you may need to try additional troubleshooting steps like updating software, clearing app data, or factory resetting the head unit. But restarting the phone and vehicle system is a good first step before trying more involved fixes. Allow some time after the restart to see if Android Auto begins working properly again.

Factory Reset Head Unit

Another troubleshooting step is to reset your vehicle’s head unit back to its factory settings. This will clear any corrupted data and settings that may be interfering with Android Auto.

To reset your head unit:

Locate the reset option in your vehicle’s settings menu. This is usually found under System Settings or General Settings.
Select the option to reset to factory settings. This may be labeled “Factory Data Reset” or “Reset to Default Settings.”
Confirm that you want to erase all data and customize settings. This will restore the head unit back to its original out-of-the-box state.

After the reset is complete, reboot your head unit.

Resetting the head unit will remove any customized presets, paired devices, and settings. Android Auto will have to be re-setup from scratch. But this can potentially fix software faults causing audio issues.

If the factory reset does not resolve the problem, there may be a hardware malfunction requiring service from your vehicle dealer.

Check for Hardware Issues

Faulty cables, speakers, or microphones can also cause audio problems with Android Auto. Here are some things to check:

Inspect the USB cable connecting your phone to the car’s infotainment system. Make sure the cable is not damaged or loose. Try connecting with a different high-quality USB cable to see if that fixes the issue.
Check that the car’s infotainment system recognizes your phone is connected via USB. You may need to re-enable USB connections or Android Auto in the car’s settings.

Test the speakers and microphone used for Android Auto by making a phone call through the car’s infotainment system. If the call audio is muffled or doesn’t come through, there may be a problem with the hardware.
Consult your owner’s manual to run diagnostics on the microphone and speaker connections specifically used for Android Auto. There could be a wiring or hardware failure.
As a last resort, schedule service with your dealership if you suspect faults in the infotainment system hardware. For example, loose connections, damaged speakers, or a malfunctioning microphone module could require professional repair.

Addressing any underlying hardware issues with cables, speakers, or microphones can often resolve audio problems with Android Auto. If the hardware components are functioning properly, then software troubleshooting is the next step.

Contact Vehicle Manufacturer

If troubleshooting Android Auto does not resolve the audio issues, it may be time to contact your vehicle manufacturer or brand support for further assistance. Most major automakers have dedicated customer support teams to help with technical issues related to in-vehicle technology like Android Auto.

You can typically find contact information for your vehicle brand’s customer support on their website. Many have phone numbers, live chat options, and email forms to submit support tickets. When contacting them, be prepared to provide your VIN number and details about the problem you are experiencing.

The vehicle brand’s support team can run diagnostics, provide troubleshooting tips specific to your model, arrange for software updates, and determine if your vehicle requires service for a hardware malfunction related to Android Auto. As the developer of your vehicle’s infotainment system, they have specialized knowledge to help resolve problems like no audio through Android Auto. Getting assistance directly from the manufacturer is often the best way to get Android Auto working again if standard troubleshooting has not helped.

Here are some links to get support from major vehicle brands:

Contact GM Customer Support

How to Contact Any Automaker

Final Thoughts and Summary

In summary, there are a number of troubleshooting steps to try if the audio is not working properly with Android Auto:

Verify all connections between your phone and car infotainment system are secure.

Check audio and app settings on both devices, toggle Bluetooth and restart.
Update apps, software, firmware, and drivers on both devices to eliminate compatibility issues.
Clear app data and device caches that could be causing crashes or glitches.

Do a factory reset on your car’s infotainment system/head unit to refresh settings.
Inspect hardware like cables and ports for damage, swap out as needed.
Contact vehicle manufacturer support for other recommendations.

With patience and systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve most common Android Auto audio problems. Don’t hesitate to reach out to customer support or forums for additional assistance if needed.