Why is there no sound in my car from Android Auto?

Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to allow Android smartphones to interface with vehicle infotainment systems. When connected, Android Auto projects apps and services from a phone onto a car’s built-in display, allowing the driver to access navigation, music, messaging, and other apps with an optimized interface designed for minimal driver distraction.

A common issue that many Android Auto users report is a lack of sound or audio from their car speakers when connected. This prevents music, navigation prompts, phone calls, and other audio from being heard through the car stereo. This can occur even when the phone itself has sound playing from its own speakers. Resolving this no sound problem is important for enjoying the full Android Auto experience.

Possible Causes

One common reason Android Auto may not be outputting sound is a faulty or damaged USB cable connecting your phone to the car’s infotainment system. The USB cable transmits both data and audio from your phone to your car stereo. If the cable is damaged, loose, or faulty, it can disrupt this audio transmission resulting in no sound from Android Auto.

Some signs your USB cable may be to blame include crackling sounds, cutting in and out, only working at certain angles, or no audio at all. Over time, cables can wear out through repeated plugging in and other damage. Inspect your cable for any fraying, bent pins, or cuts in the cord. If you notice any physical damage, the cable likely needs to be replaced.

Trying a different high-quality cable designed for Android Auto, such as the Anker Powerline cables, can help determine if the issue is with the faulty wire. You may need to test a few different cables to find one that transmits audio reliably. Using the cable that came with your phone is often a good bet. Replacing a damaged or worn out cable with a new one will typically resolve Android Auto sound problems stemming from the connection. Just be sure the new cable is compatible with Android Auto.

Cable Connection

One of the most common reasons for no sound from Android Auto is that the USB cable is not fully connected or has come loose. This interrupts the transfer of audio signals between your phone and car stereo. Check that both ends of the USB cable are securely plugged into the phone and car USB port. The fit should be snug with no wiggle room. Try unplugging and re-inserting the cable or swapping to a different high-quality USB cable, as suggested in this troubleshooting guide. If the issue persists, inspect the USB ports and cable for dirt, damage or bent pins.

Wrong Input Selected

One common cause of no sound from Android Auto is that the car’s audio input is set to the wrong source. Many modern cars allow you to select between different media inputs like Bluetooth, radio, CD, auxiliary, etc. If your car stereo or head unit is set to an input other than the one used for Android Auto, you won’t hear any audio.

For example, if you have Android Auto connected via USB but the car is set to Bluetooth input, the sound will still come through the Bluetooth connection rather than switching to Android Auto. You’ll need to manually change the input on your car’s stereo to the source connected to Android Auto, which is typically USB or auxiliary.

As per a Reddit thread, this wrong input source issue seems most common with aftermarket stereos like those made by JVC, Kenwood, or Pioneer. The head unit software may not automatically change inputs when connecting Android Auto. So double check your car stereo’s input selection and manually set it to the right source.

Volume Settings

One of the most common reasons for no sound in Android Auto is that the volume is set too low either on your phone or car stereo. With Android Auto, the volume levels of your phone and car stereo become linked. So if the volume on one device is set low, it will affect the volume heard through Android Auto.

First, check to make sure the media volume on your Android phone is turned up high enough by using the volume buttons on the side of the phone when not connected to Android Auto. The volume buttons control the music/media volume level separate from ringtone or alarm volumes.

Next, check the volume level set on your car stereo with Android Auto running. The volume knob on the car stereo will control the Android Auto volume level. Turn it up to maximum to see if you can hear audio. If the car stereo volume is already maxed out, there may be another issue.

One user on Reddit resolved this issue by turning their phone media volume up to max before connecting to Android Auto, then adjusting the car stereo volume as needed (source). So try setting your phone and car stereo volumes to higher levels before troubleshooting other potential causes.

Bluetooth Issues

One common reason Android Auto may not be outputting any sound is if there are Bluetooth connectivity issues between your phone and car stereo. The phone needs to maintain a steady Bluetooth connection to stream audio via Android Auto. If the Bluetooth connection gets disrupted or disconnected, it can stop media playback entirely.

Try checking if your phone’s Bluetooth is still paired and connected to your car stereo system. You may need to manually reconnect it or delete existing pairings and re-pair the phone. Also ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. On your phone, try toggling Bluetooth off and on to refresh the connection. If the devices struggle to maintain a steady Bluetooth link, it points to connectivity problems being the culprit for no sound in Android Auto.

Bluetooth issues are a known cause of no audio in Android Auto, with users reporting the problem after Bluetooth randomly disconnects while using Android Auto. Resetting network settings and clearing Bluetooth cache on the phone may help, as suggested in this Android Auto community thread.

App or Software Issues

One common cause for no sound in Android Auto is issues with the app or software. The Android Auto app needs to be working properly to send audio to your car’s speakers. According to a Reddit thread, some users have experienced the Android Auto app suddenly losing audio after an update or for no apparent reason.

Try fully closing and reopening the Android Auto app to see if that fixes any software bugs. You can also try deleting the app data or uninstalling and reinstalling Android Auto completely. Make sure the app does not have any restrictions set that could block audio playback. Keep the app updated to the latest version available, as updates often fix bugs related to no sound issues.

If the problem persists after troubleshooting the app, it could point to a larger software incompatibility between your phone, the app, and your car’s system. In that case, you may need to wait for a fix from Google or the car manufacturer. Using a different phone model can also determine if the no sound issue stems from your specific device’s Android Auto software.

Car Stereo Issues

One potential cause of Android Auto not playing audio is an issue with the car stereo itself. The car’s head unit may have a software bug or hardware malfunction that prevents it from properly routing audio from Android Auto. Older car stereos in particular may have compatibility problems.

According to one Reddit user, their car stereo was not properly switching into media mode to play Android Auto audio. After resetting the car stereo, Android Auto began playing audio correctly again (source).

If you’ve ruled out other connectivity and software issues, try resetting your car stereo system to factory settings. Consult your owner’s manual for specific reset instructions. This can clear out any bugs or glitches in the stereo’s software. Also inspect your car stereo for any loose connections or faulty hardware. See an auto technician if you suspect a deeper issue with the head unit.

Fixes and Troubleshooting

Here are some steps you can try to fix audio issues in Android Auto:

1. Check that the connection cable between your phone and car is securely plugged in at both ends. Try a different high-quality cable if possible.
2. On your phone, go to Android Auto settings and make sure the correct audio output is selected. Try toggling between options or choose your car stereo.
3. Adjust the volume on both your phone and car stereo. Make sure volume is turned up and not muted.
4. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone if using wireless Android Auto. Try disconnecting and re-pairing the devices.
5. Restart the Android Auto app on your phone. Also try rebooting your phone and car stereo.
6. Check for Android Auto updates on your phone and install if available. Also update car stereo firmware.
7. As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall the Android Auto app on your phone. Set up Android Auto in your car again from scratch.

If you still can’t get Android Auto audio working after trying these solutions, you may need to consult your car dealer or stereo manufacturer for further troubleshooting. There could be compatibility issues between your devices.

When to Seek Help

In some cases, you may need to seek professional repair help if you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting options and are still experiencing no audio from Android Auto. Some signs it’s time to take your vehicle into a professional repair shop include:

You’ve checked all connections and settings, uninstalled/reinstalled apps, performed factory resets but the issue persists. Complex electrical issues with the stereo system, wiring or Android Auto software may require diagnosis and repair by a professional.

The problem started suddenly, with no obvious trigger, pointing to an internal failure. If Android Auto audio was working normally then abruptly stopped, it likely indicates an underlying hardware or software fault.

Audio works fine when playing music through Bluetooth but not Android Auto. This suggests the issue lies specifically with Android Auto’s software integration, not your basic audio components. A technician can troubleshoot the deeper integration issues.

Other stereo functions like radio or CDs have no sound either. This hints at a broader problem with the sound system, not just Android Auto. A repair shop can test the stereo components and wiring for faults.

You get error messages referring to hardware or software failures. Certain warning messages can help a professional identify defective components needing repair or replacement.

In summary, if you still have no audio through Android Auto after trying all the standard fixes, it’s worth consulting a professional auto repair shop. They have the skills and technology to diagnose issues in depth and get your Android Auto music working again.