Why won t my Android Auto connect to audio?
Android Auto is a smartphone projection software developed by Google to allow drivers to access apps and services from their phone on a car’s infotainment display. One common issue many users report is problems with connecting Android Auto to their car’s audio system.
When using Android Auto, audio playback should route through the car’s speakers, however some users find the audio continues to play from their phone’s speaker instead. This can be frustrating as it defeats the purpose of Android Auto’s integration with the car’s systems.
Confirm the Issue
When using Android Auto, there are a few ways to check if the audio connection is not working properly. First, when you connect your Android phone to your car’s infotainment system using a USB cable, the Android Auto app should launch automatically if set up correctly. In the Android Auto interface on your car display, check if you see the media playback bar at the bottom. This bar allows you to control audio playback from music and media apps. If the bar is missing, it likely indicates an issue with the audio connection.
You can also try opening a music or podcast app within Android Auto, like Spotify or Google Podcasts. Attempt to play audio and see if you hear any sound coming from the car speakers. If audio plays back normally, then the connection is working. But if the app interface acts like it’s playing with no actual audio, there is a problem with the link between Android Auto and your car’s infotainment system.
According to this Google support thread, some users have reported no audio when connecting their Android phones to Android Auto, confirming this is an issue affecting certain devices and set ups. Checking within the Android Auto interface for missing audio controls or silent audio playback are quick ways to identify if Android Auto audio is not connecting properly in your car.
Troubleshoot the Phone
A common issue that can cause Android Auto to stop sending audio is a problem with the phone itself. Here are some troubleshooting steps to try on your phone:
- Make sure your phone is updated and running the latest version of Android OS. Older OS versions may have compatibility issues with Android Auto. Visit Settings > System > System Update to check for and install any available updates.
- Try restarting your phone. A simple reboot can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches. Power down your phone completely, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on and retry connecting to Android Auto.
- Inspect your USB cable and ports for damage or debris. Lint and dirt in the charging port can interfere with connectivity. Use a toothpick to gently clean out the port, or try swapping to a new high-quality USB cable.
- Check that Android Auto is updated to the latest version on your phone via the Play Store. Old app versions can sometimes lose compatibility with new OS releases.
Troubleshooting the phone OS, app, and physical connection can get Android Auto audio functioning again in many cases. If the issues persist after trying general phone troubleshooting, examine the stereo, apps, and setup.
Troubleshoot the Car
One of the most common reasons Android Auto may stop sending audio is an issue with your car’s head unit or infotainment system. Here are some troubleshooting steps to try:
Check for a software update for your car’s infotainment system. Automakers often release updates that fix bugs and improve compatibility with Android Auto. Consult your owner’s manual on how to update your system software.
Perform a factory reset on the infotainment system. This will clear any corrupted settings and cache that could be preventing Android Auto from connecting properly. Make sure to backup any saved settings before resetting.
Inspect the USB port you are connecting to and make sure it is clean and undamaged. Try connecting your phone to a different USB port if possible. Some cars have specific ports meant for Android Auto.
As a last resort, you may need to schedule service with your dealership if an issue with the head unit hardware itself is suspected. Problems like faulty USB ports may require professional repair.
Sources:
https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidAuto/comments/xpty76/audio_no_longer_working_in_android_auto_music/
https://support.google.com/androidauto/thread/194195489/car-audio-not-playing-android-auto?hl=en
Troubleshoot the App
One of the most common fixes is to reinstall or clear the app data for Android Auto. This can resolve any corrupted files or settings that may be causing connectivity issues. According to this Reddit thread, simply reopening the Android Auto app can sometimes re-establish the audio connection. You can also try disabling battery optimization for Android Auto, as this allows the app to run properly in the background.
To reinstall Android Auto, uninstall the app and then re-download it from the Google Play Store. To clear the app data, go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Storage > Clear Data. This resets the app to default settings without deleting the app itself. After reinstalling or clearing data, reconnect your phone and try Android Auto again.
If the problem persists, go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Battery and make sure “Optimize battery usage” is disabled. This prevents your phone from excessively restricting Android Auto and causing audio issues.
Bluetooth Connectivity
One of the most common reasons Android Auto may not be transmitting audio is because there is an issue with the Bluetooth connectivity between your phone and car. To rule this out, you’ll want to double check that your devices are properly paired and that the audio settings are configured correctly.
Go into your phone’s Bluetooth settings and ensure your car is showing as a paired device. You may need to delete the pairing and re-pair the phone and car to refresh the connection. Also check for any updates to your car’s infotainment system software, as this can sometimes resolve Bluetooth issues.
Likewise, inspect your car’s audio or Bluetooth settings to confirm that your phone is selected and allowed to transmit media audio. There may be a setting that defaults audio to the car’s tuner even when a phone is connected. Ensure Android Auto is set as the audio source when using the app.
As a test, try playing audio on your phone outside of Android Auto to see if that works over Bluetooth. If it does, then the issue is isolated to Android Auto. If both Bluetooth audio and Android Auto are not working, your devices may have a deeper pairing problem.
Connection Settings
One of the first things to check is your connection settings. Go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences on your Android phone. Make sure that Wireless Android Auto is enabled if your car supports it (newer models generally do). This will provide the best audio quality since it’s a direct wireless connection 1.
You can also check the Developer options to see if anything related to Android Auto is disabled. Go to Settings > System > Developer options and make sure everything is enabled. Specifically, look for settings like “Android debugging”, “USB debugging”, and “Enable Bluetooth HCI snoop log”. Enabling these allows better debugging and connectivity with Android Auto 2.
Finally, clear the app data and cache for both the Android Auto and Google Play Services apps. This will reset all connections and settings which may resolve any bugs. Re-launch Android Auto and try re-connecting again.
Cables and Adapters
Connecting an Android phone to Android Auto often requires a high-quality USB cable that supports data transfer and fast charging. The cable that came with your phone may not work reliably for Android Auto. Trying different USB cables and adapters can help troubleshoot connectivity issues.
Look for USB cables that specifically mention Android Auto compatibility and support USB 2.0 or higher data transfer speeds. Avoid cheap cables, as they often cannot maintain a steady data connection. Anker, Google, and other reputable brands make Android Auto cables in various lengths.
You may also need a USB adapter to connect your phone, especially for certain car models. Adapters allow you to plug the USB cable into your car’s USB port or cigarette lighter. Right-angle adapters can prevent the cable from sticking out and getting in the way. Popular adapters recommended for Android Auto include the Anker USB-C to USB-A adapter and the Autovox USB to USB-C adapter.
Try testing different cable and adapter combinations to isolate any faulty hardware. High-quality cables engineered for Android Auto, like the Anker Powerline cables, generally work best. Reference the product details or contact the manufacturer if you are unsure whether a cable or adapter should work for Android Auto.
Sources:
https://www.amazon.com/android-auto-usb/s?k=android+auto+usb
Contact Support
If you continue having issues connecting Android Auto to your car’s audio system after trying the troubleshooting steps, you may need to contact the manufacturer for further assistance. Here are some support options to consider:
For help with Android Auto on your phone, contact Google support:
– Visit the Android Auto Help page
– Call 1-855-971-9121 to speak to a specialist
For issues with your vehicle’s infotainment system, contact your car manufacturer’s support line. You can often find the number in your owner’s manual or on their website. Some examples:
– Toyota: 1-800-331-4331
– Honda: 1-800-999-1009
– Ford: 1-800-392-3673
If you need help with third party apps, cables, or adapters, check the manufacturer’s website for a support number or contact form. Providing the make and model number can help get your issue resolved faster.
With the right troubleshooting and assistance from Google or your automaker, you should be able to get Android Auto connecting properly again through your car’s speakers and display.
Summary
If you are having issues connecting Android Auto to your car audio system, here are some key troubleshooting steps to review:
- Check for any software updates for both your phone and car audio system – installing the latest updates can resolve connectivity issues.
- Try a different high-quality USB cable, preferably the one that came with your phone. Damaged or low-quality cables are a common cause of connection problems.
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and try connecting over Bluetooth if available. Bluetooth can sometimes be more reliable than wired Android Auto.
- Check all connection settings and permissions in the Android Auto app. Make sure the app is allowed to run and access your phone’s data.
- As a last resort, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Android Auto app, which can clear up software glitches.
If you still cannot get a stable Android Auto connection after trying these troubleshooting steps, contact your car audio or phone manufacturer for further support. Be prepared to provide details on your phone model, car model, and any error messages seen.