It’s frustrating when something you rely on every day suddenly stops working. If your Android Auto isn’t working, don’t worry – we’re here to help.
Why Isn’t Android Auto Connecting?
Android Auto is a smartphone connectivity feature that allows you to control certain functions of your phone using an Android-compatible car display. It was designed with safety in mind so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Android Auto is currently compatible with many cars from manufacturers such as Audi, BMW, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, SEAT, Skoda, Volkswagen, and Volvo. You can use it to make phone calls, send and receive messages, listen to music, and get directions.
But the app is not perfect.
If you’re experiencing problems with Android Auto, there are a few things you can try to fix it.
The Basics
First, make sure all of your connections are secure and working properly. This includes the connection between your phone and the car and your connection to the Internet (if you are using a wireless connection). If that doesn’t work, try unplugging your phone and plugging it back in. This will often fix any problems with the connection between your phone and your car’s infotainment system.
If your car has more than one USB port, try plugging it into a different one. Some ports may be clogged with dirt or otherwise damaged.
If everything looks good on the connections front, try restarting your phone and the car. Sometimes a fresh start is all that’s needed to get things up and running again. To restart your device, hold the power button until the power menu appears and tap Restart.
If that doesn’t work, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the Android Auto app on your phone. Sometimes software updates can cause problems, and the best way to fix them is to start from scratch. Once you’ve reinstalled the app, open it up and see if everything is working properly.
It Was Working. Then I Updated Android Auto, and Now It’s Not
If you have tried all the above suggestions and Android Auto is still not working, you may want to try more advanced troubleshooting methods as detailed below.
Check for Car Compatibility
Android Auto is a popular car infotainment system, but it’s unavailable for all cars. If you’re having trouble getting it to work, you should confirm that your car supports Android Auto. Even if your car has a USB port, it might not be compatible with Android Auto.
To check if your car is compatible with Android Auto, you’ll need to consult your car’s user manual or contact the manufacturer directly. Google also provides an extensive list of Android Auto-compatible cars. All you need to do is check whether your car is on the list.
If you find that your car doesn’t support Android Auto, you can always purchase a new stereo that does. A list of approved models is available on the Google Android Auto webpage.
Check Your Cable
Not all USB cables are compatible with all cars, so if you’re using an older or lower-quality cable, that could be the issue.
If Android Auto worked properly before and is now having trouble connecting, there’s a high likelihood the cable is the problem, and you should consider getting a replacement.
While there are many factors to consider when shopping for a new cable for your Android Auto app, two of the most important are length and compatibility. When it comes to length, it is best to use a cable that is no longer than three feet (just under a meter). This will help to ensure the signal is strong and reliable.
Regarding compatibility, it is often best to stick with the cable that came with your phone. The manufacturer typically tests these cables to ensure optimal performance. So, if you have a Pixel phone, a Pixel cable should work well for you.
Clear the Cache and Storage for Android Auto
If you’re having trouble with Android Auto, one thing you can try is clearing the cache and storage for the app. This will reset the app and hopefully fix any bugs that may be causing it to malfunction, but it won’t delete your preferences or any other data.
To clear the cache and storage for Android Auto, follow these steps.
- Open the “Settings” menu on your phone and go to “Apps & notifications.”
- Find “Android Auto” in the list of apps and tap it.
- On the next screen, tap “Storage” and then tap “Clear cache.”
Once that’s done, restart your phone and open Android Auto again.
Troubleshoot the Infotainment System
If you’re having trouble getting Android Auto to appear on your car’s display, make sure you’re launching the app from your infotainment system’s main menu. Its location can vary depending on the vehicle and manufacturer, so if you’re unsure where to find it, consult your car’s manual or visit the company’s website.
Remember that Android Auto may not launch automatically as soon as you plug your phone in. Sometimes, you’ll need to open the app manually for it to appear on the display.
Finally, restarting your infotainment system can be a good way to start a new connection and get things going again.
Check Your Paired Car Settings
One of the best features of the Android Auto app is that it allows you to pair your phone with multiple cars. This also means there’s room for incorrect/unintentional configurations. For example, you might have accidentally added your car to the Rejected Cars list or even turned off multiple car connectivity. If you’ve previously connected to different cars, you might be trying to connect to a different vehicle.
To verify that all configurations are correct, open the Settings section on your Android Auto app.
If everything appears okay, but you still can’t connect the app to your stereo system, you might want to consider disconnecting all cars from the app and start with a clean slate.
Launch a Support Ticket
If you’ve tried all of these fixes and still can’t get Android Auto to work, you should consider seeking help from the Android Auto support team.
- Head over to the “Menu” section on your Android Auto app.
- Select “Help & Feedback” and then tap “Send feedback.”
It may take a while to get a response, but you will likely receive important tips that will help you run the app again without any problems.
Get Your Android Auto App Working Again
While there are some clear benefits to using Android Auto, such as hands-free use and easy access to music and navigation, it’s important to be aware of potential problems and know how to fix them. Following the tips in this guide, you can ensure your Android Auto experience is smooth and glitch-free.
Have you had any issues with Android Auto? How did you solve them? Let us know in the comments section below.
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