Troubleshooting Guide: Android Auto Not Working - Solutions & Fixes

Samuel Anderson
2023-08-15
Home > Resources > Phone Troubleshooting > Troubleshooting Guide: Android Auto Not Working - Solutions & Fixes

Summary

If you're an Android user, you know how important the Android Auto app can be. It lets you access all the features available on the device, like music, messaging, and navigation when driving. Additionally, the available Coolwalk is a game changer. Its massive redesigned interface allows users to run multiple applications alongside each other on the same screen. Furthermore, with the voice-activated functions and an intuitive interface of the app, it is no surprise that it's one of the most used apps by many.

But, like any technology, Android Auto may run into problems and not work correctly, which can be annoying. You may experience problems like blank/blurry screens, connection problems, and app crashes, to name a few. Luckily, this article teaches you solutions to problems with Android Auto not working. Keep reading to know what to do when faced with such a problem.

fix android auto not working

Part 1: FAQs on Android Auto Not Working

Q1. Why is Android Auto not working?

There could be various reasons Android Auto may fail to work, including incompatibility issues with your car's system, improper connection between your car and device, or outdated software.

Q2. Can I use Android Auto without an internet connection?

Yes. There is an offline mode that allows you to use Android Auto without a data connection. You can easily access a few of the application's features, like offline music and navigation, without an internet connection. But, most features like messaging or Google Assistant are unavailable offline.

Part 2: How to Transfer Apps from Android to Android with Android Data Transfer

Android Auto is a connectivity feature that lets you control Android smartphone features with an Android-compatible car display. However, it is not perfect. If you are experiencing Android Auto not connecting or launching, or not recognizing phones, etc., here are a few things you can do to troubleshoot Android Auto issues:

Fix 1. Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for Wireless Connection

To resolve the Android auto not connecting issue, ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on your device. This will help establish a connection between the head unit and your device. Here's how to enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi:

Step 1: Launch the Settings application on an Android device and click "Connections".

Step 2: Switch on the toggle switch next to "Bluetooth" and "Wi-Fi". Alternatively, you can enable these options from the quick settings menu or the control center.

ensure wi-fi and bluetooth are on

Fix 2. Use Wired Connection for Android Auto

There is a possibility that your Android device can't establish a wireless connection with the vehicle's stereo system. This means the wireless connection won't work. So, to fix Android Auto not working in car error, try using a wired connection for Android Auto:

Step 1: Disconnect the USB cable from the head unit.

Step 2: Switch off your car's ignition, then wait some time.

Step 3: Switch on your car's ignition, then wait for the head unit to start.

Step 4: Connect the USB cable to the head unit and Android device.

connect via usb

Fix 3. Check Your USB Cable

As simple as it seems, Android Auto stops working due to faulty cables generally. When you always leave the cable in the car, changing temperatures can make it wear out quickly.

Besides, using a USB cable that the Android Auto head unit doesn't support will make the connection unstable. Try a USB supported by a head unit and ensure it is of good quality and can support data transfer. Most of the time, those cheap generic USB cables do not work as expected.

To check the cable, connect the Android phone to PC and check if it works normally. If not, the Android Auto not launching issues result from a faulty USB cable.

Perhaps you need: How can you get your phone out of the Android boot loop with ease? Read this guide to fix your phone.

Fix 4. Restart the Android Phone

Sometimes, it's just temporary glitches bringing the Android Auto issues. In such a case, you should quickly restart your device and see if the Android Auto will work as expected. It's pretty simple to restart most Androids. Here's how to troubleshoot Android Auto:

Step 1: Hold the "Power" button until the "Restart" button appears.

Step 2: Now tap on the "Restart" button to restart the device. After that, you can try Android Auto and check if it will work.

restart android phone to troubleshoot android auto issue

Note that shutting your vehicle off and turning it on after some time can also rule out the hiccups.

Fix 5. Update Your Android Phone

If your OS is too old, Android Auto won't connect to a car correctly. It is recommended to install the latest version of Android OS. Android Auto app is compatible with Android 8.0 and up. Devices running on Android 10+ have Android Auto preinstalled. Here's Android Auto troubleshooting by updating the Android OS:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your phone and click on "System".

Step 2: Tap on the "System update" icon.

Step 3: Click on the "Download" icon to install the available updates.

update android os

Fix 6. Reinstall Android Auto

If updating the application doesn't fix the Android Auto won t connect issue, try reinstalling the app. Unluckily, most Android phones do not have this option. But clearing the app's storage data should do. Below are steps to reinstall the Android Auto application:

Step 1: Open the Settings application on an Android device and click on the "Apps" or "App Manager" option depending on the device.

Step 2: Scroll down, then click on the "Android Auto" application.

Step 3: Click "Uninstall" to remove the app from your phone. Once done, reinstall it from the app store.

reinstall android auto to fix it

See also: The screen of your Android phone got blue out of a sudden? Follow this tutorial to repair your device immediately.

Fix 7. Check If Your Car and Phone are Compatible

If Android Auto isn't supported in your country, you can run Android Auto on your Android phone. Anyway, you must be in a region that supports it. If you are in a country that supports Android Auto, check if your vehicle supports the app. Currently, more than 500 models support Android Auto.

Lastly, check that your Android device is compatible. If you are connecting wirelessly, the phone must meet the requirements:

- Supports 5GHz Wi-Fi.

- Android 9 and above for Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, or Note 8.

- Android 10 and above for Samsung or Google devices.

- Android 11 and above for other devices.

If you are connecting with a wired connection to the car's display, you need the latest version of the Android Auto application, a device with 8.0 and above, and a data plan.

Fix 8. Clear Cache of Android Auto Application

Sometimes, there could be a cache in the Android Auto application, making it malfunction. In that case, clearing the cache should resolve the problem. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Head to the "Settings" application on Android. Click on the "Apps" option depending on the Android device.

Step 2: Click on the "Android Auto" application at the bottom.

Step 3: Click on "Storage" and choose "Clear cache".

clear cache of android auto

Fix 9. Troubleshoot the Infotainment System

If you are having problems getting the Android Auto app to show on the car's display, ensure you are launching it from the main menu of the system infotainment. It can be found in various locations depending on the car and manufacturer.

However, the Android Auto app may not open automatically when you plug in your phone. Sometimes, you must open the application manually before it shows on the display.

Lastly, restarting the infotainment system may be a great way to start a connection and get things back up and running. However, you must check the manual to restart the car because it's different in different cars. If not, you can turn off the car for some time and start it.

Guess what you like: There are multiple approaches to back up your Android phone, which make your data safe. Let's check it out.

Fix 10. Check the Paired Car Settings

Android Auto application enables users to pair their phones with many cars. This implies that there is a high chance of incorrect or unintentional configurations. For instance, you may have accidentally added your vehicle to the list of rejected cars or disabled multiple-car connectivity. Here's how to visit Android Auto car settings:

Step 1: Open the Android Auto application on the phone and click "Connected cars".

Step 2: You will see a list of vehicles you approved/rejected for using Android Auto. If your car is in the "Rejected cars" list, you should remove it from the blocked list and pair it again.

check the list of rejected cars

Further reading: If a Samsung mobile device is overheating, you can cool it down in these ways.

Fix 11. Update the Android Auto App

It may be worth updating the application if you're still encountering Android Auto not recognizing phone errors. A new update comes with fixes for bugs, glitches, and other problems that may be in the Android Auto app. Follow these steps to update Android Auto:

Step 1: Open the Play Store application on your phone and click on your profile button at the upper part of the screen on the right.

Step 2: Click "Manage Apps & Devices" and proceed to the "See Details" option under the Updates available section.

Step 3: Scroll down, then click on the "Update" button next to the Android Auto application.

update android auto app

Fix 12. Restart the Car's Android Auto Head Unit

Is your Android Auto not working after the update? The issue is probably with the Android Auto head unit. You should restart your car's head unit to see if the issue will be fixed.

Step 1: Switch off your car's ignition and disconnect the USB cable from the head unit.

Step 2: Wait for some time and reconnect the USB cable.

Step 3: Switch on your car's ignition, then wait for the head unit to start.

Fix 13. Forget All Connected Cars and Re-add

It is also ideal to forget any connected car and re-add them afterward. This is a great solution for Android Auto troubleshooting. Here are steps to do that:

Step 1: Open Android Auto settings on your Android device.

Step 2: You will find either of the options: "Previously connected cars" or "Connected cars", depending on your device. Choose one of the options you see.

Step 3: Click on the three dots at the upper right section of the screen. Then click on the "Forget all cars" option then click "OK" for confirmation.

Step 4: Now turn off your car's ignition, then wait for some time and turn it on. Wait for the head unit to start and follow the instructions on the screen to add the connected cars again.

forget all connected cars and make connections again

Read also: [Fixed!] What If You Fail to Connect Android to PC

Part 3: Ultimate Way to Resolve Android Auto Issues

Most likely, the Android Auto issue results from a system problem. In this case, you can try Android Repair, a powerful and top-rated tool that fixes Android system issues on Windows computers. With this tool, you will fix issues like Android Auto not working problems like a pro. You don't have to be an expert to use this tool. Everything is clearly outlined, thanks to its intuitive user interface. Besides, you can repair your phone if it keeps turning off, etc.

What Android Repair can do:

- Fix Android system errors such as Android Auto failing to work, black screen of death, bricked Android, app crashing, and more.

- No tech skills are needed to repair Android system errors.

- Support thousands of Android devices, with most models being Samsungs.

- High rates of success.

Download this software to fix your Android Auto issues.

download win version of android repair

How to fix the Android Auto not connecting problem with Android repair:

Step 1: Launch the Android Repair tool on the computer, then select "System Repair". Now connect the Android device to PC using USB and click "Android" and "Start".

launch android repair to fix android auto

Step 2: Choose your device's name, model, carrier, and country.

choose your device info

Step 3: Enter your phone into Download Mode with on-screen instructions, and after that, the firmware will begin downloading. Enter "000000" to confirm the procedure.

confirm your operation

Step 4: Wait for the repairing process to finish and press "Done".

fix the android auto problem in 1 click

Conclusion

Android Auto is a helpful application that enables you to access the phone's features when driving. But it will not always work as expected. This post has outlined several troubleshooting steps for Android Auto not working. Hopefully, you can get your Android Auto app operating again.

Once the issue persists and you have no idea what to do, worry no more, as there is a one-click solution to the problem. Android Repair is a reliable and proficient tool that quickly fixes Android system issues. You will resolve Android Auto errors like a pro without effort.

Related Articles

Troubleshooting Guide: Fixes on Google Drive Not Working (Effective)

Samsung Tablet Won't Turn On? Repair It via 7 Wise Approaches

Why Is OneDrive Not Syncing? Repair It with Easy Methods

How to Flash a Dead Android Phone Swiftly and Safely (Ultimate Guide)

Phone Clone Troubleshooting: How to Fix Huawei Phone Clone Not Working Issue

Reliable Android Phone Repair Software - Fix Android System Issues

 
Samuel Anderson Editor

Samuel Anderson, a seasoned authority in the realm of mobile technology, has been engaged in Samsung-website for more than 8 years. He boasts a formidable skill set encompassing Android Unlock, Location Changer, and Screen Mirror functionalities. With an unwavering dedication to truth and innovation, Samuel has emerged as a trusted resource for navigating the complexities of Android and iOS devices.