Android · Devices
Connect your phone to your car
Android Auto projects a simplified, driving-friendly interface — navigation, calls, messaging, and media — onto your car's built-in display, either over a USB cable or wirelessly on supported vehicles.
How to open Android Auto
- Open Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Android Auto.
- Connect your phone to the car via USB, or pair it for wireless Android Auto if supported.
- Customize which apps show on the car screen under Customize launcher.
- Adjust notification and voice-reply behavior under driving mode settings.
What you should know
- Wireless Android Auto requires both the phone and car to support it, plus Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on.
- You can customize which apps appear on the car screen and their order.
- Driving mode settings control voice replies and notification read-aloud behavior.
- A list of previously connected cars can be managed, including removing ones you no longer use.
Not every car head unit supports wireless Android Auto — check your vehicle's specifications if a USB cable is required for you.
Why it matters
A properly configured Android Auto setup keeps navigation and calls accessible with minimal glances at the phone, which is a meaningful safety factor while driving.
Best practices
- Use a certified, data-capable USB cable for the most reliable wired connection.
- Keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi both enabled if you plan to use wireless Android Auto, since it relies on both.
- Review which apps are allowed on the car screen periodically to keep the interface uncluttered while driving.
Common problems and fixes
- Android Auto won't launch when the phone is plugged in.
- Try a different USB cable and port, confirm Android Auto is updated in the Play Store, and check the car's USB port isn't charge-only.
- Wireless Android Auto keeps disconnecting.
- Forget and re-pair the car's Bluetooth connection, and make sure phone Wi-Fi isn't set to turn off automatically to save battery.
Tips and tricks
- Say 'Hey Google' while connected to control navigation, messages, and calls hands-free without touching the screen.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need the Android Auto app installed?
On most phones running recent Android versions, Android Auto is built in; older devices may need the app from the Play Store.
Can I use Android Auto without a data connection?
Basic functions like music and calls work, but live navigation and traffic data require an active mobile data or Wi-Fi connection.
Related settings
- USB PreferencesUSB Preferences controls what happens when your phone is plugged into a computer or other USB device — whether it charges only, transfers files, shares a network connection, or acts as a MIDI/audio device.
- Bluetooth DevicesBluetooth settings let you pair headphones, speakers, watches, and other accessories, and manage previously connected devices.
- Do Not Disturb / Focus ModeDo Not Disturb silences calls, texts, and notifications while still letting you choose specific exceptions, like starred contacts or repeat callers. Android's broader Modes system extends this with presets like Bedtime and Driving, plus fully custom modes for work or focus time.
More Devices guides for Android
- Connected DevicesConnected devices is the hub screen for every accessory linked to your phone, including Bluetooth headphones, watches, car systems, and USB or NFC connections, plus shortcuts to Cast and Nearby Share preferences.
- PrintingPrinting settings let Android discover printers on your Wi-Fi network or connect to manufacturer print services, so you can print documents, photos, and web pages directly from apps using the system Print option.
- CastCast lets you send audio, video, or your entire phone screen wirelessly to a Chromecast-built-in TV, Chromecast device, or other Cast-enabled speaker on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Fast PairFast Pair detects nearby supported Bluetooth accessories, such as earbuds or speakers, in pairing mode and shows a one-tap notification to connect instantly, skipping the usual manual Bluetooth pairing menu.
- Previously Connected DevicesThis screen lists every Bluetooth accessory, Chromecast, or other device the phone has connected to in the past, even if currently disconnected or out of range, so you can reconnect, rename, or permanently forget them.
- Phone Hub / Cross-Device ServicesCross-device services link an Android phone to a Chromebook or other trusted devices signed into the same Google Account, enabling features like viewing phone notifications, texting, checking battery level, and instantly tethering internet access from the Chromebook's Phone Hub panel.