Can I Use Android Auto Wirelessly?

Picture this: As you settle into your car, ready to start the navigation, you realize the USB cable is tangled beneath the seat. Each time you adjust your seat, you have to be careful, wary of yanking on your phone. Finally, when you plug it in, the screen goes dark, and the navigation cuts out, leaving you frustrated. Not to mention, each time you get into the car, you have to re-plug the cable. This hassle makes you wonder: Can I use Android Auto wirelessly? This blog invites you to explore this question.

Which Phones Are Compatible with Wireless Android Auto?

Before using Android Auto wirelessly, you need to confirm whether your Android smartphone supports it. Many devices are compatible, and they typically have the following features:

• Operating System: Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher.
• Wi-Fi Capabilities: Support for Wi-Fi Direct or 5GHz Wi-Fi.
• Brand and Model: Examples include Samsung (Galaxy S8 and newer), Google Pixel (Pixel 3 and newer), OnePlus (8 and newer), among others.

Recent Android smartphones generally meet specific usage requirements. However, these requirements may change in the future. Google has raised the hardware standards for Android Auto—such as processor and memory requirements—along with updating software versions to ensure that devices run the latest Android. This has resulted in the discontinuation of support for many older devices, making them incompatible with the service. Therefore, it is important to regularly check your device model and software updates to ensure compatibility with wireless Android Auto.

Which Cars Support Wireless Android Auto?

Many car brands support wireless Android Auto. It’s best to check the specific model's user manual or the manufacturer’s website for confirmation. Some common ones include:

• BMW: Models from 2019 and later;
• Ford: Certain 2020 models and newer;
• Mitsubishi: Selected 2020 models and newer;
• Audi: Models from 2019 and later;
• Chevrolet: Selected 2020 models and newer;
• Volkswagen: Certain 2020 models and newer;
• Porsche: Selected 2020 models and newer;
• Nissan: Certain 2020 models and newer.

How to Use Built-In Wireless Android Auto in Your Car?

Here are six easy steps to set up Android Auto:

Step 1: Check Compatibility

Step 2: Connect Your Phone

Step 3: Pair Devices

Step 4: Activate Android Auto
Choose Android Auto on the car's system. If it’s your first time, grant the necessary permissions on your phone.

Step 5: Start Using

Step 6: Disconnect

To disconnect, simply turn off Bluetooth or disable the Android Auto feature.

What If Your Car Doesn't Have Built-In Wireless Android Auto?

If you find that your car doesn’t have built-in wireless Android Auto, here are a few methods to break free from the USB cable:

Method 1:Use a Wireless Adapter
Consider using a wireless adapter like Carlinkit wireless Android Auto adapters. These devices convert wired Android Auto to wireless.The connection process is quite easy: plug the adapter into your car’s USB port, then follow the instructions to pair it with your phone, establishing a Wi-Fi connection.

Method 2: Upgrade Car Software
Software Updates: Some car manufacturers periodically release firmware updates. Check the manufacturer’s website or contact your dealer to see if an update is available for wireless support.
Compatibility Checks: Even if your car doesn’t support it initially, updates may add this functionality.

Method 3: Replace the Head Unit
Choose a Compatible System: If your car’s sound system is outdated, consider upgrading to a new head unit that supports wireless Android Auto. Brands like Pioneer, Kenwood, and Sony often offer this feature.
Professional Installation: Installing a new system may require professional help to ensure everything is properly connected.

How to Fix Issues with Wireless Android Auto Not Working?

When your wireless Android Auto connection fails, it’s really frustrating. You might get into your car, turn on the system, and find that your phone isn’t recognized, showing “Not Connected.” You could also experience frequent disconnections, where the navigation screen goes black and instructions disappear while you’re driving. If you try to use the voice assistant to make a call, it might not respond, leaving you to dial manually. There can also be annoying delays when playing music, with a few seconds lag after you hit play. Plus, you might see a message saying, “Connection Failed. Please check your phone settings,” which can be confusing.

Here are some tips to fix these problems.

1. Restart Devices:
Start by restarting your phone and car system to clear temporary glitches.
2. Check Bluetooth Settings:
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and that your phone can be recognized by the car system. Try unpairing and then pairing again.
3. Update Software:
Ensure both your phone and the car system are updated to the latest versions to resolve potential compatibility issues.
4. Clear Cache:
Go to your phone’s settings, find the Android Auto app, and clear its cache and data.
5. Check Network Connection:
Make sure your phone has a good signal, and Wi-Fi or mobile data is stable while in use.
6. Switch Your Phone to Airplane Mode:
Switching your phone to airplane mode for a few seconds resets its network connections, clears temporary caches, and allows it to rescan for available devices, which can help eliminate signal interference.
7. Forget the Car's Bluetooth Pairing and Re-Pair Your Phone:
Access the car's Bluetooth settings to remove your phone, then do the same on your phone's Bluetooth settings. Finally, ensure the car is in pairing mode and search for it on your phone to reconnect.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have explored how to use Android Auto wirelessly, discovered which smartphones and vehicles support wireless connectivity, learned the step-by-step process for setting up wireless Android Auto, and found out how to upgrade your wired system to wireless. We also provide troubleshooting tips to ensure a smoother experience. Let’s enhance safety and convenience in your driving!