How to Use Android Auto Wireless: The Complete Guide

After 2016, Apple’s Wireless Android Carplay application also launched the Android Auto Wireless application for its users. This application was available on all the latest Android phones of the time.

One of the most popular car-related apps right now is Android Auto. This article provides a step-by-step guide to using Android Auto wireless.

What is Android Auto Wireless?

Android Auto Wireless is an app that brings your mobile apps (Whatsapp, Spotify, etc.) to your car screen so you can use them safely while driving. It allows you to control the following functions from the car display:

• Navigation
• Cards
• Calls
• Text messages
• Music

Minimum Requirements for the Android Auto App

The first thing you need to consider before wirelessly connecting the Android Auto app to your car is its compatibility with your Android phone. To use the app on an Android device, your phone must meet the following minimum requirements as listed below:

• Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 9.0 or higher (Samsung Galaxy S8, Note 8)
• Google Pixel devices running Android 10 or higher
• Other Android smartphones running Android 11 or higher
• In addition, all devices must have 5GHz Wi-Fi support.

All recent Android smartphones have these features. So if you also have the latest Android smartphone, you don’t have to worry about compatibility.

How to use the built-in Android Auto app in a car wirelessly

The second important point you need to consider is whether your car supports Android Auto. Most cars usually support the wired version of Android Auto, but the latest cars are also compatible with Android Auto Wireless. Car companies that support Android Auto in their cars:

Note. Not all vehicle models from these manufacturers support Android Auto wireless. So check with your local car dealer to see if your car supports Android Auto Wireless.

How to connect Android Auto Wireless to your car

If both your car and phone are compatible with the Android Auto Wireless app, follow these steps to enable Android Auto Wireless in your car:

• First, connect your phone to the car radio with a USB cable.
• Now follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initial setup.
• Once that’s done, unplug the USB cable and you’re done.

The next time you turn on your car, Android Auto Wireless will automatically connect your phone to your car radio.

Troubleshooting Android Auto won’t connect?

People using Android Auto Wireless often complain that the phone sometimes fails to connect. This can be frustrating, especially if it happens in the middle of your journey. However, solving this problem is very simple. Here are some solutions to restore the wireless connection between car and phone via Bluetooth:

• Please turn off Bluetooth on your phone and then turn it back on after a few seconds.
• Put your phone in airplane mode and then turn it off after a few seconds.
• Restart your phone and then try to connect it again.
• Forget about pairing with the car in Bluetooth settings, and then pair again.

How to turn on Android Auto wireless in your car

If your car does not have Wi-Fi but is compatible with the wired version of Android Auto, you can still use Android Auto Wireless on it with a USB dongle/wireless USB dongle. Here are the steps to follow to establish a wireless connection using a USB dongle:

• Connect the dongle to your car radio first, and then go to the bluetooth settings on your phone.

• You will see an option to pair it with a USB key. Click on it to turn on the Wi-Fi connection.
• From here, you will be automatically prompted to set up Android Auto.

What should I do if my car does not support Android Auto Wireless?

If your car doesn’t even support a wired connection with Android auto, you can still use Android Auto Wireless in your car using off-the-market GPS-style devices that support Android Auto Wireless.

Although it is very easy to install a GPS device in a car, it is better to entrust this work to professionals. Once these devices are installed in your car, connecting your phone to your car is almost the same.

Connect via USB

• Your car must be parked for the initial setup of the Android Auto app.
• Connect your phone to the car’s USB port using a USB cable.
• Your phone may ask you to download or update the Android Auto app and other related apps such as Google Maps. Download and update these apps from Google Play.
• If the Android Auto app does not start automatically, tap the Android Auto icon in the car display menu.
• Follow the instructions on the car’s touchscreen and phone to complete the initial setup.
• When the setup is complete, your car’s touchscreen will display the phone’s apps.

Conclusion

If you have an Android Auto Wireless enabled car and a compatible Android phone, the process for using the Android Auto app in your car is very simple. But even if your car only supports the wired version or does not support Android Auto, you can still use it in your car using the above solutions.

So what are you waiting for? Connect Android Auto to your car wirelessly to use mobile apps safely while driving.

FAQ

Do I need to connect my phone to Android Auto?

If you are using the wired version of Android Auto, your phone must be connected to the car using a USB cable. However, if you are using the wireless version, you only need to connect your phone to the car for the initial setup.

How do I know if my Android has a wireless auto-connect?

You can find out if your Android supports Android Auto by checking its Android version. You have a compatible phone as long as it runs Android 11 or higher.

Do all cars have Android Auto wireless?

No! Most of the latest cars support the wired version of Android Auto. However, some recent car models are also compatible with Android Auto Wireless. At the same time, older models do not support Android Auto.

Android Auto uses cable or Bluetooth?

Android Auto can be used with both cable and Bluetooth. It depends on whether your car supports wired or wireless versions.