Android Auto is Google’s in-car platform for displaying navigation, calls, messages, music and other compatible phone features on a vehicle’s infotainment screen. Its driving-focused interface uses large controls, simplified menus and voice commands.

Android Auto does not mirror the phone’s entire screen. Only apps and features designed for use with the platform can appear on the vehicle display.

Android Auto features

After connecting a phone, drivers can navigate, listen to media, handle calls and interact with messages using the car display, steering-wheel controls or voice commands.

Key features include:

• turn-by-turn navigation with Google Maps, Waze and compatible services;

• live traffic, estimated arrival times and road alerts;

• making and answering phone calls;

• listening and replying to messages by voice;

• music, podcasts, audiobooks and radio;

• media controls through the vehicle interface;

• access to selected contacts, calendar information and apps;

• voice control with Gemini or Google Assistant, depending on availability;

• a dashboard combining navigation, media and useful journey information.

Not every app installed on the phone is supported. The vehicle display only shows applications that have been adapted for Android Auto.

Wired and wireless connections

A wired connection requires a compatible car or aftermarket stereo, a phone running Android 9 or later, an active data plan and a high-quality USB cable.

Wireless Android Auto requires a compatible vehicle, a phone running Android 11 or later and support for 5 GHz Wi-Fi. During initial setup, the phone and vehicle are paired through Bluetooth before establishing the wireless projection connection.

Support for Android Auto through USB does not necessarily mean that the same vehicle supports wireless operation. Compatibility should be checked in the vehicle or stereo documentation.

Things to consider

Android Auto is integrated into current Android versions, so a separate app icon may not appear in the phone’s app menu. The platform is not supported on Android Go edition devices.

Online navigation, voice assistance, streaming and messaging require mobile data. Extended use can consume both data allowance and phone battery power.

Android Auto may request access to location, contacts, phone calls, messages, the microphone and notifications. The permissions required depend on the features being used.

The platform can reduce the need to handle a phone, but it does not eliminate driver distraction. Initial setup and permission management should always be completed while the vehicle is parked.

How to install and connect Android Auto

To install the latest Android Auto update, tap the download button on this page. Because the platform is integrated into most current Android phones, Google Play may display “Update” instead of “Install”.

For the first connection, turn on the vehicle’s infotainment system while the car remains parked. Connect the phone with a high-quality USB cable or pair it through Bluetooth if the vehicle supports wireless Android Auto. Approve the required permissions and follow the instructions on the phone and vehicle displays.