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Can I have Android Auto added to my car?

Yes, it is possible to add Android Auto to your car, even if it wasn't originally equipped with the feature. Android Auto is a smart driving platform that allows you to access various apps and features on your Android smartphone through your car's infotainment system. With the right hardware and software, you can integrate Android Auto into your vehicle and enjoy a seamless connected driving experience.

What is Android Auto?

Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google that provides a simplified and optimized interface for using your Android smartphone while driving. It allows you to access various features and apps, such as navigation, music playback, messaging, and voice commands, directly through your car's display or by using voice controls. The goal of Android Auto is to reduce driver distraction and provide a safer way to interact with your smartphone while on the road.

How to Add Android Auto to Your Car

There are a few different ways to add Android Auto to your car, depending on the make and model of your vehicle and the available hardware and software options:

Aftermarket Head Unit Replacement: If your car doesn't have a compatible infotainment system, you can replace the existing head unit (the central control panel) with an aftermarket unit that supports Android Auto. This typically involves removing the factory-installed head unit and installing a new, compatible one.

Wired Connection: Some cars may have the necessary hardware to support Android Auto, but the software may not be enabled. In this case, you can connect your Android smartphone to the car's USB port and enable the Android Auto feature through the car's settings menu.

Wireless Connection: Newer vehicles may offer the option to connect your Android smartphone to the car's infotainment system wirelessly, without the need for a wired connection. This provides a more seamless and convenient experience.

It's important to note that the specific steps for adding Android Auto to your car may vary depending on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, as well as the available hardware and software options. It's recommended to consult your car's manufacturer or a qualified automotive technician to determine the best way to integrate Android Auto into your vehicle.

Benefits of Using Android Auto

Adding Android Auto to your car can provide several benefits, including:

Improved Safety: Android Auto is designed to minimize driver distraction by providing a simplified and voice-controlled interface, allowing you to access important features without taking your eyes off the road.

Seamless Integration: Android Auto seamlessly integrates your Android smartphone with your car's infotainment system, providing a consistent and familiar user experience.

Expanded Functionality: Android Auto gives you access to a wide range of apps and features, including navigation, music playback, messaging, and voice commands, all accessible through your car's display or voice controls.

Hands-free Operation: Many Android Auto features can be controlled using voice commands, allowing you to keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road.

Overall, adding Android Auto to your car can enhance your driving experience by providing a safer, more convenient, and more connected way to access your smartphone's features while on the road.

Can I add Android Auto to my car if I don't have it?

You can add Android Auto to any car by using an external display, a wireless adapter, or replacing the car's head unit. The simplest option is a portable display that mounts on the dashboard, with the device providing its own screen and connecting to your phone via Bluetooth and to your car's audio system via a cigarette lighter adapter, AUX cable, or FM transmission. More integrated solutions include a wireless adapter that plugs into your car's existing USB port, or a new aftermarket head unit which can be more complex to install.
This video demonstrates how to install a portable display with Android Auto in your car: 57sGarreth EvansYouTube · Aug 15, 2025
Methods for adding Android Auto
1. Portable dashboard display

What it is: A standalone device that includes its own screen, which you mount on your dashboard.
How it works: The device connects to your phone wirelessly via Bluetooth. It then transmits audio to your car's stereo through either an AUX cable, a Bluetooth connection to the car's system, or an FM transmitter that plays audio on a chosen radio frequency.
Pros: Easy to install, can be moved between vehicles, and does not require modifying your car's existing head unit.
Cons: It can look less integrated than other solutions and the sound quality depends on your car's audio output method.

2. Wireless adapter

What it is: A small device that plugs into your car's existing USB port.
How it works: It creates a wireless link between your phone and your car's compatible infotainment system, eliminating the need for a USB cable after the initial setup.
Pros: Provides a wireless connection for cars that already have a wired Android Auto-compatible head unit.
Cons: Requires your car's head unit to already be compatible with Android Auto.

3. Replace the head unit

What it is: A new, aftermarket stereo system that has Android Auto built-in.
How it works: You replace your car's existing radio with the new unit. This can involve simple plug-and-play options for modern cars, or more complex wiring and dashboard modifications for older vehicles.
Pros: Offers a fully integrated, seamless experience and can include other features like a larger screen or improved sound quality.
Cons: This is the most expensive and complex option, often requiring professional installation and significant effort to install yourself.

You can watch this video to learn about replacing the head unit in your car: 56sCarGuy11YouTube · Sep 30, 2023

How much does Android Auto cost?

Android Auto is free to use, but you may incur data costs from your mobile plan to power it. The cost can increase if you need to buy an aftermarket head unit for an older car that doesn't have built-in Android Auto support, which can range from approximately $160 to over $1,000, plus potential installation fees.
What's free

The software: The Android Auto app itself and its core features are a free service from Google.
Built-in integration: If your car's infotainment system already has Android Auto compatibility, there is no extra charge to use it.

Potential costs

Data plan: Android Auto uses your smartphone's mobile data for functions like navigation and streaming, so you may have data charges from your phone carrier.
Aftermarket head unit: If your car is older and lacks built-in Android Auto, you will need to purchase and install a new aftermarket head unit.
- Prices for these units vary significantly, from around $160 for a basic model to over $1,000 for high-end features, notes Best Buy and Pioneer Electronics.
Installation: You may have to pay a fee for professional installation of an aftermarket head unit, which can range from approximately $30 to $150 depending on the complexity, says Reddit users.

Is it possible to install Android Auto on any car?

Android Auto works with over 500 models, with more on the way. Check our vehicle and stereo list to make sure your car is compatible. Also, see if your phone meets the requirements.

Is Android Auto being phased out?

No, Android Auto is not being phased out by everyone, but General Motors (GM) has announced it will eliminate it from its new vehicles by 2028. GM is replacing phone projection with its own integrated infotainment system, which will include a Google Gemini-powered assistant and custom apps. This is the first major automaker to make such a move, and it may set a precedent for others.

GM's decision: GM is eliminating support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in all new vehicles, starting with EVs in 2023 and now expanding to all models, including gas-powered ones. The company is developing its own native infotainment system with a focus on a unified, integrated experience.
Reasons for the change: GM's goal is to have more control over its in-car technology and user experience, including the ability to integrate features like advanced AI assistants and apps that might not be possible with current phone projection technology.
What this means for other manufacturers: While GM is leading this change, it's unclear if other automakers will follow suit. Some have already embraced the native Android Automotive operating system, which is a different approach that still integrates with Google's ecosystem but is not phone projection.
Current status: If you own a GM vehicle with Android Auto, the feature will continue to be supported for now in gas-powered models, but expect it to be absent in new GM vehicles around 2028, says ConsumerAffairs.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.