Can you add Android Auto to Lexus?
Yes—it's possible on many newer Lexus models and some older ones via software updates or dealership upgrades. Availability depends on the model year and the infotainment hardware installed.
Android Auto lets you project compatible apps from your Android phone onto the car's touchscreen, making navigation, messaging, and media easier while driving. Lexus has gradually added Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay, with updates rolled out over the last few years. This article explains how to check your vehicle's compatibility, what options exist if it's not supported out of the box, and what to expect in terms of wiring and costs.
Current availability and how to check
Before you attempt to enable Android Auto, verify your vehicle's hardware and software, then follow the steps to activate it.
How availability varies by model year
The spread of Android Auto across Lexus models has progressed in waves. Generally, newer vehicles built with updated infotainment hardware and newer software versions are more likely to support Android Auto, sometimes via a simple over-the-air update or dealer-installed upgrade. Older vehicles with legacy Enform systems may require more extensive hardware changes or may not support Android Auto at all. Wireless Android Auto is available on a subset of recent models, while many still rely on a wired USB connection.
- Identify your infotainment hardware: models with the Lexus Multimedia System typically support Android Auto after software updates; older Enform-based systems may not.
- Check for updates: in-vehicle Settings > System Updates or contact a Lexus dealer to confirm if an OTA update or a dealer-installed update adds Android Auto.
- Phone readiness: use an Android phone running Android 6.0 or newer with Google Play Services up to date; ensure Android Auto is installed (on modern Android, Android Auto is integrated, but you may need to enable the feature on first use).
- Connection method: most vehicles require a USB connection to begin Android Auto, while a subset supports wireless projection via Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth pairing; check your model's capabilities.
- First pairing: follow prompts on both the phone and the car screen to grant permissions and set Android Auto as the default projection option.
With these checks, you can determine if your Lexus is ready for Android Auto and what steps you need to take to enable it.
If your model meets the hardware and software requirements, enabling Android Auto is usually a straightforward process and will place Android Auto-enabled apps on the Lexus screen when the phone is connected.
What to do if your Lexus doesn't currently support Android Auto
If your model doesn't support Android Auto out of the box, you have a few paths forward, depending on age and hardware.
- Software update or dealer upgrade: some vehicles can gain Android Auto via a firmware update or a dealer-installed module; ask your Lexus dealer about eligibility and costs.
- Infotainment hardware upgrade: in some cases, a newer head unit or navigation module compatible with Android Auto can be installed, but this is typically more expensive and may affect warranty or integration with existing features.
- Aftermarket head unit: replacing the factory radio with an aftermarket unit that supports Android Auto offers broad compatibility, but will alter the factory look and may impact steering wheel controls and factory features.
- Alternative in-car options: if Android Auto remains unavailable, you can use Bluetooth, USB music playback, or newer CarPlay-enabled devices (if your vehicle supports CarPlay) for some of the same functions, or use the phone's built-in navigation for guidance outside the Lexus system.
Always consider warranty implications and professional installation when evaluating upgrades or replacements.
Summary
Android Auto is increasingly available in Lexus vehicles, but not universally. To add it, owners should verify their model's infotainment hardware, check for firmware updates, and follow the proper pairing steps. If Android Auto isn't supported for a given vehicle, options include dealer upgrades, hardware replacements, or aftermarket head units, each with their own considerations. For the most reliable answer, contact a Lexus dealer or consult the official Lexus support resources for your exact VIN and model year.
