How do I connect my Android phone to my RAM truck?
Direct answer: You can connect your Android phone to a RAM truck via Bluetooth for hands-free calls and audio, and use Android Auto on the dashboard display through a USB cable (wired) or, on compatible RAM models, wirelessly. This setup lets you use navigation, messaging, and apps on the truck’s touchscreen.
This guide walks you through compatibility considerations, step-by-step connection methods, and common troubleshooting tips for RAM models equipped with Uconnect 5 or earlier infotainment systems. It covers both traditional Bluetooth pairing and Android Auto integrations so you can choose the method that works best with your vehicle and phone.
Compatibility and prerequisites
Before you start, verify your RAM’s infotainment system version and your Android phone’s Android Auto compatibility.
- RAM infotainment system: Uconnect 5 (or newer) is common in recent RAM trucks; check your model year and available software updates.
- Android Auto on the phone: Android 6.0 or newer with the Android Auto app (or built-in Android Auto on newer Android versions); keep the app up to date.
- Connection hardware: a data-enabled USB cable for wired Android Auto; RAM USB ports (C or A) that support data transfer.
- Wireless Android Auto (if available): compatible RAM models with Uconnect 5 and a compatible phone; software updates may be required.
- Bluetooth for calls/media: enabled on both the phone and the RAM’s Bluetooth settings for hands-free use even without Android Auto.
Having these requirements in place will help ensure a smooth setup. If in doubt, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or contact your dealer for model-specific guidance.
Bluetooth: hands-free calls and audio
Using Bluetooth lets you make calls and stream audio from apps without starting Android Auto. This is a reliable baseline step before enabling Android Auto.
- In the RAM’s Uconnect touchscreen, open Settings and select Bluetooth to make the system discoverable.
- On your Android phone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and pair with the RAM Uconnect device (the vehicle name appears in the list).
- Accept the pairing request on both devices and grant permissions for contacts, messages, and media as prompted.
- Set the RAM Uconnect as the preferred device for calls and audio, and enable auto-connect if available.
Once paired, you can use the truck’s speakers for calls and audio playback from supported apps even when Android Auto isn’t active.
Android Auto: wired connection
Wired Android Auto is the most reliable way to access navigation, messaging, and compatible apps on the RAM display.
- Use a high-quality data‑cable (USB-C or USB-A, depending on your truck’s port) to connect your phone to the vehicle’s USB port labeled or branded for Android Auto.
- Turn on the vehicle and unlock your phone; if prompted, allow Android Auto to start and grant necessary permissions.
- On the truck’s touchscreen, select Android Auto when prompted. If it doesn’t launch automatically, open the Apps menu and start Android Auto manually.
- Follow on-screen prompts on your phone to complete setup; you may be asked to install or update the Android Auto app.
With wired Android Auto, you’ll see compatible apps and navigation on the RAM display, with inputs and voice commands working through the car’s controls.
Android Auto: wireless connection
Some RAM models with Uconnect 5 support wireless Android Auto. If your truck and phone are compatible, you can connect without a USB cable after the initial setup.
- Ensure wireless Android Auto is enabled on your phone (Android Auto > Wireless Android Auto) and in the RAM’s infotainment settings (Apps > Android Auto).
- Make sure both devices are awake, unlocked, and in range; initial setup may require a USB connection or Bluetooth pairing.
- In the RAM’s menu, select Wireless Android Auto and follow any prompts on both the car display and your phone to complete the pairing.
- Grant any required permissions on the phone; Android Auto should appear on the truck display once connected.
Wireless Android Auto can vary by model year and software version. If it doesn’t appear or disconnects, check for a dealer-installed software update or consult RAM support for compatibility details.
Summary
Connecting an Android phone to a RAM truck blends Bluetooth for calls and audio with Android Auto for navigation and apps on the dashboard. Start with a Bluetooth pairing for hands-free use, then choose wired Android Auto for the most stable experience, or wireless Android Auto if your RAM model and phone support it. Keep both your phone and your vehicle’s software up to date, and refer to your owner’s manual or dealer for model-specific steps and any firmware requirements.
