How do I get Android Auto to show on my car screen?
Android Auto is a powerful feature that allows you to seamlessly integrate your Android smartphone with your car's infotainment system, providing a safer and more convenient driving experience. If you're wondering how to get Android Auto to show on your car screen, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps.
Prerequisites
- An Android smartphone running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later
- A compatible car or aftermarket head unit that supports Android Auto
- The Android Auto app installed on your smartphone
Once you have these requirements in place, you can follow the steps below to get Android Auto up and running on your car's display.
Steps to Get Android Auto on Your Car Screen
- Connect your smartphone to your car's USB port. This will establish a wired connection between your phone and the car's infotainment system.
- If prompted, grant the necessary permissions on your smartphone. This may include allowing Android Auto to access your phone's location, contacts, and other data.
- Select the Android Auto option on your car's display. This will launch the Android Auto interface, mirroring your smartphone's apps and features on the car's screen.
- Use voice commands or the car's controls to navigate and interact with Android Auto. You can access a variety of apps, including maps, music, messaging, and more, all while keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate your Android smartphone with your car's infotainment system, making your driving experience more convenient and safer.
Why is my Android Auto not showing on my car screen?
If Android Auto is not showing on your car's screen, try restarting your phone and car, checking that your USB cable is high-quality and secure, and updating the Android Auto app and your phone's operating system. If problems persist, clear the app's cache and data, check that the car and phone have Android Auto enabled in their settings, and ensure the app has all necessary permissions.
Check basic connections and settings
- Restart your devices: Reboot both your phone and your car's infotainment system.
- Inspect the USB cable: Ensure you are using a high-quality USB cable that is no more than 3 feet (1 meter) long and that it's securely plugged into both your phone and the car's USB port. Avoid using USB hubs or extension cables.
- Check car and phone settings: Make sure Android Auto is enabled in your car's infotainment system settings. On your phone, go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Android Auto and ensure Start Android Auto automatically is set to Always.
This video demonstrates how to restart your phone and check USB cable: 1mTech StratologyYouTube · Jun 9, 2025
Update and clear app data
- Update software: Make sure both your phone's operating system and the Android Auto app are up to date through the Google Play Store.
- Clear app cache and storage: On your phone, go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Android Auto > Storage & cache and tap Clear cache. You can also try Clear storage if clearing the cache doesn't work, but you will need to set up Android Auto again.
- Check app permissions: Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > Android Auto and ensure that all permissions (such as location, microphone, and files and media) are allowed.
This video shows how to clear Android Auto app's cache and storage: 1mCars UnlockedYouTube · Apr 22, 2025
Troubleshoot further
- Re-sync your phone: Delete your phone from your car's Bluetooth settings and then reconnect your phone to the car.
- Test another phone: Connect a different phone to see if the issue is with your car or your original phone.
- Contact support: If the problem persists after trying these steps, contact your car manufacturer or check the Android Auto Community for more help.
How to get Android Auto icon back?
To get the Android Auto app back on your phone, go to Settings > Apps > See all apps and select Android Auto to re-enable or configure it, as it's now built into phones with Android 10 and above, not a separate download for most users. If you can't find it, clear the cache and data for the app or check your phone's settings for disabled apps.
Method 1: Check your phone's settings
- Go to your phone's Settings app.
- Tap on Apps or Apps & notifications.
- Tap See all apps to view your full list.
- Find and select Android Auto.
- You may need to tap Advanced and then Additional settings in the app to see your options.
This video shows how to find and enable Android Auto in your phone's settings: 19sTony's HowTosYouTube · Aug 5, 2024
Method 2: Clear cache and data
- Go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto.
- Select Storage & cache or Storage.
- Tap Clear cache and then Clear storage or Clear data to reset the app.
- Restart your phone and try connecting again.
Method 3: Reinstall or update the app (for older versions or if the above fails)
- Go to the Google Play Store and search for "Android Auto".
- If an Update button is available, tap it to install the latest version.
- If you see an Uninstall button, you can tap it to remove the current version, then restart your phone, and then reinstall it from the Play Store.
Method 4: Check for disabled apps
- Some phones, like Samsung, may disable apps to save battery. Go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto and check if the app is enabled.
- You may also be able to find it by searching for "Android Auto" directly in your phone's settings or the app drawer.
How to display Android Auto on car screen?
Connect your phone
Plug a USB cable into your vehicle's USB port; and then plug the other end of the cable into your phone. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Android Auto. (Your phone might ask you to update Android Auto before you continue.)
Do I need to enable Android Auto?
Android Auto should start automatically once you pair your phone and car via Bluetooth. If not, follow the onscreen prompts to start Android Auto. You may have to tap Android Auto on your car's display.
