How do I know if my Uconnect has Android Auto?
Yes—most newer Uconnect systems support Android Auto, but availability depends on your model year and software version. The quickest check is to look for the Android Auto icon or app on the head unit, or to test by connecting your Android phone via USB.
This guide explains how to verify whether your vehicle’s Uconnect supports Android Auto, how to enable it, and what to do if you don’t see it right away. It covers wired and wireless setups and highlights model-year differences you should know about.
What counts as Android Auto on Uconnect
Android Auto is the car-friendly projection of select apps from your Android phone onto the Uconnect display. In practice, you’ll see the Android Auto icon or an Android Auto app on the home screen or in the Apps/Phone menu, and you can run compatible apps through the vehicle’s touchscreen.
How to check if your Uconnect supports Android Auto
To confirm on your vehicle’s Uconnect screen, follow these steps:
- Turn on the ignition and wake the Uconnect system to the home screen.
- Look for an Android Auto icon or an “Android Auto” app in the apps list or on the home screen.
- Open Settings or Connectivity (the wording varies by model) and check for an Android Auto entry or a “Phone Projection”/“Android Auto” option.
- Connect an Android phone via USB (preferably a data-capable cable) and watch for a prompt on the phone to start Android Auto, or for the head unit to display the Android Auto interface.
If you see the Android Auto option or can launch Android Auto from the head unit, your Uconnect model supports Android Auto. If not, your system may require a software update or might be an older unit without Android Auto compatibility.
Setting up and using Android Auto
Once confirmed compatible, set up is straightforward. The steps below describe the typical wired setup and the common wireless option where available:
- Prepare your Android phone: install or update Google’s Android Auto app if required, enable permissions, and ensure the phone is unlocked.
- Attach your phone to the Uconnect USB port with a data-capable cable; a notification on the phone will prompt you to start Android Auto.
- On the Uconnect display, select Android Auto (or the Phone/Projection option) to switch into the Android Auto interface.
- Follow any on-screen prompts on both the phone and the head unit to grant permissions and set up preferences (e.g., access to notifications, messages, and apps).
- If your system supports wireless Android Auto, pair via Bluetooth and enable Wireless Android Auto in the Uconnect settings, then ensure your phone is connected to the car’s Wi‑Fi hotspot or the car’s Bluetooth network as directed.
With Android Auto active, you can access compatible navigation, music, messaging, and other apps directly from the Uconnect display or via voice control with Google Assistant.
Wireless vs Wired Android Auto
Some newer Uconnect versions offer both wired and wireless Android Auto. Wireless is convenient but depends on both the car’s hardware and your phone’s capabilities, as well as a stable Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth connection. If wireless isn’t available or reliable, a USB cable provides a steady connection.
Troubleshooting
If Android Auto does not show up, try these steps:
- Ensure your Uconnect software is up to date. Check Settings > Software Update or contact your dealer for the latest version.
- Make sure your phone has Android Auto installed and is allowed to connect to car systems (phone prompts may appear the first time).
- Use a data-capable USB cable and try a different USB port labeled for data, not just charging.
- Reset the head unit by turning the ignition off, waiting a minute, and restarting, or consult your dealer if issues persist.
If issues persist after updates and troubleshooting, the system may be incompatible with your vehicle’s hardware or require a dealership diagnostic visit.
Summary
Android Auto is available on many modern Uconnect systems, but availability depends on the model year and software updates. To know for sure, check the head-unit screen for an Android Auto icon, look under the Settings/Connectivity menu, and try connecting your Android phone via USB or wirelessly if supported. If it doesn’t appear, verify software updates or consult your dealer for compatibility and upgrade options.
Which version of Sync has Android Auto?
Android Auto™ is offered as available on any Ford model equipped with SYNC® 3 or any more updated version of the Ford infotainment system. There are also many new Ford models that have Android Auto™ compatibility as a standard feature, including: Bronco. Bronco Sport.
Does my Uconnect have Android Auto?
Yes, many newer Uconnect systems have Android Auto, specifically the Uconnect 5 system and some Uconnect 4 and 4C systems with compatible touchscreens (7-inch, 8.4-inch, or 12-inch). If your vehicle has one of these systems, Android Auto is included and can connect wirelessly with Uconnect 5 systems. You cannot add Android Auto to older Uconnect systems (2016 and earlier).
Which systems support Android Auto?
- Uconnect 5: Includes both wired and wireless Android Auto compatibility.
- Uconnect 4 and 4C: Supports Android Auto on systems with a 7-inch, 8.4-inch, or 12-inch touchscreen. Wireless compatibility is not available for Uconnect 4 systems.
- Older Uconnect systems: Systems older than 2017 do not support Android Auto.
What do you need to connect?
- A Uconnect system that supports Android Auto.
- An Android phone running Android 5.0 or higher.
- A smartphone data plan.
- For Uconnect 5, you may be able to connect wirelessly. For Uconnect 4, you will likely need a compatible USB cable that supports data transfer.
How to install Android Auto on Uconnect?
To get Android Auto on Uconnect, first, make sure your phone is compatible and has the latest Uconnect software, then connect your phone via a USB cable or Bluetooth. If your phone runs Android 9 or older, download the Android Auto app from Google Play before connecting. For Android 10 or newer, the app is built-in, so you can just connect via USB or Bluetooth.
Method 1: Wired connection (USB)
This video demonstrates how to connect Android Auto via USB: 56sCars With SteveYouTube · Sep 4, 2021
- Park your vehicle in park.
- Connect your smartphone to the Uconnect system's USB port using a USB cable.
- Accept any terms of use that appear on both the Uconnect screen and your phone.
- On your phone, grant permission for Android Auto to launch and access your data, like contacts and messages.
- The Android Auto interface should now appear on the Uconnect screen.
Method 2: Wireless connection (Bluetooth)
This video shows how to set up wireless Android Auto: 41sCars With SteveYouTube · Feb 26, 2022
- Ensure your vehicle's Uconnect system is on and your phone's Bluetooth is enabled.
- On the Uconnect screen, go to Settings > Bluetooth or tap the Phone icon to find the option to add a device.
- Select Add Device or Search and choose your vehicle's Uconnect system from the Bluetooth devices on your phone.
- Confirm that the pairing codes match on both screens and complete the pairing process.
- Follow the prompts to enable Android Auto. You may be asked to download the app if you have an older Android version.
Troubleshooting
- If you have trouble connecting, try rebooting the Uconnect system by holding the volume knob for about 10 seconds until the screen turns off, then release to restart.
- If you have an older Android version, you'll need to download the Android Auto app from the Google Play Store before you can connect.
- Ensure your vehicle's Uconnect software is up to date. You can check for updates or contact a dealer if needed.
How do I tell if my car has Android Auto?
To find out if your car has Android Auto, check the infotainment system for an Android Auto icon or a smartphone integration menu, look for the car's year and model on the official compatibility list from Google, or consult your owner's manual. Most cars made after 2016 support it, but specific compatibility varies by model and trim.
How to check if your car is compatible
- Check the infotainment screen: Look for the Android Auto logo or go into the car's settings menu and see if there's a "Smartphone Integration" or "Android Auto" option.
- Consult the official list: Visit the Android Auto compatibility page to see if your vehicle's make, model, and year are listed.
- Look at your owner's manual: The manual will specify what smartphone integration options are supported by your car.
- Contact the manufacturer: Your car's manufacturer or a local dealer can provide the most accurate information for your specific vehicle.
How to use Android Auto if you have it
- For wired connection: Connect your phone to the car's USB port with a compatible USB cable. Your car's screen should prompt you to start the connection.
- For wireless connection: Pair your phone with the car's Bluetooth and follow the prompts on your phone and car's screen to enable wireless Android Auto. A strong Wi-Fi connection is usually required.
