Is it possible to install Android Auto?
Yes. You can install Android Auto on most modern Android smartphones to use the car-style interface on your device, and many cars or aftermarket head units support projecting that interface. Android Auto also exists as a separate in-car operating system called Android Automotive OS, which runs in some vehicles and cannot be installed on a phone.
What Android Auto is and how it works
Android Auto is a Google platform that mirrors a curated set of apps from your Android phone to a compatible car infotainment display. It can work wired via USB or wirelessly, if both your phone and your car support wireless connections. There are two related experiences to understand: the phone-based Android Auto, which you install and use on your phone, and Android Automotive OS, which is a full-fledged operating system that manufacturers embed directly in the car’s hardware.
Android Auto on phones vs. Android Automotive OS
Android Auto on a phone is designed to make navigation, messaging and media apps safer and easier to use while driving. Android Automotive OS is a separate system built into certain vehicles and is not installable on a standard smartphone.
What you need to install Android Auto on a phone
To get Android Auto on your Android phone, you’ll want to confirm a few basics first. The following checklist helps ensure your setup will work smoothly.
- An Android phone running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or newer with Google Play Services and a Google account.
- Access to the Google Play Store to install or update the Android Auto app.
- A car head unit that supports Android Auto, or an aftermarket head unit that does.
- A way to connect: a USB cable for a wired connection, or a wireless option if your phone and car both support Wireless Android Auto.
- Granted permissions on your phone for Android Auto (location, contacts, microphone, notifications, etc.) during the initial setup.
With these elements in place, you can run Android Auto on your phone and connect it to a compatible vehicle or head unit.
How to install and set up Android Auto
Follow these steps to install and configure Android Auto on your phone and connect it to your car’s system.
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone and search for “Android Auto.” Install or update the app to the latest version.
- Open Android Auto and grant the requested permissions (location, microphone, notifications, etc.). You may need to sign in with your Google account and accept terms of use.
- Prepare your car: enable Android Auto in the car’s infotainment settings if required, and ensure the vehicle is in a mode that allows a phone connection.
- Connect your phone to the car: use a compatible USB cable for a wired connection, or enable Wireless Android Auto if your car and phone support it. You’ll typically see a prompt on the car display to allow the connection.
- Follow on-screen prompts to complete onboarding on both devices. You can customize which apps appear on the Android Auto interface and adjust notification settings.
- Begin using Android Auto on the car display, choosing from supported apps for navigation, calls, messages, music, and more. If you later switch vehicles, simply reconnect the phone to the new car.
After completing setup, Android Auto will automatically launch when you connect your phone to a compatible car, presenting a simplified, driving-safe interface.
iPhone users and CarPlay
Android Auto is designed for Android devices and is not officially available on iPhones. iPhone users should use Apple CarPlay for similar smartphone integration with compatible car infotainment systems.
Tips, limitations and troubleshooting
Some common considerations and potential hiccups to keep in mind as you install or use Android Auto:
- Not all vehicles or aftermarket head units support Wireless Android Auto. If wireless isn’t available, you’ll need a USB connection.
- Some regions or device models may have limited access to Google services or updates that affect Android Auto functionality. Keeping the app and device software up to date helps mitigate issues.
- Certain apps may be restricted or unavailable on Android Auto. The experience is curated for safety, prioritizing essential navigation, messaging, and audio apps while driving.
- If you encounter connection problems, try a different USB cable, restart your phone, or re-pair the Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi connection between your phone and car. Checking for software updates on both the phone and the head unit can also help.
These steps and caveats can help you better understand what to expect and how to resolve common problems during installation and use.
Summary
In short, you can install Android Auto on most Android devices to access a car-friendly interface on your phone or in a compatible vehicle. It is not the same as Android Automotive OS, which is built into certain cars and cannot be installed on a phone. For those with Android phones and compatible cars, simply installing the Android Auto app from Google Play and following the setup steps will let you project maps, messages, and media to the car display, either via USB or wirelessly where supported. For iPhone users, CarPlay is the equivalent Apple option to consider.
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.
How do I get Android Auto installed?
Screen then touch smartphone connection touch connect new device and follow the pairing. Procedure. Make sure to check the box for Android Auto. Select connect.
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.
Can I turn my car screen into Android Auto?
How do I get Android Auto to run on my car display? For most compatible cars or aftermarket stereos, simply plug in your phone using a USB cable. If your car display supports wireless connection, you must pair your phone with your car's Bluetooth for setup.
