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What exactly does Android Auto do?

Android Auto is a driver-focused interface that connects your Android phone to your vehicle’s infotainment system, letting you use maps, music, messages, and calls through the car’s display and controls. In essence, it brings phone apps to the car in a safer, drive-friendly way.

Core functions of Android Auto

Here are the main capabilities that most users rely on when they start a drive with Android Auto:

Navigation and maps on the car display, using Google Maps or compatible apps like Waze for turn-by-turn directions.

Audio and media playback from supported apps such as Spotify, YouTube Music, Audible, and podcasts.

Messaging and calls, with read-aloud messages and voice replies via Google Assistant and supported messaging apps.

Voice control through Google Assistant, allowing commands like “Navigate home,” “Call mom,” or “Play jazz.”

Phone features and car integration, including dialing, call management, and access to contacts from the connected phone.

A driving-focused user interface with large controls and fewer distractions, designed to minimize phone handling.

App compatibility that’s limited to Android Auto‑ready apps; not every Android app is available on the car screen.

These features collectively aim to keep drivers focused on the road while staying connected to essential services.

How to connect and use Android Auto

To use Android Auto, you typically connect your Android phone to a compatible car head unit, either with a USB cable or wirelessly where supported. The following steps outline a common setup workflow:

Ensure your phone runs a recent version of Android and has the Android Auto app installed (or updated) and that your car’s head unit supports Android Auto, either wired or wireless.

On your phone, enable the necessary permissions (location, notifications, microphone, etc.) and confirm you want to allow Android Auto to start automatically when connected.

Connect your phone to the car via USB (or pair wirelessly if your car supports Android Auto Wireless). You may need to enable Android Auto on the car’s display and approve the connection on your phone.

Grant access to apps and set preferred navigation and media apps within the Android Auto interface.

Drive. Use the car’s controls or voice commands (“Hey Google, navigate to work”) to operate maps, media, and messaging without touching the phone.

Once connected, the Android Auto home screen provides quick access to navigation, calls, messages, and media, with hands-free control as a priority.

Android Auto versus Android Automotive OS and limitations

Android Auto vs Android Automotive OS

Android Auto runs from your phone and projects a drive‑friendly interface onto the car’s display. Android Automotive OS (AAOS), by contrast, is a complete operating system built into the vehicle’s infotainment hardware, so the car can run apps and services independently of a connected phone.

Android Auto relies on the phone for data, processing, and app content, while AAOS provides its own built‑in apps and maps in some vehicles. This distinction matters for features like offline maps, app availability, and how updates are delivered.

Limitations to keep in mind:

Only Android Auto‑compatible apps appear on the car screen; many popular Android apps are not designed for the car interface.

Some features require an active data connection and may vary by country or car model.

Your phone must be unlocked and actively connected for certain functions to be available, especially on wired connections.

Privacy controls apply: location, voice data, and usage data may be shared with Google and the car maker, depending on settings and permissions.

By understanding these differences and limitations, users can decide when to rely on Android Auto and when to use other in-car systems.

Summary

Android Auto is a driver-focused bridge between your Android phone and your car’s infotainment system. It brings selected apps for navigation, audio, and messaging to the car display, controlled by voice, steering wheel buttons, or touch, with safety and accessibility in mind. While it streamlines core tasks and reduces phone handling, it is not a full in-car operating system; that role belongs to Android Automotive OS in compatible vehicles. As technology evolves, Android Auto continues to expand its app compatibility and wireless capabilities, making it easier to stay connected on the road while staying focused on driving.

Is there a monthly fee for Android Auto?

No, you do not have to pay for Android Auto, as it is a free service from Google. However, using some of its features, like navigation and music streaming, will require a data connection, which may involve costs from your mobile or Wi-Fi plan.

Android Auto itself is free: The software is a free utility from Google and there is no monthly fee or charge to connect.
Data is required for some features: To use the full functionality of Android Auto, such as navigation, streaming music, or using Google Assistant, your phone needs a mobile data connection.
Connection costs apply: The cost for the data usage comes from your existing mobile phone plan or through a Wi-Fi connection, not from Android Auto itself.
You can use your phone's data: Android Auto relies on your phone's data plan to operate, so if you have one, you likely already have the means to use it.

What are the disadvantages of Android Auto?

Car multimedia system offers many conveniences for drivers who need to stay connected or seek entertainment on the road. However, it also has some disadvantages, such as a limited range of supported applications, compatibility issues, and possible driving distraction.

Do you really need Android Auto?

No, you do not need Android Auto, as it is a smartphone mirroring system for cars and not a mandatory component. However, it is highly beneficial for those who want to safely use apps like maps, music, and messaging on a car's built-in display with voice commands, and for those who want access to more modern app functionality than a car's standard infotainment system might offer.
This video explains the difference between Android Auto and Android Automotive: 52sKelley Blue BookYouTube · Oct 10, 2024
Reasons you might want it

Safer driving: It provides a safer, hands-free way to use your phone, with apps optimized for in-car use and controlled via voice commands through Google Assistant.
App integration: It integrates your phone's navigation (like Google Maps), music streaming (like Spotify), and messaging apps (like WhatsApp) directly into your car's screen.
Modern features: It keeps your car's infotainment system more up-to-date with modern app features, even if your car's built-in system is older.
Multitasking: It allows you to see navigation, media, and communication apps at the same time, reducing the need to switch back and forth on your phone.

You can watch this video to see a walkthrough of Android Auto's features: 49sNick O'LearyYouTube · Jun 27, 2025
Reasons you might not need it

Basic car connectivity: If you're happy with your car's built-in radio and use Bluetooth for calls and music, you may not need the extra functionality of Android Auto.
System compatibility: Your car needs to be compatible with Android Auto, and you need an Android phone running a recent version of the operating system.
Complexity: Some users find the setup and performance to be complicated or unreliable.

What can I do with Android Auto?

You can use Android Auto to connect your phone to your car's infotainment system to safely access apps for navigation, communication, and entertainment on your car's screen. This allows you to use Google Maps or Waze for directions, make calls, send texts with voice commands, and listen to music or podcasts via apps like YouTube Music and Spotify, all while keeping your hands on the wheel.
Navigation

Use apps like Google Maps and Waze for real-time GPS navigation, traffic alerts, and alternate routes.
Set destinations and get turn-by-turn directions using voice commands.

Communication

Make and receive phone calls.
Send and receive text messages using voice commands, with options to have them read aloud and reply with pre-written or voice-dictated responses.
Communicate with various messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram.

This video demonstrates how to make and receive calls and send text messages using Android Auto: 54sNick O'LearyYouTube · Jun 27, 2025
Entertainment and media

Listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks from popular apps like YouTube Music, Spotify, Audible, and Pocket Casts.
Control playback with voice commands to play, pause, and skip tracks.

Other features

Get news and check your calendar.
Use apps like Zoom to join conference calls.
Control smart home devices remotely before arriving home.

You can watch this video for a beginner's guide to Android Auto, including how to use voice commands: 57sSteve CliffordYouTube · Mar 7, 2024

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.