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Why is my Android Auto not connecting to my car screen?

If you're having trouble getting your Android Auto to connect to your car's display, there are a few common issues that could be causing the problem. In this article, we'll explore the most likely reasons why your Android Auto isn't working as expected and provide some troubleshooting steps to help you get it up and running.

Compatibility Issues

One of the most common reasons for Android Auto not connecting is compatibility issues between your smartphone and your car's infotainment system. Android Auto requires specific hardware and software configurations to work properly. Make sure your car is compatible with Android Auto and that you have the latest version of the Android Auto app installed on your smartphone.

Incorrect Wiring or Connections

Another potential issue is incorrect wiring or connections between your smartphone and your car's USB port. Ensure that the USB cable you're using is compatible and properly connected on both ends. Try using a different USB cable or port to see if that resolves the problem.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Settings

Your Android Auto connection may also be affected by your Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both your smartphone and your car, and that they are paired correctly. Additionally, check that your smartphone's Wi-Fi is turned on and connected to a stable network.

Software and App Updates

Outdated software or app versions can also cause Android Auto connectivity issues. Ensure that your smartphone, car's infotainment system, and the Android Auto app are all up-to-date. Regularly check for and install any available updates to improve compatibility and functionality.

Troubleshooting Steps

If you're still having trouble getting Android Auto to connect, try the following troubleshooting steps:

Restart your smartphone and your car's infotainment system.

Unplug the USB cable, wait a few seconds, and then reconnect it.

Disconnect and re-pair your Bluetooth connection between your smartphone and car.

Clear the cache and data for the Android Auto app on your smartphone.

Check for any available software updates for your smartphone, car, and the Android Auto app.

If none of these troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, you may need to contact your car's manufacturer or the Android Auto support team for further assistance.

Why is my Android Auto not working on my car screen?

Common reasons Android Auto isn't working properly
You may be using a car or smartphone that's not Android Auto compatible. You may have software issues, including an outdated Android operating system or Android Auto app. You may have a bad wired or wireless connection. You may be using a faulty app.

Why did my phone stop connecting to my car?

Your phone likely stopped connecting to your car due to a software glitch, outdated software, or a communication error, which can often be fixed by restarting both devices and re-pairing the connection. Other causes include a faulty cable for wired connections, Bluetooth interference, or a full device list on either the car or phone.
Initial checks

Restart both devices: Turn off both your phone and your car's infotainment system completely, then turn them back on.
Check cable: If using a wired connection, ensure the USB cable is in good condition and is a high-quality one, as faulty cables are a common issue.
Check for interference: Other nearby devices, or even some cars with their own Bluetooth systems, can interfere with the signal.
Test with another phone: Try connecting a different phone to the car to see if the issue is with your phone or the car's system.

Pairing and settings troubleshooting
This video demonstrates how to troubleshoot Android Auto connection problems: 1mLL English ChannelYouTube · Dec 26, 2024

Unpair and re-pair: Go to your phone's Bluetooth settings, "forget" or "unpair" the car, and then repeat the pairing process from the beginning.
Clear Bluetooth cache: On your phone, go to your app settings, find Bluetooth, and clear the cache. Some systems may also have an option to reset Bluetooth settings.
Check device limits: Both your phone and car have a limit on the number of devices they can remember. Delete old or unused pairings to free up space.
Check compatibility: Make sure your car's system and phone model are compatible and check the car manufacturer's website for any known issues.
Enable features in car settings: Ensure that Android Auto or Bluetooth is enabled in your car's infotainment settings.
Adjust app settings: If using Android Auto, check the app settings to ensure it is set to start automatically and has all necessary permissions enabled.

How do I reset Android Auto on my car?

To reset Android Auto, first clear the app's data and cache on your phone by going to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Storage & cache > Clear cache and Clear storage. Then, in your phone's settings, go to Connected devices > Connection preferences > Android Auto > Previously connected cars and tap the three dots to select "Forget all cars". For a complete reset, also remove your phone from your car's Bluetooth list and then re-pair them.
On your phone

Clear app data and cache: Go to your phone's Settings and find the Android Auto app. Navigate to Storage & cache and tap Clear cache and Clear storage.
Forget all cars: From your phone's main settings, go to Connected devices, then Connection preferences, and find Android Auto. Tap the three dots in the top right and select Forget all cars.
Restart your phone: A simple restart can help resolve glitches by clearing temporary files and refreshing the system.

On your car

Remove your phone from the car's Bluetooth list: Go to your car's Bluetooth settings and delete your phone from the list of paired devices.
Check the car's infotainment system: Some cars have a setting to "reset" Android Auto or "forget all cars" within the infotainment system's menus under settings or connected devices.
Restart the car's infotainment system: If available, a restart of the car's system can help. This is often a setting within the car's general settings menu.

After resetting

Unplug your phone from the car, then plug it back in to start the setup process over.
If the issue persists, try using a different, high-quality USB cable, as a faulty cable can cause connection problems.

How to enable Android Auto again?

To reconnect Android Auto, first, restart both your phone and car. If that doesn't work, go to your car's settings and "forget" the phone connection, then do the same in your phone's Bluetooth settings. Finally, re-establish the connection by following the setup prompts, which may involve pairing via Bluetooth first for a wireless connection.
1. Restart and re-establish the connection
This video demonstrates how to reconnect Android Auto from scratch: 46sCars UnlockedYouTube · Nov 19, 2025

Restart both devices: Turn off both your phone and your car's engine, then turn them back on.
Forget the connection: On your car's display, navigate to the settings and remove the phone from the list of connected devices.
Forget the connection on your phone: Go to your phone's Bluetooth settings and "forget" or "unpair" your car.
Reconnect: Restart the process from the beginning by connecting your phone via USB or initiating the Bluetooth pairing for a wireless connection.

2. Check your phone's settings
This video shows how to check your phone's Android Auto settings: 1mTrevor NaceYouTube · Jun 14, 2025

Open your phone's Settings app.
Go to Connected devices, then Connection preferences, and tap Android Auto.
Ensure that "Start Android automatically" is set to "Always".
Check the "Previously connected cars" list and make sure your vehicle is not in the "Rejected cars" list. You can also try tapping "Forget all cars" if you're having persistent issues.

3. Check your phone and car's software
This video demonstrates how to troubleshoot Android Auto connection issues: 59sCars UnlockedYouTube · Feb 22, 2022

Update your phone: Make sure your Android OS is updated to the latest version.
Update the Android Auto app: Check the Google Play Store for updates to the Android Auto app.
Update the car's software: Consult your vehicle's manual for instructions on checking for and installing infotainment system updates.

4. Try a different cable (for wired connections)

If you use a wired connection, try using a high-quality USB-C cable that supports data transfer.
Some users report that a different cable is needed to initialize the connection.

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.