This article explains what Android Auto Wireless is, what you need to use it, and how to set it up. Instructions apply to Pixel phones with Android 8 through 11 and Samsung Galaxy phones with Android 9 through 11. Show
Beginning with Android 12, Google no longer supports the Android Auto app. If you have Android 12 or later, use Google Assistant Driving Mode instead. How to Use Android Auto WirelessIf both your phone and your car are capable of using Android Auto Wireless, here's how to set it up:
What Is Android Auto Wireless?Android Auto is an app that makes your phone safer to use when you're driving. It supports many apps that make your driving experience better. For example, it includes EV charging, parking, and navigation apps to make your travels fluid and seamless. Android Auto lets you access messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, and read and send messages directly from the launcher screen. For safety, you can also let Google Assistant use pre-set replies and messages to minimize driving distractions. Android Auto also lets you connect your phone to compatible touchscreen car radios, and it's easy to customize Android Auto with a personalized launcher screen and an available dark mode. Android Auto's functions are accomplished primarily by connecting your phone to your car with a USB cable. Android Auto Wireless allows you to keep that connection after removing the USB cable. The main benefit of Android Auto Wireless is that you don't need to plug and unplug your phone every time you go somewhere. If you're planning a long trip or your phone needs a charge, you can plug it in. Otherwise, Android Auto Wireless automatically connects your phone to your car radio when you get in your vehicle (after the initial USB cable connection). Lifewire / Luyi Wang How Android Auto Wireless WorksMost connections between phones and car radios use Bluetooth. It's how most hands-free calling implementations work, and you can also stream music over Bluetooth. However, Bluetooth connections don't have the bandwidth required by Android Auto Wireless. To achieve a wireless connection between your phone and your car, Android Auto Wireless taps into the Wi-Fi functionality of your phone and your car radio. It only works with vehicles that have Wi-Fi functionality. Compatibility is further limited to specific car radios and phones designed to work with the system. When a compatible phone pairs with a compatible car radio, Android Auto Wireless works like the wired version, only without wires. Your phone does all the heavy lifting, the information is on your touchscreen car radio, and things like driving directions and answers that you ask Google Assistant play through the car speakers. What You Need to Use Android Auto WirelesslyIf you want to use Android Auto wirelessly, you need two things: a compatible car radio that has built-in Wi-Fi and a compatible Android phone. Most head units that work with Android Auto and most phones capable of running Android Auto can't use the wireless functionality. Here's what you need to start using Android Auto Wireless:
The 9 Best Android Phones of 2022 Can Other Phones and Head Units Use Android Auto Wirelessly?While Android Auto is available in any car on your phone and can integrate with many original and aftermarket equipment car radios, the wireless compatibility is much more limited. If your phone or car radio doesn't support Android Auto Wireless, all you can do is wait for an update that may or may not come. Advanced users can use Android Auto Wireless with almost any head unit capable of running Android Auto, but it takes a lot of extra work. It's an unofficial method discovered by an Android enthusiast, so Google doesn't support it. To use this method, you need:
The basic idea is that the Android TV stick acts as a Wi-Fi antenna for the car radio, connecting wirelessly with your phone. It's a lot more complicated than that, and it requires a lot of tinkering that's too much for most users. Still, it is
an option for anyone with the necessary experience and expertise. FAQ
Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Why is my Android Auto not connecting wirelessly?Enable Bluetooth to use Android Auto Wireless. It should connect automatically, but if it doesn't, go to your car and phone Bluetooth settings (Settings–>Bluetooth and device connection) and manually pair the two. Android Auto should now load automatically or show up on your car's infotainment system.
Can I use Android Auto with WiWired Android Auto is available on all phones running Android 6.0 (KitKat) or above, but wireless Android Auto is generally restricted to phones running Android 11 or higher, and only on phones with 5GHz Wi-Fi. If your phone doesn't have either of these, you're stuck using a cable until you upgrade.
How do I know if my car has wireless Android Auto?Check your car. Make sure your car or stereo is compatible with Android Auto. Check compatibility. ... . Check your phone. If you have Android 9 or below, get the Android Auto app on your phone. ... . Connect and go. Connect your phone to your car with a USB cable and see Android Auto on your dashboard display.. Does wireless Android Auto use Bluetooth or WiFirst, no data is transmitted over a wire when using wireless Android Auto, but instead of using Bluetooth, the system uses Wi-Fi Direct for music and data. Phone calls are the only thing going over Bluetooth when the system is in use.
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