Android Auto is a useful feature that allows you to use some features of your phone, such as music and navigation applications, safely in the car. And in most cases, you need to connect your phone to your car with a USB cable to take advantage of Android Auto.
However, with certain phones and cars, you can use Android Auto wirelessly to connect even more conveniently. Let’s find out if you can take advantage of this feature, and if so, how to use Android Auto wirelessly.
What is wireless Android Auto?
If you’re unfamiliar with this functionality, take a look at our Android Auto overview for everything you need to know. That will teach you how the app works and how to set it up using the normal wired method. For more information, we have also covered the best Android Auto tips and tricks.
Wireless Android Auto is the same product as Android Auto, the only difference is how it connects. Obviously, going wireless is less of a hassle, since you don’t have to fiddle with a cable. However, since Android Auto can use quite a bit of battery power when you’re running navigation and playing music on a long drive, it’s often a good idea to plug it in to keep your phone topped up anyway.
So if you have the option of using wireless Android Auto, you might prefer it on short trips, while still connecting via USB for longer trips. Alternatively, if your vehicle has built-in wireless charging, you can use it in combination with wireless Android Auto for maximum convenience.
What do I need to connect with Android Auto Wireless?
Unfortunately, Android Auto’s wireless connection is not available on all phones and vehicles. It is not possible to use Android Auto via Bluetooth alone, as Bluetooth cannot transmit enough data to handle the feature. As a result, Android Auto’s wireless option is only available on cars that have built-in Wi-Fi or aftermarket head units that support the feature.
Take a look at the Android Auto compatibility page to see which vehicles and stereo units are eligible. This list does not indicate all cars that support wireless projection with Android Auto, so you may need to check with the manufacturer to be sure. In general, wireless Android Auto works on car models from about 2020 and newer.
You’ll also need to have an Android phone that works with wireless Android Auto. At the time of writing, the following phones support the feature:
- All phones running Android 11 or later
- Any Google or Samsung phone with at least Android 10
- A Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, or Note 8 running Android 9 Pie
Your device must also support 5GHz Wi-Fi and have an active data plan, which almost all modern phones should have.
How to use Android Auto wirelessly
Using Android Auto without a cable is simple. Once you have confirmed that your phone and car are compatible, make sure that your phone has Bluetooth, WifiY Location all on. You can easily check them using the toggles on the quick settings panel, accessible by dragging down from the top of the screen twice.
To connect, make sure your car is parked, then turn it on. Connect your phone to your car’s USB port with a cable, which is required for initial connection. If prompted, you’ll need to download or update the Android Auto app on your phone (modern versions of Android have it built in).
Next, follow the setup instructions to give Android Auto the necessary permissions, as explained in the overview article linked above.
Once you’re done, you’re ready to use Android Auto with your car. Tap on the android auto on your car screen to start it; could be hidden within a menu called Applications, Telephonic conectionor similar.
Now you can use Android Auto wirelessly. You can unplug the USB cable and Android Auto will still run, and you won’t need it to connect the cable in the future. Exit Android Auto by touching your car manufacturer’s entry in the list of Android Auto apps, or by pressing the House on the main unit, if applicable.
If you’re having trouble and you’re sure that both your phone and your car are compatible with wireless Android Auto, follow our troubleshooting steps to fix Android Auto.
Android Auto Wireless, Easy
That’s all you need to get wireless access to Android Auto in your car. Unfortunately, as of now, this feature is restricted to specific phones and vehicles. But as time goes by, we expect to see more cars that support the feature.
For now, you can still enjoy Android Auto with a cable. There are plenty of apps that help you access relevant content on the go.