Android Auto was Google’s response to Apple CarPlay after its debut in 2014 for iPhones. Both are focused on driver safety on roads while accessing the essential features on the phone while driving.
We’ll be discussing downloading Android Auto apk, AA compatible apps, tips and hacks to everything you need to know about Android Auto in 2023.
After all these years, what more Android Auto has to offer to its users? Let’s dive in.
What is Android Auto?
This is a feature introduced by Google, for Android users that allows you to mirror your Android device into the car’s infotainment system. That means once the Android device is paired with the car’s infotainment system or head-up display, the system displays its supported apps and features right on the display enabling you to operate the apps on the car display.
These apps include calls, messages, YouTube Music, maps, podcasts, and many more Android Auto-compatible apps. This enables the driver to have a safe and focused driving experience while operating his own Android device using voice commands or the car's infotainment system.
Why Android Auto?
“David was upset and frustrated as he could not inform his manager that he was getting late due to severe traffic; because he knew the danger he would meet if he grabbed the phone.”
The story loudly says the importance of this feature. Imagine you too, had to make an important call or text while you were driving just like in David’s situation. You would remain the same as David did. wouldn’t you? Because you too, know that operating mobile phones while driving could lead to serious accidents.
This is where the practicality of the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay feature emerges and you should know your requirement to choose what’s best for your needs by comparing Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto.
Also, Android Auto is evolving with the new technology and will be an essential part in an Automobile with the features like Android Auto digital car key.
Android Auto Compatibility ( Locations, Devices and Cars)
Basically, Android Auto compatibility depends on three basic criteria.
- Location(country or the region you are going to use)
- Android device - the phone model and the Android version
- Having an Android Auto Car - Make, Model and the manufacture year of your car.
Currently a limited number of countries, devices and cars are compatible with Android Auto.
You can read more about Android Auto Compatibility and check whether your car is compatible with Android Auto using the Carmine compatibility checker at our Apps and Downloads section.
How to download Android Auto?
Android Auto APK is the modern way of connecting your android device with your car’s infotainment system so that you can easily use navigation, communication and entertainment apps on the car’s display with voice commands via google assistant.
This app is freely available on google play store and you can download it for your Android phone for free. But in the Play Store, it will not appear for you if you do not belong to a country among the list of Android Auto supported countries. Also, Android Auto is compatible with a limited number of phone models.
You have to download the Android Auto APK only if your device runs Android 9 or lower and in Android 10 and later versions, Android Auto is a built-in functionality.
How to Setup Android Auto
- Firstly open Android Auto.
- If your phone asks you to download or update certain apps, go ahead.
- Then review the Safety Notice and Terms & Conditions
- After that allow app permission to access your phone’s features and apps.
- Then turn on notifications
- If your phone is already paired with your car’s Bluetooth, tap on the device to enable Android Auto. Then it is ready for auto launch.
There are two main ways that you can connect your phone to the car’s inbuilt infotainment system. It is either by connecting your phone via a USB cable or via Bluetooth. But all the cars do not support Bluetooth. Therefore what way you would have to follow depends on the compatibility of your car.
Let’s have a quick look on how to connect the phone into the system.
Connect Android Auto via cable (USB)
- Firstly make sure you have turned on your car and kept it in the park gear.
- Then unlock the phone screen.
- After that connect your phone into the USB port in the car system.
- Launch Android Auto App you installed on your phone.
- If it asks you to download or update certain apps, go ahead (for first-time users).
- Give permissions for access (for first-time users).
- Turn on notifications for Android Auto.
Connect Android Auto via Bluetooth
- Make sure you have turned on your car and kept in the park gear.
- Unlock the phone screen.
- Start the Bluetooth process on the car’s stereo system.
- Go to settings of your smartphone > wireless and networks> Bluetooth Settings> Enable.
- Pair the car system with Bluetooth.
- Give access for Android Auto to perform better.
- Turn on notifications.
- Launch Android Auto app to enjoy Android Auto.
How to update Android Auto
As Android Auto too, is an application, you can update it with the same way you update other applications. Open the Play Store, search Android Auto and check if any new update is available for Android Auto.
Also changing the phone settings to update apps automatically, will make it easy for you as it will update automatically if a new update comes for a certain app.
Android Auto features
Android auto works with your car’s controls – knobs, buttons, touchpad, touchscreen or even with the voice control using Google assistant. . Therefore you don’t have to worry that you cannot grab the phone and do messaging, calling, getting directions or playing your favorite music album. All you need to do is dictate google assistant to do what you need. For example; If you need to send a message saying that you are getting late, JUST SAY ” send a message to (the name of the person you want to send to)” and follow Google Assistant. Click here to find out more Android Auto Features.
Android Auto Apps
Android Auto app list contains the most essential apps which are used for Navigation, Communication and Entertainment. There is a list of best Android Auto apps which are really popular among Android Auto users.
However some visual based apps
like YouTube, Netflix are not served by Android Auto by default. But the most interesting thing is, with some simple hacks you can get it into your Android Auto display. If you want to enable any apps on Android Auto, We have introduced the WheelPal app. Grab Wheelpal App and enjoy your favorite apps on Android Auto.
Android Auto Hacks
In order to enhance the features of Android Auto, we: carplayhacks.com have many interesting hacks and tips to offer. there are some apps which are not available on Android Auto like YouTube. We have hacks to install most of your favorite apps on Android Auto, which are not available by default.
Also, there are some or enabling tweaks like Android Auto hacks to overcome the issues you face while using Android Auto. You can find many of them in our blog.
Android Auto Alternatives
Since Android Auto is not available for all the countries, there is a higher tendency of searching for alternatives. InCar App [check the Apps and Downloads section for downloading] is one of the best alternatives found, which simulates Android Auto for the phone display.
Actually this app can not be connected to the infotainment system of your car as it provides only the simulation in order to give the Android Auto experience for anyone, anywhere in the world.
Android Auto Aftermarket Solutions
You can upgrade your car experience with an Android Auto compatible aftermarket solution, which is a cheaper solution than upgrading the car itself. By upgrading your car’s infotainment system, you can enable Android Auto on your old car.
Also, if you already have a car that supports wired Android Auto, you can enhance it to wireless Android Auto with aftermarket solutions. Check our store for more aftermarket solutions for Android Auto.
12.Conclusion
If you are using an Android phone, Android Auto is the most convenient way to use your phone apps while driving. A range of navigation, entertainment and communication apps are compatible with Android Auto. And carplayhacks have hacks for you to install your favorite apps on Android Auto.
Also, you can try downloading and installing the Android Auto APK, if your phone or the country is not compatible with Android Auto.
Also, Grab our Tesla Android Auto Page.