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Android Auto Troubles? Six Fixes to Get Your System Back on the Road
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Despite its widespread use, Android Auto remains a source of frustration for many drivers. While iPhone users frequently enough experience seamless connectivity with Apple CarPlay, Android phone users frequently encounter issues. Fortunately, a series of troubleshooting steps can often resolve these problems, ranging from simple checks to more involved solutions.
One driver recounted a particularly frustrating experience with a 2020 Kia Sportage, noting that Android auto, which initially functioned flawlessly, now consistently fails to connect. “This has been incredibly frustrating for my wife, who is the Android user between us at the moment,” they shared.
Here’s a breakdown of potential fixes, ordered from easiest to most complex:
Plug In Before You Start
A surprisingly effective solution is to ensure your phone is connected to the car’s USB port before starting the engine. In the case of the Kia Sportage mentioned above,this simple step ultimately resolved the connectivity issue. It’s worth trying first, as it requires minimal effort.
Check Your Cable
The USB cable itself is frequently enough the culprit. If you’re using a wired connection, try a different cable known to be in good working order. Be aware that some cables are designed for charging only and lack the data transfer capabilities required for Android Auto. These “anti-juice-jacking” cables will not work for establishing a connection.
Optimize Battery Settings for android Auto
Android’s battery optimization feature can sometimes interfere with Android Auto’s background processes. To prevent this, navigate to Settings > Apps > android Auto > Battery and select the “unrestricted” option. Consider also checking the battery settings for apps you use while driving,such as google Maps,to ensure they aren’t similarly restricted.
Battery optimization settings can sometimes interfere with Android Auto’s functionality. Ensuring Android Auto and related apps have unrestricted battery access can help.
Forget and Reconnect Your Car
After an Android update, “forgetting” and reconnecting your car can frequently enough resolve connectivity issues. Open your Android Auto settings, select the problematic car from your list of connected cars, and choose to forget it. Then, reconnect as if it were a new device. According to many users, this fix resolves the majority of Android Auto problems.
Clear Android Auto’s Cache and Storage Data
Like all Android apps, Android Auto can experience issues due to cached data, particularly after an update. Clearing the cache is a straightforward process, typically found under Settings > Apps > android Auto > Storage. The exact menu labels may vary depending on your phone’s manufacturer and Android version.
Clearing the cache removes temporary files that can sometimes cause performance issues or glitches within the app.
Update Everything
For optimal performance, ensure your phone, the Android Auto app, and your car’s infotainment system are all running the latest software versions. Updating your phone and the Android Auto app is usually simple. However, updating your car’s system can be more complex. Some vehicles support over-the-air (OTA) updates, while others require a USB flash drive with the correct update file.
One driver noted the potential for incompatibility between Google’s software and the car’s original firmware. “I have a strong suspicion that our Android Auto woes have happened as the latest version of Google’s software has some sort of issue with the software Kia shipped with my car,” they explained. Updating car software can be risky, perhaps “bricking” the infotainment system, so it’s frequently enough best left to a professional dealer.
