Android Auto is a popular platform that allows users to safely access the features of their smartphones while driving. Google has made many changes to Android Auto in order to make it easier to use without causing distractions. Even after using Android Auto for several years, users can still discover new features and settings that can enhance their experience.
This article will provide 16 tips and tricks for new Android Auto users to help them customize their experience and improve their safety while driving. Additionally, it will also cover four of the most popular Android Auto hacks, including sideloading APKs and converting a wired connection to a wireless one. These hacks can enable users to stream video apps on their car’s head unit and add unsupported apps to the Android Auto interface.
Key Takeaways
- Android Auto offers a safe and convenient way to access smartphone features while driving.
- This article provides 16 tips and tricks for new Android Auto users to customize their experience and improve safety.
- The article also covers four popular Android Auto hacks that can enhance the user experience.
Top 16 Tips and Tricks for Android Auto
Android Auto is a powerful tool that allows users to access their smartphones while driving without any distractions. However, to make the interface more convenient and easy to use, there are a few settings tweaks and apps that can be utilized. Here are the top 16 tips and tricks for using Android Auto that every driver should know.
Start Android Auto Automatically
Enabling the Start Android Auto automatically option on Android Auto settings is a great way to save time. This setting will automatically boot the Android Auto screen once you plug your smartphone into your car via a USB cable or when your phone pairs to Bluetooth with your car. To turn on this setting, open your smartphone Settings app, search for Android Auto, click on Android Auto settings, scroll down to the general section, and enable Start Android Auto automatically under the General section. You will get three options to choose from: Always, If used on the last drive, and Default (set by the car). Based on what setting you choose, Android Auto will or won’t automatically boot up on your next drive.
Start Android Auto While Locked
Another important tip is to enable Start Android Auto While Locked, which is located right below Start Android Auto automatically on the Android Auto settings page. If this setting is disabled, you won’t be able to access the features of some of the apps if your smartphone is locked. To enable this setting, go to the Android Auto settings page and click the toggle next to Start Android Auto while locked. Now, all the features of your smartphone will be accessible on the Android Auto screen even if your smartphone is locked.
Customize the Android Auto Screen
By default, there are a few apps on Android Auto. You can include or remove apps on the Android Auto screen and modify the arrangements of the app from the Android Auto settings page on your smartphone. Removing the necessary apps from the screen will make it easier to navigate and use the apps you want. Follow the steps below to customize your Android Auto screen.
- Open Settings on your smartphone and search for Android Auto.
- Click on Android Auto from the search results and select Customise launcher.
- A list of applications will appear, and here is how to add or remove an app from Android Auto.
- To add a new app: Find the app you want to add from the list and check the box next to it.
- To remove an app: Find the app you want to remove and uncheck the box next to it.
Once you complete adding or removing apps on your Android Auto, you can arrange them in alphabetical order or your custom order by changing the following settings.
- On Customise launcher settings, click on the Launcher sorting option.
- Here is how to sort apps on the Android Auto screen.
- Click on A-Z to arrange the apps in alphabetical order on the Android Auto screen.
- Click Custom order to arrange the apps based on your own order.
Note: To change the order of the apps on your Android Auto screen, use the dots-icon next to the app on the customize launcher list. Press and drag the dots icon to arrange your list at the top. The apps on Android Auto will be arranged the same way.
Add Shortcuts for Action
Android Auto allows you to quickly create a shortcut to make a call or perform a Google Assistant action. Doing this will add a shortcut similar to the app icon on the Android screen. You can click the shortcut or use the voice command to make the call or trigger the action. You can create a shortcut on Android Auto from Settings.
Go to Android Auto settings and select Customize launcher. Now click Add a shortcut to the launcher and follow the steps below.
- To add a call shortcut: Click on the Call a contact option and select the contact.
- To add an Assistant shortcut: Click on An Assistant action → Type in the command → Give the icon a name → Click on + Create Shotcut.
Once you add these shortcuts, they will appear on your Android Auto screen for quick access or, say, the command you’ve saved in the Assistant action to perform the action.
Use Google Assistant
One of the best features of Android Auto is Google Assistant. You can use the Google Assistant on the Android Auto to control almost every function of the interface. You can make calls, send or reply to messages, change music, start navigation, and ask Google Assistant to do a few other things.
To summon the Google Assistant, you can use the following three methods.
- Using the voice command switch on the steering wheel.
- Using the mic icon on the Android Auto interface.
Top 4 Android Auto Hacks
Android Auto is a great platform for using apps while driving, but there are certain limitations that users may want to overcome. Here are four different hacks for Android Auto to sideload apps, screen mirror apps, and convert a wired Android Auto connection to wireless.
Note: These Android Auto hacks might break the terms and conditions of Android Auto. Use them at your own risk.
Sideloading APKS
Users can sideload any app to their Android Auto interface using the AAAD (Android Auto App Downloader) app. This sideloading app can be used to sideload apps like CarStream, which will let users watch video streaming apps like YouTube on Android Auto. Apart from sideloading apps, AAAD also includes other hacks to screen mirror the phone screen to Android Auto.
AAAD doesn’t need a rooted device, unlike the WheelPal app, and it is straightforward to install and use, making it the best option for sideloading apps and watching videos on an Android Auto screen.
Screen Mirror on Android Auto
Using the AAAD app, users can sideload the AA Mirror app, which allows them to mirror any video streaming app from their smartphone to their Android Auto screen. Once the app is installed on the smartphone, users can go to Settings → Android Auto → Customize launcher to add the AA Mirror app to their Android Auto.
Users can connect their phone to Android Auto and open the AA Mirror app on the screen. Now, their smartphone screen will be cast on their Android Auto screen. They can open any video streaming app and watch its content on their car’s head unit. Users can use this option to stream Netflix on Android Auto as well.
Convert Wired Android Auto to Wireless
There are various APK hacks to convert a wired Android Auto into a wireless Android Auto. One of the most popular Android Auto wireless hacks is converting the wired Android Auto to wireless using the XDA Labs and AA Gateway apps.
For this method, users will need the following things:
- Primary smartphone (master)
- Secondary Android smartphone (slave) installed with XDA Labs and AA Gateway apps.
- USB cable
To Set up Wireless Android Auto:
- On the master device, go to Android Auto settings and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
- Tap on the versions 7-8 times until becoming a developer.
- Tap the three-dot icon on the top-right corner of the screen.
- Select Start head unit server and turn on the hotspot on the master device.
Connect the slave phone to the master phone hotspot and connect the slave phone to Android Auto using a USB cable.
On the slave smartphone, choose AA Gateway, and the master phone will be connected to Android Auto wirelessly.
Wireless Android Auto Adapters
If users don’t want to have a secondary Android device to convert wired Android Auto connection to wireless, there are various third-party adapters that will help them get rid of the USB cables. All these adapters are plug-and-play without any tedious setup process.
All users need to do is plug the adapter into a USB port on their car and connect to Android Auto wirelessly via Bluetooth. Here are a few popular Android Auto adapters to make the connection wireless.
Note: If the car has multiple USB ports, users should connect these adapters to the USB port that supports Android Auto.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Customize Android Auto Interface?
Android Auto allows you to customize the interface to your liking by changing the wallpaper, changing the color scheme, and rearranging the icons. To change the wallpaper, go to the Android Auto app on your phone, click on the hamburger menu, and select “Settings.” From there, select “Choose Wallpaper” and select the image you want to use. To change the color scheme, go to “Settings” and select “Customize Colors.” You can then choose from a variety of color schemes. To rearrange the icons, simply press and hold the icon you want to move and drag it to the desired location.
Top Third-Party Apps Compatible with Android Auto
Android Auto supports a variety of third-party apps, including music streaming services like Spotify and Pandora, navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps, and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Other popular apps include Podcast Addict, TuneIn Radio, and Audible.
Tips and Tricks to Enhance Android Auto Functionality
To enhance the functionality of Android Auto, you can try using voice commands to control the app, adjusting the screen brightness to reduce glare, and enabling the “Ok Google” hotword detection feature. You can also try using Android Auto-compatible apps to get the most out of the app.
How to Improve Audio Quality on Android Auto
To improve audio quality on Android Auto, you can try adjusting the equalizer settings in the music app you’re using. You can also try using a higher-quality audio cable or upgrading your car’s audio system.
Methods to Add Unofficial Apps to Android Auto
Adding unofficial apps to Android Auto is not recommended, as it can cause stability issues and may void your warranty. However, if you still want to do it, you can try using apps like AAMirror or AAStream to mirror your phone’s screen to the Android Auto display.
Communities Discussing Advanced Android Auto Modifications
There are several online communities where you can find information and support for advanced Android Auto modifications. Some popular ones include XDA Developers, Reddit’s r/AndroidAuto, and Android Auto Owners Club.
