Android continues to provide flexible, innovative and comprehensive technology that gives users freedom and complete control over what they can do on their mobile devices. From personalization, entertainment and apps that make life easier, Android has it all integrated into their devices or just downloadable from the app market.
What is Android Auto
– Android Auto or AA by Google is a mobile application developed to reflect the functionality of an Android device, such as a smartphone, to the main unit of a car for the main purpose of GPS mapping / navigation assistance. It has a simple and straightforward interface that allows drivers to easily understand and control on the go. It can be connected via Bluetooth or wired. Integrating the mobile device with the main unit is quick and easy. Later we will explain step by step how to navigate the application.
features
So, what makes this app a must for pilots these days, especially for Android users? Google has packed it with the most innovative technology that offers convenience while driving. Here are some of the best features of Android Auto:
- Google Assistant
With Google Assistant built into Android Auto, you can perform tasks without lifting your hands from the wheel. Just say “OK Google” or “Hey Google” and it will open the Google Assistant function. A variety of tasks can be performed by Google Assistant, such as calling or sending a message to someone, giving instructions, listening to music, etc.
- Navigation tools
Google Maps and Waze are also integrated with Android Auto, which gives the user a detailed route in real time when moving from one place to another, gives an estimated time of arrival (ETA), options route, traffic updates and even gas stations along the way. Just ask your Google Assistant to show you the route to your destination and they’ll open up the navigation tool.
- Communication
Google Assistant on Android Auto can make calls and read messages out loud. You can also respond or send messages by speaking so you don’t have to fumble around on your phone and just keep your eyes on the road. You can ask your Google Assistant to open the messaging apps you want to use. Android Auto works with a variety of messaging apps like local SMS app, Hangouts, WhatsApp, Skype and many more.
- Entertainment
You can take your entertainment on the road to the next level with this Android Auto feature. Just tell your Google Assistant to open your favorite music app, listen to the radio, news, and podcasts.
For a complete list of compatible applications, go to http://g.co/androidauto
Installation
Here are three simple steps to install Android Auto on your phone and what to remember:
- Check your car. Your main unit must be compatible with Android Auto. According to Google Play, more than 400 car models now support the app. Consult the owner’s manual or contact your car manufacturer to find out.
- Look at your Phone. Your phone must be an Android 5.0 to 9.0 version for the application to run. Devices with Android 10 have Android Auto built into the system, no need to install it manually.
- Log in and you’re ready to go! Download the app from Google Play if you haven’t already integrated it into your phone. Install and set permissions. Connect via Bluetooth or with a USB cable. You’re ready to go!
6 Most common problems and solutions
Android Auto is a great travel companion, but it’s still just a human-made app, so it’s not entirely perfect and also has limitations.
These are some of the most common issues faced by Android Auto users.
- Application crash
There are different reasons why apps hang. follow these possible solutions and see if it works for you.
- Check if your app is up to date. The apps are not perfect, which is why you will frequently see your favorite apps updated from time to time. Developers are trying to resolve issues reported by their users. This is why you should always check for new updates and install them on your phone.
- If you use your application a lot, temporary files and data accumulate. These temporary files occupy a large part of your storage space, making it cluttered and unable to run applications smoothly. You may want to clear your application cache. Just go to your phone settings -> Applications -> Android Auto -> Storage -> (click) on the Clear cache button
- If the previous solutions don’t work and the app still hangs, try uninstalling the app and reinstalling it. After uninstalling, clean up all temporary files, make sure you start in a clean slate. Then reinstall it.
- If you’re still having issues, send a report to the app’s help desk by clicking “Help and Feedback” from the app menu. Talk to the experts.
- Does not work or connect
- One thing we mentioned during the installation steps is to see if your device is compatible with Android Auto, both on your car or on your phone. It is very important to check this before installation.
- Check the compatibility of vehicles and stereos here: https://www.android.com/auto/compatibility/
- Check the physical or wireless connection of your mobile device, such as Bluetooth connectivity or the cable used to connect to the main unit.
- If this is the first time you’ve connected Android Auto to your car, add it to the “Connected cars” option under Settings. If you have already connected it, try to check it here and try to disconnect-reconnect it.
- Also check the side of the main unit and make sure Android Auto is enabled in the application list in the main unit settings.
- Bad location. This may be due to problems with GPS services or its poor accuracy. Here are a few things you can try if this happens:
- Make sure your Google Play services and the map are up to date.
- Set GPS accuracy to HIGH
- Access your phone’s location settings (which can be under Connections or Security settings)> Location method> Set to High precision
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- Disable placeholders by going to settings> Advanced> Developer options> Select the placeholder application> NOTHING
- Communication applications do not work
If you can’t make calls or send messages to the main unit by asking your Google Assistant, try these options:
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- Make sure the connection of the main unit to the mobile device (vice versa) is stable and uninterrupted. It is not enough to just use a working USB cable, you also need to make sure that you are using a high quality cord for durability, stability and good connection quality. Refresh the connection by disconnecting and reconnecting it from your main unit to the mobile device.
- Make sure the app is up to date.
- Make sure permission is set to access your phone / email. During the installation, you were asked to configure it, you can check it by going to Phone settings> Applications> Android Auto> Permissions> Check that the phone and SMS are activated
- Clear your cache. This may be the culprit. Temporary files tend to affect the performance of your applications. Just follow the steps we mentioned above for how to clear the cache.
- If these steps don’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
- I don’t see my apps
If you’ve installed an app and it doesn’t appear on your app bar, try these solutions:
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- Make sure the app you installed is supported by Android Auto.
- If it is compatible with Android Auto, check the setting of the application launcher and make sure it is not hidden
- follow this: open the app> Android Auto Options (top left)> Customize the launcher> make sure your app’s checkbox is checked, if it isn’t, that could be the problem , check it.
- You can try closing and reopening the app to refresh it
- Check app permissions on your phone settings
- Cards have stopped displaying
If this happens on the road, check out these possible solutions:
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- This could potentially be a physical connection problem, check the connection cable, try to disconnect it and reconnect it to update the connection. If it still does not appear, try changing the cable
- Clear your cache. This may affect current performance
- This issue has been raised repeatedly by users Android Auto Help Community. Google claims to have solved this problem. Make sure your app is up to date.
- This may also be due to GPS issues
Many issues can arise when using Android Auto, simple issues tend to be resolved by simply clearing the cache, reinstalling the app or examining your settings and permissions. For some new and unknown issues, you can always contact the developers by visiting the Android Auto Help Community.