How to Update Android Auto on Your Car for a Better Driving Experience
To keep Android Auto running smoothly and access its latest features, you need to update the app on your phone and sometimes your car’s infotainment system as well. This guide explains how to check your current Android Auto version in your car, update the app on your phone, ensure your car’s system is compatible and ready for updates, and troubleshoot common issues. It also covers how to manually update Android Auto if automatic updates don’t work.
How do I know if my Android Auto needs an update?
Start by checking your phone. Open the Google Play Store, search for Android Auto, and if you see an "Update" button, an update is available. You can also check the app version on your phone by going to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > About or App info and noting the version number.
For your car’s system, many infotainment units show the Android Auto or firmware version in their settings menu under system information. If you can’t find this, check your car’s manual or the manufacturer’s support site.
You might need an update if Android Auto isn’t connecting properly, features are missing, or it crashes often. Since updates fix bugs and improve compatibility, keeping both your phone app and car system current helps prevent these issues.
How do I update Android Auto on my phone?
Follow these steps to update Android Auto on your phone:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Tap the search bar and type "Android Auto".
- If an "Update" button appears next to the app, tap it.
Update- Wait for the update to download and install.
- Make sure your phone’s operating system is up to date, since older Android versions might not support the latest Android Auto updates.
- Use a stable internet connection, preferably Wi-Fi, to download the update without interruptions.
After updating, restart your phone to refresh all components. This ensures the latest version communicates properly with your car’s system.
Do I need to update my car’s infotainment system too?
Yes. Your car’s infotainment system may need updates to work well with the newest Android Auto app on your phone. The app and car system communicate closely, so outdated firmware can cause connection problems or missing features.
Check your infotainment settings for software or firmware update options. Some cars update over Wi-Fi or cellular connection automatically, while others require downloading updates to a USB drive from the manufacturer’s website and installing them manually.
If your car is several years old or you keep having problems after updating your phone app, a firmware update might be necessary. Contact your dealership or visit your car manufacturer’s support site for exact update instructions.
What should I do if Android Auto does not update or connect after the update?
If Android Auto won’t update or connect after you’ve updated the app, try these steps:
- Check your USB cable if you use a wired connection. Use a high-quality cable that supports data transfer, not just charging.
- Restart both your phone and your car’s infotainment system.
- Clear the Android Auto app cache on your phone: go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Storage > Clear Cache.
- Make sure Bluetooth and location services are enabled on your phone, as they affect Android Auto’s connection.
- Uninstall and reinstall Android Auto from the Play Store if the app seems corrupted.
- Verify your phone’s Bluetooth is paired correctly with your car.
If these steps don’t solve the problem, check your car manufacturer’s support or the Android Auto help center for model-specific advice.
How to manually update Android Auto if automatic updates don’t work
If automatic updates from the Play Store fail, you can update Android Auto manually:
- On Android 10 and later, Android Auto is built into the phone and normally updates through the Play Store. If you must update manually, download the APK only from a well-known source such as APKMirror, which verifies that files are signed by Google.
- When you open the APK, Android asks you to allow your browser or file manager to install unknown apps. Allow it for that app only, then turn it off again afterward.
- Open the APK file from your file manager to install it manually.
Allow installation from unknown sources- For your car’s system, if firmware updates don’t apply automatically, download the update file from the manufacturer’s official site onto a USB drive. Then follow your car’s instructions to update via USB.
Manual updates require caution to avoid security risks. Always verify the source and follow official instructions carefully.
How can I confirm the update was successful?
After updating Android Auto on your phone and car system, confirm success by:
- Checking that the app version on your phone matches the latest in the Play Store.
- Looking at your car’s infotainment system settings to verify the firmware version if you updated it.
- Connecting your phone to your car and seeing if Android Auto starts without errors.
- Testing new features or improvements expected from the update.
If Android Auto runs smoothly, responds quickly, and shows new features or interface changes, the update worked. If problems continue, try troubleshooting again or consider manual updates.
Conclusion
Updating Android Auto on both your phone and car ensures reliable performance and access to new features. Begin by checking your current app and system versions, update the phone app via the Play Store, and update your car’s infotainment firmware if needed. If you face issues, troubleshooting usually helps, and manual updates are an option when automatic updates fail. With these updates in place, Android Auto should work smoothly with your car, making your drives safer and more convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update Android Auto without a Wi-Fi connection?
Yes, you can update without Wi-Fi, but it’s best to use Wi-Fi since updates can be large and mobile data might be slow or costly. If your mobile data connection is stable, you can use it to update.
Why does Android Auto not work after an update?
Problems after an update can happen if your phone or car firmware is incompatible, the app data is corrupted, or there are connection issues. Restarting devices, checking cables, clearing the app cache, and updating your car’s firmware usually fix these problems.
Is it necessary to update my car’s system if my phone app updates?
Not always. But if your car’s firmware is outdated, it might not support new Android Auto features or fixes. If you have issues after updating the phone app, check if a car system update is available.
Can I use Android Auto wirelessly without updating anything?
Wireless Android Auto requires both a compatible phone and car system with up-to-date software. Updating ensures you have the necessary protocols and security for wireless use.