Android Auto Trouble Shooting

Android Auto Trouble Shooting

Here are steps you can take to diagnose/address the issue:
  1. When you plug the phone into the car, confirm the phone is charging: Did that enable you to connect to Android Auto on plugin?
    • No? Your cable or ports might have a severe connection problem. Check the USB ports on the phone, head unit and cable for pocket lint or debris and clean them out. Did this fix your issue?
      • No? Through past bug reports we have found defective USB cables at fault for most connectivity issues. Our users have had good results switching to shorter, tested USB cables to sustain a reliable connection. Here are some tips on how to find USB cables and suggestions from our users. Be aware USB cables tend to wear out over time, consider if you need a replacement.  Did this fix your issue?
        • No? Proceed to step 2.
  2. Confirm that Android Auto is enabled on your car: Some head units have it turned off by default (e.g. Kia / Hyundai - contact your car manufacturer if you dislike this). Often this is in the head unit’s Settings page (Check your owners manual for more information). Confirm that it is enabled. Did that enable you to connect to Android Auto on plugin?
    • No? Proceed to step 3.
  3. Check that the phone is turned on and unlocked: Follow any instructions that appear on your phone screen or notifications. 
    • Nothing appears on your phone? Proceed to step 4.
  4. Force stop Android Auto. Try force stopping the Android Auto app running on your phone device. 
    • Open phone Settings > Apps & notifications > Android Auto > Tap Force stop > Plug your phone to your car and start Android Auto.  Did this fix your issue?
      • No? Proceed to step 5.
  5. Confirm that the phone is allowing data transfer to the head unit in the car: When your phone is connected to the car, swipe down from the notification shade in Android, and you’ll see a notification that the phone is charging via USB. Tap the notification and select “MTP” or “Media Transfer”. Did that enable you to connect on plugin?
    • No? Proceed to step 6.
  6. Installing the latest versions on your phone: Please make sure the Android Auto app and Google App are up-to-date.
    • Go to Google Play Store > Menu > My apps & games > Updates and ensure that you have the latest versions of those apps. Did that enable you to connect Android Auto on plugin?
      • No? Proceed to step 7.
  7. Clear storage/cache: Try clearing cache/storage for the Android Auto App, Google App, Google Play services and the Google Play Store following the steps below.
    • Android Auto: Open phone Settings > Apps & notifications > Android Auto > Storage > Clear cache and clear storage
    • Google Assistant: Open phone Settings > Apps & notifications > Google > Storage > Clear cache and clear storage
    • Google Play services: Clear cache and storage for Google Play services
  8. Can’t connect or stay connected after completing the steps above? Contact us for further assistance. 
For problems related to non-connectivity issues (e.g. Navigation, media, voice commands, etc) please feel free to open a new thread with your experience using this template.

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