Android Auto shows apps on your car's screen through your phone

Android Auto is a system that mirrors certain apps from your phone onto your car's dashboard screen. You don't install Android Auto itself — it comes built into most Android phones made after 2015. Instead, you add individual apps that Android Auto supports, and then those apps appear as options on your car's display when you plug in or connect wirelessly.

The apps you can use are limited. Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, and your phone's dialer work. Many others don't. Android Auto only shows apps that Google has approved for driving, which means apps designed to work with one hand and minimal screen taps. You can't add random apps from the Play Store — only the ones Google allows.

Key Takeaways

  • Android Auto comes built into your phone; you add individual apps to it through the Google Play Store, not through your car.
  • Only apps Google has approved for driving will appear in Android Auto, even if you install them on your phone.
  • You connect your phone to your car either by USB cable or wireless Bluetooth, depending on what your car supports.
  • If an app doesn't show up in Android Auto after you install it, that app is not compatible with the system.

Finding and installing compatible apps

Open the Google Play Store on your phone and search for the app you want. Before you install it, scroll down on the app's page and look for a section that says "Works with Android Auto" or shows the Android Auto logo. If you don't see that label, the app won't work with Android Auto even after you install it.

Tap Install and wait for the read to finish. The app will install to your phone like any other app. You don't need to do anything else on your phone — Android Auto will automatically detect it the next time you connect to your car.

Common apps that work with Android Auto include Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, YouTube Music, Audible, Pandora, Amazon Music, WhatsApp, Telegram, and your phone's built-in Phone app for calls. Many regional apps also work — for example, some taxi services and local radio stations have Android Auto versions. Check the Play Store page for each app to confirm.

Connecting your phone to your car

Most cars support two connection methods: USB cable or wireless Bluetooth. USB is more reliable and charges your phone while you drive. Wireless is simpler if your car supports it, but the connection can drop if your phone moves or if Bluetooth interference occurs.

For USB: Plug your phone into the USB port in your car's dashboard using the cable that came with your phone. Your car's screen should show Android Auto automatically. If it doesn't, swipe down from the top of your phone's screen, tap the notification that says "USB for charging" or similar, and select "Android Auto" or "File Transfer".

For wireless: Go to your phone's Settings, tap Connected devices or Bluetooth, and pair your phone with your car's Bluetooth system. Then open Android Auto on your phone (search for it in your apps list). Tap the menu icon and select your car from the list of paired devices. Your phone will connect to your car's screen wirelessly from then on.

What to do if an app doesn't appear

If you installed an app but it doesn't show up in Android Auto, the app is not compatible with the system. Google decides which apps can work with Android Auto, and most apps don't meet the requirements. Messaging apps, social media, and games almost never work.

Check the app's Play Store page again. If it doesn't say "Works with Android Auto," that app will never appear on your car's screen. You can still use it on your phone while parked, but Android Auto won't display it.

If an app should work but still doesn't appear, try disconnecting and reconnecting your phone. Restart your phone if the problem continues. If your car's screen still doesn't show the app after a restart, the app may have a bug or your car's system may not support it.

Managing which apps show up

Android Auto shows apps in a specific order on your car's screen. The most recently used apps appear first, followed by all compatible apps in alphabetical order. You can't rearrange them or hide apps you don't use.

If you want an app to stop appearing, you can uninstall it from your phone entirely. Uninstalling removes it from both your phone and Android Auto. You can also disable an app through your phone's Settings if you want to keep it installed but hidden — go to Settings, tap Apps, find the app, and tap Disable.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If Android Auto won't start when you plug in your phone, first check that your car's system is turned on and that the USB cable is fully inserted. Try a different USB cable if you have one — some cables only charge and don't transfer data.

If you're using wireless and the connection keeps dropping, move your phone closer to the dashboard. Interference from other Bluetooth devices or metal objects can weaken the signal. You can also try "forgetting" your car from your phone's Bluetooth settings and pairing again.

If Android Auto opens but apps are slow or freeze, restart your phone. Close other apps running in the background, especially ones that use GPS or streaming. If your phone is low on storage, Android Auto may run slowly — delete photos, videos, or old files to free up space.

Understanding what Android Auto can and cannot do

Android Auto is designed for driving. It shows only apps that work with voice commands and large buttons, and it locks out features that require looking at the screen for more than a few seconds. This is intentional — Google built it this way to reduce distraction.

You cannot use Android Auto to run apps that aren't on Google's approved list, no matter how you try. You cannot sideload apps or use workarounds. If an app doesn't say it works with Android Auto, it straightforward won't appear on your car's screen.

Your phone still works normally while Android Auto is running. You can use other apps, take calls, or send texts on your phone screen while Android Auto displays on your car's screen. The two systems run at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Android Auto, or can I just use my phone?

You don't have to use it. You can always hold your phone and use it normally while driving, though this is less safe. Android Auto is optional — if you don't want it, just don't plug in your phone or connect via Bluetooth.

Can I add apps that aren't in the Play Store?

No. Android Auto only recognizes apps from the official Google Play Store, and only those that Google has approved. You cannot sideload apps or use unofficial versions. If an app isn't in the Play Store with Android Auto support, it won't work.

Will adding apps to Android Auto use more data?

It depends on the app. Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze use data to read maps and traffic information. Music apps like Spotify use data to stream. If you're on a limited data plan, use WiFi calling and offline maps when possible to reduce usage.

What if my car doesn't have a touchscreen?

Some older cars have small screens or no screen at all. Android Auto requires a compatible car system with a display. If your car doesn't have one, you can use Android Auto through a portable aftermarket head unit, but this requires professional installation.

Can I use Android Auto while my phone is charging wirelessly?

Wireless Android Auto works while your phone charges wirelessly, but you need a wireless charging pad in your car. Most cars don't have this. USB Android Auto charges your phone through the cable connection, which is simpler and more common.