Wireless Android Auto is really easy to set up, provided you’re lucky enough to have a car that supports it. The wireless version of Apple CarPlay managed to get a head start, but an increasing number of modern cars can skip the wires and connect to one of the best Android phones out there.
But how do you use wireless Android Auto? The wired version of Google’s Carphone software is easy, and only requires you to plug your phone into the car. Setting up wireless Android Auto isn’t so obvious, but it doesn’t require much, if any, extra effort.
Here’s how to set up wireless Android Auto in your car.
How to set up wireless Android Auto
1. Use a USB cable to plug your phone into your car stereo’s USB port. Make sure both the ignition and infotainment display are on. Download or update the Android Auto app when prompted.
(Image credit: Tom Pritchard / Tom’s Guide)
2. A prompt will appear on the screen asking for permission to connect your car to Android Auto. Click Next.
(Image credit: Tom Pritchard / Tom’s Guide)
3. Wait for Android Auto to start.
(Image credit: Tom Pritchard / Tom’s Guide)
4. The system should activate on its own, but you may need to find and press a dedicated Android Auto or smartphone connection button on your car’s display.
(Image credit: Tom Pritchard / Tom’s Guide)
5. Disconnect your phone. Android Auto should be connected, but if not, make sure your phone and car have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on.
6. Once the wireless connection is set up, Android Auto will switch on each time you turn on your engine.
Make sure you have that USB port, as there’s no way to set up Android Auto wirelessly without it.
Which phones support wireless Android Auto?
(Image credit: Tom Guide)
Wired Android Auto is available on all phones running Android 6.0 (KitKat) or above, but wireless Android Auto is generally limited to phones running Android 11 or higher, and only on phones with 5GHz Wi-Fi. If your phone doesn’t have any of these, you will keep using the cable until you upgrade.
However, the following phones can wirelessly connect to Android Auto when running Android 10:
- Google Pixel 1, 2, 3, 4, including XL models.
- Google Nexus 5X
- google nexus 6p
- Including Samsung Galaxy S8, S9, S10, Plus models
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8, 9, 10
You can check the software of your phone by going to settings menu and select Almost. click from there Android version To see which particular flavor of Android is installed on your phone.
Which Cars Support Wireless Android Auto?
(Image credit: Tom Guide)
Google has an extensive list of cars that support wired Android Auto, but there doesn’t seem to be a comprehensive list of cars that support the wireless version right now. Automakers were also slow to adopt wireless Android Auto when compared to the wireless version of Apple CarPlay.
Although all cars running wireless Android Auto require similar things: support for Android Auto, naturally, along with Bluetooth and a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection. Bluetooth is pretty standard in modern cars, so 5GHz Wi-Fi is most likely something your car can miss. Without it, your phone and car won’t be able to exchange data and wireless Android Auto won’t work.
The best way to be sure is to find a car you like and do some research. Chances are the automaker will explicitly advertise support for wireless Android Auto, but a quick Google search should be just as enlightening.
Once you’ve set up wireless Android Auto, it’s worth getting to grips with a few other things your car can do. Be sure to study essential tips and tricks for Google Maps, how to improve your gas mileage and save money, and how to clean your car seat like a pro.
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