At AUTO Connected Car News and Wireless and Mobile News, we frequently read through support forums to see what is going on with new devices. From Apple Forums we were able to see issues with GM vehicles with iOS 9.2.1 and Bluetooth. Getting through the clutter of forums can be tedious with months of comments from users, however there is enough room for Android phone users to write out their problems. Google’s way to trim down tech support is to send Android Auto users to Twitter.
Update 7/18/2017 We have published a new article that offers several solutions to Android Auto problems and lists known issues Android Auto glitches and fixes for cars. Please post comments on the new page after reading the new solutions.
Because Twitter is very limited. We have collected some of the tips we found about getting Android Auto working properly from users and our own contacts.
Before using Android Auto, first find out if your Android Phone is compatible with Android Auto. Go to g.co/AutoCheck on your phone to see if it’s compatible with Android Auto. There used to be a list of compatible phones, which Android doesn’t show any more. The phone has to be running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or Marshmallow. There were reports of different models having problems with Android Auto earlier. Android Auto is only available in Australia, the UK and United States. Android Auto warns that not all USB cables will work with all cars. If you’re having trouble connecting to Android Auto try using a USB C cable.
Here are some Android Auto issues some of which seem to have been fixed while others linger in limbo:
- Pioneer 4100NEX Voice Commands seem to work but there is no response until the user unlocks the his Nexus 6P.
- Google Now Voice gets stuck every now and then. you hear the beep and then “if you just said something.
- There have been LG problems with Volkswagen Golf/GTI/Sportwagen, cars connecting the LG G4/G3 v10 and Android Auto with MIB 2. The LG phones continually disconnected from the car audio system for about a month. It appears the update to Android Marshmallow corrected the problems. Fixes that seem to work in the meantime, involved various ways connecting and disconnecting the LG Phones.
- HTC One E9 Plus running Android 5.0.2 won’t connect to Android Auto receiver while HTC M8 does.
If you are having problems with Android Auto please let us know in the comments below with the make, model and year of your vehicle and the model of your Android phone and Android OS version. We also welcome any solutions you have found worked with your car.
The mainstream cars that currently have Android Auto are the Hyundai Sonata, VW MB-II systems and some new model GM cars.
It appears that some people have received help contacting their local Hyundai, VW or GM dealers. After we looked at Twitter it seems that Android Auto support asks owner to try a new cable and reboot their Android phones, often. Then they refer the owner back to automaker.
GM customers can also call the GM infotainment call center located in the U.S. with trained experts in GM in-vehicle technology. Chevrolet, Buick and GMC customers should call 1.855.4.SUPPORT and Cadillac customers can call 1.855.4.CUE.NOW.
There has been a lot of confusion about Android Auto on hybrid Sonatas, our readers have asked for assistance and we discussed the matter with Hyundai reps. CarPlay is not available yet for 2015 Hyundai Sonatas with navigation there is a compatibility problem with the navigation system.
@Android having more then 140 characters to explain the problem and get some real support would be nice sometimes :-/ #androidautohelp
— PeterYellowframe (@Peter9YF) February 8, 2016
Android posted a notice that the way to get help is to Tweet something @Android using #androidautohelp for customer support Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm PT.
2017 VW Tiquan — much like the issues with the Sonata, Android Auto wants to rule the world – when it works!!! the pairing and functions were FLAWLESS on initial install, I got text I COULD ACTUALLY REPLY TO VERBALLY YAY — then the actual 1 time I needed the navigation (not the daily commute — trust me I know the traffic sucks, don’t need directions on how to get there) I’m on my way to KC and what, I need to update my app? OK –EPIC FAIL BAD IDEA — constant issues now — either doesn’t connect, or does for about 2 minutes then disconnects, only to find that iT doesn’t find the phone is connected to the USB (well duh using the same cord -CORD IS NOT THE ISSUE) then should it read the connection, tries to connect but them the “car” says to make sure my phone isn’t locked (duh) or check that it is not asking for persmissions — hmmm APP OPENS AND DISPLAYS ON PHONE JUST FINE — but I need the “mirrorlink” feature to function again, so that I can get the text messages to read — if I could get the basic bluetooth to do this and read them — i would just tell the app to SUCK IT, as it currently does!!!! I’ve even tried to use another mirrorlink supportted app — gee do you think they would considered having something work in the US because this POS app…. sad
GMC Acadia 2017, HTC M8, Android M.
Voice command kind of works,
Maps works,
however, NO sound. Anywhere, no turn by turn instructions, no music from Google Play or any of the proposed “AA compatible” apps.
If AA is disabled on the car infotainment , no problem playing phone’s media through USB and Bluetooth.
can’t listen to phone’s media when car’s AA is running (can’t use maps and listen to stuff).
Cleared caches, wiped phone, factory default the radio… numerous times.
Yes I checked that volume knobs and sliders on phone and radio were up.
AA is unstable, sometimes disconnect itself and needs phone to be rebooted and car shut down and restarted to work again. This Android Auto system will cause so many accidents from users trying to operate it. It is retarded.
I have recently purchased 2017 Hyundai Elantra SE and I have LG G4 Android Version 6.0. I have tried all various combinations available in forums for connecting car with bluetooth on phone and connecting USB. Everytime Android auto opens up in LG G4, it never shows up on Car Display. Though in the car ‘Android Auto’ is shown but it is not clickable. I have checked in the settings and ‘Android Auto’ is enabled there.
Tried with all guidance given such as Parking Mode, car switched on. USB Cable is also good. In the car it says Bluetooth phone device connected.
Please suggest what is missing or what else I can try.
In the past there have been issues with LG Phones. Have you tried to contact Hyundai support? If you know someone with an Android Auto compatible phone, I would try that, then we know its the phone… Android Auto support is still showing issues with LG phones with Android 6.0.
I have LG V10 and a 2017 Acadia and getting AA to work or to stay connected has been an ordeal so far. Tried by wife’s Samsung and it recognized the phone right away and booted up. With the LG sometimes it doesn’t recognize the phone is connected, sometimes it starts and then quits the connection or other times it recognizes the phone for a split second and I get messages on the phone asking if I should allow access but nothing happens when I say yes. I thought this was plug and play- I was wrong. It’s very unreliable and anyone saying automakers should just stop working on their own interfaces and rely on Google are insane.
I’m having nothing but problems with Android auto on my 2017 Elantra.
I can get it all set up and working just ducky ….. Until I shut the car down.
When I try to use it a second time the whole Bluetooth system freaks out and Android auto will refuse to connect. It also knocks native Bluetooth steaming and phone connectivity off line.
The only way I’ve gotten it working again is
1) uninstall Android auto
-Start car-
2) forget the car in Bluetooth settings
3) delete car in dash settings
-Shut off car-
Reboot phone
-Start car-
RE pair phone and Auto
Sometimes it takes up to 3 restarts before Bluetooth connectivity works correctly (phone and Auto)
This is the third (and last) time I’ve tried and yes I bought a 25 dollar charge/synch cable to rule that out.
You’d think for 20k plus there make sure it wasn’t a PITA!
I’ll try again when and if a software update comes out for the 17 Elantra (btw when Android auto isn’t buggering the thing up native Bluetooth connectivity works flawlessly)
It seems that Android auto is automatically trying to connect (even though I’ve turned off auto connect) and when it does the stock infotainment system thinks Android auto is taking care of all Bluetooth connectivity and refuses to work.
Also I have to manually in enable Android auto
Hi Brian. I have been searching the internet for almost a month for an answer to my problem. Your description has been the only thing I have found that seems to be similar to my issue. I have an HTC 10 and a 2017 Kia Sonata. Android Auto pairs with the KIA and Spotify and Google Maps works. But when I hit phone the screen says I have to be connected with bluetooth. The car screen shows I am connected. When I disconnect the phone USB the phone no longer allows phone audio over bluetooth. The only way I can turn it back on is to restart the phone. Then I can use the phone over the KIA native UVO system. But as soon as I try reconnecting with USB to use Android Auto the phone audio over bluetooth is turned off again. Therefore I have no calling features with Android Auto. Only music and navigation.
I also notice that Android Auto only shows Spotify and Google Maps as the only two apps I have access to. And the functionality of Spotify seems to be extremely limited. It only shows a few songs from a playlist and the search function seems almost worthless.
The last time I had demo unit with Android Auto. I made phone calls not through the Hyundai system (which is similar to Kia) but directly through the phone screen on Android Auto. Have you tried making calls directly from Android Auto? Press the steering wheel button, Say, “Call Jonn Smith” or some other name in your address book. Does that work?
Update 4/02/2017 We have published a new article that offers several solutions to Android Auto problems and lists known issues of Android Auto glitches and fixes for cars. Please post comments on the new page after reading the new solutions. There are known issues with HTC products.
I find this Android Auto to be absolutely useless. None of the applications that I add are accessible from within AA, whether connected to my car (2017 Elantra) or running standalone on my Pixel. The only technical support is on forums like this where you need to search for your question and posts to it. So far I’ve tried adjusting background data settings, powering the phone off and on … everything short of throwing the phone against a stone wall. Very frustrating. The only navigation system that works on AA is Google Maps, which absolutely sucks, so I can’t even use Waze or VZ Navigator while driving. Can’t send or receive text messages. Totally sucks.
Yeah I was totally underwhelmed. Glad I didn’t buy it for Android auto…I’m still pissed it works so badly
I think this is a valuable method of obtaining help for this unstable app/connect.
Thank you
I have a 2017 VW Passat and a HTC 10, and everytime I connect my device with Android Auto (using the original charger) the connection is failed and it also says to make sure that your device is unlocked even though my device is already unlocked.
I have a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with a Nexus 6p running Android 7.1.1. I have issues with the connection dropping. When it works everything works well, but it is working less and less frequently. I unplug it and plug it back in works anywhere from 30 seconds or until I cut off the car, no rhyme or reason. I have tried several different USB A to C cables as the 6p is USB C. Very frustrating as I bought this particular car for the Android Auto.
Hyundai has toll free technical support. You can also take the car into the dealership. When I wrote a review of Android Auto with a Hyundai, the only problem I had was with the cables. Do you have another Android Phone available to test to see if works? On the Samsung Galaxy S4 I had it set to screen dim on the phone. When the screen dimmed on the phone Android Auto dropped out. I would try checking the screen timed out settings on the phone, it self. You can also Tweet to Android Auto support…….
I have VW Passat 2015 + Huawei Mate 7 dual SIM Marshmallow 6.0. When I try and connect via Android Auto, it connects and then immediately disconnects with the message ” Data cannot be transferred …..”.
I have a Samsung GS4 running 5.0.1… all worked fine until about 3 weeks ago when AA stopped taking voice commands. It times out and says no Internet connection… I have full bars on LTE and can surf the net when usb is unplugged. All apps appear up to date… Any ideas?
I have a Hyundai Santa Fe and I’m using a HTC M9. I have been unable to hear music even though the media volume is turned up. Sometimes the navigation, phone and voice control also has no sound.
Once, after resetting the head unit and disconnecting and reconnecting the Bluetooth I had music but the volume controls didn’t work. As soon as I used google maps, the music stopped and didn’t return.
The worst part is if I turn Android Auto off, there is no sound when music is played with basic Bluetooth. I can see the tracks playing, but there’s no sound. However, Bluetooth phone calls still work.
Extremely annoying and in Australia, you can’t download updates. You have to go to the dealership to have them done.
I had a similar problem with the sound not playing even though I could see that the track was playing on my phone. For some reason, AA turns the media volume all the way down on my phone. You have to have the media volume on your phone turned all the way up to be able to adjust the volume on the radio in your car. Give that a try and see if that fixes your problem.
Skoda Superb and Android 6.0.1. I get a connection but the display in the car is completely corrupted. Resolution is not recongnized correctly and I see only top-left quarter with huge fonts. Unsuable unfortunately. Known issue?
2016 VW Golf, Samsung Galaxy s6 – OS 6.0.1. – Android Auto works 2/10 at best when I unplug and replug the USB cable (yet I can’t seem to get any connection, whenever it does – it seems that I am operating “offline”). USB configuration is set at MTP. Frustrating to say the least. I’ve looked for latest updates (system, app, car display) and nothing works. At the end of the day, AA worked prior to the big SGs6 update that occurred a month or so ago. After reading on the issue today, I will attempt at switching the USB configuration from MTP to PTP (which to me makes no sense at all!).
I have a 2016 Skoda Octavia Combi Scout, and I’ve trying unsuccessfully to connect a Huawei P8 with Android Auto. I’ve tried using different USB cables, with no luck. I tried my girlfriend’s iPhone, which the car detects and connects to immediately. I tried it with my cheap Android tablet, which it detected and tried to install Android Auto onto, but the P8? Not working at all. I’ve uninstalled and reinstalled Android Auto, rebooted the phone, etc. Maybe I’ll get an iPhone next time.
It sounds like a Huawei problem….I would make sure that you have the correct and most updated version of Android.
Yeah, I’m reasonably certain it’s the phone. I’ve checked for updates multiple times, and it tells me it’s up to date. I posted a message on Huawei’s FB page, but they haven’t responded yet. If I hear anything, I’ll post it here.
i have a pioneer avic 7200 nex and paired with a sg 6 edge, all is good when connected but my issue is that i keep dropping the usb connection…android auto keeps disconnecting but the bluetooth connection holds strong for the calls,,,android auto will drop connection and reconnect on its own (at most times) at various times…usually between 15-45mins…
I have a 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero and a Samsung S5 Mini running v5 android. On Android Auto the phone regularly does not connect and voice activation just doesn’t work at all. While the mitsubishi dealer hasn’t had a chance to look at the problem (we are travelling) I gather this happens with a number of phones.
I have tried different cables, deinstalled Android Auto and reinstalled all with no different results.
Any suggestions would be welcome.
Please make sure that it is the original cable that came with your Samsung Phone. It may also help to delete the Bluetooth to your vehicle and re-pair. This sounds like a Bluetooth issue. Bluetooth profiles can be corrupted.
I have a 2016 Corvette, which got the Android Auto software update about a month and a half ago. My phone is an LG G5 running Android 6.0.1. The car was delivered at the Corvette Museum in early October, 2015, without the Android Auto software. Android Auto worked once, but now I can’t connect or pair (but the phone will pair for handsfree use). Not sure who to seek out support at this point. Chevy? GM? Google? It’s not clear who I should turn to for help. Also, there are a number of USB ports (one behind the drop down screen and 2 inside the center console) – does it matter which one you plug in to?
Yes it does matter which USB port you use depending upon the car make and model. If you have OnStar they should refer to help while you are the car. I also would contact the GM tech support number 1.855.4.SUPPORT and then go to dealer if that doesn’t work.
I have a 2016 Honda Civic LX-P and use the LG V10. I have everything connected but the app still tells me to connect my phone to my car. I’ve tried using different USB cables and my boyfriend’s Samsung Note5 but still cannot get it to connect. I’m not sure what else to even try at this point.
There may be some kind of setup that has to be done on the infotainment system to tell it that you are trying to connect a phone.
Most likely however, you need to make sure that the Android Phone is paired via Bluetooth to the system.
This is the tricky part because you can get a message on the phone which you don’t see.
Android Auto has to be installed on the Android Phone.
I would make sure Android Auto is installed on the phone.
When parked check carefully that the phone is paired with the Honda System.
Try only the cord that came with the phone.
Also make sure your are connecting to the correct USB port. Some cars have more than one USB port.
If that doesn’t work. Call a local dealer and ask if they have someone who knows how to setup Android Auto.
Then I would call Honda Automobile Customer Service. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Pacific Time.
1-800-999-1009
Since Honda is California they may have a better idea on how to get Android Auto to work.
The manual is not clear on the process of connecting to Android Auto.
There are issues with LG phones including the LG G4 or G5 phone updated to Android Marshmallow (6.0+).
Android Auto is working with LG to resolve these issues. In the meantime, follow the steps below to use Android Auto.
Allowing phone data cancels Android Auto
When you plug in your phone in your car, you may see a notification on your phone screen that says, “Allow this computer to access your phone data?” Selecting “Allow” cancels the Android Auto connection.
You can ignore the notification on your phone to prevent Android Auto from disconnecting.
Android Auto doesn’t start
Android Auto may not start when you plug in your phone in your car. You can enable MTP mode to use Android Auto:
Plug your phone in to your car via USB.
Swipe down from the top of the screen to view the notification panel.
Select the “Connected as” notification.
Check the “Media device (MTP)” box.
Launch Android Auto from your car’s infotainment system.
Maps stops refreshing
The Maps and navigation screen may stop updating on longer trips. To update the map, switch to another screen (eg. the Home screen or the Music and audio screen) and then return to the Maps screen.
2017 Elantra with Galaxy S4. Android Auto works on and off for me.
Sometimes it works flawlessly while sometimes it isn’t connected at all.
Also sometimes it drops connection time to time.
It is so unstable to use this feature.
Do you have any tips or suggestion on Android Auto?
I had a similar problem with a SG 4 and Hyundai Elantra. From plugging and unplugging I damaged the cable. When I bought a new cable the problem stopped. See this article.
Samsung S6 Edge here running marshmallow. Will not connect to my 2016 Chevy Silverado. Have tried different cables with no success. My brothers S7 edge also couldn’t connect.
GM has a tech support line. It has to be the cables that came with the phone. Make sure you are using Samsung cables. Also make sure that the car is running and the infotainment unit settings are correct to have Android Auto run.
You can call the GM infotainment call center located in the U.S. with trained experts in GM in-vehicle technology. Chevrolet, Buick and GMC customers should call 1.855.4.SUPPORT
Recently I bought model 2017 Elantra, I used my phone LG G4 to connect Android Auto via USB. My phone currently 6.0 which can support to use Android Auto, however the display shown that the device is not supported to the system. How can I fix the problem?
I just test drove a 2017 Elantra, I used a Samsung Galaxy S6 with Android 5.0. Android Auto worked fine. Previously there were issues with LG phones and Android Auto. It seems like you have a newer model phone. I would contact Hyundai support and Tweet @android #androidautohelp, you can also make a bad review on the Android Auto app review page. One guy got so upset that his VW didn’t work with Android, he made a video and posted it to YouTube with the next update they fixed the problem.
Hi,
We are on the same boat, I have LG G4 and 2017 Elantra, though it doesn’t say that device is not supported but Android Auto app icon is not clickable on car display, had you any luck in figuring out your issue or got a fix?
Update 4/02/2017 We have published a new article that offers several solutions to Android Auto problems and lists known issues Android Auto glitches and fixes for cars. Please post comments on the new page after reading the new solutions.
Workaround that works 100% of the time for those having trouble connecting.
Unlock phone and turn on car or head unit.
Note you should have Android Auto installed already before this will work.
Plug in the cable to your phone and you will hear the link sound and the screen on your phone will flash
off for just a second.
As quickly as possible once the screen goes black on your phone uncable the phone and reconnect it.
I know this sounds janky, but it really works. You can tell it is working by the screen on your head unit going black in the background and you will see the Android Auto icons.
I have tried all suggested fixes and this is the only one that works 100% of the time. It also does not take over the telephone’s display so you can navigate to other apps and still have android auto running. It is quick and gives you the best of both worlds. I almost returned my 2016 GTI due to the frustration from this issue, but now it is no big deal.
Hope this helps guys and gals.
Hey if it works, it works. Removing the battery on smartphones used to do wonders. This one is a quick connect/disconnect of the cable. Wonderful!
I have an HTC One M9 and a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. I was successfully using Android Auto when I had Android 5.0 OS on the phone. I just upgraded to Android 6.0 and Android Auto no longer works when I connect to the cars USB port. Here are the individual steps I have taken and they all have not worked.
1 – Uninstalled/Reinstalled the Auto app, disabled/reinabled Auto on the car system, disconnected/reconnected bluetooth to phone, changed usb cable
2 – Wiped the OS Cache
3 – Did a factory reset of the phone and reinstalled all apps from scratch
HTC and especially Hyundai are clueless. The phone seems to connect/disconnect and screens for Android Auto permissions come and go and are not diplayed long enough to enter anything. I’ve even enabled developer options and turned usb debuging on. Ieven set the default USB setting to MTP. That didn’t work either.
I think you can hard reset the HTC One and it will go back to the version of Android it shipped with. If you can get it back to Android 5.0, at least you know it worked.
When Android Auto was launched there were problems with HTC phones.
Also with iOS problems people reported that they had to clean the car of all settings, they did it be disconnecting the battery.
In general what we are finding is that when you have an Android phone or iPhone that connects to your car, upgrades can be a problem.
If you find any answers please let us know. Have you Tweeted Android Support?
Trying to sync(?) Android Auto with a new 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. Using a Samsung Galaxy 5S running Android 5.0. I get to watch the intro video on the phone but nothing else. Truck does not recognize phone, nor does phone recognize truck, however Bluetooth pairing works with both. What’s up?
Have you installed Android Auto on your Galaxy S5? Do you have it connected with a USB 3 Cable? You can also call GM for tech support.
Have the GMC Canyon (with new radio SW update) with the Galaxy 6S. Same problem. Did you get it working yet?