Android Auto for phone screens is running out of gas

Months after it disappeared with Android 12, Google is shutting down the app for everyone

The death of Android Auto caused a major disruption in Force last year, as if millions of drivers were suddenly shouting in horror and suddenly becoming silent. With Android 12, Google’s original phone-friendly user interface for navigation, media, messaging, and more disappeared, leaving only Assistant Driving Mode and a handful of third-party services in place. No one quite kept up with Android Auto for phone screens, and unfortunately for drivers on Android 11 and earlier, their time has also come.

Reddit user u / firstrta discovered a new warning on his Huawei P30 Lite, a phone that was never upgraded to Android 10, and announced that Android Auto’s death was approaching (via 9to5Google). It’s a new step for the company in its quest to push everyone towards Assistant Driving Mode, the smart new user interface built into Android, which unfortunately is not quite as functional as the service it replaces.

Google’s warning to users does not indicate when the app will finally bite the dust, but the message does not exactly inspire confidence in a summer full of road trips. The message reappears each time the app is opened, even if you have previously swiped it away. This is a pretty clear warning from Google: Do not expect this app to work for much longer.

Assistant Driving Mode has come a long way since its initial launch, but it’s still not quite as polished as Android Auto. The app finally added a shortcut to the home screen a few months ago, though I’ve seen it disappear a few times from my device – a frustrating experience, to say the least. Still, if you’re going around this summer and your car does not have a built-in display, you’re not completely out of luck.

We have contacted Google to ask when we can expect the app to shut down for all devices and we will update our coverage with any statement issued. So far, drivers who are still dependent on Android Auto’s phone state may start looking for a replacement – it won’t be long before it’s gone forever.

Read Next