Setting up wireless Android Auto is actually really easy provided that you are 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.
But how do you use Android Android Wireless? The wired version of Google’s car phone software is easy and all you need to do is connect your phone to the car. Setting up wireless Android Auto is not quite as obvious, but it does not require much, if any, extra effort.
How to set up Android Android wireless in your car.
How to set up Android Auto Wireless
Use a USB cable to connect your phone to the car stereo’s USB port. Make sure that the ignition and the infotainment display are both on. Download or update the Android Auto app if prompted.
2. A prompt will appear on the screen asking for permission to connect your car to Android Auto. Click Next.
3. Wait for Android Auto to initialize.
4. The system should start by itself, but you may need to find and press a dedicated Android Auto or Smartphone Connection button on your car’s screen.
5. Disconnect your phone. Android Auto should stay connected, but if not, make sure your phone and car’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on.
6. Once the wireless connection is set up, Android Auto turns on every time you turn on your engine.
Make sure you have that USB port on hand, because there is no way to configure Android Auto wireless without it.
Which phones support Android Auto Wireless?
Wired Android Auto is available on all phones running Android 6.0 (KitKat) or later, but Android Auto wireless is generally limited to phones running Android 11 or later, and only on phones with 5GHz Wi-Fi. If your phone does not have any of these, you will be stuck using a cable until you upgrade.
However, the following phones can connect to Android Auto Wireless while running Android 10:
- Google Pixel 1, 2, 3, 4, including XL models.
- Google Nexus 5X
- Google Nexus 6P
- Samsung Galaxy S8, S9, S10, including Plus models
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8, 9, 10
You can check your phone’s software by going to Settings menu and select About. Click from there Android version to see which particular variant of Android is installed on your phone.
Which cars support Android Auto Wireless?
Google has a comprehensive list of cars that support the Android Auto cable, but right now there does not appear to be a comprehensive list of cars that support the wireless version. Car manufacturers were also quite slow to adopt Android Android wireless compared to the wireless version of Apple CarPlay.
But all cars running Android Auto wireless need the same things: Android Auto support, of course, along with Bluetooth and a 5GHz Wi-Fi connection. Bluetooth is pretty much standard in modern cars, so 5GHz Wi-Fi is the most likely thing your car will miss. Without it, your phone and car will not be able to exchange data and get Android Auto wireless working.
The best way to find out for sure is to find a car you like and do some research. Chances are, the automaker will clearly advertise support for Android Android wireless, but a quick Google search should be just as informative.
Once you’ve set up Android Auto Wireless, it’s worth getting acquainted with some of the other things your car can do. Be sure to study important tips and tricks for Google Maps, how to improve your fuel consumption and save money, and how to clean your car seat like a professional.