Issues and glitches are appearing with cars Android Auto. We predicted early on that the support for Android Auto which was almost nothing when the product was launched would be a problem for luxury car owners who are used to quality support for their vehicles. Google launched Android support forums in the effort to support its products. However, the support forum shows how Android Auto is not what it was supposed to be the ultimate in-car smartphone experience. After the recent update of Android Auto, the Google App and Android updates to popular model Android phone there have been problems in Android Auto with vehicles including Ford, GM, Chevrolet, Kia, Volkswagen, Kia, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. There are also issues with certain brand phones and cables.
Update 7/30/2017 New issues are arising daily for instance, today we see, two vehicles a Hyundai Tucson and another where Waze just stops working at all. With the addtion of Waze app integration there are new issues cropping up, including problems with voiced navigation. Text messages received in Android Auto are missing from the Android messaging app. Android Auto is recording itself. Voice commands stopped working on a Honda CRV.
Google launched an Android Auto forum in October of last year, just before it updated Android Auto for all the phones. Previous to that Android Auto users were supposed to Tweet their problems for help.
Finding information in the forum is overwhelming. The suggestions to help fix Android Auto problems take a long time to find. We were looking for solutions in the Android Auto Forum and were only able to find solutions going back ten days, which means there have been a lot of problems in the last tend days when an update was released on July 5. How do we know there are problems? Our readers get so frustrated they let us know in comments. The problem with forums is that it requires hours of reading through postings to figure out what to do. It may take days for a response. Software companies love forums because the user do the work and testing for them.
The dealers are now stating that the problem is Google’s…. The latest update to Android Auto appears to being causing many problems. It is very irritating when someone pays $70,000 for car and then the system doesn’t work.
“Android Auto is becoming frustrating as problems seem to always surface after updating. Missing weather cards, its primary function – voice commands – not working, issues connecting to head unit, etc,” wrote one forum user.
“Its is clear that Google does not take the issue seriously, when an application is considered of industrial utility do not solve anything, there is no update since last July 5, it is sad that the reality is that absolute lack of professionalism on the part of the developers of this app,” wrote another.
On July 5, there was an Android Auto upate.After the update there were problems with cars that were designed to work and connect directly to Android Auto via the car’s infotainment screen.
We have suggested in the past to not update software on a smartphone that is working, until you check with your dealer and Android Auto forums. We have dealt with Android problems for quite sometime. Google never fully tests its software before deploying it. Since automobiles are not as frequently updated as smartphones it’s always safer to wait and let the other car owners be the guinea pigs.
Cable Before You Panic!
Before you read through all the problems, your problem may be solved by buying a new USB cable. Yes, a cable for less than $10.00 could be the problem. Newer Android phones such as the Pixel, Nexus, Samsung Galaxy S8 use a USB 3 aka C cable. All USB cables look alike. Make sure that you are either using the cable that came with phone or one of the cables recommended by Google (see list below). A shorter cable is less likely to be causing problems. When we tested Android Auto last year on Hyundai Elantra, buying a new compatible cable helped a lot. If you bought a Samsung Galaxy S8 and are using the cable you used with an Samsung Galaxy S6, it may not work properly. Make sure that you are using a USB C cable for Samsung Galaxy S8/S8 Plus, Pixel, LG G5 LG G6, and HTC 10
It also be sure to update your phone with a good connection, such as Wi-Fi when you are not traveling, updating phones with weak connections can corrupt the software download.
Known Android Auto Issues:
- Android Auto doesn’t work with Huawei phones.
- Pixel Phone with GM Cars, Corvette, Cruze and others.
- Pixel phone issues with not charging when plugged to USB port.
- Samsung Galaxy S8, S7(updated software) issues after a recent update of Android.
- Android phones run extremely hot when connected to Android Auto.
- Android Auto problems with Honda Civic, Kia, Ford SYNC 3, Volkswagen, Buick LaCrosse, GMC and Hyundai.
- Problems with Okay Google Apps- appears to fixed with recent update.
- Problems after the Android Auto update on July 5.
- GM Buick/Chevy/Cadillac Radio Muting Issues – . You may also need to update the GM Infotainment system to version 7.0
Android Auto Glitches
Here are just a few example of the problems that Google has not been able to solve.
I have brand new 2017 Buick Lacrosse. Android Auto worked fine on my old Samsung Galaxy 7. I temporarily had access to iPhone 7 and this worked fine, albeit with Apple CarPlay. After the updated a Samsung Galaxy S8+ and CANNOT get the Buck’s IntelliLink to pick up the connection.
SamsungAgalaxy S6 active will not project Android Auto to Chevy MyLink screen. Was fine until latest update. Samsung Galaxy S6 that has not been updated to latest OS and works fine.
2017 Chevy Bolt EV. I’m running Andoroid Auto on a Verizon Galaxy S7 running Android 7. AA seems to connect just fine, however it then randomly drops the connection and puts up the Error 12 message..
ISsues where calls made on phone via Android Auto aren’t playing audio two or three trys it will usually work with the latest software, Pixel XL on 7.1.2 with latest AA version on a 2016 GMC Denali Intellink system. Same problem reported on Chevy Cruze.
Mercedes-Benz Issues with Android Auto
2017 Mercedes has Android Auto option, it did work fine for 6 months but stopped working over a month ago – Owner deleted app and re loaded, had dealer look into – they say it’s the phone . The problem ever since June update –Phone has app updates in play store. Samsung S7, Android 7.0 , Android Auto 2.4.722904 , Google Play Services 11.0.5
Volkswagen
Mercedes-Benz & Pixel Phone
A brand new 2017 Mercedes GLE can’t connect to Google Pixel which USB A to USB C cable that came with the phone. The car and phone both attempt to load the interface but the car screen freezes immediately.
Samsung Galaxy 8 Issues with Ford, Honda & More
After replacing a S7 with an S8. Linked with car on Bluetooth, plugged in USB allowed all the handshake questions and Android Auto comes up on the phone only. The Samsung Galaxy S7 worked owith no problems. 2016 Ford C Max.
2107 Honda CRV EX, replaced a Galaxy S4 with S8 (S4 did not support Android 5 or better, S8 is running Android 7). Google Music and Phone functions work fine over Bluetooth. When connecting with the Samsung provided USB cable to use Android Auto the phone is not even “seen” by the system. The user called Honda and they said it is an issue with Android 7, suggesting that Android 5 or 6 would work. Honda further stated that Google is aware of the incompatibility issue and working on a fix.
Chevy & Samsung Update Don’t Mix
The in-car screen Android Auto interface, it doesn’t work on a 2017 Chevy Equinox.
Samsung Galaxy Issues
Just replaced a S7 with an S8. Linked with car on Bluetooth, plugged in USB, allowed all the handshake questions and Android auto comes up on the phone only. S7 worked on the cars touch screen with no problems. 2016 Ford C Max.
Everything was working fine for maybe a year, then it just stopped. The phone comes up with an error that says that it can’t do file transfer.It happens with two Galaxy S7. I tried changing the cable, and then I tried changing it again using the one that came with the phone. No changes. Possibly it stopped working when I updated to the newest version of Android Auto (Jul 5), but I can’t say for sure. It still works fine on the phone, it just doesn’t work with the head unit.
Kia Issues with Android Auto
I like Android Auto when it pairs correctly with my Kia. – functions don’t always work properly. I seem to be getting more hiccups every time there is a new version installed. Android Auto is now screwing up telephone voice commands.
I have the App on 2 phones a Galaxy S7 and a Cat S60 in a 2017 KIA Sorento with AA built in. Since the last update unusable since the last update. The S60 is still okay. Latest when I get a call it crashes. I am talking about the USB wired connection to my KIA head unit. Bluetooth is okay.
Navigation works better after the recent update but now text messaging doesn’t work correctly with error, “I don’t understand”. Sometime the app crashes. 2017 KIA FORTE 5 LG G6.
Problesms with Phone Sony Xperia Z3, Amdroid 6.0.1 and Car KIA Niro.
Android Auto doesn’t work with LG G5 in 2017 Kia Soul + w/Harmon Kardon system, won’t unlock to use “OK Google”, only through Bluetooth can music and calls are heard nothing else works.
Ford Issues
Erratic connection to the head unit in 2016 Ford Escape with Sync 3. Sometimes doesn’t connect first time. Have to unplug and reconnect data cable. Currently have to unplug, turn on location services on phone, then reconnect to head unit.
1+One w/Ford sync 3. If I don’t reboot the phone before connecting, calls will usually be routed through the phone’s speakers. Also, with the latest updates, when I use the voice command feature, my satellite radio continues to play over the Google Assistant. Software doesn’t feel ready for prime time yet.
Android Auto is great when it works about 25% of the time, when connecting to my car, it’ll flake out in various ways and I’ll have to manually exit the app to reset it.
Volkswagen
This has become such a disappointment. It’s gotten worse over the past month in conjunction with my VW MIB II head unit. AA doesn’t understand me anymore, when it asks if I want to reply to a message, and I day “yes” or “reply” it says it’s sorry but it doesn’t know how to do that yet.
New Volkswagen This app will not sync with any USB cable I plug in with. Connection failed with every attempt. Phones I tried with are all running marshmallow.
2017 VW GTI (MIB2 dash unit) with a Google Pixel. Every time it connect Android auto, the user get pop ups about enabling message access for the Bluetooth device and also about the smart lock. I
Samsung S7 (OS 7.0), with VW Tiguan 2017 May (Composition Media + App Connect)
AA version (2.4.722804)-release doesn’t work
Android Auto only works about 50% of the time. Spotify works about 5% of the time.
Hyundai Issues
Genesis G80. disconnects, stating “reading USB” unplug, plug in, same thing. After the cable was chaned, same problem. uninstall, reinstall app, same problem. New cable fixed the dropping issue however, voice commands work one day, not the next.
User Suggested Fix -Reinstall Fix Updates to Google Apps
- On Android phone, uninstall the Google App updates and then re-install the update.
- Make sure to step through the setup if you have more than one google account on your phone.
- Go to Apps/Google/Storage/Manage Storage/Clear Google search data.
Okay Google Problems with Android Auto
- Open the Google app
.
- At the top left, tap Menu
Settings.
- Tap Voice
- Turn off “Say ‘Ok Google’ any time” or “From any screen” or “Always on” option (the top one in the menu).
Android Auto Glitches, Problems, & Issues Possible Fixes from Google/Android
Enable Related Software
Make sure that Google Maps is enabled on your Android phone, Android Auto will not work unless Google maps is enabled.
Check Cable
Check that when you plug the phone into the car that it shows the phone is charging– if not there is cable issue, you may need better cable or original cable.
Check Head Unit Settings
Check that Android Auto is enabled on your car: Some head units have it turned off by default (e.g. Kia / Hyundai) talk to your manufacturer if you dislike this). Then plug in phone
Check Phone Settings
Check that the phone is turned on and unlocked, after the cable is connected follow instructions that appear on your phone such as Bluetooth pairing.
Check Data Transfer Setting to Car
Confirm that the phone is allowing data transfer to the head unit in the car. When your phone is connected to the car, swipe down from the notification shade in Android, and you’ll see a notification that the phone is charging via USB. Tap that and select “MTP” or “Media Transfer”.
Check that the Apps and Phone Software are Up-to-Date
Confirm that the Android Auto app and Google App are up-to-date: Please go to Google Play > Menu > My apps & games. Updates and ensure that you have the latest versions of those apps.
This suggestion should only used if you have checked that updates have not previously caused problems with your car and your model phone.
Intermittent Connections
Some cars, head units, phones, and cables are more susceptible to USB signal drop. Our users have had good results switching to shorter, tested USB cables to sustain a reliable connection.
Micro USB Cables that Work with Android Auto
TYPE C Cables That Work with Android Auto
- Anker USB-C to USB 3.0 Cable (3.3ft) for Pixel, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P.
- Cable Matters USB Type C .
- USB C Cable, CHOETECH r Samsung Galaxy S8/S8 Plus Pixel, LG G5 LG G6, HTC 10
- FRiEQ Hi-speed USB 3.1 Type C Cable-3.3ft/1m-Micro USB 3.1 Type C Mal
- Inateck USB 3.1 Cable USB-A Male to USB-C 3.1 Gen2Switch,LG G5/G6, Nexus 5X/6P, Samsung Galaxy S8, HUAWEI P9, New MacBook Pro, Pixel.
- Veckle Type C 6.6ft USB C Cable for Samsung Galaxy S8, S8 Plus, Pixel, Nexus 5X, 6P, OnePlus 2, Nokia N1, Nintendo Switch, LG G5, G6 and More USB Type C Devices.
- iOrange-E USB C Cable (6.6ft, 2m)
- LTNLab USB Type C to USB 2.0 Cable (3.3ft, 1m)
Google then suggests that the car owners report all issues to the Android Auto forum
Sometimes, there is dust or lint in the phone USB port, cleaning that may help.
Contact Automaker Support or Dealer
Most automakers offer some kind of support. By reporting your issue with the automaker, you will be able to see if it an Google problem or car problem.
If you have Android Auto issues or problems with your in-car infotainment system, please let us know in the comments below, be sure to note your make, model and year of your vehicle as well as model of your Android phone model and versions of Android and Android Auto. We also welcome any solutions you have found worked with your car.
Android Auto was first announced in 2014, it is currently available from, Acura, Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Genesis, GMC,Honda, Hyundai, Kenwood, Kia, JVC, Jeep coming soon, Lincoln, Maserati, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony, Subaru, Volvo and Volkswagen.
In May, Ford is began offering a SYNC 3 software update that enables Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to model-year 2016 vehicles through computer download onto USB drive,over-the-air via a Wi-Fi connection or at dealers.
We have created an Android Auto Newsletter to email you updates. You are welcome to subscribe.
I have a 2016 Camaro and have an intermittent issue with it just not connecting sometimes. When it works it’s absolutely awesome, Voice -to Text, Google maps, etc. But about 1 in 10 times nothing when I plug it in. Car was back to dealer twice, first they “updated” the Android Auto app,and it worked for 2 weeks, then once not. Back to dealer and they replaced the HMI module, they couldn’t duplicate my problem . BTW, HMI is Human Machine Interface! Now 2 days working great and stopped. Worked fine on the way home 2 hours later. I update all my AA apps often. They gave me rentals both trips and it worked flawlessly on 2018 Chevys, so I know it’s not my phone.
Brand new 2018 VW Atlas. Less than 5k miles on the car. Brand new Samsung S9+…Less than a week old I was able to use Android Auo once Now a black screen with the android auto look and apps on the actual phone. LOL. Defeats the hands free part. After some reading, shouldn’t expect a resolution or for it to work tomorrow
I have an issue twice now with a 2017 Passat that iveIhad for 3 weeks ago. The issue is with a Pixel 2 XL where the car attempts to connect and says connection was not possible due to maybe the ohonebeing unlocked. Like I said it’s been twice, still bothersome since the first time I needed navigation as I was traveling. Otherwise I havent had any other issues. I also use google play music instead of Spotify and it has never failed.
I have a 2017 G80 that had the Navigation update. Since then when I press the VR (voice recognition) button SIRI doesn’t pick up. If I shut the car off and turn it back on it may work. Problem is very intermittant which makes matters worse. Genesis dealer worked on car for 8 hours and could either not fix or duplicate the problem. They ordered another map update from Genesis. When they receive it I’ll bring it back in to dealer.
Tried all the tips here + many others but still have AA maps/ navigation issues. It connects disconnects constantly making driving on highway to unknown routes so stressful. I told the issue to my dealership, to Google, Samsung, all say it’s Google issue. I’m using brand new Samsung Galaxy 8 in my brand new Mitsubishi Mirage G4 2017. My phone network is high-speed. I specifically bought the latest car and phone bc of supposed ease in driving bc of head unit/navigation. Its been a nightmare and makes me so stressed I use my old fashioned gps now. What’s the point of getting latest things if it won’t work and Google doesn’t even care.
I just bought a 2018 Mercedes GLE 350. My S7 active works fantastic with my 2017 GMC Canyon intellink but when I plug it in to the Mercedes it only partially loads then freezes up. My wife’s Galaxy S8 works great. I’ve tried 3 different USB cords to no avail. I’ve Uninstalled AA twice with no help. I’m running AA version 2.8.574514 Android version 7.0 Knox version 2.7.1. I’m still tinkering. My conclusion is its something with the phone not the vehicle since the wife’s S8 works great. Any help would be appreciated.
Have you checked for any updates to the S7 Active? Also it may be worth a call to Mercedes-Benz for help.
I have a 2018 Audi A4 and I have tried just about everything to get Android Auto to work. I have tried six different USB cables (including ones that were sold with the phone), I have tried three different Samsung model phones with 5.0 software release or higher. I have also tried to change every possible setting within the phone, including enabling and tinkering with software developer mode, but nothing will get my Audi MMI (unit head) to detect the connection in the connection manager. Android auto on the phone seems to work exactly as it should, but the vehicle will not detect the phone. Apple Car Play, on the other hand, works perfectly. As soon as an Apple device is plugged into the USB port, the head unit detects it and everything works as advertised. The problem here is that I don’t want to switch over to an iPhone…I hate the over-priced things. For now, I have to enable Bluetooth tethering to an old iPhone a friend donated to me so that I can have a navigation feature on the MMI in my car. I live in Italy, so the navigation unit in my US Spec vehicle will not work here. That’s why I NEED Android Auto. If anyone has any updates or information that might help , please let me know. I’ve been struggling with this issue for over two months, and the Audi service centers here are not particularly helpful.
It may be worth an international phone call to call Audi in the United States for tech support. Do you have Bluetooth connected to the Android phone?
I have a 2017 VW GTI and used both a Samsung Galaxy S6 and S8. Does not work at all. Upon first firing up Android Auto, everything appeared to work fine. The moment I tap to run Spotify (or any other app for that matter), every stops working. The screen in the dash goes black. The phone gets very hot and is stuck on the android auto screen. Nothing works. Once this happens, any type of communication from the phone to the car is broken. Bluetooth will stop sending audio.
Only solution to fix the problem that android auto caused, is to delete the android auto app from the phone. Once I did this, I was able to re-pair my phone with my GTI and send audio via bluetooth.
I have been using AA on my Ford Smax Sync 3 system for quite a long time now. Until recently everything worked just fine and I was more than happy to use it. However, after having bought a new phone – Galaxy S8 – the first problems started to appear. I have noticed that if the phone battery is charged to 100% it is almost sure that the AA app crashes. Each time this happens I have to turn the engine off, restart Sync 3 a reconnect the phone. One just has to find out what causes this issue: phone, AA or Sync3 ….
Having trouble using Android Auto with 2018 Equinox. Usb
Connection allows my Lg l22c phone to be charged & make
Calls but Android Auto will not connect. States that Usb needs
To be connected. HELP
The first thing to check to see if you are using the correct USB cable. It is bet to use the USB cable that came with your phone.
My issue identical to another post on this thread “I have brand new 2017 Buick Lacrosse.
“Android Auto worked fine on my old ….CANNOT get the Buck’s IntelliLink to pick up the connection.”
My 2017 Lacrosse connected to AA out of the box. Then I made some changes in my preferences that have nothing to do with my cell or the AA app. Now I can’t connect.
Nexus 6P on latest firmware and a 2018 Audi A3: Audi smartphone interface won’t recognice that my phone is connected at all, but connects to Apple CarPlay in the blink of an eye. Tried two different Huawei Honor 8, same issue as the 6P.
All phones and same cables works well on a 2017 Skoda Superb.
Pioneer flagship AVIC-8200NEX head unit, Pixel XL. Both updated to current software/firmware. Black screen on Pioneer with message to check the phone. Phone has red Android Auto screen saying park vehicle and apply parking brake. Pioneer is installed correctly and has brake sense lead working correctly in all other software, also iPhone and Apple car play work fine. Tried 3 of the Pioneer recommended cables and both ports on head unit. Even tried iOrange 1 foot USB c cable. Never able to see android auto on head unit yet.
I would contact Pioneer Technical support 1-844-679-5350. They are heavily invested in CarPlay and Android Auto.
No, I did one better. I gave my Pixel away and went back to my iPhone 6 + today. Much easier and it works fine in my car. I’ll miss some of the features and still have android on my tablet for my little “terminal excursions” but not while I’m driving or working. It just ends up making me look bad and frustrated.
Also-
What good is having awesome tech if it’s released as alpha and the support is a forum of users that give suggestions who have never even touched the hardware involved.
Bought a new galaxy s8 and will it hell connect to my 2016 VW infotainment system, It connects but overrides my choice of using android auto in the vw menu and uses mirror link. Mirror link then loads up some apps on a screen and asks me to down load some maps i dont want this system i want android auto the phone is either overriding my choice in the vw infotainment system menu or something else is happening my S6 worked perfectly never had a single problem any suggestions on why this is happening in vws greatly appreciated.