How to set up Android Auto wirelessly

⚡ Fast fix

• Check compatibility first. Both your phone and vehicle must support wireless Android Auto.
• Make sure you're online. Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your phone.
• Time to pair. Follow the on-screen prompts to pair your phone and vehicle.
• Still not connecting? Restart Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, then try pairing again.

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Your Android™ phone is your navigator, DJ, personal assistant, and more. But the last thing you want while driving is to fuss with the screen. With Android Auto, you can wirelessly connect your phone to your vehicle's infotainment system for easy, hands-free control.

At Asurion, we help millions of people get more out of their devices. Whether you're figuring out how Android Auto works or trying to connect Bluetooth devices, we're here to help.

Here's how to connect Android Auto wirelessly using a compatible phone and vehicle. We'll also share troubleshooting tips if you run into problems.

What you need to use Android Auto wirelessly

Before you set up Android Auto, make sure you have a compatible Android phone with an active data plan and 5 GHz Wi-Fi support. Phones running Android 11.0 and later can connect to Android Auto wirelessly.

You'll also need a compatible vehicle or an aftermarket stereo that supports wireless Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Check Android's list of over 500 compatible models to see if yours is listed. Compatibility and setup requirements can vary by vehicle manufacturer.

How to connect Android Auto wirelessly

The Android Auto setup process involves pairing your phone with your vehicle over Bluetooth and following the on-screen prompts. After this first-time connection, Android Auto should automatically launch every time you get in the car with your phone.

The exact menu names may vary by vehicle, so check with your manufacturer if you get stuck.

1. Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Your Android phone uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to communicate with your vehicle. Follow these steps to make sure they're both enabled:

1. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
2. Tap Internet > Use Wi-Fi.
3. Go back to the Quick Settings panel and tap Bluetooth.
4. Toggle on Use Bluetooth.

You don't necessarily need to connect your phone to a specific Wi-Fi network to use Android Auto wireless. When you enable this setting, your phone can link directly to your vehicle, even if it's not connected to a router.

2. Pair your phone with your car

To complete the wireless connection, you'll also need to pair your vehicle with your phone:

1. Turn the car on and keep it in park.
2. Tap Settings on your car's display.
3. Tap Bluetooth and toggle it on.
4. Tap the Phone icon and tap Add Phone or Pair Device.
5. Choose your Android phone from the list.
6. Confirm the phone pairing request.
7. Grant any necessary permissions.

3. Finish setting up Android Auto

You may need to follow additional prompts on your phone or infotainment display to enable Android Auto. Depending on your car, you may need to connect your device with a USB cable during the initial setup, even if future connections are wireless.

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What to do if wireless Android Auto won’t connect

Don't give up if Android Auto is not connecting after you follow these steps. Try these troubleshooting tips to fix connection issues:

• Double-check phone and vehicle compatibility.
• Toggle Bluetooth and Wi-Fi off and on again.
• Try restarting the phone and vehicle system. Sometimes, a quick reset will fix a faulty connection.
• In your car's Settings menu, check whether Android Auto is enabled. You may find this setting under Apps or Connections.

If none of these fixes work, you may need to reconnect Android Auto. Follow these steps:

1. On your car's infotainment display, open Settings and tap Connections or Apps.
2. Tap Android Auto.
3. Tap Disable or Turn off.
4. Follow the steps above to pair your phone and vehicle again.

In some cases, your vehicle may not support wireless Android Auto. Try connecting your devices with a USB cable.

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FAQ

Can you use Android Auto without a USB cable?

Yes, you can connect compatible phones and vehicles through Android Auto wirelessly. However, some vehicles may require USB for the initial setup. Others may only support wired Android Auto, so check with your manufacturer.

Does Android Auto use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi?

Wireless Android Auto uses both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to establish and maintain the connection. These technologies allow your phone to link directly to your vehicle, so you can drive away from your home Wi-Fi network without losing the connection.

Why does Android Auto only work when plugged in?

Your car might only support a wired connection. Check the user manual or the Android website to see if it's compatible. You should also make sure you've turned on your phone's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.