Everything You Need To Know About Android Auto | Version 8.1

Interested in Android Auto but not sure what it looks like or how it works? In this video Brian takes a deep-deep dive into Google's connected car system.
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0:00 Introduction
0:50 Connecting to Car
1:52 Main Layout
3:49 Google Assistant
4:33 Screen Sizes
5:18 App Drawer
5:55 Google Maps
6:53 Waze
7:25 Phone
8:00 Assistant-Based Apps
9:34 Other Apps
11:17 Apps for EVs
11:37 Game Snacks
12:14 Closing

[@rusack7174]

Nice to see some love given to Android Auto and Android et al. In the US, Android is so often given second billing to Apple it's sometimes easy to forget that almost half of cellphone users use Android phones, worldwide it's much greater. It's a platform not limited to just one brand or a few models which opens up to consumers much more variety, designs, features, and price points. We love it!

[@R.O.T.C._SEEM]

Android auto is garbage and inconsistent. Often times one phone will work but another will and they are both flagship phones.

[@rusack7174]

@@R.O.T.C._SEEM Works very well for us. We too have flagship Android phones, although now both 4 years old, and Android Auto has worked very well. Yes, we did have some disconnects, but after buying better quality cables we haven't had any more issues there.

[@robertehlers3757]

Great job, Brian! You are a natural presenter. I appreciate you balancing Alex's love of everything Apple.

[@ericgagnon1492]

Thank you Brian for showing us the love! I constantly use Android Auto (Pixel 6 Pro) every time I am in my car and I'm glad to see an in-depth review of this feature. Any chance you could give us a similar review of the entertainment system in Volvos & Polestars?

[@Tanktaco]

Wow I didn't know Alex was a monster.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Me either!

[@ricktorres1319]

So Android auto is basically mirroring your phone I am assuming?

[@AdamJakowenko]

Nice overview. Great for newbies or for people like me to send to family members who are just getting first vehicle with Android Auto 😃

[@FloydFlannigan]

Nice review, well done!

[@JS1951]

Excellent presentation. Well organized and thoughtful. Very informative. Thank you

[@euphrentic]

The Android Auto review ive been looking for! Few others were actual Android users and it showed (Alex 😉) Great vodeo!

[@rondail5675]

Great, quick overview. A lot I didn't know.

[@nix4644]

00:20 Ha ha, funny Alex. As of the end of 2021 there were twice as many Android users as there were Apple, worldwide. Apparently not everyone agrees with your position. But I personally agree with your decision to bring Brian onboard. He's doing a great job.

[@garrettw99]

Tomorrow I’m trading in my iPhone for Android so I can play Zoo Boom in the car. Good job, Brian

[@johnhensman41]

Question as to Android Auto Wireless equipment - I have a new radio head unit (aftermarket) in an older car - have Android Auto within the unit and installed on my SamSung S14 -- do I need wireless interface equipment to talk to radio as to not connect hard cable based on al existing software? Description of wireless equipment doesn't offer enough information to go directly - since they want you to purchase their wireless adapter. FYI - have connected SamSung and new radio - via cable - so I know it works ... just trying to find out if I need to purchase adapter or can go to direct through a certain set-up on phone? Advise. Thanks

[@richardponce1580]

Very well done and much appreciated.

[@chrls705]

What about when things go bad? These kind of videos are great and what I need.

[@Erigion]

FYI: The latest infotainment software update for Hyundai/Kia allows for widescreen Android Auto with split screen features

[@Furbaby87]

Would love to know how? I have latest update on my 23 Elantra and my 22 Tucson. Neither will go full screen... Fills top top bottom but not side to side. :(

[@Erigion]

@@Furbaby87 Turn off split screen option in the Hyundai infotainment settings.

[@glenns4496]

When I am driving and using Google Maps to get to a destination, after a few minutes, the screen changes away from the map, and to audio stations on my 2021 Toyota. To get the map back I have to press the Maps button. Is there a way to set it so that it stays on Maps until I decide to look at the audio? Thanks

[@ulisg6040]

Android is the winner of the game! No jail side like apple…

[@Apizzaslice]

And now I've just lost the game...

[@davidbrookes9424]

Is it possible to access music that you have uploaded to your phone. I don't use audio streaming services.

[@daweed980]

I love Android Auto. Thanks for the demonstration.

[@NewYorksFinest1]

Question: is there an option on Android auto to bypass the screen aspect ratio so it will take up the entire screen on the new Kias screen ?

[@bobslater4126]

What is the minimum data plan to use navigation? For other apps what is minimum data plan recommendation? OR what are data requirements for the apps?

[@berthogendoorn2133]

great Android auto tutor!

[@Hikikomorisama]

I just bought a used 2015 subaru crosstrek and sadly it does not have its own navigation. Ive found out it wasnt till 2018 models that feature the apple play, so, not even sure if it even had android auto to begin with lol. But my question is, with those custom in dash Nav systems, such as Kenwood or whatever else that has android auto, will it work with my steering wheel hotkeys? I would hate to buy one only to find out the only way i can navigate through the menus is by the touchscreen and not my steering wheel. And I mean ALL of the buttons lol

[@edwardzdankiewicz9068]

Even earlier it may be that you have to download and install the android auto app on your phone. Mine did not come with it. This is a very useful sort of thing to cover. Lots of people go 7-8 years in a car now and many have not seen/used android auto or apple car play, myself included. I am about to start car shopping for the first time in years.

[@mr.clarke4113]

Thank you for showing the #AndroidGang some love! #SamsungKnights👏🏾🙌🏾💪🏾

[@IndianapolisColtsfan-AR5]

So me and my wife just bought a JVC stereo for our truck that has Android auto on it but we haven't had it installed yet. My question is will the layout in functions be the same or similar to what you were just talking about?

[@the_jarmel]

❤️LOVE THE ADDITION OF MUSIC .. 👏👏👏👏 . 🙏❤️✌️

[@davidwpoon]

Would love a similar walkthrough of the new Android Automotive infotainment systems like on the 2023 Volvos.

[@JohnsonnPlays]

Which music app do you recommend to listen to your downloaded music that android auto supports??

[@sillyporky]

I have the Kia EV6 and the right side allow you to have numbers of (apps) display such as clock, weather, Spotify, YT Music, etc.

[@tinygingervitus]

Is the navigation free? Like using Waze?

[@ga20904]

When AA loads it shows google maps 1st by default. Is there a way to select a different app to default to at atart up like Pandora

[@abghere]

Thanks Brian! I have no exposure to Android Auto and this is completely different than I thought. I mistakenly assume Android Auto is like a mirror of the phone on the head unit screen. Silly me!

[@rusack7174]

I think that's what I thought of either of the two integrated systems. After using Android Auto now for 4 years I find its ever improving integration as a real boon to being in the car and remaining connected and using some of the apps to improve the drive. They provide GPS guidance even when the vehicle you're driving isn't so equipped. They provide handsfree use of phone and messaging functions all by voice and voice to text capabilities.

[@kaiting1981]

Can you set favorite contacts list? And what is battery consumtion wireless?

[@rrosin]

Does Android Auto still lock you out of most apps on your phone (on the phone screen)? I remember it did this a few years ago.

[@cindyok8501]

Will maps on android auto, will it still show on your phone google maps?

[@craglett]

Great video. Thanks

[@Nate-zy5ce]

Useful. Thanks. Can you get general Internet or KZbin with Android Auto? How about with Apple Carplay?

[@moezheatingair6895]

I gotta 2020 ford transit with an eight inch screen. I can connect my android phone to the screen for make and receive calls via Bluetooth,no cord but It won't show any app ,not even one unless I keep it connected through the usb. Is there away to get this fixed so can use my phone and apps, especially the navigation apps without a usb connection? Thanks

[@arslanmoghal5472]

Nice 👍

[@joeyof9]

Uconnect had a CD player and a hard drive. I know it doesn't have a CD player anymore but how could you upload your music library? I would like to be able to search on the screen the way Uconnect used to.

[@theshewolfe]

I used this feature with my 21 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and it suddenly stopped working. I tried 3 different cords, and reinstalled the app twice... still not working. Do you have any troubleshooting ideas?

[@user-jo9bi4oy5t]

Hello. I have an Opel Crossland 19' and used to be able to connect my phone device to Android auto using a USB cable. However since 2021 somehow I stopped being able to connect. I tried using different sorts of cables unsuccessfully. I also used another device to connect but didn't work either. Any ideas on what could be the problem? It seems like there's a software issue with the car's app.

[@andorsagi]

Thank you very much

[@sulaimanlove252]

Yes i have a question about android auto... after my car came out the shop the android auto even though it was connected the screen never came up and i could not hit Finish for the initialize setup..... any suggestions ?

[@williamcarey9958]

Nice job. How about a demonstration for Q5 22

[@kingvic3853]

Where did you get that case for the pixel?

[@Superfastjellyfish669]

Great video handsome man 😻

[@jonfreedman7229]

I just picked up my 2023 ACURA MDX with tech package and I am having a problem using Android Auto. Worked on the 2020 MDX I traded in but this car has a touch pad and I can't access much of the screen. Any place to get help? Thanks

[@DrClaw77]

Android Auto got 100% better when they finally adopted the "safety break" for screen touches universally. The old "hard stop" after 6 touches was awful. Google Assistant has gotten better over time. I didn't know MS Teams was a compatible app...

[@denisewildfortune4058]

You can also use your phone's keyboard instead of the car's screen keyboard for typing. I can swipe faster than I can type with my phone.

[@whathappened215]

To clarify, this absolutely does not point out the specific AA 8.1 features, it is simply a general Android Auto run through.

[@whathappened215]

You got me to click and watch half the video before frustratingly leaving this comment though, so kudos on the misdirect!

[@stacylove]

Help! I've had my andriod auto for a couple of years. Now it will no longer let me use the voice command and says I need to allow personal results. I have not changed anything. Looks like everything is turned on in the phone. What can I do? Thanks so much

[@the_jarmel]

👏👏👏👏👏❤️ Great job Ghost Buster...lol ... Have a beautiful day Everyone

[@silvertube52]

Watched your video but the most basic thing was not clear. Can you use any app from your phone, or are you limited to a specific set of apps. Shouldn't that have been mentioned? I want to use a music app to play MP3s stored on my phone. Is that possible? So I didn't get everything I need to know.

[@SeattleFSD]

Can you say something like "Hey Google take me home" to navigate to an address or favourite/ saved location?

[@williambaker2661]

How do I add new Apps to Android Auto like waze and KZbin?

[@DrLaFuria]

Great vid bru

[@jamokamu]

I bought a '19 Sonata that came with Lyft for android auto, how can I download Uber driver? It came with Lyft but I cannot figure out how to download it.

[@Toobula]

How do I exit an app? I run Spotify I can't get it off my screen unless I go to my phone and then close it. Worse yet If I open up Spotify and play a song and pause it next time I start my car it goes and starts up Spotify and plays the song. So how do I close Spotify?

[@randybush680]

Will this work on a older 2015 car that doesn't have smart link

[@saulmetzger]

That extra screen real-estate is a available on the Hyundai Santa Cruz.

[@kanfive]

waiting for Ford SYNC 4 to make android auto full screen please help past on the message

[@NewYorksFinest1]

Question: can I watch movies I have on my phone in "my files" and watch it on Android auto?

[@aljorgensen8936]

does the phone charge when connected? if not how do I make sure the phone gets charged while driving?

[@metroduck]

How do you do it without having to plug in the charger my car won't let me do that I have to keep plugging in the cord every time even with blue tooth on

[@JoyStickJester_]

So it's the same AA that it's been for the last several years. Got it! Just release Coolwalk already

[@hammerridecycling7630]

i bought samsung fold 4 but android auto wont connect to my car.only bluetooth

[@Ezilahtem]

Question…once Android Auto is connected to the vehicle, can the phone itself be used separately??

[@adrian1271]

is there a way to close the apps or widgets but still have aa working

[@GaryMaxEffectBoyd]

Good job and say hi to Kathleen for me!

[@carolhartley4448]

How come with my 2018 Ford sel escape , do i have to have it, my phone, always plugged in, it is with bluetooth, always like to use google maps, I have to keep it plugged in via usb, i can get incoming calls but I can't make outgoing calls anymore?? Plugged in i do have the same screen on my car, but if not plugged in i can't tell it to take me somewhere via google maps, why isn't it wireless on my phone while driving, odd. I press the button on my steering wheel and it will let me use google maps and my music playlist, only when usb plugged in?? Everything works except i ask it to call someone, it says it is calling out but doesn't, it used to???also i did have to put android auto on my phone, the vehicle does have apple auto , or whatever its called, since i have an android i diabled on my car apple play, but everything works great , again, as long as it's usb connected EXCEPT I NO LONGERCCAN CALL OUT, EVEN THOUGH IT SAYS IT'S CALLING THE PERSON, IT WON'T CALL OUTGOING, as far as text if i get a text it will let me respond while driving, got messed up about 2 updates ago for outgoing calls, weird, can you tell me what i have to do to get that feature back?🤔🤔🤔

[@ronnymb67]

Bullied by Apple users, Alex? Is this the third grade playground or something? LOL. But I get your point. For so many out there it's a 'lifestyle' and an "ecosystem.' My first smartphone in 2011 was an Android. I stuck with it for no reason other than it worked. In early 2016 I bought my first vehicle that was equipped with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. My ex had an iphone. So we downloaded Carplay and decided to use both phones on a 4-hour road trip to San Antonio from Dallas. I wanted to see if there was anything that would make me switch. At least at that time, AA worked far better than Carplay so I stuck with it. I'm currently on an S22 Ultra and I still see no reason to switch other than for the sake of switching. It does more than I even know it can do or need, practically. The camera is fantastic. I use the S Pen constantly and it's great.

[@rusack7174]

The Ultra is a great phone. As far as the camera goes its telephoto capabilities are a big departure for cellphones. That alone is where cellphones had always lost out to dedicated cameras.

[@mandeelamberson1179]

How do I turn off Facebook Messenger notifications for Android auto? I did it before but I had to uninstall and reinstall the app and they came back on my screen. I can't remember how I did it last time

[@naveenthemachine]

How long does it take for the infotainment to recognize the device as android auto when using wired?

[@mr.clarke4113]

Mines only takes 1-5 seconds in my Audi

[@ZeTodmeister14]

I've tried to delete places visited on my Google but when I connect android auto in my car it still comes up, any help would be appreciated

[@markmiller3279]

Thanks! That answered so many questions I had. Our current car is too old for it to matter, but it will definitely be significant for whatever we buy next.

[@rosalindwilkins4450]

My calls are all going straight to voice-mail. I don't have the Do Not Disturb on. I'm not sure what to do to fix it.

[@krishnachalla8442]

Curious to know how wireless Android Auto and Carplay enabled systems handle multiple paired phones. If me and my partner both use the same car and have our phones paired to the car and both of us get in the car, can I choose or swap between the 2 phones? What if both phones are the same kind or one is android and the other an iPhone?

[@Spazzgasm90]

My BMW had this and I believe you can select a phone to take priority. Its also fairly easy to switch which phone is paired

[@rusack7174]

Great question as that's our situation much of the time when driving together. On our Hondas usually the driver unlocking the car takes priority. There are times when the system will see both paired phones and asked which to pair to for operation. Or, previous pairing was with my wife's phone, I connect via USB and the system will ask which to connect with. A simple touch of the screen settles that and we're good to go.

[@kurtolson1303]

I'm considering a new car that has Android Auto and I didn't know a thing about it. Good job! Covered everything I would want to know. Thanks !

[@abdullahbinshahid3199]

Can't you listen to the music you stored locally on your Android phone?

[@myrieke1]

i have the same jeep and it just disconnects randomly all the time. settings are correct but it still just disconnects

[@A-GoldenBar]

Why yt keeping starting everything. I disable it at my and on setting screen.

[@6ft8incyclist]

How do I use add reports on Google apps while in Android Auto

[@joeaccarino6054]

How do you save an address like home ?

[@iredialeroy7637]

How do set screen….?

[@talat804]

What's the name of that case I have p6pro

[@davidoka1037]

Can I put the uber app, how I do it

[@jsfbay1]

So you can run Google Maps or Waze? That's good. Now we need Alex to show us how to use Apple CarPlay. Please?

[@Max86421]

Nice! Android for me, I don't want to lockdown to Apple forever 😏

[@Max86421]

I can't wait to use the new android auto Coolwalk...

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Alex on Android!

[@Max86421]

I love this Google assistant command, OK Google turn off the light in 5 minutes

[@jamielohse1445]

Mine doesn't show outside temperature

[@raze2400]

Problem with android it's not full screen. With this car its Wasted space for having two menu options.

[@peterscalone6167]

All my apps are not showing up on screen

[@megatonesilva6546]

His sister Kathpeen 🤣😂😅 @10:53

[@sport016]

why is the traditional Google Maps always dark?