How to Fix Android Auto Not Connecting to Your Car
Applies to
Android Auto, Android phones, wired Android Auto, wireless Android Auto, compatible cars, and compatible infotainment systems
Last updated
9 July 2026
Problem
Android Auto is not connecting to your car, even though your phone is plugged in or nearby. The car may not detect the phone, Android Auto may not appear on the screen, or the connection may fail after starting.
This can happen because of a faulty USB cable, disabled permissions, Bluetooth problems, wireless setup issues, outdated apps, or car infotainment settings.
Solution
Start by checking that your phone, car, cable, and Android Auto settings are compatible. Then restart both your phone and car system, try a different USB cable, update your apps, and reconnect Android Auto from the beginning.
Step by step instructions
Check that your car supports Android Auto
Before troubleshooting, confirm that your car or head unit supports Android Auto.
Some cars only support wired Android Auto, while others support wireless Android Auto as well.
Check your car manual or infotainment settings for Android Auto, smartphone projection, phone projection, or app projection.
If your car does not support Android Auto, it will not appear on the car screen even if your phone is connected.
Restart your phone and car system
Disconnect your phone from the car.
Restart your Android phone.
Turn the car off fully.
Open the driver door and wait a short while so the infotainment system powers down.
Start the car again.
Reconnect your phone and check whether Android Auto opens.
A simple restart often fixes temporary connection problems.
Use a good quality USB cable
For wired Android Auto, the USB cable is one of the most common causes of connection failure.
Use a short, good quality cable that supports data transfer.
Some charging cables only provide power and cannot carry the data needed for Android Auto.
Try a different cable if Android Auto does not connect.
Avoid very long, damaged, loose, or cheap cables.
Try a different USB port
Many cars have more than one USB port, but not all of them support Android Auto.
Look for a USB port marked with a phone, data, or smartphone symbol.
Plug the phone directly into the car rather than through a USB hub or adapter.
If one USB port only charges the phone, try another port.
Unlock your phone before connecting
Unlock your Android phone before plugging it in.
Some phones need to be unlocked before the first Android Auto connection will complete.
After connecting, look for prompts on the phone screen.
Accept any permissions for:
- Android Auto
- Google Maps
- Phone calls
- Contacts
- Messages
- Notifications
- Bluetooth
- Location
If you ignore or deny these prompts, Android Auto may not connect properly.
Check Android Auto permissions
Open Settings on your Android phone.
Go to Apps.
Find Android Auto.
Open Permissions.
Make sure the required permissions are allowed.
Also check permissions for Google Maps, Phone, Messages, and any music apps you want to use in Android Auto.
Permission menus can vary depending on the phone brand and Android version.
Update Android Auto and Google apps
Open the Google Play Store.
Search for Android Auto.
Install any available update.
Then update:
- Google Maps
- Google Play services
- Spotify or your preferred music app
- Any messaging apps you use with Android Auto
After updating, restart your phone and try connecting again.
Check Bluetooth for wireless Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto usually needs Bluetooth for the initial connection, even though the main connection may use Wi-Fi.
On your phone, open Bluetooth settings.
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
Remove old or duplicate car pairings if needed.
Pair your phone with the car again.
Then open Android Auto settings and reconnect the car.
Check Wi-Fi for wireless Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto also relies on Wi-Fi.
Make sure Wi-Fi is enabled on your phone.
Do not manually connect to another Wi-Fi network while trying to use wireless Android Auto.
If the wireless connection fails repeatedly, remove the car from Android Auto settings and set it up again.
Remove and reconnect your car
On your Android phone, open Settings.
Search for Android Auto.
Open Android Auto settings.
Look for Previously connected cars.
Remove your car from the list.
Then delete the phone from your car’s Bluetooth or smartphone projection settings.
Restart your phone and car.
Connect again as if setting up Android Auto for the first time.
Check your car infotainment settings
Open the car’s infotainment settings.
Look for Android Auto, smartphone projection, connected devices, or phone settings.
Make sure Android Auto is enabled.
If your car lets you choose between Android Auto and another projection system, select Android Auto for your phone.
Some cars also require you to approve a new phone on the car screen before the connection starts.
Test with another phone if possible
If Android Auto still will not connect, test with another compatible Android phone.
If another phone works, the problem is likely with your phone, cable, settings, or apps.
If no phone works, the issue may be with the car’s USB port, infotainment system, or Android Auto support.
Optional methods or tools
- Try a different USB data cable
- Use the original cable supplied with your phone if available
- Update your phone system software
- Update your car infotainment software if the manufacturer provides updates
- Check your car manual for Android Auto or smartphone projection settings
- Test both wired and wireless Android Auto if your car supports both
Best practices or tips
- Keep a good quality USB cable in the car for Android Auto
- Unlock your phone before connecting for the first time
- Keep Android Auto, Google Maps, and Google Play services updated
- Remove old Bluetooth pairings if your phone has been connected to many cars
- Avoid using USB adapters, hubs, or loose cables for wired Android Auto
Android Auto connection problems are usually caused by cables, permissions, Bluetooth pairing, wireless setup, or car infotainment settings. Working through each area in order helps you find the cause without changing too many things at once.
For wired Android Auto, a proper USB data cable is often the quickest fix. For wireless Android Auto, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and previous car pairings are usually the most important settings to check. Once the phone and car are connected correctly, Android Auto should launch reliably when you start the vehicle.
