How to Fix Spotify or Music Apps Not Working in Android Auto
Applies to
Android Auto, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, podcast apps, Android phones, wired Android Auto, wireless Android Auto, and compatible car infotainment systems
Last updated
9 July 2026
Problem
Spotify or another music app is not working properly in Android Auto. The app may not appear on the car screen, music may not play, audio may come from the phone instead of the car speakers, or playback may stop while driving.
This can happen because the music app is outdated, hidden from the Android Auto launcher, restricted by battery settings, missing permissions, or affected by Bluetooth, USB, or mobile data problems.
Solution
Check that the music app works on your phone first. Then update the app, make sure it is enabled in Android Auto, check audio output, review battery restrictions, and reconnect Android Auto if needed.
Step by step instructions
Check the music app on your phone
Before troubleshooting Android Auto, open the music app directly on your phone.
Play a song, playlist, podcast, or album.
Check whether the app works normally outside the car.
If Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, or another app does not work on the phone, fix the app issue first.
Android Auto can only control the app if it works properly on the phone.
Check your internet connection
Streaming music apps need a working data connection unless you are using downloaded content.
Make sure mobile data is turned on.
Check that your phone has a signal.
Turn off airplane mode if it is enabled.
If you are in an area with poor coverage, streaming may pause, buffer, or fail to load.
Check your subscription or account
Some music services require you to be signed in.
Open the music app on your phone.
Check that your account is active.
If you use a paid service, confirm that the subscription has not expired.
If the app has signed you out, sign in again before reconnecting Android Auto.
Update the music app
Open the Google Play Store.
Search for your music app.
Install any available updates.
Also update:
- Android Auto
- Google Play services
- Google Maps
- Any podcast or radio apps you use in Android Auto
Restart your phone after updating.
Check whether the app is shown in Android Auto
Open Settings on your Android phone.
Search for Android Auto.
Open Android Auto settings.
Select Customise launcher.
Check that your music app is enabled.
If the app is hidden, add it back to the Android Auto launcher.
Then reconnect Android Auto and check the car screen.
Open the app from Android Auto
Connect your phone to Android Auto.
On the car screen, open the app launcher.
Select your music app.
Choose a playlist, album, station, or podcast.
If the app opens but does not play, check whether the phone is locked, offline, or waiting for account confirmation.
Check the car audio source
Sometimes the app is playing, but the car is not using the right audio source.
Start playback in Android Auto.
Turn up the car volume while the music is playing.
Check whether the car has separate volume levels for media, calls, navigation, and alerts.
Make sure the car is not muted.
Check Bluetooth audio settings
For wireless Android Auto, Bluetooth can affect calls and audio handling.
Open Bluetooth settings on your phone.
Tap the settings icon next to your car.
Check whether media audio is enabled if the option is available.
If media audio is disabled, music may not play through the car correctly.
For wired Android Auto, Bluetooth may still be used for calls, depending on the vehicle.
Check app permissions
Open Settings on your Android phone.
Go to Apps.
Find the music app.
Open Permissions.
Allow any permissions needed for the app to work properly.
Then check Android Auto permissions as well.
If permissions are blocked, the app may not appear or may fail to respond in Android Auto.
Turn off battery restrictions
Battery saving settings can stop music apps from playing reliably in Android Auto.
Open Settings on your phone.
Go to Apps.
Find your music app.
Open battery settings.
Set the app to unrestricted or not optimised if available.
Also check battery settings for:
- Android Auto
- Google Play services
- Bluetooth
- Your podcast or radio app
Turn off battery saver while testing.
Clear the app cache
If the app opens but behaves strangely, clear its cache.
Open Settings.
Go to Apps.
Find the music app.
Open Storage.
Select Clear cache.
Avoid clearing storage unless you are happy to reset app data, downloads, and sign in details.
After clearing the cache, restart the phone and try Android Auto again.
Download music for poor signal areas
If your music cuts out during journeys, the issue may be mobile signal.
Open your music app.
Download playlists, albums, or podcasts for offline use if your subscription allows it.
Downloaded content is useful for areas with weak mobile coverage.
This is especially helpful for long journeys, rural roads, or commuting routes with poor signal.
Try another music app
If one app does not work, test another supported music app in Android Auto.
For example, try a podcast app, radio app, or another music service.
If other apps work, the issue is likely with the original music app.
If no audio apps work, the issue may be Android Auto, car audio settings, Bluetooth, USB, or the phone connection.
Remove and reconnect Android Auto
If music apps still do not work, reset the car connection.
Open Settings on your phone.
Search for Android Auto.
Open Previously connected cars.
Remove your car.
Then delete your phone from the car’s Bluetooth or connected devices list.
Restart the phone and car.
Set up Android Auto again.
Optional methods or tools
- Use downloaded playlists or podcasts for poor signal areas
- Try another supported audio app to test whether the issue is app specific
- Use wired Android Auto if wireless audio keeps failing
- Update Android Auto, Google Play services, and your music app
- Clear the app cache if playback controls or loading screens stop working
- Check the car manual for audio source and media volume settings
Best practices or tips
- Open and sign in to the music app before starting a journey
- Download music or podcasts before long trips
- Keep audio apps updated
- Turn off aggressive battery saving for music apps
- Avoid changing complex app settings while driving
Spotify and other music apps usually work well in Android Auto when the app is updated, signed in, and allowed to run in the background. If the app does not appear on the car screen, Android Auto launcher settings and app updates are the first places to check.
When playback stops or audio does not come through the car speakers, the cause is often mobile data, media volume, Bluetooth audio settings, or battery restrictions. Checking the music app on the phone first helps separate app problems from Android Auto or car audio issues.
