How to Set Up Android Auto for the First Time
Applies to
Android Auto, Android phones, wired Android Auto, wireless Android Auto, compatible cars, and compatible infotainment systems
Last updated
9 July 2026
Problem
You want to use Android Auto in your car, but you are not sure how to set it up. The phone may ask for several permissions, the car may ask you to approve smartphone projection, or you may not know whether to connect by USB cable or wirelessly.
Setting up Android Auto correctly the first time helps avoid connection, audio, navigation, and voice command problems later.
Solution
Check that your car and phone support Android Auto, update the required apps, connect your phone using a suitable USB cable or wireless pairing, then approve the permissions on both the phone and car screen.
Step by step instructions
Check that your phone supports Android Auto
Make sure your Android phone is running a supported version of Android.
On most modern Android phones, Android Auto is built into the phone settings and does not need a separate setup app.
To check your Android version:
Open Settings.
Go to About phone.
Look for Android version.
If your phone is very old, it may not support the latest Android Auto features.
Check that your car supports Android Auto
Not every car screen supports Android Auto.
Check your car manual, infotainment menu, or manufacturer website.
Look for terms such as:
- Android Auto
- Smartphone projection
- Phone projection
- App projection
- Connected services
- Mobile device projection
Some cars support Android Auto only by USB cable. Others support both wired and wireless Android Auto.
Update your phone before setup
Before connecting for the first time, update the important Android Auto related apps.
Open the Google Play Store.
Search for and update:
- Android Auto
- Google Maps
- Google Play services
- Spotify or your preferred music app
- Any messaging apps you want to use in the car
Then restart your phone.
This reduces the chance of setup errors.
Prepare your car
Start the car or turn on the ignition.
Make sure the infotainment screen is fully loaded.
Put the car in park if required.
Some vehicles will not allow first time Android Auto setup while driving.
Open the car’s phone, connection, or projection settings if needed.
Set up wired Android Auto
Use a good quality USB cable that supports data transfer.
Plug one end into your phone.
Plug the other end into the car’s Android Auto compatible USB port.
Unlock your phone.
Wait for prompts on the phone and car screen.
Accept the Android Auto permissions.
Approve the connection on the car screen if asked.
Android Auto should then appear on the infotainment display.
Set up wireless Android Auto
Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on.
Pair your phone with the car using Bluetooth.
Follow the prompts on the phone and car screen.
Accept the Android Auto permissions.
If your car supports wireless Android Auto, it should offer to connect without a cable.
The first setup can take longer than a normal connection, so allow the process to finish.
Approve phone permissions
Android Auto may ask for access to several features.
These can include:
- Location
- Phone calls
- Contacts
- Messages
- Notifications
- Microphone
- Bluetooth
- Calendar
- Music and media apps
Allow the permissions needed for the features you want to use.
If you deny important permissions, Android Auto may connect but some features may not work properly.
Confirm Android Auto opens on the car screen
Once setup is complete, Android Auto should open on your car display.
You should see supported apps such as:
- Google Maps
- Waze if installed
- Phone
- Messages
- Spotify
- YouTube Music
- Other compatible apps
Only supported driving friendly apps will appear in Android Auto.
Test navigation
Open Google Maps or Waze.
Search for a nearby destination.
Start navigation.
Check that the route appears on the car screen.
Make sure voice directions can be heard through the car speakers.
Test music and audio
Open your preferred music app in Android Auto.
Play a song, podcast, or radio stream.
Check that audio comes through the car speakers.
Use the car controls or steering wheel buttons if available.
If audio does not work, check the car’s media source and phone volume.
Test phone calls and messages
Use Android Auto to make a test call if safe and appropriate.
Check that the microphone works.
Ask someone to send a test message, or check whether message notifications appear correctly.
Android Auto is designed to read and reply to messages using voice commands rather than typing.
Set Android Auto to start automatically
On your phone, open Settings.
Search for Android Auto.
Open Android Auto settings.
Look for options related to starting Android Auto automatically.
Set your preference for when Android Auto should launch.
Options may vary depending on your phone, Android version, and car.
Optional methods or tools
- Use a short USB data cable for first time wired setup
- Use the car manual to find the correct USB port
- Use Google Play Store to update Android Auto related apps
- Use Android Auto settings on your phone to manage connected cars
- Ask your car dealer or manufacturer if your infotainment system needs an update
Best practices or tips
- Complete first time setup while parked
- Keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled for wireless Android Auto
- Use the same phone and cable during initial setup if possible
- Accept required permissions so navigation, calls, and messages work properly
- Keep Android Auto, Google Maps, and Google Play services updated
Setting up Android Auto for the first time is usually a matter of checking compatibility, updating your phone, connecting by USB or wireless pairing, and approving permissions. Once the initial setup is complete, Android Auto should launch more quickly on future drives.
For the best experience, use a reliable USB data cable for wired connections and keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled for wireless Android Auto. A clean first time setup helps prevent common issues with navigation, phone calls, music apps, and voice commands.
