How to Fix Android Auto Apps Missing from the Car Screen

Applies to
Android Auto, Android phones, Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, YouTube Music, podcast apps, messaging apps, wired Android Auto, wireless Android Auto, and compatible car infotainment systems

Last updated
10 July 2026

Problem

Android Auto is working, but some apps are missing from the car screen. You may not see Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, YouTube Music, WhatsApp, podcast apps, or other apps you expected to use while driving.

This usually happens because the app is not compatible with Android Auto, it is hidden from the Android Auto launcher, the app is outdated, or the phone has not refreshed the Android Auto app list correctly.

Solution

Check that the missing app supports Android Auto, update the app, make sure it is enabled in the Android Auto launcher, then restart your phone and reconnect Android Auto. If the app still does not appear, clear the Android Auto cache and reinstall the affected app if needed.

Step by step instructions

Check that the app supports Android Auto

Not every Android app can appear in Android Auto.

Android Auto only shows apps that are designed for safe use while driving.

Common supported app types include:

• Navigation apps
• Music apps
• Podcast apps
• Radio apps
• Messaging apps
• Calling apps
• Some electric vehicle and parking apps

If an app is not designed for Android Auto, it will not appear on the car screen even if it is installed on your phone.

Open the app on your phone first

Before checking Android Auto, open the missing app on your phone.

Make sure it works normally.

Sign in if required.

Accept any app permissions or first time setup screens.

If an app is waiting for sign in, permissions, or an update on the phone, it may not appear properly in Android Auto.

Update the missing app

Open the Google Play Store.

Search for the missing app.

Install any available update.

Then update:

• Android Auto
• Google
• Google Maps
• Google Play services
• Music apps
• Messaging apps

Restart your phone after updating.

App updates often fix missing launcher entries and compatibility problems.

Check Android Auto launcher settings

Open Settings on your Android phone.

Search for Android Auto.

Open Android Auto settings.

Select Customise launcher.

Look for the missing app in the list.

Make sure it is ticked or enabled.

If the app is unticked, hidden, or moved lower down the list, enable it and adjust the order if needed.

Reorder apps in the launcher

In Customise launcher, move your most used apps higher up the list.

This can make them easier to find on the car screen.

Useful apps to place near the top might include:

• Google Maps
• Waze
• Spotify
• YouTube Music
• Phone
• Messages
• Podcasts

After changing the order, reconnect Android Auto and check the car display again.

Check the car screen app menu

Some cars show only a few Android Auto apps on the first screen.

Open the Android Auto app launcher on the car display.

Scroll through the full list of apps.

Check whether the app is on another page or lower down the launcher.

If your car uses split screen or a custom infotainment layout, the app list may not look the same as it does on another vehicle.

Restart your phone and car system

Disconnect Android Auto.

Restart your phone.

Turn the car off fully.

Open and close the driver door if needed so the infotainment system powers down.

Wait briefly.

Start the car again.

Reconnect Android Auto and check whether the app appears.

This can refresh the app list.

Clear the Android Auto cache

Open Settings on your phone.

Go to Apps.

Find Android Auto.

Open Storage.

Select Clear cache.

Restart the phone.

Reconnect Android Auto.

Clearing the cache can fix situations where Android Auto is showing an old or incomplete app list.

Check app permissions

Open Settings on your phone.

Go to Apps.

Find the missing app.

Open Permissions.

Allow the permissions the app needs to work properly.

For example:

• Music apps may need notification or media permissions
• Messaging apps may need contacts and notification permissions
• Navigation apps may need location permission
• Calling apps may need microphone and phone permissions

Permission names vary depending on the app and Android version.

Check battery restrictions

Some phones hide or limit apps that are heavily restricted in the background.

Open Settings.

Go to Apps.

Find the missing app.

Open battery settings.

Set the app to unrestricted or not optimised if available.

Also check battery settings for Android Auto, Google, and Google Play services.

Restart the phone after making changes.

Reinstall the missing app

If the app still does not appear, uninstall and reinstall it.

Open the Google Play Store.

Find the app.

Uninstall it.

Restart your phone.

Install the app again.

Open the app and sign in.

Then reconnect Android Auto.

This can fix app registration problems between the app and Android Auto.

Check whether the app is restricted by your organisation

If you use a work phone, school phone, or managed device, some apps may be restricted.

Your organisation may block certain apps, app permissions, or background activity.

If the missing app is approved but still does not appear, ask your IT administrator whether Android Auto apps are restricted by policy.

Remove and reconnect the car

If several apps are missing, reset the Android Auto 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 both the phone and car.

Set up Android Auto again.

Test with another app

Install or open another supported Android Auto app.

For example, test a different music, radio, podcast, or navigation app.

If other apps appear but one app does not, the issue is likely with that specific app.

If many apps are missing, the problem is more likely Android Auto settings, cache, permissions, or phone software.

Optional methods or tools

• Use Customise launcher in Android Auto settings to show or reorder apps
• Update the missing app from the Google Play Store
• Clear the Android Auto cache if the app list does not refresh
• Reinstall the missing app if it works on the phone but not in Android Auto
• Test another supported app to check whether the issue is app specific
• Ask IT to check restrictions if the phone is managed by work or school

Best practices or tips

• Keep Android Auto and your driving apps updated
• Open new apps on the phone once before expecting them in Android Auto
• Use the launcher settings to hide apps you do not use and prioritise important ones
• Avoid installing unknown or unofficial Android Auto apps
• Restart your phone after major app or Android system updates

Apps missing from Android Auto are usually caused by compatibility, launcher settings, app updates, or Android Auto showing an old app list. The first thing to check is whether the app actually supports Android Auto and whether it is enabled in the launcher.

If the app is compatible and installed correctly, updating it, clearing the Android Auto cache, and reconnecting the car will usually bring it back. When only one app is missing, focus on that app. When several apps are missing, check Android Auto settings, permissions, and the phone connection more broadly.