How to Play Music and Podcasts in Android Auto

by Nia Patel · Published 10/07/2026 · Updated 10/07/2026

Applies to
Android Auto, Android phones, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, podcast apps, radio apps, wired Android Auto, wireless Android Auto, and compatible car infotainment systems

Last updated
10 July 2026

Problem

You want to play music, podcasts, radio, or audiobooks through Android Auto, but you are not sure how to open your audio apps, change playback, use voice commands, or make the sound come through the car speakers.

Android Auto supports many audio apps, but the app must be installed, updated, compatible with Android Auto, and allowed to run properly on your phone.

Solution

Install and open your preferred audio app on your phone first, then connect Android Auto and choose the app from the car screen. You can control playback from the display, steering wheel controls, or Google Assistant voice commands.

Step by step instructions

Check that your audio app supports Android Auto

Not every music or podcast app appears in Android Auto.

Supported app types commonly include:

Music streaming apps
Podcast apps
Internet radio apps
Audiobook apps
Media player apps

Popular examples may include Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Audible, Pocket Casts, BBC Sounds, and other compatible apps.

If an app is not designed for Android Auto, it will not appear on the car screen.

Install and open the app on your phone

Open the Google Play Store.

Install your preferred music, podcast, radio, or audiobook app.

Open the app on your phone before using it in Android Auto.

Accept any permissions or first time setup prompts.

If the app is waiting for sign in or setup on your phone, it may not work properly in Android Auto.

Update Android Auto and audio apps

Open the Google Play Store.

Update:

Android Auto
Google
Google Play services
Spotify or your preferred music app
YouTube Music
Podcast apps
Radio apps
Audiobook apps

Restart your phone after updating.

This helps prevent missing apps, playback errors, and connection issues.

Check the Android Auto launcher

Open Settings on your Android phone.

Search for Android Auto.

Open Android Auto settings.

Select Customise launcher.

Make sure your music or podcast app is enabled.

Move your favourite audio apps higher in the list if you want them easier to find on the car screen.

Connect your phone to Android Auto

Start your car and wait for the infotainment system to load.

Connect your Android phone using USB or wireless Android Auto, depending on your car.

Unlock your phone if prompted.

Approve any permissions for Android Auto, Bluetooth, nearby devices, notifications, microphone, and media apps.

Android Auto should appear on the car screen.

Open your music or podcast app

On the Android Auto screen, open the app launcher.

Select your audio app.

Choose what you want to play.

Depending on the app, you may see:

Recent playlists
Albums
Podcasts
Stations
Downloads
Audiobooks
Recommended content

Android Auto uses a simplified layout to reduce distraction while driving.

Use playback controls

Most Android Auto audio apps include basic playback controls.

You may be able to:

Play
Pause
Skip forward
Skip back
Restart a track
Choose recent items
Shuffle if supported
Like or save tracks if supported

The exact controls depend on the app.

Use steering wheel controls

Many cars allow you to control Android Auto audio from the steering wheel.

Common controls include:

Volume up
Volume down
Next track
Previous track
Answer call
Voice command button

If steering wheel controls do not work, check whether they work with normal car audio. If they do, the issue may be app or Android Auto related.

Use voice commands for music and podcasts

Google Assistant can control many audio apps in Android Auto.

Tap the microphone button or use your steering wheel voice button.

You can say things such as:

Play music
Play my driving playlist
Play The Beatles on Spotify
Play my podcasts
Play the latest episode of my podcast
Pause music
Skip this song
Resume playback

For best results, include the app name if you use more than one audio service.

Change the default music app

If Google Assistant opens the wrong music app, check your Google Assistant settings.

Open the Google app on your phone.

Tap your profile picture or initials.

Open Settings.

Go to Google Assistant.

Look for music or media settings.

Choose your preferred default music service if available.

Menu names can vary depending on your phone and Google app version.

Play downloaded content

Downloaded music and podcasts are useful when mobile signal is poor.

Open your audio app on your phone before travelling.

Download playlists, albums, podcasts, stations, or audiobooks if the app allows it.

Then use Android Auto to play the downloaded content during the journey.

This can reduce buffering and data use.

Check car volume and audio source

If music is playing but you cannot hear it, check the car volume.

Turn up the volume while the music is playing.

Some cars have separate volume levels for media, calls, navigation, and voice assistant.

Also check that the car is using Android Auto or Bluetooth media as the current audio source.

Keep navigation and music running together

Android Auto allows you to use navigation and audio at the same time.

Start navigation in Google Maps or Waze.

Then open your music or podcast app.

Start playback.

Navigation directions should continue while your audio plays.

The car may lower the music volume briefly when directions are spoken.

Stop playback

To stop audio, open the audio app in Android Auto and tap pause.

You can also use a voice command such as Pause music or Stop playback.

If you disconnect Android Auto, playback may continue on your phone depending on the app and settings.

Optional methods or tools

Use downloaded playlists or podcasts for journeys with poor signal
Use voice commands to control playback safely
Set a default music service in Google Assistant settings
Use Android Auto launcher settings to make favourite apps easier to find
Use steering wheel controls for volume and track changes where supported

Best practices or tips

Choose music or podcasts before driving where possible
Keep Android Auto and audio apps updated
Download content before long journeys
Use voice commands instead of browsing while driving
Keep volume at a safe level so you can still hear the road around you

Playing music and podcasts in Android Auto is simple once your preferred app is installed, updated, and enabled in the launcher. The car screen gives you a safer, simplified way to control playback without handling your phone directly.

For the best experience, prepare playlists, downloads, or podcast queues before setting off. Voice commands, steering wheel controls, and downloaded content make Android Auto audio easier to use, especially on longer journeys or in areas with weak mobile signal.