How to Use Android Auto Wirelessly
Applies to
Android Auto, Android phones, wireless Android Auto, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, compatible cars, and compatible infotainment systems
Last updated
10 July 2026
Problem
You want to use Android Auto without plugging your phone into the car every time, but you are not sure how wireless Android Auto works. Your car may support Android Auto by USB, but you may not know whether it supports wireless connection as well.
Wireless Android Auto is convenient because your phone can stay in your pocket, bag, or wireless charging tray, but it needs Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, a compatible phone, and a compatible car system.
Solution
Check that your car supports wireless Android Auto, make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your phone, pair the phone with the car, then approve the Android Auto setup prompts. Once configured, Android Auto should connect automatically when you start the car.
Step by step instructions
Check whether your car supports wireless Android Auto
Not every car that supports Android Auto supports wireless Android Auto.
Some cars only support Android Auto through a USB cable.
Check your car manual, infotainment settings, manufacturer website, or dealer information.
Look for terms such as:
- Wireless Android Auto
- Wireless smartphone projection
- Wireless phone projection
- Wireless app projection
- Android Auto wireless
If your car only supports wired Android Auto, wireless Android Auto will not work unless you use a compatible adapter or upgraded head unit.
Check your phone settings
Most modern Android phones can use wireless Android Auto, but settings and support vary.
Open Settings on your Android phone.
Make sure the phone has:
- Bluetooth turned on
- Wi-Fi turned on
- Location enabled if required
- Android Auto available in settings
- Up to date Google apps
Wireless Android Auto normally uses Bluetooth to start the connection and Wi-Fi for the main Android Auto session.
Update Android Auto and Google apps
Open the Google Play Store.
Update:
- Android Auto
- Google Maps
- Google Play services
- Phone
- Messages
- Your preferred music apps
Restart your phone after updating.
Updating before setup helps prevent pairing and connection problems.
Prepare the car for pairing
Start the car and wait for the infotainment system to load fully.
Keep the car parked.
Open the car’s phone, Bluetooth, connected devices, or smartphone projection menu.
Choose the option to add a new phone or pair a new device.
The exact wording depends on the vehicle.
Pair your phone by Bluetooth
On your Android phone, open Settings.
Go to Bluetooth or Connected devices.
Search for available devices.
Select your car from the list.
Confirm that the pairing code matches on the phone and car screen.
Approve the Bluetooth pairing.
Allow access to calls, contacts, messages, and notifications if prompted.
Approve Android Auto setup
After Bluetooth pairing, the car or phone may ask whether you want to use Android Auto.
Approve Android Auto on the car screen.
Unlock your phone and accept any setup prompts.
Allow permissions for:
- Location
- Phone
- Contacts
- Messages
- Notifications
- Microphone
- Bluetooth
- Nearby devices
If you miss or deny these prompts, wireless Android Auto may not start correctly.
Keep Wi-Fi turned on
Wireless Android Auto needs Wi-Fi even if you are not connecting to a normal Wi-Fi network.
Do not turn off Wi-Fi manually after pairing.
Your phone may create or join a private connection with the car for Android Auto.
If Wi-Fi is disabled, the car may still connect for calls over Bluetooth, but Android Auto may not open.
Wait for Android Auto to start
After setup, Android Auto should appear on the car screen.
The first wireless connection can take longer than future connections.
Once it opens, check that navigation, calls, messages, and music apps work correctly.
If Android Auto does not appear, check the car’s projection or connected devices menu and select Android Auto manually.
Test automatic wireless connection
Turn the car off and allow the infotainment system to shut down.
Start the car again.
Keep your phone nearby with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.
Wait for the car to reconnect.
Android Auto should start automatically or appear as an available option on the car screen.
Use wireless charging carefully
If your car has a wireless charging tray, you can place your phone there while using wireless Android Auto.
However, wireless Android Auto and wireless charging can make some phones warm.
If the phone overheats, Android Auto may slow down, disconnect, or stop working properly.
If this happens, remove the phone from the charging tray and place it somewhere cooler.
Use wired Android Auto if wireless is unstable
If wireless Android Auto keeps failing, try a USB cable.
Use a short, good quality USB data cable.
If wired Android Auto works reliably, the issue is probably with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, wireless projection, battery settings, or the car’s wireless connection.
Wired Android Auto can be a useful backup for longer journeys.
Remove and reconnect if wireless Android Auto fails
If wireless Android Auto does not connect properly, reset the connection.
Open Settings on your phone.
Search for Android Auto.
Open Previously connected cars.
Remove your car.
Then open Bluetooth settings and forget the car.
On the car screen, delete your phone from connected devices.
Restart both the phone and car.
Set up wireless Android Auto again from the beginning.
Optional methods or tools
- Use wired Android Auto as a backup if wireless connection is unreliable
- Use a wireless charging tray only if the phone does not overheat
- Remove old Bluetooth pairings before setting up wireless Android Auto again
- Check your car manual for wireless projection settings
- Update your car infotainment system if the manufacturer provides updates
- Use a compatible wireless Android Auto adapter only if your car supports wired Android Auto but not built-in wireless
Best practices or tips
- Keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi turned on before starting the car
- Complete first time setup while parked
- Keep Android Auto, Google, and Google Play services updated
- Remove duplicate car profiles if wireless connection is unreliable
- Keep the phone cool during long journeys
Wireless Android Auto is useful because it removes the need to plug your phone in every time you drive. Once your phone and car are paired correctly, Android Auto should start automatically when the car turns on and your phone is nearby.
The most important requirements are a compatible car, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, up to date Google apps, and approved permissions. If wireless Android Auto becomes unreliable, removing the old pairing and setting it up again usually fixes connection problems.
