How to Use Waze in Android Auto

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

Applies to
Android Auto, Waze, Android phones, wired Android Auto, wireless Android Auto, compatible cars, and compatible infotainment systems

Last updated
10 July 2026

Problem

You want to use Waze through Android Auto, but you are not sure how to open it, start navigation, report hazards, hear directions, or make it appear on your car screen.

Waze can be useful in Android Auto because it provides live traffic information, route suggestions, hazard alerts, speed camera warnings where supported, and community reports.

Solution

Install and update Waze on your Android phone, connect to Android Auto, open Waze from the car screen, then choose a destination or use voice commands to start navigation.

Step by step instructions

Install Waze on your phone

Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone.

Search for Waze.

Install the app if it is not already installed.

Open Waze on your phone once before using it in Android Auto.

Update Waze and Android Auto

Before using Waze in the car, update the important apps.

Open the Google Play Store.

Update:

Waze
Android Auto
Google
Google Play services

Restart your phone after updating.

This helps prevent Waze from missing, freezing, or failing to open in Android Auto.

Check that Waze appears in Android Auto

Open Settings on your Android phone.

Search for Android Auto.

Open Android Auto settings.

Select Customise launcher.

Look for Waze.

Make sure Waze is enabled in the launcher.

You can also move it higher in the list if you want it to appear more prominently on the car screen.

Connect your phone to Android Auto

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

Connect your phone using a USB cable or wireless Android Auto, depending on your vehicle.

Unlock your phone if prompted.

Approve any permission requests for Android Auto, Waze, location, microphone, notifications, Bluetooth, and nearby devices.

Once connected, Android Auto should appear on the car screen.

Open Waze on the car screen

On the Android Auto screen, open the app launcher.

Select Waze.

Waze should open in a driving-friendly layout.

If Waze does not appear, check that it is installed, updated, and enabled in the Android Auto launcher.

Start navigation in Waze

Tap the search option in Waze.

Enter your destination.

You can search by:

Place name
Address
Postcode
Business name
Saved place
Recent destination

Select the correct result.

Choose the route you want.

Start navigation.

For safety, enter your destination before you start driving whenever possible.

Use voice commands with Waze

You can use voice commands to start navigation without typing.

Tap the microphone button in Android Auto or use your steering wheel voice button if supported.

Try commands such as:

Navigate to home with Waze
Take me to work with Waze
Find petrol stations nearby
Navigate to the nearest car park
Take me to Manchester using Waze

Voice commands can vary depending on your phone, car, and Google Assistant settings.

Use saved places in Waze

Open Waze on your phone.

Set up saved places such as home, work, or frequent destinations.

Once saved, they should be easier to access through Android Auto.

Saved places are useful for regular journeys because you do not need to search for the same destination each time.

Use recent destinations

Waze can show recent destinations when opened in Android Auto.

Open Waze on the car screen.

Check the recent destination list.

Select the location you want.

This is useful if you searched for the destination on your phone before connecting to the car.

Understand Waze alerts

Waze can show live alerts based on reports from other drivers.

These may include:

Traffic
Roadworks
Hazards
Stopped vehicles
Accidents
Police reports
Speed cameras where supported
Road closures

The availability of alerts can vary by location, settings, and local rules.

Report a hazard safely

Waze may allow reports from the Android Auto screen.

Only use reporting features when it is safe to do so.

Do not attempt to report hazards if it distracts you from driving.

Use voice controls where available, or ask a passenger to help if appropriate.

Adjust Waze voice guidance

If you cannot hear Waze directions, check the sound settings.

Open Waze on your phone.

Go to Waze settings.

Check voice and sound options.

Make sure guidance is not muted.

When Waze speaks through Android Auto, adjust the car volume while the direction is being spoken.

Some cars use separate volume levels for navigation, calls, and media.

Change route options

Waze may offer different routes based on traffic and reported conditions.

Before starting navigation, review the available routes.

Choose the route that suits you best.

During the journey, Waze may update the route if traffic changes.

Avoid manually changing route settings while driving unless it is safe and legal.

Use Waze with music apps

You can use Waze for navigation while playing music or podcasts through Android Auto.

Start navigation in Waze.

Open your music app from Android Auto.

Play your music, podcast, or radio.

Android Auto should keep navigation active while allowing audio playback.

Navigation guidance may temporarily lower the music volume when directions are spoken.

Stop navigation

To stop Waze navigation, use the stop or close option on the car screen.

You may also be able to use a voice command such as Stop navigation.

Once navigation stops, Waze will remain available if you need to start a new route.

Optional methods or tools

Use Waze on your phone first to save home, work, and regular destinations
Use Android Auto launcher settings to make Waze easier to find
Use voice commands to start Waze navigation safely
Use recent destinations for journeys you searched before connecting
Use Google Maps as a comparison if Waze is not behaving as expected

Best practices or tips

Set your destination before driving
Keep Waze, Android Auto, and Google Play services updated
Allow location permission for Waze
Use voice controls where possible
Avoid using report or route options while driving if they distract you

Waze in Android Auto gives you navigation, traffic updates, community alerts, and route suggestions directly on your car screen. It is especially useful for regular journeys where live traffic and driver reports may help you avoid delays.

For the best experience, install and open Waze on your phone first, enable it in the Android Auto launcher, and use voice commands or saved places to start journeys safely. Keeping Waze updated and allowing location access will help it work reliably through Android Auto.