How to Customise the Android Auto App Launcher
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
You want to change which apps appear on your Android Auto car screen, but you are not sure where the launcher settings are. You may want to move Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, or another favourite app higher up the list, or hide apps you never use.
The Android Auto launcher can be customised from your phone, but the setting is not always obvious because it is usually inside Android Auto settings rather than on the car screen itself.
Solution
Open Android Auto settings on your phone, go to the launcher customisation menu, then choose which compatible apps should appear and arrange them in the order you prefer.
Step by step instructions
Open Android Auto settings on your phone
Unlock your Android phone.
Open Settings.
Use the search bar at the top of Settings and search for Android Auto.
Open Android Auto from the results.
On some phones, you may find it under Connected devices, Connection preferences, or Apps.
Find the launcher customisation option
Inside Android Auto settings, look for Customise launcher.
Tap this option.
You should see a list of apps that can appear in Android Auto.
Only apps that support Android Auto will normally appear here.
Choose which apps appear
In the launcher list, tick or enable the apps you want to show on the car screen.
Untick or disable apps you do not want to see.
Common apps you may want to show include:
- Google Maps
- Waze
- Phone
- Messages
- Spotify
- YouTube Music
- Amazon Music
- Podcast apps
- Radio apps
- Audiobook apps
If an app is not compatible with Android Auto, it will not appear in the launcher list.
Reorder your apps
In the Customise launcher menu, look for a way to drag or move apps.
Move your most used apps higher up the list.
For example, you may want your launcher order to start with:
- Google Maps
- Waze
- Spotify
- Phone
- Messages
- Podcasts
The exact layout on your car screen may vary, but moving key apps higher usually makes them easier to find.
Remove clutter from the launcher
Hide apps you rarely use in the car.
This can make Android Auto quicker and safer to use because you do not have to scroll through unnecessary options.
For example, you may choose to hide:
- Audio apps you no longer use
- Duplicate podcast apps
- Apps you only tested once
- Messaging apps you do not want in the car
- Manufacturer apps you do not use
Only keep apps that are useful while driving.
Connect to Android Auto and check the layout
Start your car.
Connect your phone using USB or wireless Android Auto.
Open the Android Auto app launcher on the car screen.
Check whether the apps appear in the order you selected.
If the order has not updated, disconnect Android Auto, restart your phone, and reconnect.
Check if an app is missing
If an app does not appear in the launcher customisation list, check that it is installed on your phone.
Open the Google Play Store.
Search for the app.
Update it if an update is available.
Open the app on your phone once and sign in if needed.
Then return to Android Auto settings and check Customise launcher again.
Check app compatibility
Not all apps are allowed in Android Auto.
Android Auto only supports apps designed for safe use while driving.
These are usually apps for navigation, music, podcasts, radio, audiobooks, messaging, calls, and some vehicle-related services.
If an app is not built for Android Auto, you cannot force it to appear in the car launcher through normal settings.
Update Android Auto and related apps
If launcher changes do not appear, update the relevant apps.
Open the Google Play Store.
Update:
- Android Auto
- Google Play services
- Google Maps
- Waze
- Your music apps
- Your messaging apps
Restart your phone after updating.
Then check the launcher settings again.
Clear Android Auto cache if the launcher is wrong
If Android Auto still shows old apps or an incorrect order, clear the Android Auto cache.
Open Settings.
Go to Apps.
Find Android Auto.
Open Storage.
Select Clear cache.
Restart your phone.
Reconnect Android Auto and check the launcher again.
Use launcher customisation for safer driving
Customising the launcher is not only about appearance.
It can help reduce distraction by keeping the apps you actually use within easy reach.
Put essential apps near the top and hide anything unnecessary.
This makes Android Auto simpler to use while parked or during safe voice-controlled use.
Optional methods or tools
- Use the Settings search bar to find Android Auto quickly
- Use Customise launcher to hide apps you do not use in the car
- Update apps from the Google Play Store if they do not appear
- Clear the Android Auto cache if the launcher does not refresh
- Restart your phone after changing the launcher order
Best practices or tips
- Put navigation and music apps near the top of the launcher
- Hide apps that are not useful while driving
- Keep only one or two preferred audio apps visible if possible
- Open new apps on your phone once before expecting them in Android Auto
- Review the launcher after installing or removing driving-related apps
Customising the Android Auto app launcher makes the car screen easier to use by showing the apps that matter most. Instead of scrolling through unused apps, you can keep navigation, music, calls, and messages close to the top.
The launcher is managed from Android Auto settings on your phone, not usually from the car screen itself. Once you have chosen and reordered your apps, reconnect Android Auto and check the layout. If the changes do not appear, updating apps, restarting the phone, or clearing the Android Auto cache will usually refresh the launcher.
