When you’re driving, Android Auto makes it easier and safer for you to use your phone. It supports a number of applications that improve your driving experience. To make your travels more convenient, it includes EV charging apps, parking apps, and navigation apps. From the launcher screen, you can access messaging apps such as WhatsApp and read and send messages.
Additionally, Android Auto lets you connect your smartphone to touchscreen car radios, and you can customize the interface with a customized launcher screen and a dark mode.
Android Auto is primarily accomplished by connecting your phone to your car with a USB cable, but Android Auto Wireless allows you to maintain that connection after removing the USB cable.
Android Auto Wireless eliminates the need to plug and unplug your phone every time you leave the house. If you’re planning a long trip or your phone needs a charge, you can plug it in. Otherwise, Android Auto Wireless automatically connects your phone to your car radio as soon as you get in your vehicle (after the initial USB cable connection).
Android Auto Wireless: How it Works
Bluetooth is the most common connection between phones and car radios. The majority of hands-free call implementations work this way, and you can also stream music over Bluetooth. Bluetooth connections, however, do not have the bandwidth needed for Android Auto Wireless.
Android Auto Wireless utilizes the Wi-Fi functionality of your phone and your car radio to establish a wireless connection between your phone and your car. Wi-Fi capability is required in order to use Android Auto Wireless.
Furthermore, the system is only compatible with certain car radios and phone models.As long as a compatible phone is paired with a compatible car radio, Android Auto Wireless works just like the wired version, but without cable. All the heavy lifting is done by your phone, and information appears on your touchscreen car radio, and you can ask Google Assistant for directions or answers through your car speakers.
Wireless Android Auto: What You Need
The Android Auto feature can be used wirelessly if you have two things: a compatible radio which has built-in Wi-Fi as well as a compatible Android phone. There aren’t many head units that work with Android Auto and most phones that are able to run Android Auto can’t use the wireless functionality.
The following is what you need to get started with Android Auto Wireless:
- You need a radio or head unit that is Android Auto-compatible in order to use Android Auto. Furthermore, it must be equipped with Wi-Fi and certified to use its Wi-Fi connection in this way.
- Your Android phone must run Android 8.0 Oreo or Android 11 if it’s a Pixel phone. Android 9.0 Pie, through Android 11, supports Android Audio Wireless on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Note 8 series.
Are Other Phones & Head Units Compatible WithAndroid Auto?
Despite Android Auto being available in any car as long as you have a smartphone and it is capable of being integrated with a wide variety of aftermarket and OEM car radios, its wireless connectivity is much more limited. There is nothing you can do if your phone or your car radio does not support Android Auto Wireless; all you can do is wait for an update that may or may not come.
With Android Auto Wireless you can almost use any head unit that is compatible with Android Auto that’s capable of using the app, but it will require a lot of extra work on your part. There is an unofficial method that has been discovered by an Android enthusiast, so it is not supported by Google as a method.In order to use this method, you need the following items:
- The Android TV stick
- The USB cables
- An Android Auto-compatible head unit
This Android TV stick works as a Wi-Fi antenna for the car radio, allowing wireless connections with your phone. It’s much more complicated than that, and it requires a lot of tinkering that many users are not comfortable with, but it is an option for those who have the necessary experience and expertise.