How to install Android Auto apps

Android Auto has been around for a while now, and the auto industry seems content to leave it alone. Android And Apple users can enjoy their respective car platform in any car they buy, which is great, especially since the latest generation of Mini cars support Android Auto (the previous generation Mini didn’t, much to my disappointment as an Android-loving Mini owner).

Google has been working hard to expand and update Android Auto, and the platform has evolved significantly. It is now an easy-to-use, user-friendly platform, with a large number of apps that are compatible with Android Auto.

Almost all new Android devices running Android 12 or later come with Android Auto pre-installed. If you need to install Android Auto, you can download and install it from the Google Play Store.

While Google leaves it up to developers to make apps work, installing a compatible app is as easy as downloading it from the Google Play Store.

Related

Android Auto won’t connect to your car? Easy fixes to common issues

Here are some quick fixes that can work if you can’t connect your phone to your car with Android Auto.

Add apps to your car

It’s easier than you think

The first time you connect your phone you have to go through a few steps on the handset and on the car screen. You know, the standard “Do you agree” buttons. I haven’t read the terms, but I think they go something like this:, “Don’t blame us for being stupid.” Of course, this only works when the car is stopped, and you’ll need a USB cable that fits your car; some newer cars have USB-C built in, so double-check your connection.

1. install Android AutoWhen you connect your phone to an Android Auto-enabled car, the supported apps, or at least some of Google’s most popular apps, will load into the app drawer.
2. You can also add the app to your home screen if you want. App Tray Icon It looks like nine dots in a three-by-three row, and you can toggle between split view and the map using the icons at the bottom left of the screen.
3. Tap + Icon Or tap Customization Adds compatible apps to Android Auto. It’s usually the last icon, so you might have to scroll down to find it.
4. You’ll only see compatible apps, not all apps on your phone. You can then tap any app icon to add it. A check mark indicates an app you’ve added to your app drawer.
5. Tap Back icon That’s it, it’s that easy!

Most cars let you sort your apps in the same way. Sort launchers and Custom Orders You can move apps around on your phone.

Music and navigation

Isaac Mehigan/Unsplash

The two most common use cases are music and navigation. The default GPS navigation app is Google Maps, but Waze and Tom Tom Navigation also work very well, making GPS an easy choice.

Nearly all music apps work seamlessly and can be controlled by voice, including Deezer, Spotify, and Sirius. In some cars, you can say “Hey Google” to issue commands like play music or ask for directions home. In some car brands, you may need to tap a button on the steering wheel to summon the Google Assistant.

Related

Easily find EV charging spots on Google Maps

The focus is on guiding you to the right charger, not just the closest point on a map.

FAQ

Q: Do all apps work with Android Auto?

No, not all of them, but most popular apps are compatible with Android Auto, and the number is constantly growing: As of 2022, there are at least 3,000 apps designed to work with Android Auto.

Q: Is my car compatible with Android Auto?

To see which cars support Android Auto, check out Google’s page here.

Q: Which apps work with Android Auto?

You can check the list on Google Play Store to find compatible apps, here are some useful links: