Using Android Auto wirelessly, this is how it works

Android Auto can also be used wirelessly in your car for two years. Unfortunately, this does not always work. Androidworld explains what you need to use Android Auto Wireless.

Android Auto

Android Auto is a special operating system from Google for the infotainment system in cars. It was provided by Google announced in 2014 in launched in 2015. Via Android Auto, you establish a connection between your smartphone and your car. This way you will see the Android Auto screen on your dashboard where you can choose to use an Android Auto app.

You can navigate with Google maps of Waze and listen to music via for example Spotify. You can also reply to incoming messages, listen to podcasts, and more. View an overview of Android Auto applications which can be useful while driving.

Android Auto Wireless

Android Auto runs on your phone, and your car’s infotainment screen acts as an external monitor. The connection between your smartphone and the car is made via a USB cable. Two years ago, Google launched one wireless variant from Android Auto, Android Auto Wireless. The big advantage of this is that you no longer have to use your phone with a cable in your car. There is also a major downside – your phone will no longer charge while using Android Auto. Using Android Auto consumes a lot of your phone’s battery, so make sure you are well prepared for your trip.

What do you need?

To use Android Auto Wireless, you must meet a number of requirements:

• An Android phone that works with Android 11
• or: a Google or Samsung phone met Android 10
• or: a Samsung Galaxy S8 (Plus), S9 (Plus), S10 (Plus), Note 8, Note 9, Note 10 with Android 9
• An Android phone that works with 5 GHz WiFi
• An infotainment system supporting Android Auto Wireless

Google Tags here a number of suitable car brands. Still, it is wise, when looking at a new car, to ask in the garage if the infotainment system supports the wireless version of Android Auto. Many newer phones are already capable of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. You can see it in your phone’s specs. High frequency (5 GHz) is necessary because Bluetooth offers too little bandwidth to stream Android Auto. That is why cars must establish a Wi-Fi connection.

Sygic application for Android Auto

Roadmap

If you meet all of the above conditions, you can use Android Auto wirelessly in your car. To do this, follow the following steps,

1. Connect your phone to your infotainment system via USB cable
2. Follow the configuration steps
3. Remove the USB cable

From now on, you can establish a wireless connection with Android Auto every time you start the car. Make sure your battery is sufficiently charged!

Is there an alternative?

You do not meet the requirements? Then there is another alternative, the AA wireless dongle. This dongle is part of an Indiegogo project and has already been put into production. For 53 euros you can buy one. CarDongle is a similar stick and is for 73 euros for sale via Indiegogo.

Do you want to stay up to date with the latest Android Auto news? Then download our android app and follow us on Telegram in Twitter. Also consult our AW Community for an overview of the most popular AW members.