How to Use Android Auto Wirelessly

Wires aren’t fun, right? Lately, we’ve been trying to eliminate wires from almost everything – from charging to headphones and transferring files. So why should Android Auto be an exception? If you’ve been using Android Auto through a USB cable until now, you’re in luck! In this article, we’re going to show you how and in what conditions you can use Android Auto wirelessly. Curious? Read on!

What You Need to Use Android Auto Wirelessly

Long story short, you need a car radio with Wi-Fi functionalities and a compatible Android device.

1. The Head Unit

First of all, your car radio needs to be able to run Android Auto, wirelessly or not. Second, it needs to have Wi-Fi, since the Bluetooth bandwidth is not enough for this kind of service.

2. The Android Smartphone

Not all phones are capable of this. Your OS needs to be Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher for the Pixel phones, Nexus 5X or 6P. For the Samsung series, if you have an S8/S8+, S9/S9+, S10/S10+ or the Note from 8 to 10, you need to have Android 9.0 (Pie) or higher.

Two simple ingredients,  but very specific ones. If you don’t check the boxes above, there have been some unofficial tricks discovered by Android enthusiasts, but they require work and patience. You can try using an Android TV stick and a USB cable – the TV stick supposedly acts as an antenna for your car unit, if you can get it to work.

How to Use Android Auto Wirelessly

If you have all the conditions to go wireless, then there are few steps required from now on, and they are really simple!

Step 1: Connect Your Phone

Using a USB cable (just this time!), connect your Android smartphone to your car unit.

Step 2: Complete Setup

On your car unit’s screen, there will be some instructions. Follow them and complete the initialization.

Step 2: Disconnect!

USB, be gone! You can now remove the cable from your car unit.

Now, every time you get in your car, Android Auto will connect to both your phone and car unit automatically. Magic? No, but close enough!

FAQs

Android Auto – Go Wireless!

Isn’t it better to get rid of those pesky wires? At least in your car. We hope that our suggestions helped you ditch the USB cable and go truly hands-free on your ride. If not, don’t hesitate to let us know what went wrong or, why not, your experience with Android Auto, wireless or not!

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