How to Use Android Auto Wireless
What Is Android Auto Wireless?
Wireless Android Auto is the same product as Android Auto the only difference is how you connect. Connecting wirelessly is mostly less of a hassle, since you do not have to fiddle with a cable. However, since Android Auto can use a fair bit of battery when you are running navigation and playing music on a long trip, it is often a good idea to plug in to keep your phone topped up anyway.
Therefor, if you have the option to make use Android Auto wireless, you might prefer it on short drives, while continuing to connect via USB for longer journeys.
What Do You Need to Connect With Android Auto Wireless?
Unfortunately, Android Auto wireless is can not work on all phones and vehicles. it is not possible to use Android Auto over Bluetooth just alone, since Bluetooth cannot transmit enough data to handle all the feature. As a result, Android Auto's wireless option is only available on cars that have built-in Wi-Fi or aftermarket head units that support wifi feature.
You would also need to have an Android phone that works with wireless Android Auto. At the time of writing, the following phones support the feature:
- All android devices with Android 11 or later versions.
- Any Samsung or Google phone that is running Android 10.
- A Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, or Note 8 with Android 9 Pie.
- Your device must also have support for 5GHz Wi-Fi, which nearly every modern phone should.
How to Use Android Auto Wireless
Using the Android Auto Wireless is simple. After you would have confirmed that your phone and car are compatible, make sure your phone has Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Location all turned on. You can check these easily using the toggles in the Quick Settings panel, accessible by dragging down from the top of the screen twice.
To connect, make sure your car is parked, then start it. Plug your phone into your car's USB port using a cable, which is required for the initial connection. If prompted, you would need to download or update the Android Auto app on your phone.
Next, walk through the setup instructions to grant Android Auto the necessary permissions, as discussed in the overview article linked earlier.
Once that's all done, you are ready to use Android Auto with your car. Tap the Android Auto icon on your car's display to launch it it might be hidden inside a menu called Apps, Phone Connection, or similar.
Now you are free to use Android Auto wirelessly. You can disconnect the USB cable and Android Auto will continue to run, and you do not need it to connect in the future. Exit Android Auto by tapping your car manufacturer's entry in Android Auto's app list, or hitting the Home button on your head unit, if applicable.
