How to install Android Auto apps

Key Takeaways

• Android Auto is now available in new generation vehicles, expanding user options and support for Google’s Android platform.
• Google is working on improving the usability of Android Auto, with many compatible applications available on the Google Play Store.
• A simple process of adding and ordering compatible apps in Android Auto to enhance the user experience, with music and navigation apps being popular options.

Android Auto has been around for a long time, and it seems that the auto industry is content to allow it Android and Apple users enjoy their car platforms in any car they buy. Which is surprising, especially now that Mini supports Android Auto with its latest generation of cars (the last generation Mini didn’t, much to the chagrin of this Android-loving owner, Owner).

Google has been working hard to extend and update Android Auto and the platform has come a long way. Now it’s very user-friendly and easy to use, and there are tons of apps that are compatible with Android Auto.

Almost all new Android phones running Android 12 and up come with Android Auto pre-installed. If you need to install Android Auto, you can download and install it through the Google Play Store.

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

Add your apps to your car

It’s easier than you might think

When you connect your phone for the first time, there are hoops you need to jump through on the handset and the car screen. You know, the usual “agree” buttons, I didn’t look at the terms, but I’m sure it’s legal, “don’t blame us for being stupid.” Obviously, this will only work when the car is stationary. You will need a USB cable that fits your car. Some new cars have USB-C built in so double check the connection.

1. Enter Android Auto. When you connect your phone to any Android Auto-compatible car, supported apps — or at least a limited few of Google’s most popular ones — should load into the app drawer.
2. You can add more apps to your home screen if you like, press the button application tray icon which looks like 9 dots in 3 x 3 lines you can switch using the icon on the bottom left of your screen between different views and maps.
3. Tap that + icon or Touch Customize it to add any compatible app to Android Auto. It’s usually an icon at the end, and you may need to scroll down to find it.
4. Only compatible apps will be shown to you, not all apps on your phone, you can tap any of your app icons to add them. A bookmark will show you which ones you have added to your app drawer.
5. Tap that background icon and you are done. It’s easy!

You can order your applications in the same way for most vehicles. In some cases, you can touch Filtering Launcher again Custom order and move apps to your handset.

For some vehicles, you may need to set up your Android Auto apps on your phone after pressing Customize. Check your phone notification when you arrive
Step 3
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Music and navigation

Two of the most common use cases are music and navigation. Google Maps will be the default GPS navigation app but Waze works really well, as does Tom Tom Navigation, so choose your GPS easily.

Almost all music apps, including Deezer, Spotify, and Sirius, work seamlessly and can be controlled by voice. In other cars, you can say, “Hey Google,” and you can give your commands and ask for music to be played or directions to your home, for example. Some car brands may require you to tap a button on your steering wheel to invoke Google Assistant.

FAQ

Q: Do all apps work on Android Auto?

No, not everything. Although most of the popular apps are, and that number is growing all the time. As of 2022, there were at least 3,000 apps designed to work with Android Auto.

Q: Is my car compatible with Android Auto?

You can check out Google’s page here on cars that support Android Auto.

Q: What apps work with Android Auto?

You can check the list and search for compatible apps in the Google Play Store. Here is a helpful link.