How to set up Android Auto driving with Google as your copilot

With Android Auto, you can stay focused on the road while still accessing maps, music, podcasts, messages, phone calls, and more from your Android smartphone.

Designed to work with Android Marshmallow 6.0 and later, your favorite apps can appear on the dashboard while driving, giving you a more connected digital experience.

With the built-in Google Assistant, you can issue hands-free voice commands to stay safe on the road. If you have an Android device and want to get started, follow our guide on setting up Android Auto.

Do you own an Apple iPhone? Be sure to check out our guide on setting up Apple CarPlay to find what’s important to you when you’re on the road.

Acquiring the necessities

Before you start using Android Auto, you have to make sure you have everything you need to give it a try. To start, you will need an Android smartphone running Android Marshmallow 6.0 or later. Android Auto Wireless, available on select car stereos, requires Android 10 or later. Some Samsung Galaxy devices, including the S8, S8 +, and Note 8, run Android 9.0 or higher.

Additionally, you will need a car or stereo that is compatible with Android Auto. To check if your car or stereo is compatible, visit the Google website, where all currently supported brands and models that support Android Auto Wireless are listed. If your car or stereo does not support a wireless connection (most will require a wire), you will need To a USB cable to connect your smartphone.

Setting up Android Auto (Wired)

The most common type of Android Auto connection is wired, which uses a USB cable to connect your smartphone to your car stereo. Ensure that you select a cord with the proper connectors; for example, a car with a USB-A port and a smartphone with a USB-C port will need a USB-A to USB-C cable for the connection process. When ready, follow these steps to connect your Android smartphone:

• Step 1: Ensure that you are in a safe location and put your vehicle into Park.
• Step 2: Turn on, and unlock, your Android smartphone.
• Step 3: On your smartphone, if not already present, download the Android Auto app from the Google Play store.
• Step 4: Using the USB cable, plug your smartphone into your vehicle.
• Step 5: Your smartphone will display a Welcome to Android Auto screen; if it does not, check your car’s stereo display for any confirmation prompts.
• Step 6: Accept Google’s notices and permissions by clicking OK or Next.
• Step 7: From your vehicle’s touchscreen, select Android Auto if it has not automatically launched. For more information on your vehicle, contact your automotive manufacturer or reference your vehicle’s instruction manual.

Setting up Android Auto (Wireless)

Some new stereo units and vehicles offer Android Auto Wireless connectivity. If you choose, you can use the wireless option to use Android Auto without needing to plug your smartphone in with a USB cable. Remember to check Google’s website for compatibility to see if your smartphone and stereo both support the wireless feature.

• Step 1: Ensure that you are in a safe location and put your vehicle into Park.
• Step 2: Turn on, and unlock, your Android smartphone.
• Step 3: On your smartphone, if not already present, download the Android Auto app from the Google Play store.
• Step 4: On your vehicle’s stereo, navigate into settings, then locate the Bluetooth option. For more information on your using your car, contact your automotive manufacturer or reference your vehicle’s instruction manual.
• Step 5: On your smartphone, open the Settings app, then select Bluetooth.
• Step 6: Within the Bluetooth menu on your smartphone, select your car to begin the pairing process; you may need to confirm a PIN.
• Step 7: Once connected, your smartphone will display a Welcome to Android Auto screen; if it does not, check your car’s stereo display for any confirmation prompts.
• Step 8: Accept Google’s notices and permissions by clicking OK or Next.
• Step 9: From your vehicle’s touchscreen, select Android Auto if it has not automatically launched. For more information on your using your car, contact your automotive manufacturer or reference your vehicle’s instruction manual

Originally published at https://www.globebusinesscenter.com on February 15, 2021.