Android Auto not working on a Samsung Galaxy? 6 fixes

By · 2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 5 October 2026

Short answer

Use a short, good USB cable, ideally the one from the phone box, and check that Android Auto is on in the car. On the phone, open Settings, Connected devices, Android Auto, check Start Android Auto automatically and Start Android Auto while locked, and forget the car and connect it again.

Device
Android
Shown on
Samsung Galaxy A57 5G (SM-A576B), One UI 8.5, Android 16
App
Settings
Real screenshots
4 of 6 steps
Checked
October 2026
Sources
1 official, linked below

Step by step

  1. Android screenshot: Open Android Auto settings

    Open Android Auto settings

    Settings, Connected devices, then scroll down to Android Auto.

  2. Android screenshot: Check how it starts

    Check how it starts

    Start Android Auto automatically decides whether it opens when you plug in. Ours was on Default (set by the vehicle).

  3. Android screenshot: Allow it while locked

    Allow it while locked

    Start Android Auto while locked lets the car use the phone without unlocking it first. It was on on our phone.

  4. Android screenshot: Forget the car and connect again

    Forget the car and connect again

    Your cars are listed under Vehicles; Google's help says to forget them and connect again. Connect a vehicle starts a new connection. Ours had no cars.

  5. A good cableUnder 1 metreNo extension or hubThe one from the phone box

    Change the cable

    Google recommends a cable under 1 metre, no extensions, ideally the one that came with the phone. If it used to work, try a new cable first.

  6. In the carAndroid Auto switched onRestart the infotainment systemCar on the compatible list

    Check the car

    Android Auto must be switched on in the car's system, and the car must support it. Restart the car's screen and check the maker's list of compatible cars.

About this guide

When Android Auto will not start, the cable is the usual cause, followed by settings on the phone or in the car. On a Galaxy, Android Auto's settings are under Connected devices, not in an app.

The screenshots are from a Samsung Galaxy A57 5G with One UI 8.5 and Android 16. Other Galaxy phones on One UI 8 use the same menus; on older One UI versions a few names and positions differ. We only looked at these screens on our phone and changed nothing.

Good to know

Android Auto needs Android 9 or later and a data plan. Bluetooth trouble with the car? Samsung Galaxy Bluetooth not connecting? 6 fixes.

In short: Short original cable, Android Auto on in the car, phone settings under Connected devices, forget the car and reconnect.

Sources

Links checked on 4 October 2026. Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.