How to set up Android Auto in your car

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Start the car, unlock the phone and plug it into the car's USB port with a good cable. Follow the instructions on the phone and on the car display. For wireless Android Auto, pair the phone with the car by Bluetooth first, with Wi-Fi and location switched on.

Android Auto puts navigation, music, calls and messages from your phone onto the screen of the car, with large buttons and voice control. It needs a car or radio that supports it, a phone with mobile data, and for the first connection a few minutes while the car is parked.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones and Google's own apps on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them.

Step by step

  1. Check the car and the phone

    Look in the car's manual or the maker's website for Android Auto. The phone needs a current Android version, a data plan and, for the cable connection, a USB cable that carries data. Short, good-quality cables cause the fewest problems.

  2. Park the car

    Do the first set-up while the car is standing, with the engine or ignition on.

  3. Connect by cable

    Plug the cable into the USB port of the car that is meant for phones, often marked with a phone symbol, and into the phone. Unlock the phone.

  4. Follow the instructions

    The phone asks you to accept the terms and to allow access to contacts, calls, messages and location. The car display then shows Android Auto. Tap its icon if it does not start by itself.

  5. Connect wirelessly instead

    If the car supports wireless Android Auto: switch on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and location on the phone. Open the Bluetooth settings on the phone, and start pairing on the car, for example by pressing and holding the voice button on the steering wheel until the pairing menu opens. Complete the pairing on both screens. Android Auto starts by itself or after a tap.

  6. Use it

    Say Hey Google or press the voice button on the steering wheel to ask for directions, play music or dictate a message. Messages are read aloud.

Good to know

If nothing happens when you plug in, try another cable first. Most connection problems are the cable. Then check the car's settings menu, where Android Auto sometimes has to be allowed.

Android Auto uses your mobile data for maps and music. Download maps and playlists at home if your allowance is small: how to download offline maps in Google Maps on Android.

Do not set up or type while driving. Android Auto locks some functions when the car moves for that reason.

If Bluetooth will not pair: Android Bluetooth not connecting: 8 fixes to try.

In short: Compatible car, data plan, park, plug in with a good cable, unlock, accept the prompts. Wireless: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and location on, pair with the car.

Sources
  • Android Auto Help: Set up Android Auto

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.