The future is here, and technology is changing rapidly. It’s difficult for car manufacturers to keep up with the lightning-fast development of smartphone apps. The apps they furnish new cars with are often obsolete as soon as they’re released (or within a few short years). However, there are now options like Android Auto that let you use your smartphone’s apps through your car’s dashboard instead!
If your car doesn’t have Android Auto built-in, you can get an aftermarket unit installed for somewhere in the range of $200-$600. Once you have one installed, you can use Android Auto for navigation, messaging, and playing music.
Let’s walk through the details of how to install and use Android Auto on your car’s dashboard. And then we can explore provide more info on what your options are if your car isn’t compatible already and doesn’t have a compatible stereo (or “head unit,” as you’ll see them called) yet.
What is Android Auto?
Essentially, Android Auto is a system developed by Google to incorporate Android apps, like Google Maps directly into the car’s dashboard information and entertainment systems. It simply uses the buttons, screens and microphones of the car to display the smartphone’s applications.
The main benefit of this is that you don’t have to download or learn to use any new apps in your car’s dashboard interface. You can just use your phone’s apps instead.
Not only can you use navigation apps with Android Auto, but you can also use your favorite communication and music apps, too. Facebook Messenger, Whatsapp, Spotify, Google Play Music, and Audible are all compatible.
Android Auto is also compatible with News apps, Google Assistant, and other entertainment services. You can watch live TV or activate Alexa Auto Mode.
How do You Add Android Auto to Your Car?
First, you’ll need to check and see if your car is compatible with Android Auto in the first place. You can follow that link to find out.
If your car already is compatible, you’ll easily be able to connect your phone and use Android Auto. First, download the Android auto app. Also, make sure your car is stopped and in an area with good cell reception.
Next, start the Android Auto app on your phone. Then, plug your phone into your car’s head unit with a USB cable and go to the car’s Android Auto screen. The app should then give you the option to “connect a new device.” Do that, and then you’ll be set.
If you don’t have a head unit, consider getting an aftermarket unit to use Android Auto.
Adding an Aftermarket Unit
If your car doesn’t have a smart head unit already, you can add an aftermarket head unit to get Android Auto. However, you should first figure out which units are compatible with your car.
There are many aftermarket units available that feature Android Auto integration, like the Podofo Single Din Touchscreen Car Stereo (on Amazon), just to give one example. Any audio shop will be able to help guide you to the best option.
There are two main types of aftermarket units: double DIN head and single DIN head units. The example above is a single din unit, while the ATOTO F7 CarPlay & Android Auto Double Din Car Stereo (also on Amazon) is an example of one of the larger double DIN units.
Double DIN Head Unit
A double DIN head unit is the best way to link Android Auto with your car. This option will open multiple other features except for entertainment, communication and media apps.
A Double DIN head unit will also give you the opportunity to connect a backup camera and tune into the Sirius XM satellite. This is the easiest way to get the Android Auto in your car. It typically costs between $150-$600.
Single DIN Head Unit
Your car may only be compatible with a single DIN head unit instead of the double we mentioned above. Not to worry—there are many great single DIN head unit options, too. If you’re not 100% sure which one you need, google the make/model of your car and “stereo double din or single din” to find out!
Benefits of Getting Android Auto for Your Car
Android Auto is a simple and helpful system that allows you to easily mirror most of your phone’s mobile apps on your car’s dashboard.
As it works through your personal phone, you have access to all your media, photos, music, maps, and data. You can integrate all of those into your car’s dashboard easily. After the initial installment, Android Auto will turn on automatically when you get inside your vehicle.
With Android Auto, you have the option to choose which screen will play what. Android Auto has 5 different “screens” you can use (phone app, audio display, google map screen, etc.).
How many times have you found it difficult to read a text or get directions on your tiny phone screen? Is it easy to navigate while driving? With Android Auto, you can easily read any text you receive by using your voice or by getting audio map directions on your dashboard.
What can You Use Android Auto for?
As we mentioned above, there are multiple functions for Android Auto that can easily be accessed in your car. It’s an integrated system that uses your car’s infotainment system instead of your phone screen.
Here are the main functions of Android Auto:
- Getting directions: you can’t watch both the road and the phone’s screen right? But with Android Auto, you can use voice commands to get directions, which will be displayed on your car’s dashboard. You do need to look at the stereo’s screen in order to check the map, but this is easier when the screen is closer to your line of sight and engineered to display the map more clearly to a person who’s driving.
- Communication: If you want to stay connected with friends, family, and business while driving, Android Auto offers you a hands-free option. Android Auto can read your texts out loud to you while you drive, and issuing some quick commands on the dash screen is easier to get right then finding your phone, looking at it to open it, navigating it, and finally doing what you need to do while driving. It’s not 100% safe on Android Auto (since you’re still distracted) but it sure is safer.
- Media: By integrating Android Auto on your car, you can catch up with your audiobook, hear to your favorite podcast, or listen to your own playlists during a trip. Again, you can do all this on your phone, sure, but if you’re only connected through Bluetooth the signal might be weaker, and all the same safety concerns as discussed above will still apply!
- Google Assistant: Android Auto and Google Assistant can open the world for you while driving without taking any attention off the road. By using voice commands, you can give instructions to your phone and play anything you like on your car. All you need to do is say sentences like “Play my playlist” or “Take me home”.
Conclusion
Android Auto is a great step forward, allowing you to stay safer on the road than using your phone directly. That said, you really should aspire to not be that distracted while driving. Android Auto is a great tool, but even good tools can be misused, so you have to have god judgement.
But if you want Android Auto in your car, then adding this tool is something you can do to upgrade your ride without near as much cost as buying a new car! Single or double DIN head units supporting Android Auto are a great upgrade that should even hold their value well.