With each passing year, vehicles and audio interfaces are becoming more and more advanced. Recently, we’ve seen an exciting new innovation called Wireless Android Auto, which is an app that offers the same incredible features as its predecessor, Android Auto, but without the unwieldy USB cable.
Wireless Android Auto will only work if both your smartphone and vehicle are compatible. Some consumers have developed workarounds for phones or cars that aren’t officially compatible. Typically, the stereo in a car can be replaced with a model supporting Wireless Android Auto.
Android Auto Wireless will save you the headache of dealing with a USB cord all the time. However, this technology seems to only be suitable for newer vehicles and smartphones. So, can the average Joe — with an average car — still benefit from Wireless Android Auto? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Android Auto?
Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google that allows users to mirror features from their smartphone to the dashboard of their car. Android Auto was built to make consumers’ driving experience more accessible, safe, and efficient.
Android Auto includes EV charging, parking, and GPS capabilities. The app also lets you access popular messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Kik.
You can even use Google Assistant to send pre-determined message replies for additional safety.
Most of these features can be accessed by connecting your phone to your vehicle via a USB cable. However, Android Auto Wireless allows you to access and connect your device without the annoying USB cable.
How Do I Use Android Auto Wirelessly?
Setting up Android Auto Wireless is incredibly simple and straightforward. Be sure both your smartphone and vehicle are capable and compatible with Android Auto Wireless before you begin.
- First, connect your smartphone to your vehicle’s radio with a standard USB cable.
- Next, follow a series of prompts on the screen to complete the initial setup process.
- Once you’ve set up your device, you can disconnect the USB cable.
- Android Auto Wireless should now automatically connect your phone with your car when you get in.
Android Auto Wireless Compatibility
Android Auto is compatible with over 500 different vehicles and stereo systems. However, some of these models lack wireless capabilities. Be sure your smartphone and car are both compatible with Android Auto Wireless before you purchase the product.
Phones
If you’re using a Pixel device, you’ll need to be running Android 8.0 Oreo through Android 11.
Newer phones like the Samsung Galaxy S8 series and the Note 8 series will support Android Auto Wireless if they’re running Android 9.0 Pie through Android 11. Operating systems change a lot, so your mileage may very here.
Vehicles
As mentioned earlier, Android Auto is compatible with over 500 vehicles and stereo systems. However, not all of these vehicles have access to wireless features. Here are some of the latest cars that have access to Android Auto Wireless.
BMW
BMW is a German luxury car manufacturer. Most of their vehicles from 2019 and onward support Wireless Android Auto. Here’s a complete list of their models that support this feature:
- 1 Series 2020
- 2 Series 2020
- 3 Series 2019
- 4 Series 2021
- 5 Series 2020
- 6 Series 2020
- 7 Series 2020
- 8 Series 2019
- X3 2020
- X4 2020
- X5 2019
- X6 2020
- X7 2019
- Z4 2019
Ford
Ford may be planning to incorporate wireless integration into all of their vehicles. For now, Ford has added wireless features to select models:
- Bronco 2021
- F-150 2021
- Mustang Mach-E 2021
Chevrolet
Chevrolet recently joined the wireless gang in 2020. Although not all of their recent models are wireless compatible, there are still a handful to choose from. Chevrolet may also be planning to update their 2019 models with Android Auto Wireless.
- Camaro 2020
- Silverado 2020
- Sierra 2020
- Trailblazer 2020
Honda
Only a few select models from Honda support Android Auto Wireless:
- Accord 2021
- Civic 2022
Toyota
Unfortunately, Toyota is one of several popular manufacturers that haven’t yet added the necessary wireless capabilities to their vehicles. There are some rumors and discussions about their plans to do so in the near future, but nothing has been set in stone.
Other models
There are many other makes that support wireless Android Auto. Here’s a condensed list of some of the latest options:
- Buick: Encore GX, Envision
- Cadillac: CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, XT4, XT5, XT6
- Chrysler: Pacifica
- Dodge: Durango
- GMC: Acadia, Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, Yukon XL
- Jeep: Grand Cherokee L (not regular Grand Cherokee)
- Hyundai: Elantra, Palisade
- Kia: K5, Sorento
- Mercedes-Benz: S-Class
- Nissan: Rogue (not Rogue Sport)
- Volkswagen: Atlas (2021.5 only), Atlas Cross Sport, Arteon, Golf GTI (not regular Golf), Jetta, Tiguan
Stereos
Here’s a list of some of the popular stereo brands that have also added wireless features to their devices.
Pioneer
Pioneer has one of the largest selections of wireless compatible stereos on the market. Here’s the full list of their devices that work with Android Auto Wireless:
- AVH-W4400NEX
- AVH-W4500NEX
- AVH-Z9100BT
- AVH-Z9100DAB
- AVH-Z9150BT
- AVH-Z9180TV
- AVH-Z9190BT
- AVH-Z9200BT
- AVH-Z9200DAB
- AVH-Z9250BT
- AVH-Z9280TV
- AVH-Z9290BT
- AVIC-W8400NEX
- AVIC-W8500NEX
- AVIC-W8600NEX
- AVIC-Z810DAB
- AVIC-Z820DAB
- AVIC-Z830DAB
- AVIC-Z910DAB
- AVIC-Z920DAB
- AVIC-Z930DAB
- DMH-W4600NEX
- DMH-W4660NEX
- DMH-WC6600NEX
- DMH-WT7600NEX
- DMH-WT8600NEX
- DMH-Z6350BT
- DMH-Z6380TV
- DMH-ZF9350BT
- DMH-ZF9380TV
- DMH-ZS9350BT
- DMH-ZS9380TV
- SPH-EVO93DAB
Kenwood
Kenwood is a Japanese stereo company that also has many models compatible with Android Auto Wireless:
- DDX8706S
- DDX8906S
- DDX9906XR
- DMX906S
- DMX9706S
- DNX996XR
Sony
Unfortunately, Sony does not have devices compatible with Android Auto Wireless. However, Sony does create stereos that work with the standard version of Android Auto.
How to Set Up Android Auto Wireless on Unsupported Phones
Although there are a number of popular smartphones that aren’t officially compatible with Android Auto Wireless, consumers have found workarounds and gained access to the wireless features nonetheless.
The following phones are known to be compatible:
- OnePlus 7 Pro
- Huawei Honor 9
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8
- Samsung Galaxy S10+
- Samsung Galaxy S8
- Samsung Galaxy S10+
- LG V40 ThinQ
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Samsung Galaxy S10+
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Samsung Galaxy S9+
- OnePlus 6T
- OnePlus 6T
- Samsung Galaxy S10
- OnePlus 6T
- OnePlus 6T
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy S10+
Prerequisites for using Android Auto Wireless:
- You must be using the latest Google Play Services beta. You can access the beta program through the Play Store.
- Your smartphone must be running at least Android 9 Pie. Previous Android iterations do not appear to be compatible.
- Your vehicle’s head unit must support wireless Android Auto. Typically, built-in head units lack the compatibility. If necessary, you can use an after-market head unit that is compatible.
Setup Steps:
- First, go into your phone’s settings.
- Under “Apps & Notifications,” you should see Android Auto. Select “additional settings in the app.”
- Scroll down until you see “version.” Tap on the “version” text ten times.
- You should see a notification pop up. Select okay. Navigate to “Development Settings” on the top right.
- You’ll see a list of checkboxes when you enter Development Settings. Be sure “show wireless projection option” is selected.
- Restart your smartphone.
- Follow your vehicle’s head unit’s instructions to connect your smartphone wirelessly.