How to Update Android Auto
Typically, Android apps, including Android Auto, should themselves whenever one is available. You may receive a notification or a request for permission depending on your settings. If you didn’t set up your Android device for automatic downloads, you can download and install the update manually.
How to Force An Android Auto Update
In some cases, Google will push an optional Android Auto update ahead of a wider release. When this happens, you won’t receive the update right away or automatically unless you have opted into beta releases. If you’ve heard about a new Android Auto update your phone doesn’t have yet, and you lack features like Android Auto Wireless, try connecting it to your car. If you usually use Android Auto in conjunction with a compatible vehicle instead of just the standalone app on your phone, connecting to your vehicle will prompt you to switch to the newer version if one is available. If you don’t receive a prompt to update upon connecting to your vehicle, or if you use the standalone Android Auto app on your device without a vehicle connection, there may be an option in the app settings to force an update. To check for this setting and activate it, follow these steps:
What if Android Auto Still Won’t Update?
There are a few potential explanations if you still can’t get Android Auto to update after following these instructions. The most obvious is Android Auto is already up to date. If you’ve heard somewhere there’s an update, go back to that source and check for the Android Auto version they mention. You can then compare that to your version number to find out if you’re actually up to date. Once you’ve found out the version number of the update, you’ll need to go through the steps in the previous section again, but stop after step three. Scroll to the bottom of the Settings screen, and look for the Version section. Compare that number to the number of the update. If the numbers match, you already have the update. If your number is higher, your version is more up-to-date. If your version number is lower than the version number of the update you’re looking for, then there’s something wrong. Try updating Android on your device, and then try to update Android Auto again. If Android is out of date, it may prevent you from getting the latest app updates. If Android is up to date, or you’re stuck on an older version of Android, then there may be a compatibility issue between your device and the latest version of Android Auto. Android Auto won’t run at all if your phone is running Android 5.0 or earlier, and there may be other compatibility issues with older devices. Contact your phone manufacturer or carrier for more information.
How to Update Android Auto On a Car Stereo
Some vehicles come with Android Auto built right into the stereo or infotainment system. This setup might enable compatibility with Android Auto on your phone, or it may be a more integrated experience depending on the make, model, and year of the vehicle. Some of these systems can’t update, while others can receive limited updates either over the air (OTA), by connecting a phone, or manually. If your vehicle has Android Auto built-in, but it lacks some features, you may be able to update it. Try updating the app on your phone using the instructions found in this article, and then connect your phone to your vehicle with a USB cable. That may prompt an update. If that doesn’t work, your vehicle may require an internet connection to update. You can try connecting your phone to the car with a USB cable while the phone has a strong Wi-Fi connection or cellular data connection. You will need to contact a local dealership and inquire about updates if nothing above works. If there is an update available for your vehicle, they will be able to help you. You will most likely need to take the car to the dealership for a technician to install the update, and there may be a fee involved.
