Android Auto is designed to let you keep your eyes on the road by giving your car dash a simplified version of the interface that lets you access apps and audio content, along with Google Assistant for all those hands-free dictation tasks while driving. It’s a great feature that’s proving popular with drivers worldwide, but it doesn’t come without its occasional blips. Sometimes those blips can be solved with a quick reboot of both your phone and your vehicle’s infotainment system, but other times you might need to update the core system software that helps Android Auto work properly.
That’s the case with a new major fix for Android Auto that recently started rolling out. Engineers have dealt with a bug that caused voice commands to break down while you’re in your vehicle. Apparently, something on the Google app for your phone was interfering with in-car voice commands, even ones as simple as “call my wife.”
Affected drivers found that their phone wouldn’t respond to any voice command at all, and the only way to fix it was to update their Google account. This is why it’s important to update your smartphone and apps regularly, as those updates can often be critical for keeping you safe and comfortable on the road.
While the latest update will roll out automatically to affected phones, it is a good idea to manually check for app updates if you’re experiencing problems with your Android Auto system. You can do this by opening the Play Store and tapping your profile picture in the top-right corner. This will show you whether everything is up to date or if there are any pending updates for core system apps like Google, which in turn assist Android Auto.
Another thing to note is that the Android Auto app will only connect with your car’s display if it’s compatible with the platform. The official Android Auto website lists a wide variety of vehicles that are compatible with the service, but there are some notable outliers, including Tesla, Mini, Bentley and Rolls-Royce (alongside sister brand Koenigsegg).
If you’re having trouble with your Android Auto experience, then it might be worth contacting the manufacturer of your car or visiting a professional repair shop to have a look at the issue. Otherwise, just make sure your phone is updated to the latest available build and hopefully you should be able to get back to listening to that favorite playlist or grabbing directions with no issues. Just remember to use the hands-free features while you’re on the road, and don’t text or talk on the phone while you drive. It’s not only dangerous, but illegal in many countries. Happy driving!