In the fast-paced world of today, many car buyers find themselves in the driver’s seat of a new vehicle without fully comprehending its tech features. In particular, the integration of smartphones into our daily lives has left many wondering if their vehicles can connect seamlessly with their phones. There’s a realm of car tech that often goes unnoticed, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For the average Nigerian car owner, the knowledge of whether their vehicle supports these features might be elusive. Let’s explore how you can easily determine if your car has Android Auto and, if not, how to bring this connectivity to your ride.
Android Auto, a software designed to link your compatible Android phone with your car’s infotainment system, holds the key to a more connected driving experience. It goes beyond the basic functionalities of native car software, offering control over standard car functions, including Bluetooth-enabled call-taking and navigation. One significant advantage is the integration of voice commands, reducing the need for manual phone or touchscreen interactions and minimizing the risk of distracted driving.
Connecting to Android Auto involves a straightforward process. Download the Android Auto app on your compatible Android phone and connect it to your car using a USB cable. Upon connection, dialog boxes will appear on both your phone and the car’s infotainment screen. Permissions will be sought on both ends, allowing your car’s onboard computer to access your phone and vice versa.
If your phone supports Bluetooth, enable it and pair the devices by searching for your car’s computer. Once paired, grant the necessary permissions, and Android Auto will activate automatically. However, if Android Auto doesn’t appear on your car’s infotainment screen during initialization, your vehicle may not be compatible.
Several factors could contribute to Android Auto not launching automatically when you connect your phone. It doesn’t necessarily mean your vehicle lacks compatibility. Start by attempting to restart your vehicle’s infotainment system, following the specific steps outlined in your owner’s manual. Alternatively, turning off your vehicle, waiting a few minutes, and then restarting it before connecting your phone might resolve the issue.
A faulty USB cable could also be the culprit. These cables have a lifespan, and connectivity issues arise as they wear down. Replace your USB cable with a high-quality, preferably less than six feet long, one that supports both charging and data transfer. Additionally, clean the ports on your phone and car from dust and debris using a toothpick or cotton bud.
If these steps don’t resolve the problem, delve into your phone’s settings. Check the list of previously connected cars, as you may have inadvertently rejected Android Auto during setup. Remove your vehicle from the list of rejected cars to troubleshoot the issue.
For further clarification on your vehicle’s compatibility, consult the Android website for a list of Android Auto-compatible cars.
Despite being relatively new, Android Auto can be added to vehicles manufactured before its introduction. Two approaches are available for this:
As you explore, you may come across “double DIN units,” which are configured to easily connect to new software like Android Auto and other automotive tech gadgets. However, compatibility with your car’s make, model, and year is crucial for seamless integration.
Before making any purchases, conduct thorough research, seek recommendations from car professionals, and ensure that all components can be integrated seamlessly with your vehicle. You wouldn’t want to invest in a head unit or tech only to find compatibility issues later.
Most cars manufactured from 2014 onwards are equipped with Android Auto. However, if your vehicle lacks this feature, don’t fret. With the provided tips, you can determine compatibility and even enhance your older car’s capabilities by adding Android Auto. Stay connected and make the most out of your driving experience with the latest in-car technology.
