Android Auto: A Valuable Tool for Drivers Worldwide
With over 200 million cars globally equipped with Android Auto, this driver-friendly interface has become an essential tool for navigating, messaging, calling, and enjoying music on the go. Here's how to get the most out of your Android Auto experience, especially when using a wired connection.
Unlocking Developer Mode for More Control
Enabling developer mode on Android Auto provides access to experimental features not yet released in the official app. While these options are still in testing, they offer more control over your settings. Here's how to access and use developer settings:
- On your mobile device, open Android Auto.
- Scroll down to Version and tap it 10 times.
- Tap OK in the Allow development settings window.
- Close the window.
- To access developer settings, tap the overflow menu (the three-dot icon) in the upper-right corner of the Android Auto page. Select Developer settings.
- If you want to turn off developer mode, do the following: Open Android Auto, tap the overflow menu in the upper-right corner, and tap Quit developer mode.
Optimizing Settings for a Better Experience
To lessen battery drain and potential disruptions, consider the following settings:
- Disable the Save Video and Save Audio features in your developer settings to reduce data consumption.
- Turn off Wireless Android Auto if you plan to connect your phone to your car through a USB.
- Change the theme to light or dark mode to match your preference and reduce eye strain.
Customizing Your Android Auto Launcher
By default, Android Auto keeps your commonly used apps toward the top of the screen (of the car launcher). However, these apps may not correspond to the ones you use most. You can adjust the order of these apps to better suit your needs:
- Open Android Auto.
- Under Display, tap Customize launcher.
- Tap Launcher sorting.
- Close the window.
- Select Custom order.
- Choose the apps you want to appear at the top by swapping the order.
Staying Connected and Informed
Android Auto offers features to help you stay connected and informed while on the road. For example, you can enable the "Start music automatically" setting to resume your media from where you left off when you start your car. Additionally, you can control Android Auto notifications to prevent unwanted messages from clouding your view.
Relevance to North East India and Beyond
As more cars in India become equipped with Android Auto, drivers in the North East region can also benefit from these features. By optimizing settings, customizing the launcher, and managing notifications, drivers can improve their safety and convenience while on the road.
Looking Forward: Google Gemini and Android Auto
Google Gemini, a new conversational AI, is coming to Android Auto and will replace Google Assistant. This rollout began in late 2025 and is still underway. When Gemini comes to Android Auto, you'll be able to use it as your default assistant and have natural conversations with it to set your automations.