Android Auto, a popular platform developed by Google, allows users to seamlessly connect their Android smartphones to their vehicles for a more interactive and convenient driving experience.
However, like any technology, there can be hiccups or struggles along the way. One particular issue that most car owners that rely on Android Auto is it randomly stop working for no apparent reason.
If you find yourself facing issues with Android Auto in your Honda vehicle, fear not. We created this article to help you in troubleshooting the problem. We will walk you through the steps to get Android Auto up and running smoothly again.
How Do I Get Android Auto to Work in My Honda?
Google’s Android Auto offers a wide range of features and functionality that are developed, designed, and engineered to make driving experience safer and more enjoyable. If you’re encountering problems with Android Auto not working as expected, follow these few simple steps to diagnose and fix the issue:
- Check Compatibility: Ensure that the Honda vehicle you are having problem with and your Android smartphone are both compatible with Android Auto. Depending on the year make and model of your Honda, the popular car manufacturer that originated in Japan introduced Android Auto integration in select models, so make sure your vehicle falls within the supported range.
- Honda first integrated the Android Auto platform in the following models.
- Accord 2016-
- Civic 2016-
- Clarity Fuel Cell 2017-
- CR-V 2017-
- Fit 2018-
- Freed 2017-
- Odyssey 2018-
- Pilot 2017-
- Ridgeline 2017-
The following years that came after for each model listed here should still come with Android Auto. If you are still unsure, you can consult with Honda’s customer service or from the dealership where you purchased your car from.
For Android smartphones, the Android Auto should be integrated with Android 10 and above, according to Google. Unlike on older version, you do not need to download it. Additionally, Android Auto isn’t available on devices that run Android (Go edition).
- USB Cable Quality: If both your Honda vehicle and your Android smartphone supports Android Auto, then the problem could be with the USB cable you use. Each USB cables are different and these cables must meet a certain requirement to enable Android Auto functionality and compatibility.
With this in mind, we highly recommend using high-quality USB cable to connect your smartphone to your Honda’s USB port. Make sure that the cable you will use supports data transfer and fast charging simultaneously as some cables only works with one or the other.
As such, a data transfer intended USB cable will not charge your phone and a charger intended cable will not be able to transfer data. Furthermore, a poor-quality cable might result in connectivity issues or sporadic disconnections.
- Enable Developer Options: In some cases, you need to enable the developer option on your Android smartphone.
- On older version of Android starting Android 4.1 and lower, the Developer options screen is available by default.
- On Android 4.2 and higher, you must enable this screen.
- To do so, look for the build number under device settings and option.
- Tap the build number seven times until you see the message “You are now a developer!” Once done, the developer options on your device should be enabled.
- Make sure that your device is set to “File Transfer” or “Android Auto” under the develop options.
- Check App Compatibility: The app on your Android smartphone might be outdated. You may need to update the Android Auto app on your smartphone to the latest version from the Google Play Store. Outdated versions can lead to compatibility issues. To update the app,
- Open the Google Play store app.
- Type ‘Android Auto’ in the search bar and tap the search button.
- Click on the update button.
- Update Smartphone Software: Ensure your smartphone’s operating system is up-to-date. In some cases, the Android Auto on your Honda vehicle might not support certain Android versions anymore resulting to compatibility issues. Check if you have pending software update for your Android smartphone.
- Open the settings app of the Android smartphone.
- Depending on the model and software configuration of your smartphone, you may have to look for the software update option. For latest models, you can usually find the software update option in the settings app. For older ones, check if you have it under ‘About Phone’ section.
Once update, this should resolve your Android Auto issue. Otherwise, Android Auto might not work properly on older versions of Android.
How Do I Activate Android Auto on My Honda?
Activating Android Auto in your Honda vehicle involves a few easy to follow steps. Here’s how to get it set up:
Phone Compatibility: Before anything else, make sure that your Android smartphone is compatible with the Android Auto of your Honda vehicle. You can quickly verify so but checking the list of supported devices on the Android Auto website or app store.
Bluetooth Pairing: The first step that you need to do is to pair your smartphone with your Honda’s infotainment system via Bluetooth. This step establishes a wireless connection between the two devices.
If you do not wish to have a wireless connection or you prefer it to be wired, proceed to the next step below.
USB Connection: For wired pairing, connect your smartphone to your Honda’s USB port using a high-quality USB cable. Make sure to use a proper USB cable that supports data transfer and charging simultaneously.
Once connected, a prompt should appear on your smartphone’s screen asking for permission to enable Android Auto. Grant the necessary permissions.
Infotainment System: Depending on the version of Android Auto installed on your Honda’s infotainment system, device pairing will be different for different versions.
Generally, select the “Android Auto” option of your infotainment. This should initiate the Android Auto interface on the screen.
Android Auto Interface: Once the pairing is successful and the app is activated, an Android Auto interface will be displayed on your vehicle’s infotainment screen.
You then now can navigate through the Android Auto apps using the touchscreen, voice commands, or steering wheel controls.
How Do I Update My Honda Android Auto?
Keeping your Honda’s Android Auto with the latest update is crucial. It allows the app to work properly with fewer issues and bugs as the developers address them regularly. To update the app, follow these steps:
Smartphone Updates: Make sure your smartphone’s Android Auto app is updated to the latest version.
To do so;
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for “Android Auto.”
- Click “Update” if available.
Honda System Updates: Check if there are any available system updates for your Honda’s infotainment system. Manufacturers often release updates that improve system stability and compatibility with external devices like Android Auto. To check for updates;
- Check with the user manual of your Honda vehicle, it usually states their how to update apps on your infotainment system.
- Generally, check system update on the setting section of your infotainment.
USB Connection: For updating the native Android Auto app that came with your Honda vehicle, connecting your smartphone to your Honda’s infotainment system using a USB cable will allow it to update the native Android Auto app of the infotainment system of your Honda vehicle.
- Prompt for Update: In some cases, when you connect your smartphone, your Honda’s infotainment system might prompt you to update Android Auto. If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to start the update process.
- Wireless Updates: Newer Honda models support wireless Android Auto updates. If this option is available, navigate to the appropriate menu on your infotainment system and follow the prompts to perform the update over a wireless connections such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Mobile Internet connections be means of USB tethering
If none of the steps we have here helped you, we highly recommend to seek qualified technicians to do the job for you.
Also, you may want to consider getting in touch with Honda’s customer service or with your dealer to help you fix the problem or set up the Android Auto for you.
Final Thoughts
Android Auto is an amazing app for drivers. It is essentially a must have that can ultimately enhance your driving experience by seamlessly integrating your smartphone with your Honda’s infotainment system.
If you encounter any issues with Android Auto not working as expected, use this guide to troubleshoot and resolve the problems.
From checking compatibility to updating software, these steps will help you get back on track and enjoy the convenience and connectivity that Android Auto offers.
Always remember to refer to your vehicle’s user manual for model-specific instructions and troubleshooting tips.
Sources:
https://support.google.com/androidauto/answer/6348029?hl=en
https://developer.android.com/studio/debug/dev-options
https://www.autonationhondaohare.com/ownership/honda-android-auto-setup.htm
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