Android Auto is hiding a whole world of apps Google doesn't want you to find

There's no shortage of officially supported Android Auto apps available on the Play Store. You can find everything from navigation and music players to podcast apps and even a few games. But the simple truth is that Google still puts heavy restrictions on what apps can do inside Android Auto.

That's where unofficial Android Auto apps come in. There's a whole world of apps that can be sideloaded and add features Google never officially approved, from web browsers to video players and advanced car tools. The only catch is that you'll need to install them manually instead of grabbing them from the Play Store. But that's part of the beauty of Android — if you want more from your device, there's usually a way to make it happen.

Many unofficial Android Auto apps aren't available on Google Play because they bypass Android Auto's driver distraction guidelines. Apps that play videos, mirror your phone's screen, and open a web browser can distract you when driving. If you decide to install one of these apps, use them only while your vehicle is parked.

These apps require you to enable developer options in Android Auto and allow apps from unknown sources. Some apps require additional setup steps, so be sure to follow the instructions for each one carefully if you decide to install them.

AAAD is the storefront that lets you install other Android Auto apps

Your gateway to unofficial Android Auto apps

What better way to kick off this list than with AAAD (Android Auto Apps Downloader), an app that essentially acts as a Play Store for unofficial Android Auto apps that you have to sideload.

It's not a huge store, but it contains several of the most popular sideloaded Android Auto apps, some of which are featured in this list. If having to visit sites like GitHub , find the correct APK, and make sure it works with your phone feels like too much friction, AAAD makes the process much easier. It also simplifies updating apps to the latest version.

There are a couple of catches with AAAD, though. First, you'll have to download the app from GitHub rather than the Play Store and allow it to install from unknown sources when prompted.

Second, you'll need a Pro license if you don't want to wait a whopping 30 days between downloads. This effectively means paying around $4–$5 for the Pro license if you plan on using the app regularly. However, given how much of a headache it is to find the latest versions of these apps, it could be worth paying.

AA Torque turns your display into a performance dashboard

Turn your screen into an advanced digital gauge cluster

AA Torque is a powerful live dashboard that relies on the Torque Pro app and a supported OBD2 Bluetooth module to display various information about your car directly on your head unit.

This is an incredibly impressive and useful app, especially if you're into all the nitty-gritty details that your car doesn't normally display .

Depending on your vehicle and scanner, you can see everything from detailed fuel consumption figures and coolant temperature to torque and horsepower output.

If you already own Torque Pro and a scanner, trying this app is a no-brainer. It gives you accurate real-time readings on your dashboard that your car normally doesn't show you.

AA Browser brings the web to your car screen

Add a crucial missing feature to Android Auto

One of the most important types of apps that Android Auto has never supported is web browsers. It's a shame because a web browser is one of the most versatile apps you could have access to. Whether it's watching YouTube through the web version, accessing AI tools like ChatGPT, or simply browsing the web, having a browser available in Android Auto could be incredibly useful.

Thankfully, AA Browser fills this gap. It's a fairly basic app that you can set up in minutes. It doesn't even require root access, yet it delivers an impressive amount of utility for those times when you need quick access to a browser in your car without reaching for your phone. AA Browser lets you read articles from How-To Geek, look things up online, and even watch YouTube or access audio content that's only available on specific websites.

Note that this app requires a fair amount of attention to operate, so you should only use it when your car is parked. Alternatively, have a passenger set things up while you continue focusing on the road .

CarStream finally lets you watch YouTube in your car

The video player Android Auto is missing

CarStream adds the long-requested YouTube integration into Android Auto.

The app lets you sign in with your Google account and access YouTube content just like the regular app, except this one actually works on Android Auto.

While YouTube has officially started rolling out Android Auto support , it's strictly limited to YouTube Premium subscribers and only works for audio, so it's hardly more useful than the YouTube Music app we already have.

CarStream, on the other hand, works like how a proper YouTube app within Android Auto should work.

The only problem with CarStream is that the app isn't actively supported, and getting the latest version can be a bit tricky. Unfortunately, I was unable to get CarStream to appear in Android Auto on my OnePlus 15, but some Reddit users have reported different versions of CarStream working on their devices.

If you're determined to get a YouTube app and don't want to settle for something like AA Browser, it's worth trying some of the workarounds mentioned by the community, such as clearing Android Auto's data and cache, trying different versions of CarStream, and experimenting with different installation methods. Trying a wireless dongle for Android Auto might also get it to show up.

Fermata Media Player is the ultimate all-in-one media hub for your car

The Swiss army knife of Android Auto apps

Fermata Media Player is one of the most powerful and versatile Android Auto apps available. It acts as a central media hub that lets you play YouTube videos, IPTV streams, audio and video files from your phone, audiobooks, and everything else in between. Fermata also has a built-in web browser that works much like AA Browser, allowing you to access pretty much any web content you want on your car's head unit.

Another powerful feature is screen mirroring, which allows you to project your phone's screen directly onto your car's head unit.

Note that Fermata is open-source, but it requires you to disable Restricted Settings, enable display over other apps, and grant various permissions to work correctly.

This is because the app has to bypass some of Google's security restrictions and use screen capture to relay your phone's display back to the head unit. If you're uncomfortable giving Fermata this level of access, that's perfectly fine — you can still get much of the functionality the app offers through the simpler AA Browser.

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There's more to Android Auto than maps and music

Google limits Android Auto's functionality on purpose, but sideloaded apps can unlock an extra level of customization and features that many users never thought were possible. Just remember to use these apps responsibly (only when parked or with help from a passenger) and keep your eyes on the road.