8 Android Auto settings you didn't know you needed to change

Android Auto is available in over 200 million cars globally.

The driver-friendly interface provides easy access to navigation, messaging, calling, and music. You can do this through the Android Auto app or by connecting a high-end or budget Android phone to the car's infotainment system.

After you've connected your device, you can navigate to Android Auto and customize the launcher. But the setup isn't perfect out of the box, especially when using a wired connection.

To get the most out of your Android Auto experience, there are some settings worth tweaking to lessen your device's battery drain and potential disruptions.

Here's what you should do with the built-in app before heading off to your next destination.

Enable developer mode on Android Auto

Developer options are experimental features not released in the official app. These options are still in testing, so keep in mind you may encounter bugs and unintended behaviors.

However, enabling the developer settings is necessary if you want more control over your options. You can also turn off the developer options the same way if the option proves too much.

Here's how to access them:

1. On your mobile device, open Android Auto.

2. Scroll down to Versionand tap it 10 times.

3. Tap Okin the Allow development settingswindow.

   

   

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To access developer settings:

1. Tap the overflow menu(the three-dot icon) in the upper-right corner of the Android Auto page.

2. Select Developer settings.

   

   

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If you want to turn off developer mode, do the following:

1. Open Android Auto.

2. Tap the overflow menuin the upper-right corner.

3. Tap Quit developer mode.

   

   

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Disable the Save Video and Save Audio features

One concern about Android Auto is how much data it consumes.

If you struggle with its data usage, do not use the Save Videoand Save Audiooptions in your developer settings.

To turn these off, visit Developer settingsand uncheck the Save Audioand Save Videosettings. This reduces your data consumption.

Disable Wireless Android Auto

One reason Android Auto drains your battery is that you've activated Wireless Android Auto.

If you plan to connect your phone to your car through a USB, you can safely turn off this feature. To turn it off:

1. Go to Developer settings.

2. Tap Wireless Android Auto.

   

   

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Change the theme to light or dark mode

If you want to change the theme of Maps through the Android Auto settings on your phone, here's what you'll do:

1. Open Android Autoon your phone.

2. Under Maps, tap Day/Night mode for maps.

3. Select Dayor Night.

   

   

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Previously, if you were using an older version of Android Auto, you could also set the theme to match your phone's theme or let the car adjust it based on lighting conditions.

You could choose between Car-controlledand Phone-controlled,or force the Dayor Nightoption. It required turning on developer mode and navigating to the developer settings.

If you're running an older version of Android Auto, check whether this option is available by tapping Day/Nightin the developer settings.

Automatically resume media playback in Android Auto

You can resume your music, podcast, or audiobook when you start your car. This is a great feature when you need to make many stops, especially at gas stations.

Enable this setting to resume your media from where you left off. To turn on this setting, check the steps below.

1. Open Android Auto.

2. Under Startup, tap Start music automaticallyto turn it on.

   

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Control Android Auto notifications

It's counterintuitive if the Android Auto app provides more distractions while driving.

You can prevent unwanted messages from clouding your view by controlling your Android Auto notifications.

1. Open Android Auto.

2. Under Messaging, toggle off Show message notificationsand Show group conversations.

   

   

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If you turn off Show message notifications, it automatically toggles off Show group conversations.

If you toggle off Notifications with Assistant, you can prevent message notifications from showing up.

If you want message notifications but prefer to maintain your privacy, turn off Play AI message summariesto prevent the AI from reading your messages out loud.

Turn off messaging apps on the Customize launcher page to avoid messages.

Start Android Auto when your phone is locked

You can start Android Auto even if your phone is locked. To enable this, follow the steps below.

1. Open Android Autoon your phone.

2. Under Startup, tap Start Android Auto while lockedto toggle it on.

   

   

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Turning on this option risks someone using Android Auto without deactivating your phone's security lock.

Only use this option if you're confident you're the only one accessing Android Auto while your phone is connected to your car.

Customize your Android Auto launcher

By default, Android Auto keeps your commonly used apps toward the top of the screen (of the car launcher). Still, these apps may not correspond to the ones you use most.

You can adjust the order of these apps. Here's how.

1. Open Android Auto.

2. Under Display, tap Customize launcher.

3. Tap Launcher sorting.

   

   

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4. Select Custom order.

5. Choose the apps you want to appear at the top by swapping the order.

You can also set a launcher shortcut. Return to the Customize launcher pagein your Android Auto settings, tap Add a shortcut to the launcher, and select An Assistant action.

You can add a command for Google Assistant and name the launcher icon. You can also test the command if Android Auto is connected to your car.

This is an excellent tool for creating simple commands that Google Assistant (or Google Gemini) can handle while driving.

Prevent unused apps from disappearing on your launcher

Samsung phones temporarily disable apps to save on battery life. These apps can appear on your phone but don't appear in your Android Auto launcher until you re-enable them.

To prevent this from happening, do the following:

1. On your mobile device, open Settings> Battery.

2. Turn off Auto disable unused appsor Put unused apps to sleep.

You can restore an unused app by opening the app on your phone.

Get more from Android Auto

Android Auto isn't perfect. But it still offers key features for your car's infotainment system.

It offers excellent navigational accuracy and a range of features, making it a valuable tool for convenience and safety while on the road.

You can also use it to create routines and adjust them to fit your schedule and daily driving habits.

Google Gemini is also coming to Android Auto and will carefully replace Google Assistant. The 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.

In the meantime, if you want more from Android Auto, consider adding more essential apps to your launcher.

Android Auto

Google LLC

AUTO & VEHICLES

Price: Free

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