I've been covering Android and other mobile technology for close to ten years now, with a specific interest in phone accessories, e-readers, and what makes each individual phone different from another. I delight in looking at the phone market from as many angles as possible, and while my opinions may be odd, at times, they're always from the heart as much as the head.
I have a background in the mobile accessories world, which explains my odd enthusiasm for cases and things that clip onto smartphones.
Android Auto is one of the best car infotainment systems out there.
While manufacturers work on a competent alternative, Android Auto beats Apple CarPlay and self-made car operating systems into a cocked hat. But that doesn't mean it's perfect.
I've been using Android Auto a lot recently, and I've found a few areas that can be improved with quick upgrades.
Here's how I've upgraded my Android Auto experience.
Turning on developer mode
Access a new world of options
Any Android Auto improvements start in one place: removing Google's restrictions.
The Developer Mode menu isn't really a secret, but Google would prefer you didn't mess with it. Why? Because it hands you a lot of control that Google would rather you didn't have.
To reveal the Developer Settings app, open your phone, go to Android Auto's app settings, scroll down to Version and permission info, and tap it 10 times in a row. That's all you do.
What do you do here? Whatever you like. Good options include changing Android Auto's resolution to better suit your screen and disabling Save video and Save audio to reducemobile data use.
Play your music while navigating with an on-screen map
One of the most impactful changes to my Android Auto experience has been the introduction of taskbar widgets.
These are essentially the same as the widgets on your phone. Android Auto's taskbar widgets live at the bottom of your screen where you'd normally see a few apps.
While media is playing and you're on another full-screen app, a taskbar widget will show you your currently playing podcast, audiobook, or music.
You'll have controls for that app, a basic icon to show what's playing, and not much else. But that's all you need, especially if you want your map app to take up the rest of your screen.
While the Coolwalk interface is great for showing multiple apps side by side, when you're driving on complex roads, you often want to see as much of the map as possible. Taskbar widgets let you see all that without losing your media controls.
To turn it on, go to Settings and tap Connected devices > Connection preferences > Android Auto. Then toggle Taskbar widgets. It'll activate any time it needs to, and it's more useful than you might expect.
Make the most of your apps
Add apps to make your drive more pleasant
One of Android Auto's best features is the Google Play Store. You have access to hundreds of Android Auto-compatible apps, and choosing the ones you want is crucial for improving your experience.
Start with the apps you use most. If you have a specific podcast app, there's often an Android Auto version, and the same goes for music apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, and the usual suspects.
Also, you can play games on Android Auto, but only when the car is parked. This can help you pass the time while you wait for someone, or for any other reason you might be sitting in a car for a long time.
Changing from wired to wireless
No more problems with the cable disconnecting
This isn't everyone's cup of tea. But I love wireless Android Auto.
Some people say it's unreliable, drains your phone's battery, and runs hot when it's working. Those criticisms may be true — but it's not hard to work around that. I bought a Spigen Cryomax car charger, and I've had no problems.
But wired Android Auto? That was awful.
Turning a corner too hard would cause the cable to fall out and drop the connection. Potholes would make the cable fly out. Sometimes gravity got fed up with my rubbish and pulled it out. Cables are rubbish.
Granted, I had to buy an adapter to get it to work, but that was no problem. If your wired Android Auto connection is a bit unreliable, like mine, I urge you to follow my example.
Get your Routine down
It's all about convenience
We all have our routine drives. The commute, the drive to pick up the kids, the weekend shopping trip — wouldn't it be nice to automate some parts of those?
Imagine getting in the car after picking up the kids. The car automatically switches to a kid-friendly playlist and messages your partner that you're on the way. You can do that with Google Routines.
Your imagination is the limit, and you can create Routines to set up your usual commute comforts, like your morning podcast or playlist, or to set up navigation and check traffic.
If your house has enough automation, you can create a Routine to dim the lights and play your entrance music when you arrive, like you're a WWE wrestler.
This is another element that really feels like a massive upgrade.
Organize your launcher
Put the most important apps front and center
It's great when apps you love have an Android Auto version, but you won't always want to use them in the car.
Thankfully, you can remove those unused apps so they don't clutter up your Android Auto interface.
Go to your Android Auto settings by searching for "Android Auto" in your Settings app. Then scroll down to Customize launcher and untick any apps you don't want. This is a fairly minor change, but it can have a big impact.
You shouldn't swap apps while driving, but you'll spend less time searching for apps if you're not scrolling through ones you don't care about.
Download, download, download
This is another small change you can make that won't take long, but will significantly improve your driving if you often find yourself in places without reliable cell data.
Most music apps let you download playlists to listen to later, so if you have a go-to driving playlist, make sure it's downloaded to your device.
The same goes for your maps. Planning a long drive? Download the map for your route, so even if you lose connectivity, you won't lose your directions.