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Android Auto Stops Working on Some Android Phones

Not a long time ago, it was discovered that Google quietly updated the system requirements for Android Auto, essentially making Android 8.0 or later mandatory for users who rely on a wired connection in their cars.
Android Auto now requiring Android 8.0 and newer 6 photos
Photo: Google
The new Android Auto UIThe new Android Auto UIThe new Android Auto UIThe new Android Auto UIThe new Android Auto UI
In other words, if you want to run Android Auto with a cable, your mobile device must be running at least Android 8. Previously, the oldest version of Android that was supported by Android Auto was Android 6.0.

While the Mountain View-based search giant hasn’t released an announcement on this front, it now looks like Android Auto has stopped running on devices that do not meet the updated system requirements.

When trying to launch Android Auto on a device that runs a version of Android older than 8.0, the app displays a message reading, “this device does not support Android Auto.” Unfortunately, there’s no way to bypass the message, and users can only exit the app.

At this point, the only workaround known to exist in order to run Android Auto on a device with an older version of Android is to downgrade the app to an earlier release. At first glance, it looks like Android Auto 7.4 is the one that works, though this version could be blocked as well if Google decides to enforce the new system requirements.

Google’s decision to drop support for older versions of Android isn’t necessarily a big surprise. Software companies typically leave behind the oldest releases once their number of users drops substantially. This approach makes it possible to focus on the latest updates and, of course, to invest in new functionality that wouldn’t be possible in older versions.

At this point, the latest version of Android Auto is 7.9, with the rollout currently underway through the Google Play Store. The next version, which could be Android Auto 8.0, is scheduled to go live in August, possibly with the highly anticipated Coolwalk overhaul.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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