Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Bugs have become very common in the Android Auto world, but you'd normally expect a more refined experience on a Google Pixel smartphone.
In theory, it can't get better than this. A Google app running on a Google smartphone should be a match made in heaven, reducing the likelihood of glitches. However, the Google Pixel is not immune to Android Auto errors, as the smartphone is prone to the same problems as devices from any other brand.
The Google Pixel 8 is no exception.
The device started shipping only a few days ago, but the first customers who received it claim Android Auto is already misbehaving.
Sporadic posts online indicate that Android Auto fails to launch, in some cases acting like the smartphone isn't even detected. Someone else says on Google's forum that they managed to get Android Auto up and running after removing the screen lock, but the application still worked for a limited time before crashing and never relaunching.
Fortunately, it looks like a simple fix already exists, bringing Android Auto back to a working condition when users start from scratch. Uninstalling Android Auto, reinstalling the app from the Google Play Store, and setting it up again on the device allows it to work correctly with a Google Pixel 8.
Unfortunately, this doesn't look like a permanent fix, as others claim that the app is restored only for a second run. Launching the app again after shutting down the engine and reconnecting the smartphone to the head unit is no longer possible.
It's unclear if the issue is specific to the Google Pixel 8 or if it resides in Android 14. Some users who installed the latest Android operating system version hit various Android Auto errors, including random disconnects or the smartphone no longer being detected by the head unit.
All users claim Android Auto was working correctly before getting the Pixel 8 or installing Android 14 on their devices. In the case of the Pixel 8, users who tried a different smartphone, such as a Pixel 7, say that Android Auto runs flawlessly from the first attempt.
All these problems are not linked with a specific Android Auto version, and installing the latest update doesn't improve the experience. The most recent release is Android Auto 10.6, with the rollout now happening through the Google Play Store. The stand-alone APK installer allows users to download Android Auto 10.6 without waiting, though sideloading involves configuring the device to install apps from non-Google Play Store sources.
Android Auto 10.6 seems to bring a new feature that allows users to disconnect the wireless connection from the notification center. The new button is not available for all users, as Google still seems to be in the testing phase before beginning the rollout to everyone running Android Auto wireless.
The Google Pixel 8 is no exception.
The device started shipping only a few days ago, but the first customers who received it claim Android Auto is already misbehaving.
Sporadic posts online indicate that Android Auto fails to launch, in some cases acting like the smartphone isn't even detected. Someone else says on Google's forum that they managed to get Android Auto up and running after removing the screen lock, but the application still worked for a limited time before crashing and never relaunching.
Fortunately, it looks like a simple fix already exists, bringing Android Auto back to a working condition when users start from scratch. Uninstalling Android Auto, reinstalling the app from the Google Play Store, and setting it up again on the device allows it to work correctly with a Google Pixel 8.
Unfortunately, this doesn't look like a permanent fix, as others claim that the app is restored only for a second run. Launching the app again after shutting down the engine and reconnecting the smartphone to the head unit is no longer possible.
It's unclear if the issue is specific to the Google Pixel 8 or if it resides in Android 14. Some users who installed the latest Android operating system version hit various Android Auto errors, including random disconnects or the smartphone no longer being detected by the head unit.
All users claim Android Auto was working correctly before getting the Pixel 8 or installing Android 14 on their devices. In the case of the Pixel 8, users who tried a different smartphone, such as a Pixel 7, say that Android Auto runs flawlessly from the first attempt.
All these problems are not linked with a specific Android Auto version, and installing the latest update doesn't improve the experience. The most recent release is Android Auto 10.6, with the rollout now happening through the Google Play Store. The stand-alone APK installer allows users to download Android Auto 10.6 without waiting, though sideloading involves configuring the device to install apps from non-Google Play Store sources.
Android Auto 10.6 seems to bring a new feature that allows users to disconnect the wireless connection from the notification center. The new button is not available for all users, as Google still seems to be in the testing phase before beginning the rollout to everyone running Android Auto wireless.
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