Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Android 14 is theoretically a welcome upgrade for owners of devices running Google's mobile operating system. Its debut a few months ago was received with much excitement by users worldwide, mainly because it includes significant improvements and new features for the mobile experience.
Unfortunately for Android Auto users, the experience in the car was significantly downgraded to a point where using the app is nearly impossible.
Android 14 wreaked havoc behind the wheel, either causing various Android Auto issues or breaking down the app completely.
Now, it looks like the Android 14 bugs not only continue plaguing the Android Auto world but also reach new devices.
Samsung's devices updated to the latest operating system version confirm similar problems on Android Auto, including broken Spotify (the music is playing, but no audio comes from the speakers) and broken connectivity (Android Auto no longer launches after installing Android 14).
Samsung, still the world's number one phone maker and the top Android OEM, started the Android 14 rollout a few weeks ago as part of the One UI 6.0 release. The update is already available for several devices in its lineup, with the rollout expanding to more models as we speak.
Users on Google's forums complain that Android 14 has ruined the Android Auto experience in their cars, causing problems that don't seem to have a fix. Clearing the cache and the data, reinstalling Android Auto, or downgrading to an earlier version doesn't make a difference, suggesting that the new operating system version is the culprit.
The reported problems included broken Spotify, broken connection between the phone and the head unit, music apps not loading the interface on Android Auto, phone calls dialed but no ringing tone, no audio during phone calls, and random disconnects despite a seemingly stable connection, even for Android Auto wireless users.
Google has asked for more information to investigate the problems, but the company has already started looking into the bugs caused by Android 14 for some time. No update was provided on the state of the investigation, so from what we know, the company is still trying to figure out what went wrong. It's too early to tell when a fix could land, but considering it also affects other device brands, it might take painfully long before it reaches all affected devices.
Samsung phone owners won't get the patch when Google releases it (if it ever ships a fix) but wait for the South Korean phone maker to include it in its updates. It'll be a long wait for Android Auto to play nice with Android 14, so if you haven't already updated to the latest operating system and One UI version on your Samsung, you might want to think twice before doing it, especially if you rely on Google Maps, Waze, and Spotify for your daily commute.
Android 14 wreaked havoc behind the wheel, either causing various Android Auto issues or breaking down the app completely.
Now, it looks like the Android 14 bugs not only continue plaguing the Android Auto world but also reach new devices.
Samsung's devices updated to the latest operating system version confirm similar problems on Android Auto, including broken Spotify (the music is playing, but no audio comes from the speakers) and broken connectivity (Android Auto no longer launches after installing Android 14).
Samsung, still the world's number one phone maker and the top Android OEM, started the Android 14 rollout a few weeks ago as part of the One UI 6.0 release. The update is already available for several devices in its lineup, with the rollout expanding to more models as we speak.
Users on Google's forums complain that Android 14 has ruined the Android Auto experience in their cars, causing problems that don't seem to have a fix. Clearing the cache and the data, reinstalling Android Auto, or downgrading to an earlier version doesn't make a difference, suggesting that the new operating system version is the culprit.
The reported problems included broken Spotify, broken connection between the phone and the head unit, music apps not loading the interface on Android Auto, phone calls dialed but no ringing tone, no audio during phone calls, and random disconnects despite a seemingly stable connection, even for Android Auto wireless users.
Google has asked for more information to investigate the problems, but the company has already started looking into the bugs caused by Android 14 for some time. No update was provided on the state of the investigation, so from what we know, the company is still trying to figure out what went wrong. It's too early to tell when a fix could land, but considering it also affects other device brands, it might take painfully long before it reaches all affected devices.
Samsung phone owners won't get the patch when Google releases it (if it ever ships a fix) but wait for the South Korean phone maker to include it in its updates. It'll be a long wait for Android Auto to play nice with Android 14, so if you haven't already updated to the latest operating system and One UI version on your Samsung, you might want to think twice before doing it, especially if you rely on Google Maps, Waze, and Spotify for your daily commute.
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