Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
Most Android Auto users should know already that things in this world typically break down for absolutely no reason. The smallest change, triggered by a new setting or the release of an app update, can completely wreak havoc on Android Auto.
Living proof is a recently discovered issue that breaks the wireless Android Auto connection.
The wireless version of Android Auto comes with one major benefit. Instead of relying on a cable for the connection between the smartphone and the head unit, the whole thing happens wirelessly. As such, users don’t need to pull the phone from their pockets or backpacks, as Android Auto starts on the screen when the engine turns on.
After a recent Android Auto update, the wireless connection no longer works as it should. Users who turned to Google's forums to report the issue claim the whole thing started earlier this month, so it's safe to assume that the culprit is a recent app update.
If Android Auto wireless fails to launch in a car because of a broken update, the easiest workaround is to go back to the previous app version. However, users discovered another workaround, and without a doubt, it's a really annoying and frustrating one.
As it turns out, fixing the wireless connection comes down to clearing the cache and the data in Android Auto. Otherwise, Android Auto wouldn’t connect without a cable, making it impossible to run the app. The biggest inconvenience is that this workaround must be applied every time users want to launch Android Auto.
In other words, they need to clear the cache and the data when they get in the car. Otherwise, turning on the engine wouldn’t trigger the Android Auto app load.
Google has recently started the rollout of Android Auto 9.8, the most stable version likely coming with additional fixes. On the other hand, it's unclear if this new build produces any improvements in terms of wireless connectivity, as it's too early to tell if any fixes are included. Android Auto updates go live in waves through the Google Play Store, it could take a while until the affected users receive the new update.
For the time being, Google is yet to acknowledge the glitch, so it remains to be seen if an investigation eventually starts. Several users have already confirmed the same behavior in their cars, and in almost every single case, they blame the latest Android Auto updates for the whole thing. If you want to go back to an earlier release, you must download an older Android Auto app build and then install it manually on your device. Blocking automatic app updates prevents the latest Android Auto version from being installed on the phone.
The wireless version of Android Auto comes with one major benefit. Instead of relying on a cable for the connection between the smartphone and the head unit, the whole thing happens wirelessly. As such, users don’t need to pull the phone from their pockets or backpacks, as Android Auto starts on the screen when the engine turns on.
After a recent Android Auto update, the wireless connection no longer works as it should. Users who turned to Google's forums to report the issue claim the whole thing started earlier this month, so it's safe to assume that the culprit is a recent app update.
If Android Auto wireless fails to launch in a car because of a broken update, the easiest workaround is to go back to the previous app version. However, users discovered another workaround, and without a doubt, it's a really annoying and frustrating one.
As it turns out, fixing the wireless connection comes down to clearing the cache and the data in Android Auto. Otherwise, Android Auto wouldn’t connect without a cable, making it impossible to run the app. The biggest inconvenience is that this workaround must be applied every time users want to launch Android Auto.
In other words, they need to clear the cache and the data when they get in the car. Otherwise, turning on the engine wouldn’t trigger the Android Auto app load.
Google has recently started the rollout of Android Auto 9.8, the most stable version likely coming with additional fixes. On the other hand, it's unclear if this new build produces any improvements in terms of wireless connectivity, as it's too early to tell if any fixes are included. Android Auto updates go live in waves through the Google Play Store, it could take a while until the affected users receive the new update.
For the time being, Google is yet to acknowledge the glitch, so it remains to be seen if an investigation eventually starts. Several users have already confirmed the same behavior in their cars, and in almost every single case, they blame the latest Android Auto updates for the whole thing. If you want to go back to an earlier release, you must download an older Android Auto app build and then install it manually on your device. Blocking automatic app updates prevents the latest Android Auto version from being installed on the phone.
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