If you are part of the Android ecosystem, you’re probably familiar with Android Auto, the company’s foray into helping people use their phones more safely while driving.
The Android Auto app lets you link your phone to your car’s display. That way, you can see your apps clearly and interact with essential ones when required.
For example, you can use your voice to see Google Maps directions wherever you’re headed. Or you can answer an emergency call from work, hands-free.
The premise is that you won’t be peering into your phone screen during these activities, keeping your focus on the road.
However, some users reported issues and glitches after Android rolled out a recent update in January-February 2025.
What Problems Are Ongoing in Android Auto in 2025?
These issues pertain to Android Auto v13.4 and v13.5. Connectivity issues are the prime problem that has emerged after the recent update.
Many users have been finding it tough to connect through Wi-Fi as the app does not recognize their device. (USB connections seem to be working better.)
For some users, Android Auto works only if they restart their phone. It has led to apprehensions about whether the phone model could be the problem.
Indeed, the issues are more prevalent among those who use Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy Devices.
Experiencing sudden app reboots or crashes while driving can be irritating. But they can also be distracting, which takes away from the goal of reducing the likelihood of road accidents.
Previously, there have been cases when malfunctioning software contributed to car crashes and collisions.
In 2024, Tesla faced a detailed investigation after its self-driving software led to a fatal crash.
Some studies have noted that adaptive cruise control can also increase the likelihood of an accident by causing driver distraction and not detecting slow or stationary objects.
If software issues lead to vehicular mishaps, a car accident lawyer can help you sue for product liability and manufacturing defects.
However, TorHoerman Law notes that car accident cases can be complex, and attributing fault is not straightforward.
Consider the recent 10-vehicle crash in St. Louis—an overwhelming accident that injured six people and closed the road for several hours.
It can be a legal rigmarole to ascertain whose fault an accident was and if you can hold software bugs responsible.
Solutions for Android Auto 2025 Problems
Until there’s official word on the problem, you can try these ideas to fix the glitches.
(We assume you have already tried restarting the app and the phone and uninstalling/reinstalling Android Auto. It is uncanny how often these tricks hit the bull’s eye!)
1. Change Your Connection
If you have access to another Wi-Fi network, try using it to connect to Android Auto. Or, as a temporary fix, use a USB connection for Android Auto. Many users find it successful to let them work with the latest update.
Get a new cable in case the USB also does not work for you—it may be a compatibility problem. Sometimes, dust and debris buildup in the ports can affect the connection.
It’s nothing a quick cleaning cannot fix. After all, you may be using the USB port after a long time in this wireless world.
Your best bet is to use the high-quality USB cable you got with the phone and not a cheap duplicate.
Tip: Try using a wireless Android Auto dongle. You may connect it to the USB port, which can connect to the head unit.
2. Reboot Your Car’s Head Unit
The head unit deserves an inspection if you have issues related to audio and multimedia while using Android Auto. A Redditor shares that rebooting their car’s head unit fixed their issue with Android Auto.
Apparently, the unit was not getting rebooted each time the car started [r/AndroidAuto]. Depending on your vehicle’s make and configuration, you may have a similar problem.
You can easily fix this by hitting the “Reset” button on the head unit—a long press should do the trick. It is worth exploring this route if you face other display and audio issues, like unresponsive controls.
3. Reexamine the Settings
You may have done this already, but sometimes things behave erratically just because. Check if your phone has granted permission to Android Auto to access all it needs, from the microphone to your contacts.
Also, have you enabled battery optimization for the app? It can hamper the efficiency of the connection. You can check this setting from the app’s ‘Battery Usage’ section.
In a more extreme scenario, you can consider changing your phone. Some models are reacting worse than others to the Android Auto update. So, if you desire to switch, now may be a good time.
Tom’s Guide recommends Android 11 and higher. An upgrade can also help you experience predicted additions in subsequent Android Auto updates, like AI summarization and Gemini support.
Car accidents impact thousands of people annually. While some situations, like adverse weather conditions, are not in our control, the least we can do is stay on guard.
Apps like Android Auto operate on a straightforward but forever relevant idea – you will be safe if you focus.
If these tactics don’t solve the issue, you can contact Android’s official help center. Moreover, the company continually endeavors to fix problems in each subsequent update.
Android Auto 13 came out in late 2024, followed by the new upgrades in early 2025. Chances are, resolving these issues will be a priority for the next version.
