How to Fix Android Auto Not Connecting (USB and Wireless, 2026)

Android Auto problems feel random, but the cause is usually boring. Most of the time it’s the cable, the car’s setup, or a corrupted saved connection. Here’s the order to try things in, quickest first.

If you’re in a hurry: use a different, short, data-capable USB cable plugged directly into the car’s USB port. Still nothing? Restart the phone and the car’s screen, then forget the car and set it up again.

Menu names vary between phone makers and Android versions. The sources here don’t pin each step to a specific release, so if a path doesn’t match your screen, use the search box in Settings.

Before you start: check the basics

Google’s setup page says to confirm your car is compatible with Android Auto, make sure your phone has mobile data service, and park the car with the infotainment system on. Some cars only gained support through a software update, so a car that’s listed as supported may still need one.

Minimum phone requirements differ between sources. SlashGear’s 2023 guide says Android 6, while MergeScreens (March 2026) and Make Tech Easier say Android 8.0 or newer. Google’s own page links to its requirements rather than listing them, so check there for your phone.

Fix a wired connection

Swap the USB cable

This is the most commonly cited fix. MergeScreens recommends a data-capable cable, no longer than 6 feet, connected directly to the car’s USB port. Make Tech Easier says to test the cable by connecting the phone to a computer, and to replace cheap or worn cables, since heat from sitting in a car can wear them out. SlashGear adds: look for looseness or fraying.

Try every USB port

MergeScreens notes that some ports in a car may only charge. If your car has more than one USB port, try each, and check the owner’s manual for which one supports Android Auto.

Check Android Auto is turned on in the car

Some infotainment systems have their own Android Auto setting. Make Tech Easier says the location varies by car, so look in the car’s settings menu or manual.

Fix a wireless connection

Google’s setup page says to keep Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Location Services on during setup, and to confirm the car supports wireless Android Auto. Then:

1. Remove the car from your phone’s Bluetooth list (Settings > Connected devices > Bluetooth) and pair it again. MergeScreens suggests this.
2. Turn off Wi-Fi power saving on the phone, per MergeScreens. The article doesn’t give a menu path, as the location varies by phone.
3. Turn the car off for about two minutes, then restart the phone and try again (MergeScreens).

Also confirm the phone is paired with the car and not another Bluetooth device, as Make Tech Easier points out.

Fix the phone side

Restart everything

Power-cycle the phone. SlashGear also suggests restarting the car’s infotainment system (check your owner’s manual) and then opening Android Auto manually on the car screen.

Update the software

SlashGear’s route: Settings > System > System Update for the phone, then update Android Auto in the Google Play Store under Manage apps & device. Make Tech Easier also suggests updating any music or media app that misbehaves.

Check Android Auto is switched on

MergeScreens gives the path Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Android Auto. In the same place, make sure Add new cars to Android Auto is on, especially if you’ve recently changed vehicles.

Check the car isn’t rejected

Make Tech Easier says to open the Android Auto settings (on Android 10 or later: Settings > Connected devices > Android Auto), tap Connect a car, then Previously connected cars. Your car should be under Accepted cars, not Rejected cars.

Grant permissions and review battery limits

MergeScreens says Android Auto needs its permissions, including location, microphone, contacts and SMS. It also suggests turning off battery optimization for Android Auto so the system doesn’t close it, though it doesn’t give a menu path.

Turn off USB debugging

If you’ve enabled Developer options, MergeScreens lists switching USB debugging off as a fix.

Clear the cache, then the storage

Go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Storage & cache and tap Clear cache. If that doesn’t help, tap Clear storage (older Android versions may call this Clear data). SlashGear suggests this for newer Android versions, and reinstalling from the Play Store on older ones. Restart the phone afterwards.

Forget all cars and start over

In the Android Auto app, tap the three-dot button in the top right and choose Forget all cars, according to SlashGear. Then set up your car again. This clears a saved connection that has gone bad.

Work out whether it’s the phone or the car

Make Tech Easier suggests a simple test: try your phone in another compatible car, and another phone in your car. If it’s the phone, contact its maker. If it’s the car, check for infotainment firmware updates through the car maker, a dealership, or the manufacturer’s site for aftermarket units.

When to ask for help

If nothing works, SlashGear says to contact Android Help, or take the device to the place you bought it or a licensed repair center. For the car side, Google’s page points to your vehicle manual or manufacturer.

The bottom line

Cable first, then restart, then reset the car connection. Those three cover most cases. If you’re also chasing battery drain while you’re in your settings, our guide to checking Android battery health is a useful next stop.

SpecVerdict hasn’t tried these fixes ourselves. They come from Google’s support pages and the guides listed above, and the steps may differ on your phone or car.