For several weeks, users of Android Auto have encountered a persistent issue: the cellular signal icon has been disappearing from their displays. This glitch, while not affecting every user, has proven to be a source of frustration for many, with reports indicating that the icon sometimes appears and other times vanishes without warning.
Recently, Google acknowledged the problem, assuring users that a fix was in the works. A representative took to Reddit to inform the community: “We’re aware of reports about the missing cellular signal, and we’re actually currently rolling out a fix that should hopefully address this issue! The fix isn’t widely available yet, though, so it may take some time to reach your device – if you want to receive it sooner, though, you can enroll in the Android Auto beta.”
Fortunately, users no longer need to join the beta program to resolve this issue. The stable version of Android Auto 17.8 has been released and appears to effectively address the bug. Many users have reported that updating to this version has resolved their problems.
How to fix this Android Auto bug
If you find yourself grappling with this bug, the first step is to ensure you have the latest version of Android Auto. To do this, navigate to the Google Play Store on your device, type ‘Android Auto’ into the search bar, and tap the update button if it is available.
If no update is present, your device may have already downloaded version 17.8 automatically. To verify which version you are currently using, go to Settings > Apps (or Apps & notifications), scroll down to Android Auto, and check the version number displayed at the bottom of the screen. Alternatively, you can find the version number within the settings of the Android Auto app itself.
Should you be running version 17.8, the issue should be resolved. However, if the bug persists, consider clearing the app’s cache. This can be done by returning to Settings > Apps > Android Auto, tapping ‘Storage,’ and then selecting ‘Clear cache.’
If your device is not yet running Android Auto 17.8 and no updates are available, your best course of action may be to wait for the rollout to reach you in the coming days. For those who prefer immediate solutions, sideloading the update from a reputable source like APKMirror is an option. Simply download the appropriate file to your device, locate it in your file manager, and initiate the installation process. While this method is generally safe, it is advisable to wait for the official update whenever possible.
