Your smartphone is not the sole device that may require an update when Android Auto begins to misbehave. While many users instinctively troubleshoot their phones and connections—checking cables, restarting devices, and ensuring that Android Auto is up to date—there’s a crucial element that often goes overlooked: the car’s infotainment system.
Android Auto’s functionality hinges on seamless communication between your phone and your vehicle. If you’re solely focused on your phone, you might be neglecting a significant part of the equation. In cases where standard troubleshooting methods have proven ineffective, it’s wise to turn your attention to the car’s software. Google suggests restarting the infotainment system and, for those with aftermarket units from brands like Pioneer or Kenwood, visiting the manufacturer’s website to check for firmware updates.
Your car might need an update as well
Automakers are increasingly rolling out infotainment updates designed to enhance Android Auto performance. For instance, Hyundai’s February 2026 update for ccNC-equipped vehicles in Europe introduced improved wireless connectivity for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with faster reconnection capabilities and automatic restoration after a restart. Chevrolet emphasizes this point by listing the update of both phone and vehicle software as the primary troubleshooting step when Android Auto fails to connect.
The process for installing updates varies by manufacturer. Some infotainment systems can download updates directly via Wi-Fi, while others may require a USB drive or SD card. Certain manufacturers also provide dealer assistance for this task. For example, Uconnect systems can connect to Wi-Fi through the vehicle’s settings menu. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to updating infotainment firmware. It’s advisable to start at your car manufacturer’s website and follow the specific instructions for your system. If prompted for your VIN or model details, be sure to provide them. If the update process appears unclear or if the manufacturer specifies that it must be conducted by a dealer, opting for dealer assistance is the safest route rather than sourcing an update file from an unverified source.
A firmware update won’t fix every Android Auto problem
It’s important to note that a firmware update is not a panacea for all Android Auto issues. If you find that Android Auto has ceased functioning correctly following a recent phone or Android Auto update, it’s prudent to consult Google’s Android Auto Known Issues page before making any alterations to the car’s software. Google has recently addressed connection problems impacting devices like the Pixel 10 and Samsung S26, while still investigating issues with the S25 model. This context can guide your decision on whether to focus on the phone or the vehicle first.
When troubleshooting, ensure that the car is compatible with Android Auto, confirm that the feature is enabled in the infotainment system, and test the USB connection. For wired connections, Google recommends using a high-quality cable that is less than three feet long. While updating the car’s software can be a valuable troubleshooting step, it should not be viewed as a guaranteed solution. If Android Auto was functioning correctly in the past, and standard phone-side troubleshooting has failed, checking for newer infotainment software is a logical next step before considering a service appointment.
However, it’s essential to recognize the limitations of firmware updates. They cannot retroactively enable Android Auto on hardware that was never designed to support it. For instance, Uconnect systems clarify that their platforms cannot simply be upgraded to include Android Auto or CarPlay, although Uconnect 5 and select Uconnect 4 and 4C systems do support both features.