Android Auto has recently expanded its capabilities with the introduction of a new app that allows users to read PDF documents, such as user manuals, directly in their vehicles. While this addition caters to the needs of many, there’s a lesser-known avenue that can significantly enhance the Android Auto experience: sideloading apps. This process enables users to install applications that are not officially available on the platform, such as CarStream, which allows for YouTube video playback in the car.
To embark on this journey of unlocking additional functionalities, the first step involves enabling Developer Mode on your Android device, if it hasn’t been activated yet. This mode is primarily designed for developers and software engineers, granting access to hidden features that can enhance coding and app development. However, in this context, it serves as a gateway to accessing Android Auto’s secret menu. The process may seem intricate, but the rewards can be worthwhile for those eager to elevate their in-car experience.
How to sideload apps in Android Auto step-by-step
To initiate the sideloading process, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings on your Android device.
- Navigate to About and tap the Build number seven times. You will receive a warning after the fourth tap, but continue until you see a notification confirming that Developer Mode is enabled.
- Next, access Developer Mode in Android Auto. Go to Settings, then Apps, and select Android Auto.
- Scroll down and tap on either Additional Settings or Configure (on Samsung devices). Tap on Version ten times until a confirmation window appears, asking if you want to enable Developer Mode. Select OK.
- Within the Android Auto window, tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner, select Developer Settings, and enable the Unknown Sources option to allow third-party app installations.
- Finally, download the Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) from the developer’s GitHub page. You may need to enable unknown sources for your Android device as well, similar to the previous steps.
AAAD is an unofficial app storefront for added functionality
AAAD is a free application with optional in-app purchases, allowing users to download one app every 30 days. For those who wish to download multiple apps simultaneously, a PRO version is available for a one-time fee of €3.5 (approximately USD). Once you have AAAD installed, a world of third-party and unofficial applications opens up, enhancing the Android Auto experience. Users can access apps like CarStream, web browsers, screen casters for mirroring their phone’s display, vehicle performance monitors, and advanced media players.
Those who have navigated this setup often find joy in personalizing their Android Auto experience, unlocking functionalities that Google typically restricts. However, it’s essential to note that this process is geared towards advanced users. Individuals who are not comfortable with potential complications—such as malfunctioning apps or the risk of future Android updates disrupting access—may want to reconsider. Even with the AAAD PRO version, there remains a possibility of encountering issues. Alternatively, repurposing an old Android tablet or device as an Android Auto head unit could provide a more stable solution, circumventing the need for updates altogether.
