Observe ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Customers make a number of frequent errors with Android Auto.
- These errors can set off technical points or trigger you to overlook options.
- Some errors concern cellphone settings, others contain cables.
Android Auto could make your drive much less boring, extra environment friendly, and even saferhowever provided that you are utilizing it the precise approach. After spending a number of months getting very acquainted with Android Auto and discovering quite a few new methods to make use of it, I’ve began noticing different drivers make the identical errors I used to make.
Additionally: 4 Android Auto developer settings that make driving so much easier – how to enable them
Likelihood is, you make not less than certainly one of these errors with out realizing it. Not solely may you be lacking out on the software program’s full functionality, however you may also be inflicting points that make Android Auto unusable.
Find out how to deal with these 5 frequent errors
This is a take a look at a few of the most typical errors I see different drivers make with Android Auto, and what you are able to do to repair them.
Mistake 1: Utilizing an inexpensive cable
Connecting your cellphone to Android Auto with a cable out of your junk drawer or from the gasoline station is the reason for many issues. Some cables solely assist information switch at very gradual speeds, or by no means, and even a broken or previous cable may cause points. Android Auto makes use of a number of information, and in the event you’re utilizing a cable that is designed for charging solely, it’d trigger connection issues, lagging, or random dropouts.
Additionally: I switched to MyRadar as my main Android Auto weather app and don’t regret it
Ensure you’re utilizing Android Auto with a knowledge switch cable from a good model — Anker is a good bet — and that you simply’re not utilizing an unnecessarily lengthy cable. An extended cable makes the connection vulnerable to degradation.
Mistake 2: All the time connecting wirelessly
Wi-fi is unquestionably handy, however it’s not all the time one of the simplest ways to make use of Android Auto. I’ve examined each methods myself, and the wired model is noticeably quicker and extra responsive. A wi-fi connection additionally taxes your cellphone extra — it makes use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth always, which drains your battery.
Additionally: Overheating from Android Auto? 8 easy fixes that effectively cooled off my phone
For those who’re simply connecting for music in your each day drive, you are in all probability good with wi-fi, however in the event you’re working a number of apps and navigating, or settling in for a street journey, you will need to use a wire.
Mistake 3: Turning on battery optimizer/saver
There are many instances you need to make certain an app is not sucking up an excessive amount of battery, however this is not certainly one of them. In case you have battery optimizer on, which throttles apps which can be hogging an excessive amount of battery, or battery saver, which enacts restrictions throughout the board, your Android Auto will doubtless endure. To verify, head to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Battery and select “Unrestricted.”
Mistake 4: Not benefiting from offline maps
This can be a mistake that may catch you off guard whenever you may want Android Auto most. You may have the choice to download a map for offline use in Google Maps, and in the event you’re road-tripping otherwise you recurrently drive in an space with out cell service, you may lose navigation. It’s possible you’ll by no means want offline maps, however the one time you do, you will be glad you could have them.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Gemini voice controls
For those who’re below the idea that voice controls in Android Auto are too irritating to make use of as a result of they by no means work (I used to be that approach), you are lacking out, as a result of issues have gotten loads higher with Gemini. In two different trials with Gemini in Android AutoI’ve realized that voice controls have progressed far past “Play a tune” or “Learn my texts.” I consider that Gemini integration is among the greatest enhancements to Android Auto in a very long time.
Additionally: These 4 Android Auto settings made my daily commute less distracting – where to find them
Android Auto is at its finest when it “simply works,” however small issues can get in the best way of a fantastic expertise. The excellent news is, most of these issues are simple fixes as soon as what to search for.
