10 Ways to Make Android Auto Better Today

10 Ways to Make Android Auto Better (Right Now)

Android Auto is solid, but with a few tweaks, it gets faster, cleaner, and less distracting. Here are 10 tips to make it better, with step-by-step instructions.

1) Customize your app launcher

Keep only the apps you use. Put favorites first.

How to do it

1. On your phone, open Settings.
2. Search for Android Auto Settings.
3. Tap Customize launcher.
4. Reorder apps by dragging the handle.
5. Uncheck apps you never use.
6. Optional: toggle Show on phone screen to match the order on your phone.

2) Mute or hide message notifications

Cut distractions from constant message popups.

How to do it

1. On your phone, open Settings → search Android Auto Settings.
2. Tap Notifications.
3. Turn off Show message notifications.
4. Optional: disable Show group conversations or Show first line of conversations.
5. To silence only one app: go to Settings → Apps → [Messaging app] → Notifications and adjust there.

3) Start Android Auto while the phone is locked

Skip the unlock step every time you drive.

How to do it

1. Open Settings on your phone.
2. Search for Android Auto Settings.
3. Enable Start Android Auto while locked.

4) Use split screen with Coolwalk

See maps and music side by side.

How to do it

1. Connect your phone to the car and open Android Auto.
2. Launch Maps or Waze in the main panel.
3. Start a media app (Spotify, YouTube Music, etc.).
4. Use the dock to switch which app is primary. Some cars let you resize panels.

5) Use voice commands more often

Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road.

How to do it

1. Say “Hey Google” or press the mic button on your steering wheel/AA screen.
2. Try:
   • “Navigate to Starbucks”
   • “Send a message to Alex”
   • “Play my driving playlist on Spotify”
   • “What’s the weather?”

6) Change wallpaper and force dark mode

Make Android Auto easier on the eyes.

How to do it

1. On your phone, open Settings → search Android Auto Settings.
2. Tap Wallpaper and pick one.
3. Tap Day/Night mode and choose Night for always-on dark, or Automatic for time-based.

7) Build Google Assistant routines

Automate multiple tasks with one phrase.

How to do it

1. On your phone, open Google app → profile → Settings → Google Assistant → Routines.
2. Tap New routine.
3. Add a trigger like Start commute.
4. Add actions:
   • Navigate to work
   • Read messages
   • Play a podcast
5. Save. Say “Hey Google, Start commute” to use it.

8) Unlock Developer settings

Extra options for power users.

How to do it

1. On your phone, open Settings → search Android Auto Settings.
2. Scroll to Version and tap it repeatedly until you see Developer mode enabled.
3. Tap the ⋮ menu → Developer settings.
4. Explore advanced toggles like forced day/night mode.

9) Save your parking spot

No more wandering a lot trying to remember.

How to do it

1. After parking, open Google Maps on your phone.
2. Tap the blue dot.
3. Tap Save parking.
4. Add notes or a timer.

Or say: “Hey Google, remember where I parked.”

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