If you already have the Coolwalk Android Auto interface in your car If you've just had it activated and you're not quite sure what it offers, you're in the right place. This redesign isn't just a cosmetic change: it changes how you use maps, music, and messages on the dashboard screen, with more multitasking, smart cards, and much more comfortable handling while driving.
Throughout this guide you will see How Coolwalk works from top to bottom, how to activate it, how to customize it, and what advanced tricks you can use.From organizing the app menu or changing the wallpaper to developer settings, using root tools, watching digital TV or YouTube, and turning a tablet into an Android Auto screen. All explained in clear and straightforward Spanish (from Spain).
What is the Coolwalk interface for Android Auto and what does it actually change?
Coolwalk is the name Google has given to A major facelift for Android Auto, focused on a mosaic-style design with multi-window supportInstead of seeing a single application occupying the entire screen, the console is divided into cards where navigation, music, and communications are combined simultaneously.
The main objective is Make better use of the space on any screen, whether on small panels or huge panoramic displays.The interface divides the console into a larger main window and one or two secondary panels, adjusting to the orientation of the dashboard (horizontal or vertical) and always keeping navigation as the main focus.
With this approach, Google Maps or Waze always stay in the most visible areaMeanwhile, media controls, calls, and messages appear on smaller cards. This reduces constant app switching and lets you see your route, the song playing, and incoming notifications at a glance.
In addition to the mosaic, Coolwalk incorporates a taskbar with shortcuts to your recent appsA smarter multimedia card that expands or contracts depending on the context, more refined suggestions from the Google Assistant, and a cleaner aesthetic, partly inspired by the CarPlay panel but with the Material You touch of the latest Android versions.
How mosaic works: multi-window and full screen
The heart of Coolwalk is its split-screen card systemWhen you only have one app active (for example, Google Maps in navigation), you will see it full screen on the infotainment system, just like in the classic Android Auto design.
As soon as you open another compatible application, Android Auto can be rearranged in tile mode with two or even three zonesNormally the map is on the left or at the top (depending on the screen orientation) and secondary apps for music, phone or messaging are placed on the right or at the bottom.
If you want to activate that multi-window view manually, you have to press the mosaic-shaped icon that appears in the lower left corner of the interface. When you do this, the screen changes to a card layout: the large map and, next to it, the multimedia card and the communications area.
Once you're on the tile, the button in the bottom left corner changes and starts to show the nine-dot icon that opens the full applications menuFrom there you can launch other apps without leaving multi-window mode, keeping navigation in the foreground.
If at any point you want an app to occupy the entire screen again, simply taps on that app's card within the tileThat card will automatically expand to full screen, sending the others to the background.
One thing that should be clear is that Coolwalk does not allow manual modification of card size or tile layoutThe structure is fixed for safety: navigation stays in the largest area and is closest to the driver, entertainment apps move to the secondary zone, and incoming messages are displayed in the upper right corner when they arrive.
In real-world use, many drivers prefer keep mosaic mode active almost always Because this way they see more information at once (route, playback, messaging alerts), and only switch to full screen when they approach confusing intersections, complicated merges, or unclear highway exits where it's important to see the map nice and big.
Taskbar and new applications menu
Along with the mosaic appears the New taskbar with shortcuts to recently used appsIn most cars you'll see it at the bottom, although in some vertical panels it's placed on the side.
This bar displays Icons of the apps you've recently opened in Android Autoso you can jump from Maps to Spotify, to the calls app or to messages quickly, without going through the entire grid each time.
Inside that same bar is the classic app drawer button with the nine-dot icon, which takes you to the complete list of compatible applications you have installed on your mobile: navigation apps, music players, podcasts, audiobooks, messaging, online radio, etc.
Another important change is that The Google Assistant icon is now integrated at the bottomInstead of being up there as before. From there, and also from the steering wheel controls, you can summon the assistant to dictate messages, change routes, or control playback without taking your hands off the wheel.
Status information (time, mobile coverage, battery) is also concentrated in the lower area, so that Everything you need to control is aligned at the bottom or on one sideThis is designed to minimize eye movements so you don't have to search for items all over the screen while driving.
How to put any app in full screen (as far as possible)
Officially, Only some navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze can actually use the entire screen without the system insisting on inserting them into the Coolwalk grille. The rest are integrated into cards.
If you want almost any app to look bigger, there's a somewhat advanced trick: Tap the Android Auto video resolution from developer mode This prevents the system from applying tile splitting. It's not an option specifically designed for this purpose, but in practice, it can make Android Auto display apps occupying more space, although some elements may appear slightly distorted.
To use this method, open the following on your mobile device: Open the Android Auto app and scroll to the bottom of the settings.Tap repeatedly on the version number until a message appears indicating that you have activated developer mode.
Then click on the Tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner and go to “Developer settings”Within that menu you will see many advanced options; the one we are interested in is the one that refers to "Video Resolution".
In that section you can lower the output resolution step by step Until you find the point where the system stops using the tile layout and starts displaying the apps, practically filling the entire screen. There's no universal value; it depends on the car, so you'll have to experiment: change one level, connect to the car, see how it looks, and repeat if necessary.
If you don't get the result you're looking for or want to go a step further, there are third-party tools like AA AIO Tweaker that allows you to force different display modesincluding full screen for more apps. However, they almost always require root access, can cause instability, and are not recommended for anyone unfamiliar with tinkering with the system.
Change the wallpaper and basic appearance of Coolwalk
While Android Auto isn't exactly a customization extravaganza, it does allow tweak a few details to better suit your preferences and, above all, with whatever is most comfortable for you while driving.
One of the most visible options is the wallpaper. From the car's console you can go to Settings > General > Select wallpaper and choose from several images integrated by Google, with lighter styles, discreet textures, or dark patterns.
Many people prefer a Completely black or very dark background because it is less distractingIt generates more contrast and helps to read texts better, both during the day with reflections and at night with low light.
Additionally, you can adjust the behavior of the Day/night mode on Google Maps or WazeBy default, they automatically switch to dark mode when it's nighttime or you enter tunnels, but if you're interested, in the car's screen settings there's an option like "Night/Day Mode for maps" to force the light or dark theme to always be on.
Customize the app menu: organization, cleanup, and shortcuts
The Coolwalk experience is greatly improved if Your app drawer is clean and tidyThe car screen is not a mobile phone: the less you have to search, the less distracted you are.
Please note that the Android Auto unit It simply shows the compatible apps you have installed on your phone.If something doesn't appear on the console, it's because it's not on your phone or it's not compatible with Android Auto.
To decide which apps are shown and in what position, open the Android Auto app on your phone and look for the option “Customize application menu”You'll see a list of all compatible apps with a checkbox on the right to show or hide them in the car.
If you want a clean environment, the ideal thing to do is apply a philosophy of minimalism and only leaving visible the apps you actually useNavigation, music or podcasts, phone, voice messaging, and little else. The rest are best hidden.
From that same menu you can change the order of the app drawerTap on “Order app menu” and choose whether you want them displayed in alphabetical or custom order. With custom order, you can place your most frequently used apps at the top, keeping them readily available without having to scroll through the entire list.
In addition, Android Auto allows you to add special shortcuts within the apps menuFor example, shortcuts to Assistant commands or calls to specific contacts. In “Customize app menu” you’ll see the option “Add shortcut to app menu”.
If you choose “Assistant Action”, you can Write a typical command that you often repeat. (such as requesting a specific music playlist or a home automation routine) and assign it a name. Then, a unique icon will appear on the console that will launch that command with a single tap.
You can also choose “Call a contact” to create a direct button to the person you call most oftenPartner, work, family… This way you avoid searching through contacts while driving.
How to activate the Coolwalk interface: deployment, beta, and advanced methods
The activation of Coolwalk hasn't exactly been immediate. Google decided gradually roll out the new interface from their serversEven if your app was already updated, that's why some users received it before others.
Today, most people have a compatible car and the app is up to date. They receive Coolwalk without having to do anything unusualBut it's still useful to understand the different paths that have been used to activate it, especially if you still don't see it on your console.
Activate Coolwalk using the Android Auto beta program
For much of the deployment, the most effective way to bring forward its arrival has been Join the official Android Auto beta programGoogle offers trial versions from Google Play to a limited group of testers.
The usual process consists of Go to the Android Auto beta program page and click on “Become a tester” When there are free spots. That's the problem: the quota often fills up and the button doesn't always appear, so you might have to wait.
Once accepted, You just need to update Android Auto from Google Play like any other appThe store detects that you are part of the program and installs the beta version instead of the stable one.
After it is recommended Restart your phone and connect it to the carIf Google's servers have decided it's your turn, you'll see the new interface as soon as you start Android Auto.
Sometimes, even in beta, the change isn't applied immediately because The final switch remains controlled from the server side.In that case, you'll have to be patient, check for new betas, and try again in a few days.
Install the beta version from repositories like APK Mirror.
For more advanced users, there is the option to Manually download the latest Android Auto beta from repositories like APK MirrorThey usually publish new compilations even before they appear in all countries on Google Play.
The procedure is simple: You go to the Android Auto page on APK Mirror, download a recent version (for example 8.7 beta) and install it on your mobile phone that you use to connect to the car, enabling installation from unknown sources if your system prompts you to do so.
Once that APK is installed, it's advisable Restart your phone to remove any remnants of old processes. and then use Android Auto normally. Hopefully, having the latest version, combined with the gradual rollout, will make Coolwalk appear sooner.
Even so, it is essential to understand that Installing the beta via APK does not guarantee activation of the interface.Just like with the testing program, what you're doing is increasing the odds, but the final decision still rests with Google.
Force activation by clearing Android Auto data
There is another relatively simple method that has worked for quite a few users: Clear the Android Auto app data in your phone's settings. to force a kind of "first configuration" from scratch.
To do this you must go to the In your phone's settings, go to Applications, find Android Auto, and open the Storage section.There you'll see options like "Clear storage" or "Clear data". Tapping them will reset the app's settings.
After doing this, Restart the device and reconnect it to the carAndroid Auto will behave as if it were the first time you plugged it in, and in some cases that reset has triggered Coolwalk's activation from the servers.
There's no guarantee of success, but it's a trick that It doesn't require root access or installing anything external; you'll just lose your previous settings.so it might be worth a try.
Activate Coolwalk and hidden features with root and AA AIO Tweaker
Before Google gave the general starting signal, many enthusiasts turned to Third-party mods like AA AIO Tweaker to manually activate CoolwalkThis method is still useful for unlocking options that are still hidden, but it requires advanced knowledge.
AA AIO Tweaker is an application designed for Modify internal parameters of Android Auto, including the interface designTo function, the mobile device needs to be rooted, as it requires access to the app's database and internal files.
The basic steps are: Download the AA AIO Tweaker APK from its repository, install it, grant root permissions, and locate the "Activate Coolwalk layout" option.After pressing it, the phone restarts and, when connected to the car, the new interface should appear in the Android Auto settings.
It is crucial to emphasize that these types of tools, however powerful they may be, They are not recommended for users without technical experience.They can cause errors, incompatibilities, instability, and even make Android Auto stop working properly if sensitive settings are touched.
Key tricks with Google Maps within Android Auto Coolwalk
Avoid writing on the car's screen
A fairly common mistake is trying Enter addresses into Google Maps using the console keyboardIt is usually slow, uncomfortable and, worst of all, forces you to take your eyes off the road for too long.
The most sensible way to organize is Enter the destination directly into the mobile device before startingOpen Google Maps, enter the address or choose a saved location, and the route is ready. For more map resources, see [link to map resources]. Best tricks to get the most out of Google Maps to optimize searches and routes.
When you connect your phone to the car and start Android Auto, You just have to tap on “Start” on the screen to start navigating, without struggling with minimal keyboards or menus in the car.
If you need to change your destination during the journey, it is advisable to Stop in a safe place, take out your mobile phone and modify the route from thereAttempting to perform on-the-fly searches from the console is a risk that is not worth it.
Swipe to see upcoming maneuvers
On highways with many consecutive exits, large roundabouts, or during peak traffic times, Maps' immediate directions sometimes fall short. Luckily, there's a very practical solution: slide over the box for the next maneuver that appears above on the screen.
When you swipe, Maps It anticipates and displays the following route maneuvers: turns, lane changes, exits, mergingThere's no need to zoom manually or move around the map, just move your finger over the instruction card.
This trick works both in Android Auto, just like in the Google Maps mobile app itselfSo you can use it before a trip to review the itinerary more calmly.
Combine Google Maps with other apps thanks to the mosaic feature.
One of Coolwalk's strengths is its ability to Combine Maps with other applications simultaneouslyA very useful example is to use Maps as your main navigation app on silent, and in the background, a speed camera app or even Waze announcing alerts.
The key is in properly configure the notifications for the secondary app (for example, only activate radar and hazard alerts in Waze) and keep it on a secondary tile card while Maps occupies the large area.
Although it's not in the foreground, The notifications from that second app will continue to sound and appear.So you get the best of both worlds: the clarity of Google Maps and the extra alerts from another app.
Activate the 3D view of buildings in large cities
In dense urban environments, with skyscrapers, tunnels, and multi-level intersections, the traditional flat view can be somewhat confusing. That's why Maps includes a 3D view that elevates major buildings and structureswhich helps to orient oneself better.
To use it, open Google Maps on your phone, tap the Click the layers icon (the three overlapping planes) and activate the 3D view option.From there, the buildings will appear taller.
When you connect your mobile phone to the car, That 3D configuration will also apply within Android Automaking intersections and city landmarks easier to identify.
Improve navigation in tunnels with Bluetooth beacons
Long tunnels are often a GPS nightmare: you lose signal, your position gets messed up, and turn commands arrive late. To minimize this, Google Maps offers the feature of “Bluetooth Tunnel Beacons”.
This option is not usually enabled by default, so you'll have to go to [the appropriate settings] on your mobile device. Go to Maps navigation settings and look for the Bluetooth beacons section.By activating it, you grant permission to use these references when you have compatible devices nearby.
With this function active, Maps improves accuracy inside tunnels and reduces positioning errors right upon exiting, which is appreciated when the correct exit appears as soon as you return to the surface.
Advanced options and developer mode in Android Auto
Access Android Auto settings even if you don't see the app
Depending on your phone's operating system, you may The Android Auto icon is not visible in the app drawer.That doesn't mean you can't access the settings menu.
A simple way is to open Open Google Play, search for “Android Auto” and tap the button to open settings From the app's own page. From there you can access all sections: personalization, connected cars, notifications, etc.
If you're going to tinker with it often, you can create a shortcut to these settings on the mobile home screen through the shortcuts that some layers or launchers allow.
How to activate developer mode
Just like on Android mobile devices, Android Auto has a Developer mode unlocks extra featuresMany of the advanced options we've discussed (video resolution, captures, technical settings) depend on it.
To activate it, go into the In Android Auto settings, scroll to the bottom and locate the "Version and permission information" section.Tap it once to display the information.
Then press repeatedly over that area until a pop-up message appears indicating that you have activated developer mode. From there, you will see the new "Developer settings" option in the three-dot menu.
Taking screenshots of Android Auto
If you want to show how yours turned out Coolwalk configuration, documenting a bug, or sharing something interesting about the interfaceYou can take screenshots directly from Android Auto without struggling with the car's physical buttons.
Once developer mode is activated, enter that section and tap on “Share screenshot now”Android Auto will generate the image and allow you to send it through the app of your choice.
It's a very practical method for Report errors to support, share settings with friends, or save settings reference. without having to take pictures of the screen with your mobile phone.
Reset Android Auto from scratch if there are problems
If Android Auto is behaving strangely, disconnects for no reason, or Coolwalk either hasn't appeared yet or it's malfunctioning.One of the most effective solutions is to completely reset the app.
On your phone you have to go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto and go to the Storage sectionThere you will see the option to delete data or storage.
This process Remove the settings and leave Android Auto as if it were newly installed.Therefore, you will have to reconfigure cars and preferences, but in return it usually resolves many bugs and internal conflicts.
Notifications, alerts and practical customization while driving
Control which notifications are displayed while running
Notifications are useful, but they can also be a huge distraction. That's why Android Auto offers several Options to filter what types of alerts you see and hear while driving.
From the mobile app you can adjust parameters such as “Show first line of conversations” (a message preview), “Show conversations”, “Show group conversations” and “Play conversation sound”.
By combining these options you can Leave only what is essential or silence virtually everything.Many people choose to hide group chats and keep only important individual notifications to avoid a flood of messages on their commutes.
Direct shortcuts to the Assistant and frequent contacts
If you frequently ask the Assistant to do the same things (play a playlist, start a home routine, read messages from a specific app), you'll likely get tired of repeating the voice command. That's where voice assistants come in. Assistant shortcuts in the apps menu.
From “Customize app menu” in the Android Auto app, you can tap on “Add shortcut to app menu” and choose “Assistant Action”You write the command exactly as you would say it out loud, give the button a name, and save it.
The next time you connect your phone to the car, you'll have a dedicated icon that executes that command with a single tapIdeal if you're traveling with other people and don't want to be talking to the car all the time.
Similarly, with the “Call a contact” option you can create individual buttons for the people you call most oftenIt's faster and safer than browsing contacts or using the search keyboard while driving.
Change video resolution and other technical settings
Within the developer settings you will find several options geared towards Adjust the technical behavior of Android Auto to your carespecially if the screen has an unusual resolution or format.
One of the most relevant is “Video Resolution”, which It allows you to recommend a specific output resolution to apps.Some respect it and others don't, but it can help improve the scaling on certain car models or avoid exaggerated black bars.
Playing with the resolution has also been used, as we mentioned before, to Try forcing wider screen views instead of tiled views.Although it is an unofficial use and requires trial and error to find the value that best suits your unit.
Additional features: DVB-T, YouTube, web browser and screen mirroring
Officially, Google is quite strict about what you can do in Android Auto, prioritizing safety. However, with third-party apps, you can... greatly expand the functions of the car's screenalways with the idea of using them with the vehicle stopped.
Watch digital terrestrial television (DTT) on Android Auto
If you're interested in watching digital terrestrial television on your console, one of the best-known solutions is IPcarTV, available through AA Store, a kind of alternative store for Android Auto apps.
The general process involves Install AA Store, grant the necessary permissions, and download IPcarTV from there.Once on your mobile, open the app and add a channel list in M3U format (for example, a TDTChannels list).
When you connect your phone to the car and open IPcarTV in Android Auto, You will be able to access those TV channels from the screenAgain, the sensible thing to do is to use it with the car parked, for everyone's safety.
Play YouTube videos on the console
For YouTube, one of the most widespread unofficial solutions is CarTube, also distributed through AA StoreIt allows you to watch videos from the platform on the car's interface.
The method is similar: from AA Store You download and install CarTube, grant it permissions, and when you connect your mobile phone, it appears as just another app. on Android Auto.
Although you can technically play videos while in motion, the most responsible thing to do is Reserve this function for when the car is completely stoppedFor example, while you are waiting for someone or are in a rest area.
Using a web browser in Android Auto
Android Auto doesn't come with a web browser as standard, but there are projects like WebViewAuto allows you to open pages from the car's screen.It is installed via APK, enabling installation from unknown sources when prompted by the system.
Once installed and with the permissions granted, WebViewAuto will appear as just another app on the Android Auto screen.It can be useful for quick inquiries, checking schedules, specific web maps, or hotel information while the vehicle is stopped.
Mirror your mobile screen with Screen2Auto
When an app isn't compatible with Android Auto and there's no alternative, there's always the option of directly mirror the phone screen on the consoleOne of the most used tools for this is Screen2Auto.
Screen2Auto is usually distributed through the AA Store and, after installing it on the mobile phone and grant him all the necessary permissionsYou can open it in the car and see on the panel exactly the same thing that your phone shows.
This method opens the door to almost any mobile app, but It is especially sensitive from a security point of viewTherefore, its responsible use involves limiting it to situations where the car is stationary.
Android Auto without a compatible car: Use a tablet as a screen
If your vehicle doesn't come with Android Auto from the factory, you can still install one. improvised “main unit” using an Android tabletThere is a specific app for this called Headunit Reloaded.
Headunit Reloaded is available on Google Play and is designed for turn a tablet into the car's screen, acting as if it were the vehicle's own system.The mobile phone acts as the "brain" of Android Auto and the tablet as the monitor.
It is recommended to try the Try the Headunit Reloaded trial version to make sure it's compatible with your tablet and phone.If everything works smoothly, you can consider paying for the full version and mounting the tablet on the dashboard as a multimedia center.
Other tricks and interesting details with Android Auto and Coolwalk
Beyond its major features, Android Auto hides small details that can save you from more than one tight spot or make your trip more entertaining.
For example, through the Assistant you can say something like “Where’s my phone?” to make it ring if it’s slipped between the seatsYou can also dictate WhatsApp messages as a reply to notifications or start a new conversation without touching the keyboard.
When you're parked and have to wait a while, you can open Gamesnacks, an app with simple puzzle or arcade-style minigames, without intrusive ads, to kill time without needing to take out your mobile phone.
There are applications like Gasolinera+ helps you find the cheapest gas stations nearby and many are compatible with Android Auto, integrating search and navigation directly from the car's screen.
If you prefer a cleaner interface or don't want your saved places to be displayed, you can Activate incognito mode in Google Maps from your mobile deviceThis setting is respected when you connect your phone to the car, hiding history and frequently visited sites.
And for those who want to go a step further, mods like AA AIO Tweaker allows you to activate features that Google has not yet released.You can modify internal variables or experiment with designs. However, always be aware that you might break things and that their use is at your own risk.
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With all these possibilities, the Coolwalk interface for Android Auto goes from being a simple pretty redesign to becoming a genuine control panel adapted to your driving styleFrom those who simply want maps and music to those who combine 3D views, speed camera alerts, digital terrestrial television, YouTube, screen mirroring, and custom shortcuts. By taking a little time to configure it properly, every journey can be more comfortable, safer, and, why not, much more enjoyable. Share this tutorial and help other users learn about the Coolwalk interface for Android Auto.