Android Auto is the most convenient way to bring your phone's essentials into the car, and although it's not a blank canvas, It allows for several tweaks that make all the difference. For comfort and safety behind the wheel. In this guide, I'll show you, in detail, how to customize your screen to your liking: organize and hide apps, change the screen layout, adjust the background and theme, create shortcuts, and activate options that save you taps and distractions.
Most changes are made from the smartphone, but there are others that you will only see on the car's screen. I'll tell you what each setting does, where it is, and when to use it.with practical tips, shortcuts you may not know, and quick solutions when something doesn't appear or doesn't work as expected.
How to access Android Auto settings (mobile and car)
To begin customizing, the first step is to configure the settings correctly. On Android, go to your phone's Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Android Auto. That access takes you to the general settings from the phone.which is where you'll spend most of your setup time.
Another very useful route is to go to Settings > Apps > See all > Android Auto and tap on "Additional app settings". This alternative access usually displays the same options, but is sometimes easier to find. depending on your phone's interface or if you use the system search bar.
In the car, with Android Auto already started, you will find its own Settings menu. There you'll find some appearance changes that aren't on the mobile phone., such as the wallpaper or the day/night theme on certain models.
If you don't see a setting like "Customize app menu", try two basics: update Android Auto from Google Play and disconnect and reconnect the USB cable (or turn Bluetooth off and on if you're using a wireless connection). In recent versions, Google also limits non-essential functions when the car is in motion.So, certain apps or taps may appear dimmed for security reasons.
Organize and clean up your app menu
The Android Auto launcher can become cluttered with dozens of compatible apps, forcing you to scroll through more than necessary. From your phone, go to Display > Customize app menu. Here you can choose between alphabetical or custom order and, above all, hide what you don't use..
When you choose "Custom Order" you will see the list of apps with a drag icon on the left and a box on the right. Drag to move up what you use most and down what's secondaryUncheck the box for any app you don't want to appear in the car.
- Fast and efficient: just select your essentials (browsing, music/podcasts, compatible messaging and little else).
- Avoid scrolling: put the ones you always use at the top.
- Check after installing new apps: many are added automatically.
In addition to organization, Android Auto lets you create buttons that aren't included by default. Go back to Customize app menu > Add shortcut to app menu. There you can create shortcuts to call a specific contact or launch a Google Assistant Action with a touch or by voice.
Assistant shortcuts are gold: set up phrases like "Navigate home", "Remind me to stop at the gas station" or "Play my Spotify playlist". Each shortcut is saved with a name and an app icon in the menu, which reduces touches and distractions while driving.
Changing the screen design: what do you put near the driver
Android Auto lets you decide the visual priority on the main screen with the Change layout option (available on mobile and in car). The key is choosing whether you want the multimedia or navigation closer to the driverThat is, on the largest and most accessible panel.
If you tend to skip songs or adjust playback controls, prioritize audio. If you prefer route navigation, map zoom, or switching destinations, prioritize navigation. The prioritized element gains a dedicated window, while the secondary element moves to an auxiliary area. with fewer controls in sight.
This small change greatly reduces micro-touches while driving. Think about what you touch most often when you drive and adjust it accordingly; you can always change it later if your habits change.
Wallpaper and theme: light/dark mode and visual touches
The wallpaper is changed from the Android Auto settings on the car screen: Settings > Display > Wallpaper (the path may vary slightly). Select one of the available backgrounds to gain contrast and readability.This is key if your panel doesn't have the best brightness.
Some cars allow you to manually switch between day and night modes or leave it on automatic. You can also force it through your phone's developer options (I'll explain how to activate them below). If you're in dark mode all the time, setting it to "Night" is a relief for your eyes. on long journeys.
In some implementations, you'll see the option to "use the same background as the mobile device" or inherited appearances. While this might sound appealing, prioritize visibility over aesthetics. A more neutral background improves the contrast of maps and buttons.especially with the sun in your face.
Automatic startup, music on connection, and mobile screen
On your mobile device, go to Home within the Android Auto settings. Enable "Start Android Auto automatically" and, if desired, "Start with phone locked." This way you forget about extra touches: you connect the cable or get in the car and you're done..
In that same section is Start music automaticallyIf you enable it, when you start Android Auto, playback will begin in your default audio app. Useful for routine commutes where you always continue listening to your podcast or playlist..
In classic versions of the app, you'll see the Screen On option to decide whether the phone stays active when using Android Auto (always, while charging, or depending on the system). If you don't need to look at your phone, leave it on device settings to save battery..
- Automatic start: fewer steps when getting into the car.
- Automatic music: Start your audio without touching anything.
- Mobile phone screen: adjust according to how you use the car mount.
Messages and calls: less noise, more focus
In Messages within settings, you can disable group notifications, hide message content, or Cut off all notifications If you prefer. The goal is to keep your eyes on the road and avoid temptationsIf you want, let the Assistant read the messages and decide whether to reply by voice.
For calls, Android Auto activates hands-free instantly. With one touch you'll answer from the car's screen without picking up your mobile phone.Additionally, the last call remains accessible on the main screen for quick redial if it was dropped or if you want to return it without searching for the contact.
A classic trick that helps: mark the people you call most often as favorites in your Contacts app. Those favorites appear first when you open the Android Auto dialersaving unnecessary searches and travel.
Navigation, music, and other apps: launch them from Android Auto
On the home screen, you'll see shortcut icons for navigation and audio. Tap the navigation icon to open Google Maps or another compatible app like Waze; tap the headphone icon to access your music or podcasts. Everything is adapted to the car's interface.with large, clear controls.
Waze has a very tempting extra feature: its list of nearby gas stations with prices. Go to the side menu > Gas Stations and choose where to fill up. It's perfect for making real-time decisions without deviating from the route too much..
If you use the Assistant, define your preferred music service for voice commands (for example, Spotify or YouTube Music). Voice commands like "play my playlist X" work much better when there's a default service. established on Google.
If you like to anticipate the weather, the Weather & Radar app is compatible with Android Auto and offers practical visual data. Seeing the type of precipitation and temperature along the route helps with better planningespecially on long journeys or those with mountain passes.
And don't forget to link addresses in Google Calendar. When you add the location to your appointments, Android Auto can directly open navigation to the event. It's a simple way to transform calendar reminders into ready-to-go routes..
Custom shortcuts and “buttons”
In addition to organizing apps, create your own buttons: go to Customize app menu > Add shortcut to app menu. With "Call a contact" you generate an icon that marks that person with a tapIdeal for families or emergencies.
The other gem is "Assistant Action": define a phrase and a name for the button and you'll have the shortcut ready. It can be used to automate simple routines: navigation home, sending a predefined message, or starting a playlist. without navigating through menus.
Taskbar widgets and other visual settings
In Display you can activate Taskbar Widgets. These mini-controls let you pause/resume or skip tracks without opening the appand see contextual information at a glance while keeping the map as the main focus.
If your car offers manual day/night theme switching in addition to automatic, adjust it according to your surroundings. In tunnels, at sunset, or in heavy rain, dark mode reduces glare.And the clear mode can provide extra visibility in full sunlight.
Manage connected cars and permissions
Within Connected Cars, you'll see a list of vehicles associated with Android Auto. From there, you can unlink those you no longer use, activate or deactivate the history, and view rejected cars if there was a pairing error. Keeping that list clean prevents conflicts and phantom pairings..
In Android Auto 12.2 and later, Google improves the detection of non-essential apps when the car is in motion, and can limit their use for safety. It's not a flaw: it's part of the design to reduce distractions.If you need an entertainment app, use it when the vehicle is stopped.
Developer mode: how to activate it and what it offers you
If you want to go a step further, enable developer options. Go to Android Auto settings, tap repeatedly (about 10 times) on "Version" at the bottom of the menu, and confirm. Next, open the three-dot menu to view the developer options..
Inside you have the Day/Night option to force the theme you prefer (Day, Night or Automatic). Those who love dark mode appreciate being able to set it to Night and forget about it.Use it wisely: not all cars react the same way to manual shifts.
Troubleshooting and performance: cable, updates, and tricks
If something doesn't appear or isn't saved, start with the basics: update Android Auto and Google Play Services, restart your phone and car system, and try a quality USB cable if you're connecting via cable. A poor-quality cable is one of the usual culprits behind outages and errors.For audio problems, please consult sound problems.
In customization, if the app order is not reflected, disconnect and reconnect; in wireless, turn Bluetooth and WiFi off and on. Synchronization is usually resolved after reconnectingTake this opportunity to check that the box for each app is checked if you want it to appear.
On older phones or phones with limited storage, free up storage space, disable apps you don't use, and avoid having too many services running in the background. The lighter the system, the faster Android Auto runs.Activating automatic start also reduces waiting times when entering the car.
Remember that games and certain entertainment apps are only available when the car is stopped. The platform prioritizes security and limits features that could be distracting. on the move, no matter how much you think "it's just two taps".
Extra tips and alternatives if you're looking for a different approach
If after organizing, hiding, and creating shortcuts you still feel like you're missing shortcuts, periodically check the "Android Auto Apps" menu in Google Play. Google groups compatible apps for navigation, audio, messaging, and services there. that can improve your daily life on the road.
And if your car or your phone doesn't work well with Android Auto, or you want a different look, there are specific launchers to use on your phone as an alternative "dashboard". It doesn't replace Android Auto on the car's screen, but it can be useful as a backup plan. if you don't have native compatibility.
Finally, order matters: put navigation, music, and calls at the top, and leave secondary items for last. Every touch you save is attention you regain for the roadAnd with these adjustments you can reduce many of those distracting micro-gestures.
With all these options, Android Auto doesn't become an absolute chameleon, but it does become a much more convenient and safe tool. Organize and hide what's unnecessary, zoom in on what you use most, adjust the background/theme, and create your own buttons It's what truly transforms the experience, and it will take you less than five minutes to get it ready for your next trip.
