Everything you need to know about Android Auto
We bring you a compilation of
15 tips and functions to get the most out of Android Auto , the Google application that turns your mobile screen into an interface suitable for driving. It is an application that is preinstalled in some cars , but above all one that you can install on any Android mobile so that it only shows essential elements such as calls, navigation or music playback. This is what we are going to deal with.
This time we are going to show you
both the most essential functions so you can learn how to use it, as well as other tricks that are a little more advanced. It is not that it is a service that is too complicated or with many tricks and surprises, but with this article you will learn all its functions and subtleties so that you know how to get the most out of it.
Make it start automatically in your car
Android Auto is an application suitable for working in the car, but if every time you want to use it you have to search for it and open it, it can be a bit cumbersome to use. Fortunately, there is automation with which you can make
the app open automatically when you get in your car and connect to its Bluetooth.
- In the app, open the side menu
- Tap Settings
- Now tap on Car Settings
- On the screen you enter, tap Turn on automatically .
- You can activate two different options, activate it when the device connects to the car via Bluetooth or when it detects that you are driving with motion and Bluetooth.
And what happens when the device is connected to the car? Well, opening Android Auto will usually also enable
Do Not Disturb mode . But
there is also an option that uses the Google Assistant to tell you what notifications you receive and stay connected to the inner world.
- In the app, open the side menu.
- Tap Settings .
- Now tap on Car Settings .
- Click Behavior .
- Choose between Open Android Auto to use the car or enable Do Not Disturb mode .
Organize your apps
Android Auto also lets you select which apps you want to display in the car's display menu, and you'll also be able
to arrange them in the order you want to make sure you always have the ones you need or want. suits you best.
- In the app, open the side menu.
- Tap Settings .
- Now tap on Customize app menu .
- Choose between alphabetical or custom order.
- Below you can order which applications you want to appear and their order
Don't let messages distract you
And if you want to go further to avoid inconvenience, you can also prevent
notifications from appearing directly with messages . Android displays them by default, but you can make the content of the message not visible so that you do not start reading it or directly so that you do not receive the notification.
- In the app, open the side menu
- Tap Settings
- Now, turn off the Show received messages option in the Notifications section .
- If you want, you can also disable different types of notifications.
Show notifications, but no sound
In the same
Notifications section where you can turn off different types of notifications, there is one last option worth stopping at. This is the
Soundless Notifications , which means that although notifications are seen,
they do not play sounds to avoid distractions . Of course, you will then have to decide whether you want to see them or not.
Easily answer any call
Android Auto
will automatically activate the hands-free of the mobile when it calls you , so that by simply pressing the button to answer the call you can start talking without having to pick up the mobile and bring it closer to you. A useful function for contexts where you are driving.
Additionally, the last call you received or made remains on the main screen,
and just clicking on it will call back that number. Perfect for when a call comes through and you don't want to have to search for the number again.
Organize your contacts in advance
When you press the Android Auto call button, your recent calls and favorite contacts are displayed. If you want to call other numbers, you will need to press the key on the phone keypad and enter them. Therefore, it
is a good idea to update these contacts beforehand so that you always have them on hand when you need to make a call.
To do this, you just need to go to the Android contacts app and
click on the star icon that will appear in it. They will be selected as favorites, appearing preferably when you make calls with your mobile both in normal mode and with Android Auto.
Open Spotify from Android Auto
The adapted Android Auto interface is useless if you then have to go find your reference application to listen to music while driving. Luckily, this is something you can do from within the app itself,
allowing you to launch music apps you have installed from your home screen.
- On the main screen, press the headset button
- A list of music or podcast apps you have installed will appear
- Click on the one you want to open
- If, for example, you click on Spotify, it will open and then when you exit it, it will stay in the background with Android Auto controls.
Launch Google Maps from Android Auto
If you want to start a trip in Google Maps or another map app, you don't need to exit Android Auto and open it.
If they are compatible, you can run them from Android Auto , and it will be as easy as pressing a button.
- On the main screen, tap the button with the direction of travel icon with an arrow
- A menu will appear where you can open Google Maps or another compatible application
- When you open it, start configuring the tour you want
Check the price of the nearest gas stations
One of the compatible applications that you can use in addition to Google Maps is Waze, and which allows you to use functions such as seeing
the list of nearby gas stations and their prices , so you know where you can do refueling in real time and what is the cost of gasoline or diesel in each.
- On the main screen, tap the button with the direction of travel icon with an arrow
- A menu will appear where you can open Waze
- Once in Waze, click on its side menu and enter the Gas Stations section
- Now you just need to browse the list of gas stations by clicking on the one you want to know about
Google Assistant is omnipresent
You can also use Google Assistant whenever you want in Android Auto.
You can do this by pressing the microphone button to activate it, and if you go to settings you can check the settings for the
"Ok Google" detection option to adapt the assistant to your needs. With it you can add appointments to the calendar, ask it to prepare an itinerary or whatever you want.
