Android Auto has become an essential tool for many drivers, offering seamless navigation, music streaming, and hands-free communication. However, some users experience sluggish performance, which can be frustrating and even unsafe. Instead of upgrading your phone or head unit, there are several hidden settings and features you can enable to significantly improve your Android Auto experience.
In this article, we’ll explore three key settings that can make a world of difference. From customizing your launcher with shortcuts to accessing the hidden developer menu, these tweaks can help you get the most out of your Android Auto setup without spending a dime.
Customize Your Launcher with Shortcuts
One of the most convenient features of Android Auto is the ability to create custom shortcuts. These shortcuts allow you to quickly access frequently used functions without fumbling with voice commands or navigating through menus. Here’s how to set them up:
Open the settings menu on your phone and search for Android Auto. In the Android Auto settings section, tap Customize Launcher then tap the + sign labeled Add a shortcut to the Launcher. Select An Assistant action and enter a command you’d typically say aloud. Give it a name and label you’ll easily recognize on the home screen.
Test the command to ensure it works, then tap Create Shortcut. Now, you’ll see icons right on the home screen to select shortcuts. Instead of tapping Google Maps or trying to use voice commands for navigation, tap that one-click button to call your wife, navigate to the airport, etc.
Custom Assistant shortcuts are the easiest way to supercharge Android Auto. It makes it extremely simple to trigger the same actions you’d do with your hands or voice, only it’ll work every time. Don’t fight voice commands and use shortcuts instead.
Access the Hidden Developer Menu
Just like a phone, Google’s car operating system has a hidden developer menu and mode. Here’s how to enable it and what you can do with it.
Open Android Auto, scroll to the bottom, where you’ll see the Version section. Tap on that ten times quickly. A box will appear asking you to confirm that you want to enable the developer settings. Tap OK. Now press the three-dot menu button in the top right corner to access the hidden developer controls.
Here, you can completely disable wireless Android Auto if you use a wired connection, which can improve screen performance and your phone’s battery life. You can also enable installing third-party apps from unknown sources, allowing you to sideload apps that aren’t available by default for Android Auto.
Another option, which is especially helpful on a smaller display, is to adjust the video resolution to best suit your setup. This can improve visibility and readability, make notifications smaller, improve performance, or let you keep that smaller screen a bit longer without needing to upgrade. Find it in the developer settings under Video resolution.
Automate Everything with Routines
Did you know that you can set up custom automations inside Android Auto? This is one of the best ways to change your experience. Instead of jumping in the car, fumbling with buttons and cables, using voice commands to navigate to work, then another voice command to play music, etc., a single routine does all that (and more) automatically.
Saying something like start commute will trigger a Google Assistant routine I’ve configured in Android Auto. It’ll automatically complete all the steps mentioned above. I get in, say the command, and start driving. Android Auto starts Waze navigating to work, hits play on my favorite playlist, and even shuts my garage door. You can even add a fourth task to text your significant other that you’re headed to work or headed home.
I know, this sounds complicated, but it’s actually pretty simple. To start, open the Google Home app, then tap the Automations tab at the bottom right. From here, select the + Create button, and choose A.
These automations can significantly enhance your driving experience by reducing distractions and streamlining your routine tasks. By leveraging these hidden settings and features, you can make the most out of your Android Auto setup without the need for expensive upgrades.
