If you’re looking to add car stream to your Android Auto, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about adding car stream to Android Auto. Car stream integration with Android Auto allows you to mirror your Android device onto your car’s display, giving you access to all your favorite content. The feature isn’t built into the Android Auto app by default, which is why we’ve compiled this guide.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Adding Car Stream to Android Auto
As we mentioned, car stream isn’t integrated with Android Auto by default. This means you’ll need to take additional steps to enable car stream on your Android Auto device. Furthermore, there are multiple methods you can use to add car stream, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you begin adding car stream to Android Auto, there are a few things you’ll need to prepare for. Here are the essential items you’ll need to have:
– A smartphone running Android 5.0 or later.
– An Android Auto-supported car stereo system.
– A USB cable to connect your smartphone to your car’s head unit.
– A stable internet connection.
Method 1: Using Android Auto 6.0 and Higher
If you’re using Android Auto 6.0 or higher, you can use the built-in wireless Android Auto feature to connect to your car stereo system. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Turn on your car’s audio system and make sure it’s in park.
Step 2: Make sure your smartphone is connected to a stable internet connection.
Step 3: Open the Android Auto app on your smartphone.
Step 4: Tap on the three horizontal lines on the top-left corner of the screen.
Step 5: Tap on the "Settings" option from the menu.
Step 6: Tap on the "Wireless projection" toggle switch to enable it.
Step 7: Return to the Android Auto main screen and select "Wireless projection" from the list of available devices.
Pros:
– Convenience of using wireless projection.
– No need for cables.
Cons:
– Not all Android devices are supported.
– Only available on Android 6.0 and higher.
Method 2: Using Android Auto 5.0 and Lower with an HDMI Connection
If your Android device is running Android 5.0 or lower, you won’t be able to use the wireless projection feature. Instead, you’ll need to connect your device to your car stereo system using an HDMI cable. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Connect your smartphone to your car’s head unit using an HDMI cable.
Step 2: Turn on your car’s audio system.
Step 3: Open the Android Auto app on your smartphone.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Android Auto.
Pros:
– Works with most Android devices.
– More reliable than wireless projection.
Cons:
– Requires an HDMI cable to connect to your car’s stereo system.
– Not ideal for wireless streaming.
Method 3: Using an Android TV Box and Screen Mirroring
If your car stereo doesn’t support Android Auto, you can still add car stream to your car by using an Android TV box and screen mirroring. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Connect your Android TV box to your car’s head unit using an HDMI cable.
Step 2: Make sure your smartphone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Android TV box.
Step 3: Open the screen mirroring feature on your smartphone.
Step 4: Select your Android TV box from the list of available devices.
Pros:
– Compatible with most car stereos.
– More versatile than other methods.
Cons:
– Requires an additional device.
– May require additional setup.
Why Can’t I Add Car Stream to Android Auto?
Adding car stream to Android Auto may not be possible for several reasons. Here are some potential issues and how to fix them:
1. Your car stereo isn’t compatible with Android Auto: Check to make sure that your car stereo system supports Android Auto. If it doesn’t, you won’t be able to add car stream to your car.
2. Your Android device is running an outdated version of the Android operating system: Android Auto requires at least version 5.0 of the Android operating system. If your device is running an earlier version, you’ll need to update it before you can add car stream.
3. You haven’t downloaded the Android Auto app: The Android Auto app is required to use the car stream feature. Make sure you’ve downloaded and installed the app on your smartphone.
Additional Tips
– Make sure that your smartphone is compatible with the Android Auto app before attempting to use it.
– Keep your smartphone charged when using Android Auto to prevent interruptions due to low battery levels.
– Keep your Android Auto and smartphone apps up-to-date to ensure the latest features are available.
5 FAQs about Adding Car Stream to Android Auto
Q. How do I know if my car stereo system supports Android Auto?
A. You can check your car stereo’s user manual to see if it supports Android Auto. Alternatively, you can visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.
Q. Can I use Android Auto wirelessly?
A. Yes, if your Android device is running version 6.0 or higher, you can use the wireless projection feature to connect to your car stereo system.
Q. Can I use a third-party app with Android Auto?
A. Yes, you can use third-party apps that are compatible with Android Auto.
Q. Can I use Android Auto with an iPhone?
A. No, Android Auto is designed to work only with Android devices.
Q. Do I need an HDMI cable to use Android Auto?
A. If your Android device is running version 5.0 or lower, you may need an HDMI cable to connect it to your car’s head unit.
In Conclusion
Adding car stream to your Android Auto device gives you access to a wide array of content on your car’s display. Whether you’re using a wireless projection’s method or HDMI connection, we hope this guide has been helpful in enabling car stream integration. With car stream, you can enjoy your favorite music, videos, and other content right from the comfort of your car.