Observe ZDNET: Add us as a most popular supply on Google.
ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Customers make a number of frequent errors with Android Auto.
- These errors can set off technical points or trigger you to overlook options.
- Some errors concern cellphone settings, others contain cables.
Android Auto could make your drive much less boring, extra environment friendly, and even safer, however provided that you are utilizing it the best means. After spending a number of months getting very acquainted with Android Auto and discovering a variety of new methods to make use of it, I’ve began noticing different drivers make the identical errors I used to make.
Likelihood is, you make at the least one among these errors with out realizing it. Not solely might you be lacking out on the software program’s full functionality, however you may additionally be inflicting points that make Android Auto unusable.
How one can deal with these 5 frequent errors
This is a have a look at a few of the commonest errors I see different drivers make with Android Auto, and what you are able to do to repair them.
Mistake 1: Utilizing an affordable cable
Connecting your cellphone to Android Auto with a cable out of your junk drawer or from the gasoline station is the reason for many issues. Some cables solely assist knowledge switch at very sluggish speeds, or by no means, and even a broken or outdated cable could cause points. Android Auto makes use of a number of knowledge, and should you’re utilizing a cable that is designed for charging solely, it’d trigger connection issues, lagging, or random dropouts.
Be sure you’re utilizing Android Auto with an information switch cable from a good model — Anker is an efficient guess — and that you simply’re not utilizing an unnecessarily lengthy cable. An extended cable makes the connection vulnerable to degradation.
Mistake 2: At all times connecting wirelessly
Wi-fi is certainly handy, nevertheless it’s not at all times one of the simplest ways to make use of Android Auto. I’ve examined each methods myself, and the wired model is noticeably quicker and extra responsive. A wi-fi connection additionally taxes your cellphone extra — it makes use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth consistently, which drains your battery. For those who’re simply connecting for music in your every day drive, you are most likely good with wi-fi, however should you’re working a number of apps and navigating, or settling in for a highway journey, you will wish to use a wire.
Mistake 3: Turning on battery optimizer/saver
There are many instances you wish to ensure an app is not sucking up an excessive amount of battery, however this is not one among them. When you’ve got battery optimizer on, which throttles apps which might be hogging an excessive amount of battery, or battery saver, which enacts restrictions throughout the board, your Android Auto will doubtless undergo. To ensure, head to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Battery and select “Unrestricted.”
Mistake 4: Not making the most of offline maps
This can be a mistake that may catch you off guard if you would possibly want Android Auto most. You may have the choice to obtain a map for offline use in Google Maps, and should you’re road-tripping otherwise you often drive in an space with out cell service, you would possibly lose navigation. You might by no means want offline maps, however the one time you do, you will be glad you’ve gotten them.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Gemini voice controls
For those who’re beneath the belief that voice controls in Android Auto are too irritating to make use of as a result of they by no means work (I used to be that means), you are lacking out, as a result of issues have gotten quite a bit higher with Gemini. In two totally different trials with Gemini in Android Auto, I’ve realized that voice controls have progressed far past “Play a track” or “Learn my texts.” I imagine that Gemini integration is likely one of the largest enhancements to Android Auto in a very long time.
Android Auto is at its finest when it “simply works,” however small issues can get in the best way of an ideal expertise. The excellent news is, most of these issues are simple fixes as soon as you realize what to search for.
