How to connect to Android Auto wirelessly, this is how wireless works

With the expansion of Android Auto Wireless a good number of cars can already access the Google system wirelessly and from the vehicle console. For this, it is essential that the car supports wireless mode and takes a few steps to project the screen.

With the introduction of wireless mode in Android Auto, the system won many points since it was no longer essential to connect the mobile phone to the car with a USB cable. It first appeared as an option for developers, then expanded to a few phones. And finally it is available for most smartphones; with a usual obstacle: the vehicle brand has to update the system to integrate Android Auto wireless. Do you want to know how it is activated to test it?

All the power of Android Auto and without cables

Having the Android Auto interface on the vehicle console makes accessing music playback, calls, messages and GPS navigation not only easier, but also safer. Now there is no doubt that having the cable hanging around the car can be dangerous; apart from the fact that it is annoying having to connect the phone before putting your hands on the wheel (no matter how much it charges).

With Android Auto Wireless the screen is projected wirelessly on the car console taking advantage of the WiFi connection (both vehicle and mobile). Each brand has a way of accessing this mode, but it is usually done as follows:

• Access the Android Auto application on your mobile and enter the settings.
• Scroll down to the ‘System’ area and check the ‘sliderAndroid Auto wirelessly‘.
• Now it is the turn to go to the vehicle’s console. Depending on the brand, you must first connect via Bluetooth or via WiFi (sharing the Internet) the mobile phone to the car.
• Go to the Android Auto menu on the car console and authorize the connection.
• If everything went correctly your phone should project the Android Auto screen on the console; with the pertinent control of the elements by touching the panel.

Not all Android Auto compatible vehicle brands have upgraded to wireless mode. Sometimes an OTA update from the manufacturer is necessary, others it is necessary to go through the workshop. It may even be the case that vehicle hardware is not compatible with Android Auto because some key component is missing (sometimes it can be installed in the workshop as an extra).

In the event that you have a full Android car radio (it is not usual in vehicles with standard options) you can use an application to simulate the DHU (Desktop Head Unit or desktop main unit). The next It is only useful if you can install Android applications on your car equipment.

• Go to the Android Auto application on the mobile, scroll down to the lower area and repeatedly click on the version number until the development options are activated.
• Click on the three menu items and click on ‘Start Main Unit Server
  ‘.
• Go to the WiFi settings on your mobile and share the Internet with the vehicle. This must be connected to the mobile access point.
• Go to the console and download the application Headunit Reloaded. First check that the app works before buying it.
• Open the Headunit Reloaded app in your car and accept the connection permission that should pop up on your phone.
• If everything goes correctly, the Android Auto screen should be projected on the vehicle’s dashboard.

This way of using wireless Android Auto is not universal as it is essential that your computer has the feature to install Android applications. Even so, it should be taken into account if you have the possibility. And if Headunit Reloaded works for you in the trial version, and it is useful for you, you can purchase the full version for 4.89 euros. The five minute trial is not good for much.

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How to connect to Android Auto wirelessly, this is how wireless works

was originally published in

Xataka Android

for
Ivan Linares

.