Now that more and more people are getting Android Auto in their cars, whether it be from Pioneer’s aftermarket units, or Hyundai’s OTA updates. Google is finding out that some model smartphones don’t work with Android Auto. We first found this out a little while ago when the Galaxy S6 and LG G3 wasn’t working with Android Auto, however a Google Play Services update fixed that up. There were still some lingering problems with the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S5 on Sprint, AT&T and Verizon. However this latest version of Android Auto improves compatibility with those models. And possibly even more models, that we were unaware had issues connecting with Android Auto. We recently reviewed Android Auto, on the Pioneer AVH-4100NEX, make sure you check that out!
Now we don’t have a Galaxy S4 or S5 around here to test – therefore we didn’t know there were any issues – but according to reports, it looks like when these were plugged in, Android Auto didn’t actually do anything. That’s similar to what I’m seeing with the Xperia Z3 now. With Lollipop on the Xperia Z3, you actually need to choose MTP instead of just charging, when you plug it in. Then the system will recognize it. A little annoying, but you do get used to it. The Galaxy S6 also has an issue where sometimes the device will work and be recognized, and sometimes not. Although that could have just been the Verizon Galaxy S6, as that’s what I had used with Android Auto.
The update for Android Auto is for the companion app, just to be straight forward. So you don’t need to actually update your head unit. Whew, right? So you just need to head into the Google Play Store and get the update and install it on your device. That’s it. If the update is not yet available, you can download it from the download link below. Simply download the APK, make sure “Unknown Sources” is checked under Security. Then just tap on the APK to install it. It’s just that easy!
Download: Android Auto (Companion App)