How to Connect and Use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

[Kazz]

From what I've experienced, plugging the USB cable into any USB outlet in the car provides minimal charging.

 

[Berzerker]

From what I've experienced, plugging the USB cable into any USB outlet in the car provides minimal charging.

I had mine plugged into the USB data port for Android Auto when testing it. After an hour of being in the car, I gained 25% on a Pixel 2 XL. That sounds about right for normal 5V@1A charging.

 

[Kazz]

I had mine plugged into the USB data port for Android Auto when testing it. After an hour of being in the car, I gained 25% on a Pixel 2 XL. That sounds about right for normal 5V@1A charging.

Good to hear! Perhaps I've only paid attention during short trips.

 

[Marc Collins]

I don’t understand the point of wireless charging if I have to connect via usb to use CarPlay anyway. Any thoughts?

Also, I purchased amazon’s 4 inch usb cord which is the minimum length that will allow my iPhone 6 to be plugged in and fit in the tray. (Diagonal, due to the short cord length)

The ideal cord length appears to be 5 inches, but not sure if 5 inch usb cords exist.

Agreed. And even worse if you already have an iPod plugged into USB.

 

[Kazz]

What bothers me about Android Auto (and I assume Apple Carplay is the same way) is that, when I hit the talk button on the steering wheel, Google (Siri?) is engaged, not the car. I can't interface with the car's Nav, for example, via the buttons on the steering wheel. I can only engage whatever's on the phone. Worse yet, I can't answer an incoming call with the button on the steering wheel. I have to bend forward and tap on the screen to take a call.

I was on Android Auto for a couple of weeks. I'm back to bluetooth for the phone for now.

 

[Clearly Canadian]

What bothers me about Android Auto (and I assume Apple Carplay is the same way) is that, when I hit the talk button on the steering wheel, Google (Siri?) is engaged, not the car. I can't interface with the car's Nav, for example, via the buttons on the steering wheel. I can only engage whatever's on the phone. Worse yet, I can't answer an incoming call with the button on the steering wheel. I have to bend forward and tap on the screen to take a call.

I was on Android Auto for a couple of weeks. I'm back to bluetooth for the phone for now.

In Canada, Apple CarPlay does take over on the maps unless you use the POI button on the rear view mirror. To work around it, I typically put in my destination first, then plug in my phone to the carplay.

I am able to take calls normally using the steering wheel button when connected to Apple Carplay since it's Siri that's handling the answering of the call.

 

[Kazz]

In Canada, Apple CarPlay does take over on the maps unless you use the POI button on the rear view mirror. To work around it, I typically put in my destination first, then plug in my phone to the carplay.

More pre-flight BS I'm trying to avoid. LOL

I am able to take calls normally using the steering wheel button when connected to Apple Carplay since it's Siri that's handling the answering of the call.

Interesting that Android Auto doesn't allow that in my experience so far...

 

[Scorpio Redux]

when I hit the talk button on the steering wheel, Google (Siri?) is engaged, not the car

I think you have truly 'broken the code' with this observation! (And yes, Apple's Siri engages in the same manner).

 

[Double D]

Anyone have trouble connecting to car play using an iPhone XS. I can connect via Bluetooth to the system but I can’t get apple car play to work I’ve tried new usb cables, resetting my phone, updating my phone, every thing I can think of.

 

[CDv6]

Anyone have trouble connecting to car play using an iPhone XS. I can connect via Bluetooth to the system but I can’t get apple car play to work I’ve tried new usb cables, resetting my phone, updating my phone, every thing I can think of.

Did you make sure it’s enabled in the car’s head unit? If it is, maybe toggle it off/on again? After that, I’d go so far as to try a system reset.

 

[Double D]

Did you make sure it’s enabled in the car’s head unit? If it is, maybe toggle it off/on again? After that, I’d go so far as to try a system reset.

I’ve tried everything. Spent at least a couple hours on the phone with Apple. The ran diagnostics and took screen shots and they’ll get back with me in a couple days

 

[VuYou]

I’ve tried everything. Spent at least a couple hours on the phone with Apple. The ran diagnostics and took screen shots and they’ll get back with me in a couple days

Any update on this? I am having the same issue with Apple Carplay. It works intermittently, sometimes after driving for an hour itll just connect, sometimes it doesnt work at all.

 

[Double D]

Any update on this? I am having the same issue with Apple Carplay. It works intermittently, sometimes after driving for an hour itll just connect, sometimes it doesnt work at all.

Yes , it was my phone. After several phone calls w Apple they sent me a warranty replacement phone. Works great but in the end I never use it . I just use the Bluetooth connection.

 

[lrvan]

If you are using Android Auto, and haven't yet done so, make sure to check Google Play and install the latest updates, the 5.2 version which just came out this week (April 26 of 2020.) This was done to correct some glitches. I made sure to first select and the updated my Google App and then Google Earth, which I then selected for my default GPS Street View, to access all these much more realistic streets, POI's and lush, full-color locations and greenery. There are also some interesting useful Apps available in Google Play for Android Auto, including a Police Scanner, several Network News Radio apps, as well as the newly-added, on-screen Android Auto Weather an Google News icon. I am still using my old trusty heavy-duty USB tethered cord, as usual, with Android Auto and my Samsung Galaxy 8+ phone...I have also hooked up my phone to the useful Torque App, with an OBD II Bluetooth connector plugged-in under the dash, to view a selection of active useful gauges displayed all on one page on my phone as I drive, that are not all otherwise available on the our dash display.

 

[G-400082]

Sounds cool. How or where do you set google earth to your street view?

 

[lrvan]

Sounds cool. How or where do you set google earth to your street view?

Hi...As always, first go to your Google Play to update to the latest version of Android Auto and Google Maps, then launch Android Auto on your phone, click on those 3 horizontal bars for the Settings page, then simply look for and click-on to-activate the Traffic and Satellite boxes..(this will use more data, of course...but is so much more real and a much more useful and enjoyable experience)...

 

[adam1991]

Worse yet, I can't answer an incoming call with the button on the steering wheel. I have to bend forward and tap on the screen to take a call.

OK, that has to be figured out by now. Anyone?

I mean, my 2017 GTI can handle this situation with no problem. This isn't rocket science.

 

[Reldas]

OK, that has to be figured out by now. Anyone?

I mean, my 2017 GTI can handle this situation with no problem. This isn't rocket science.

my 2021 facelift stinger can answer called with the steering wheel no problems. Odd.

 

[RedCal]

Never had a problem with my android, but did have a short lived iOS one after an update that was fairly quickly fixed

 

[Hilleagle]

When I got my car (June this year) Android Auto wouldn't work at all. Apple car play did.

There was an update about 6 weeks ago and it is now working fine on both.

But pre-update with Apple and now with AA, answering calls can / could be done off steering wheel.

By the way, the car has no voice command facility, it only starts to work when phone connected, or at least that's my car!