How to update Android Auto

For the most part, Android Auto and all your other Android apps will automatically have the latest software on your smartphone. You don’t even need to be connected to your car to update Android Auto. However, if you’re setting up Android Auto for the first time or somehow missed an update, you may have to take a trip to the Google Play Store to update it manually. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping Android Auto up to date.

How to update Android Auto

Android Auto should update on its own, and if it is not up to date, your vehicle’s display should ask you to update the app when you connect your phone to your car. You can also update the app manually.

How to update from the Play Store:

1. Launch the Google Play Store.
2. Search for “Android Auto”.
3. Select the Android Auto app to enter its page.
4. If there is an available update, you should see an Update button. Tap on it.

You can also follow our guide on updating Android apps. The process is the same, and we have other methods listed in there.

How to update Android Auto to a new beta release

As a beta tester, you gain early access to new Android Auto features before they are released to everyone. However, beta-testing versions of the app can be less stable, and some features might not work correctly. These features are in the testing stages, after all.

Want to be a guinea pig for Android Auto? Let’s find out if you can.

How to join the Android Auto beta program:

1. Launch the Google Play Store.
2. Search for “Android Auto”.
3. Select the Android Auto app to enter its page.
4. Scroll down to the Beta section. Note that space is limited and may be full already, as it was when writing this article.

You can check back at the Play Store to see if there is any open space for beta testing. If you are a beta tester and want to opt out, you’ll see the option to Leave the program under the same section on the Play Store. You’ll then have to uninstall the Android Auto beta app from your phone to reinstall the basic Android Auto app.

Why you should always update the Android Auto app

It’s important to keep your Android Auto app updated at all times. This is for the same reason you should always update all your apps. These updates often come with significant performance improvements and bug fixes. Sadly, these bugs are very common with Android Auto, so it’s good to squash some of them whenever possible.

Additionally, these updates always come with some new features you may not want to miss. For example, Android Auto version 11 is rolling out. One of its coolest improvements is that the icons now adapt to your phone’s shape. For example, Samsung users will see the same squarish icons on their phones and Android Auto screens. These icons were originally circular, and this will stay the same with stock Android phones like Pixel devices.

There are rumors of Google also working on a disconnect option for Android Auto Wireless users. This will be helpful for those who share cars, and happen to be traveling together on some trips. Sometimes switching which device is connected can involve convoluted processes like turning off Bluetooth altogether on one of the phones.

Android Auto 10.9 also brought improvements to the Do Not Disturb function. It also made it possible to separate Dark Mode settings between your phone and the car screen. These are only some examples of new features and improvements. The point is, you don’t want to miss out on them.

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