Android Auto Not Showing On Car Screen? (Easy Fix!)

android auto not showing on car screen

Android Auto not showing on car screen, and you’re wondering why? Well, continue reading!

Setting up the Android Auto app and configuring all of the necessary settings, only to find that the icon does not appear on your car system can be quite discouraging.

Often, the issue can be a result of Android Auto compatibility issues, outdated OS, and cache or data problems.

By the end of this guide, you will know how to:

  • Check if your car or aftermarket system supports AA.
  • Fix the display problem over a wired USB connection.
  • Clear the Android Auto app’s cache and data storage.
  • Update the firmware version of your system manually.
  • Restore your infotainment system to a factory default.

So, keep reading further for a detailed walkthrough of the solutions!

How to Fix Android Auto Not Showing On Car Screen Error?

Important: Have you installed and set up the Android Auto app on your smartphone?

1. Check if Vehicle is Android Auto-Enabled

check if vehicle is android auto-enabled

Most cars manufactured after 2016 should have an implemented Android Auto infotainment system by default.

If the AA’s icon won’t appear on your dashboard’s screen, then it is highly possible that your vehicle does not support the feature at all.

To find out if your car supports Android Auto, we will review some of the popular car brands that come with an Android Auto-enabled infotainment system!

Android Auto-Enabled Vehicles
Vehicle BrandAndroid-Auto Models
Alfa RomeoGiulia 2017-, Giulietta 2017-, MiTo 2017-, Stelvio 2017-
AudiAudi A8 2018-, Audi A7 2017-, Audi A6 2017-, Audi A5 2017-, Audi A4 2017-, Audi A3 2017-, Audi A1 2019-, Q2/Q3/Q5/Q7/Q8/R8/TT 2017-;
BMW5 Series 2020-, 6 Series 2020-, 7 Series 2020-, 8 Series 2019-, 1 Series 2020-, 2 Series 2020-, 3 Series 2019-, 4 Series 2021-,   X3 2020-, X4 2020-, X5 2019-, X6 2020-, X7 2019-, Z4 2019-;
FordC-Max 2017-, Ecosport 2017-, Edge 2017-, Escape 2017-, Everest 2017-, and all models after 2017;
ToyotaTundra 2020-, 4Runner 2020-, Aygo 2018-, Sequoia 2020-, Tacoma 2020-, Yaris (Europe Only) 2019-;
ChevroletCamaro 2016-, Bolt EV 2017-, Aveo 2017-, Camaro Convertible 2016-, Colorado 2016-, Cruze 2016-, Cruze Hatchback 2017-, Equinox 2018- and most models released after 2016/2017/2018;
HondaOdyssey 2018-, Pilot 2017-, Ridgeline 2017-, Civic 2016-,  Accord 2016-, Fit 2018-, CR-V 2017-, Freed 2017-, Clarity Fuel Cell 2017-;
NissanAltima 2018-, Kicks 2018-, LEAF 2018-, Rogue 2018-, TITAN 2019-, TITAN XD 2019-, Versa Note 2019-, and most models released after 2018/2019.
Mercedes-BenzA-Class after 2017, B-Class after 2017, C-Class after 2018, CLA/CLS after 2017, E-Class after 2017, S-Class after 2018;

If your vehicle’s brand or third-party infotainment system wasn’t included in the table above, we recommend visiting Android Auto’s Compatibility Page to check if your vehicle is compatible.

2. Connect your Smartphone Over USB

connect your smartphone over usb

Bluetooth connection can occasionally be less than reliable, resulting in a connection issue with your smartphone.

So, we recommend connecting the phone via USB to the infotainment system and checking if the Android Auto icon will appear on the homepage.

Here’s how to correctly connect your smartphone over USB:

  1. First, disconnect the phone’s charging cable from the adapter.
  2. Connect one end of the charger’s ends into the car’s system.
  3. Plug the other end into the charging port of your smartphone.
  4. Next, wait until the system detects your phone and approves it.
  5. Power off the infotainment system for at least 45–60 seconds.
  6. Turn on the panel and check if the Android Auto icon is there.

Tip: If still connected via Bluetooth, re-add the infotainment system’s Bluetooth profile and retry!

3. Clear Android Auto’s Cache and Data

clear android auto’s cache and data

Exceeded cache and data limit can be the reason why Android Auto icon not showing on car screen.

There’s a simple procedure to erase all excessively generated files by the Android Auto application and address issues with the connection.

Follow these steps to clear the cache and data of the AA app:

  1. First, open the “Settings” app on your Android smartphone.
  2. Navigate to the “Apps” section and find the Android Auto app.
  3. Access the app’s settings and navigate to the “Storage” page.
  4. Press the “Clear Cache” and the “Clear Data” option next to it.
  5. Exit the configuration of the Android Auto app and test the app.

Well, clearing the cache and data will reset the Android Auto on both your smartphone and the infotainment system.

On its own, this can resolve the missing Android Auto icon on the screen.

Tip: For best effects, reconnect your smartphone from the system and power off the display for 10–15 seconds before testing the app.

4. Update the Infotainment System’s Firmware

update the infotainment system’s firmware

Perhaps, your infotainment system is running an outdated firmware version and that’s the reason why you’re unable to access Android Auto.

Most car systems are designed to receive OTA updates by default, but you can conduct a manual firmware update using a flash drive.

While instructions may vary, here are the universal steps to update a car system:

  1. Navigate to the website of the system manufacturer on a PC.
  2. Search for a “Firmware” or “Versions” tab within the website.
  3. Download the file containing the latest firmware of the system.
  4. Next, connect a flash drive to your computer or laptop to use.
  5. Important: Format the flash drive and uninstall any files prior.
  6. Next, upload the firmware file to the directory of the USB drive.
  7. Connect the flash drive to the car’s USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port.
  8. Wait until the car recognizes the USB and the update starts.

How to Check if the System Receives OTA Updates?

check if the system receives ota updates

OTA (Over-the-Air) updates are only possible if your smartphone is connected to the vehicle and has a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection.

Once it receives the update package, the system will typically require a software restart in order to load up the newest version of the firmware cleanly.

Note: If there are no visual indications of an update, you can track the firmware version from the “System” or “Firmware” tab in the settings and check if it changes.

5. Restore the System to Initial Settings

If the Android Auto app not showing on car screen after attempting all solutions so far, it’s time for a factory reset.

This procedure will restore all of your car system’s settings to factory defaults and eliminate any faults with the integration of Android Auto.

restore the system to initial settings

Follow these steps to factory reset an Android Auto-enabled system:

  1. Navigate to the “Settings” of the display and go to “System.”
  2. Search for a “RESET” or “FACTORY RESET” button below.
  3. Enter your system’s PIN code (0000 by default) if required.
  4. Follow the steps to initiate the reset and wait 1–2 minutes.

Tip: If the instructions above do not apply to your system, consult the user manual or search for exact reset instructions online. 

How to Factory Reset Infotainment System with Button?

factory reset infotainment system with button

Most infotainment systems have an in-built “RESET” button that automatically restores the multimedia to factory defaults.

It’s typically a reset pinhole and can be found underneath the faceplate or on the side/bottom panel.

Simply insert a pin or a paperclip into the pinhole and press the button for 5–10 seconds to factory reset the system.

Note: When your system is reset, check whether the Android Auto will now show on the screen!