Worried With Android Auto Black Screen? (Here’s The Fix) 

The Android Auto black screen could be spontaneous and frightening, but we can help you!

In the majority of cases, a black screen on your Android Auto signifies a bad fuse, conflict with an installed application, or issues with the OS (firmware.)

Here’s why you see a black screen on your Android Auto:

To understand how to tackle each of these possibilities, continue reading!

How to Fix the Android Auto Black Screen in Easy Steps?

Note: Have you made sure that the Android Auto display has been powered on properly?

1. Reset the Infotainment System

Infotainment systems (or wireless car “faces” in short) supporting Android Auto or CarPlay can either be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth or USB.

So, the black screen could be a result of a source issue, and the first solution is to reset the system’s connection.

1.1 How to Reset Wireless System’s Connection?

1. Remove “Android Auto” from your device’s temporal memory.
2. Go to “Settings” and deactivate “Bluetooth” for 15–20 seconds.
3. Forget your car’s Android Auto connection from the smartphone.
4. Optional: Hold the “Voice Command” button on the car’s wheel.
5. Next, launch the Android Auto app and tap the gray “Auto” icon.
6. Finally, follow the prompts to connect the smartphone wirelessly.

1.2 How to Reset Wired System’s Connection?

1. Connect one end of the USB cable to the face’s USB data port.
2. Next, plug the other end into your phone and open Android Auto.
3. If your phone doesn’t pair automatically, tap the projection icon.
4. Follow the on-screen steps once your car’s display is recognized.
5. Accept the Terms of the Android Auto in order to finish the setup.

Important: Verify your vehicle is parked, and the ignition is turned to the first or second stage!

2. Update Android Auto App’s OS

The next step against the black screen on Android Auto is updating the firmware version of your Android Auto application on your mobile.

Android Auto and CarPlay receive frequent updates that improve the software’s performance and hotfix bugs.

Follow these steps to update Android Auto on your phone:

1. Enter the Google Play Store application on your phone.
2. Tap the profile icon, situated in the upper-right corner.
3. Press “Manage apps & device” from the drop-down list.
4. Click “Manage” and press the Android Auto application.
5. Tap “Update” if a newer version is available for the app.

Note: Ensure your smartphone is connected with Wi-Fi or cellular before attempting to update the application.

3. Check the Panel’s Wire Installation 

A potential issue with the wire management of your car’s display could result in the black screen Android Auto problem.

Inspecting the wires requires removing the display unit from your car and inspecting the power lines by following a precise set of instructions.

Important: Test turning your car’s ignition on and off at least multiple times before proceeding!

To inspect the panel’s wiring, follow these instructions:

1. First, check for any screws holding the display unit in place.
2. Use a removal trim to pop out the display from the socket.
3. Optional: Remove the A/C unit holding the display in place.
4. Gently pull the display out along with all the supplying wires.
5. Optional: Take a photo of the wire installation via your phone.
6. Begin to disconnect each of the cables from the display’s rear.
7. Identify the power, ground, and video input display cables.
8. Check the power and video sockets of the display for bad pins.
9. Connect the wires and test the display before putting it back in.

Note: If you notice any burnt spots, bent pins, or bad connectors, we recommend taking your car to a specialized technician for replacement wiring.

4. Uninstall Conflicting Android Auto Apps

A conflicting application can be the reason for the Android Auto screen black.

If the display goes black after launching or installing a particular app on your mobile, there’s a working solution that doesn’t require interacting with the head unit at all.

Here’s exactly what to do:

1. Hold the “Power” button on your car’s display for 10 seconds.
2. Remove all applications from your phone’s temporal memory.
3. Next, clear the cache and data of your mobile device’s storage.
4. Reboot your phone and reconnect with the wireless car display.

4.1 Which Apps/Services Conflict with Android Auto?

If you’re still unable to interact with the display, you might as well ensure your phone is free of potentially conflicting applications. 

Here’s a list of the application types that can conflict with Android Auto:

• Battery optimization apps or energy-saving features.
• RAM management applications or task killer services.
• VPN, overlay, and Bluetooth management applications.

Important: Do not install additional apps to your phone before diagnosing the black screen on your Android Auto.

5. Inspect the Car’s Radio Fuse (Advanced)

So, both old and newer cars come with fuse boxes holding all fuses required by electronic components to function.

The next step is to determine if the car’s radio fuse has gone bad, suspending the power supply to the head unit.

5.1 Where to Find the Car Fuse Box?

Most cars have two separate fuse boxes, one of which is often found under the hood, while the second one is within the interior, typically on the roof of the glove box.

Upon accessing the fuse compartment, there should be a printed diagram of all fuses as well as the purpose they serve.

5.2 How to Locate Your Radio Fuse?

It typically takes a while to read and understand the fuse diagram, but once you read it, it’s easy to navigate and locate which fuse supplies the radio head unit.

Additionally, there should also be a fuse removal tool right underneath or on top of the diagram, purposed for safe fuse ejection.

5.3 How to Identify/Replace a Bad Fuse?

Well, the fuse’s body is transparent, allowing you to see the metallic conductors inside.

If the conductor is split, it means that the plus and minus aren’t making contact, thus, the fuse is bad. 

Reminder: Don’t forget to test and compare the amperage of the new fuse, as the replacement must use the same value.

6. Force an Android Auto System Reset

If you still see the black screen to no avail, perhaps you can clear this error by performing the good old factory reset.

Most display car stereos have a separate reset pinhole, allowing for a factory reset even when the stereo is turned off. 

If your head unit does not have a pinhole that says “Reset” or “Factory Reset” over it, you can only initiate the process through the settings.

• To start the factory reset, insert a pin or a paper clip and hold it for 10 seconds!

Then, wait for at least 1–2 minutes after releasing the reset button and attempt to power on the Android Auto unit.

If you finally see something on the display, congratulations, the issue is fixed.

Warning: This method resets all settings of your Android Auto!

Black Screen Still There?

If you still see a black screen on your Android Auto, this may be a wiring/hardware problem that you may not be able to fix by yourself.

The next step is taking the unit to a certified technician.