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- To add apps to Android Auto, simply install them on your phone; they’re available if compatible.
- Organize your Android Auto apps to keep favorites easy to access and hide those you don’t use.
- Create shortcuts with Google Assistant commands for quick actions like calling or navigating while driving.
This article explains how to add apps to Android Auto, organize and reorder their appearance on the screen, and hide unused apps. It also highlights the benefits of using Android Auto shortcuts.
How to Add Apps to Android Auto
Adding apps to Android Auto is as simple as installing them on your phone.
Start by deciding which apps you want to install.
Not all Android apps are compatible with Android Auto, but you can start with our list of favorites: Best Android Auto Apps. Hundreds more are available through the Google Play Store.
Install the app on your Android phone as you would any other app.
Most apps that work with Android Auto do so through the standard mobile app. For example, there’s no need to download a specific Spotify for Android Auto app because the Spotify app is already compatible.
You’re all set! Connect your phone to your vehicle to start using your new Android Auto apps.
How to Organize Android Auto Apps
You’ll need Google’s Android Auto app to hide or reorder how your apps appear on your car’s screen or to create Google Assistant shortcuts.
It’s built into Android 10 and newer: Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Additional settings in the app. From there, select Customize launcher to get started.
Find the Android Auto options in the Settings app.
Hide Android Auto Apps
You probably don’t want all your Android Auto-compatible apps as shortcuts on your vehicle’s head unit. Fortunately, it’s easy to hide some of them.
Tap any app from the list to add or remove the checkmark next to it. Apps with a checkmark will be available in Android Auto; the others will be hidden from your vehicle’s display and listed at the bottom of the app. You can unhide an app by selecting it again.
You control which apps show up in your car.
Change the Order of Android Auto Apps
You can reorder the apps on the screen to make accessing your favorites easier. Simply tap and hold an app, then drag it up or down the list.
The first app in your list will appear as the top-left app in your car. The second will be to its right, and so on.
Create Android Auto Shortcuts
Android Auto isn’t limited to just your typical Android apps. You can turn custom Google Assistant commands into shortcuts that sit next to your regular apps, making them easily accessible while driving.
Your options are nearly limitless, saving you from speaking to your car to get things done. For example, instead of using voice commands to navigate to a frequent location, set up an Assistant shortcut for a single tap. Shortcuts are also great for calling contacts with difficult-to-pronounce names, sending “Can’t talk now” texts, opening your garage door, and more.
Here’s how to do it:
Tap Add a shortcut to the launcher on the Customize launcher screen.
Select Call a contact or An Assistant action.
If you choose the contact option, select one from your list of contacts.
If you choose the Assistant option, type a command in the first text box and a shortcut name in the second text box, then tap Create Shortcut.
A shortcut can call someone or trigger a Google Assistant command.
FAQ
How do I disable Android Auto?
To stop using Android Auto in your car, simply disconnect your phone. You can do this by unplugging the cord from your device or unpairing it from Bluetooth, depending on how it’s connected.
How do I update Android Auto?
If you’re running Android 12 or higher, Android Auto updates with the operating system. For earlier versions, it’s a standalone app, so check the Google Play Store for updates.
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