How to use an Android Auto wireless adapter in your car

Android Auto is fabulous to use, giving drivers easy access to Maps, Waze, Spotify, calls, messages, and more. About the only annoying part is that you need to plug your phone in every time you get in your car, which can be a chore if it’s in a bag or purse. It’s also inconvenient because finding a short cable seems impossible, and then you have a ton of cables hanging around, getting tangled in the gear shift.

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Thankfully, an Android Auto wireless adapter can make short work of that problem — unless you want to charge your device at the same time, of course.

What is an Android Auto wireless adapter?

The name really says it all. An Android Auto wireless adapter will help you wirelessly connect your phone to your car’s infotainment system.

If your car previously required you to plug in your phone using a cable, now you just plug in the adapter. Every time you get in the car, your phone will automatically connect to the adapter and bring up all your Android Auto apps on the screen.

How do Android Auto wireless adapters work?

As mentioned, Android Auto wireless adapters are small devices that allow your Android phone to connect to your car’s infotainment system without the need for a cable. These adapters use a wireless Bluetooth connection to transmit audio, video, and other information between the phone and the car, such as your map.

Android Auto wireless adapters work by physically connecting to one of your car’s USB port. So, instead of plugging in your phone, you plug in this tiny device. Once connected, your car’s infotainment system will recognize your Android phone and pull up all your usual apps.

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Additionally, once your phone is connected in this way, it will start automatically forwarding information, such as music, directions, messages, and phone calls wirelessly to your vehicle’s infotainment system. Essentially, these adapters act as a relay between your handset and car.

Unlike traditional wired connections, Android Auto wireless adapters offer more flexibility in terms of device placement. Since you’re no longer limited by cables or ports, you can find a place for the adapter where it won’t bug you too much, such as sticking it to the console with double-sided tape; in fact, the adapter may even ship with tape inside the box. During this time, your phone can be left wherever you had it before getting in the car, be it your bag or your pocket.

How to set up an Android Auto wireless adapter

Setting up an Android Auto wireless adapter is easy. You need two things: a compatible Android smartphone running Android 11 or later and a supported car. You should also make sure that they’re both running the latest software updates to avoid any connectivity issues.

Turn on your car’s engine and ensure your Android Auto wireless adapter is plugged into the infotainment system. The LED on the adapter will light up.
If they’re not on already, enable your phone’s WiFi and Bluetooth connections.
Open the Bluetooth menu and find your adapter’s name on your list. Tap Connect.
- Tap on Android Auto on your car’s infotainment center if requested.

That’s it. The above steps apply to most Android Auto wireless adapters on the market — they’re about as plug-and-play as a modern device can be.

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Android Auto wireless adapter pros and cons

As with any technology, there are pros and cons to using a wireless Android Auto adapter.

Pros

Ease of use: You get in the car and Android Auto automatically pops up on your screen.
Adapters are tiny and don’t take up a lot of space.
You’ll no longer have to deal with cables getting in the way.

Cons

Your phone’s no longer going to be fully charged by the time you get to your destination. (In fact, your phone’s battery will be quite quickly drained due to the taxing wireless connection to your car.)
There can sometimes be a bit of lag between your phone and your Android Auto dangle, so it can take a few moments too long to load when you get in the car, or the connection can sometimes drop.