Android Auto shows only the apps Google allows on the car screen

You cannot add arbitrary apps to Android Auto the way you add them to your phone. Android Auto runs a curated list of apps that Google has approved for use while driving. If an app is not on that list, it will not appear in Android Auto, even if it is installed on your phone.

The apps you see in Android Auto come from two sources: apps pre-installed by Google (like Maps, Spotify, and Messages) and third-party apps that developers have built specifically for the Android Auto platform. To use an app in your car, the developer must have created an Android Auto version of it. You then install that app on your phone through the Google Play Store, and it automatically becomes available in Android Auto.

This restriction exists for safety reasons. Android Auto limits what drivers can do while the car is in motion, disabling features that require too much attention and blocking apps that are not designed for voice control or quick glances at the screen.

Key Takeaways

  • Android Auto only shows apps that Google has approved and that developers have built specifically for car use.
  • You install Android Auto apps through the Google Play Store on your phone, just like any other app.
  • Once installed, approved apps appear automatically in Android Auto without any additional setup.
  • If an app you want is not available for Android Auto, the developer has not created a car-compatible version of it.
  • You can customize which approved apps appear on your Android Auto home screen by pinning and unpinning them.

Installing apps that work with Android Auto

Start by opening the Google Play Store on your phone. Search for the app you want to use in your car. Before you install it, check the app description to confirm it says "Works with Android Auto" or "Android Auto app" — this tells you the developer has built a version for the car screen.

Tap Install and wait for the download to finish. Once installed, open the app on your phone at least once. Some apps require you to sign in or complete a setup step before they will show up in Android Auto. After that, the app will appear in Android Auto the next time you connect your phone to your car's system.

If the app does not appear in Android Auto after installation and a restart, go back to the Play Store and look at the full description again. Some apps say they work with Android Auto but only in certain regions, or only with specific car systems. Check whether your car's infotainment system is listed as compatible.

Finding which apps are available for Android Auto

Google maintains an official list of Android Auto apps on the Google Play Store. Open the Play Store, tap the search icon, and search for "Android Auto apps" or the specific service you want (like "Spotify Android Auto" or "Waze Android Auto"). The search results will show you apps that have been built for the car screen.

Common categories of Android Auto apps include music and podcasts (Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora), navigation (Google Maps, Waze), messaging (WhatsApp, Telegram), and hands-free calling. Many banking apps, fuel apps, and parking apps also have Android Auto versions. If you use a service regularly, search for it by name plus "Android Auto" to see if a car version exists.

You can also browse Android Auto apps by category in the Play Store. Some apps are listed under "Travel & Local" or "Music & Audio" with Android Auto compatibility noted in the description. Reading user reviews often tells you whether the app works well on a car screen and whether it supports the features you need.

Customizing your Android Auto home screen

Once you have installed apps that work with Android Auto, you can choose which ones appear on your home screen. Connect your phone to your car's system and open Android Auto. Look at the app icons at the bottom of the screen — these are your pinned apps, the ones that appear first.

To change which apps are pinned, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) and select "Settings." Go to "Display" or "Home screen" (the exact name varies by car system). You will see a list of all your installed Android Auto apps. Tap the star or pin icon next to an app to add it to your home screen, or tap it again to remove it.

You can usually reorder pinned apps by dragging them. Keep the apps you use most often — navigation, music, messaging — at the front so you can reach them without scrolling. Android Auto will remember your choices the next time you connect.

Why some apps do not appear in Android Auto

If you installed an app on your phone but it does not show up in Android Auto, the most common reason is that the developer has not built an Android Auto version. Many popular apps, including social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, do not have Android Auto versions because they are not designed for safe driving use.

Some apps are region-locked and only work with Android Auto in certain countries. Check the app's description in the Play Store to see if it lists your country as supported. A few apps require a paid subscription or membership before they will appear in Android Auto — you may need to sign up through the app on your phone first.

Occasionally, an app will not appear because your car's infotainment system does not support it. Older car systems may only work with a limited set of apps. Check your car's manual or the manufacturer's website to see which Android Auto apps are compatible with your specific model and year.

Connecting Android Auto to your car for the first time

Android Auto works through a wired USB connection or wireless connection, depending on your car. For a wired connection, plug your phone into your car's USB port using a standard USB cable. Your car's screen should recognize the phone and ask if you want to launch Android Auto. Tap "Yes" or "Allow."

For wireless Android Auto, make sure your phone and car are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open Android Auto on your phone, go to Settings, and look for "Wireless projection" or "Wireless Android Auto." Tap it and follow the pairing steps. Your car's system will appear in the list — select it and confirm the connection on both devices.

The first time you connect, Android Auto will ask for permission to access your contacts, messages, location, and other data. Grant these permissions so the apps can function properly. After that, Android Auto will launch automatically whenever you connect your phone, and all your installed apps will be ready to use.

Troubleshooting apps that should work but do not

If an app is listed as compatible with Android Auto but will not appear, try these steps in order. First, restart your phone and your car's system. Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable, or turn wireless Android Auto off and back on. Sometimes a simple restart clears a connection issue.

Next, open the app on your phone and check for updates. Go to the Google Play Store, search for the app, and tap "Update" if an update is available. Outdated versions sometimes do not work with Android Auto. After updating, restart your phone and reconnect to your car.

If the app still does not appear, uninstall it completely and reinstall it fresh from the Play Store. Open the app on your phone at least once before you reconnect to Android Auto. If it still does not show up, the app may have a known issue with your specific car model — check the app's reviews or contact the developer's support team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sideload apps that are not on the Google Play Store into Android Auto?

No. Android Auto only recognizes apps that are published on the Google Play Store and that have been approved by Google for car use. Sideloading apps from outside sources will not make them appear in Android Auto, and attempting to do so can cause connection problems.

Do I need to pay for Android Auto itself?

Android Auto is free. You do not pay to use it. Some of the apps that work with Android Auto may require a paid subscription (like Spotify Premium or SiriusXM), but the Android Auto platform itself costs nothing.

Will Android Auto apps work if my phone is not connected to the internet?

Most Android Auto apps need an internet connection to function. Navigation, music streaming, and messaging all require data. If you lose signal while driving, some apps like Google Maps will continue to work using cached map data, but most other apps will pause or show an error.

Can I use the same app on Android Auto and on my phone at the same time?

No. When you launch an app in Android Auto, it takes over that app on your phone. You cannot use Spotify on your car screen and on your phone simultaneously. Once you disconnect from Android Auto, the app returns to your phone.

What happens if my car does not have Android Auto built in?

If your car's infotainment system does not support Android Auto natively, you can use Android Auto on an aftermarket head unit (a replacement car stereo that supports Android Auto). Some newer cars also support Android Automotive, which is different from Android Auto — it is built into the car's system itself and works differently.