Android Auto works great, giving drivers easy access to Maps, Waze, Spotify, calls, messages, and more. The only annoying part is that you need to plug in your phone every time you get in the car, which can be a hassle if your phone is 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 and tangled with the shifter.
With this Android Auto feature, your car will never get lost in a parking lot again
No need to wander around pressing the panic button on your car key.
Thankfully, the Android Auto Wireless Adapter can quickly solve this problem—unless, of course, you want to charge your devices at the same time.
What is the Android Auto Wireless Adapter?
The name really says it all. The Android Auto Wireless Adapter will help you wirelessly connect your phone to your car’s infotainment system.
If your car previously required you to use a cable to plug in your phone, now you can simply plug in an adapter. Every time you get in your car, your phone automatically connects to the adapter and displays all Android Auto apps on the screen.
How does the Android Auto wireless adapter work?
As mentioned earlier, Android Auto wireless adapters are small devices that allow your Android phone to connect to your car’s infotainment system without cables. These adapters use a wireless Bluetooth connection to transmit audio, video and other information, such as maps, between your phone and your car.
The Android Auto wireless adapter works by physically connecting to one of your car’s USB ports. 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 launch all of your favorite apps.
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Additionally, once your phone is connected in this way, it will begin automatically and wirelessly forwarding information such as music, directions, messages, and phone calls to your vehicle’s infotainment system. Essentially, these adapters act as a relay between your phone and your car.
Unlike traditional wired connections, Android Auto wireless adapters offer greater flexibility in device placement. Since you’re no longer limited by cables or ports, you can find a place to put the adapter that won’t bother you too much, like sticking it to the console with double-sided tape; in fact, the adapter might even be in the box Tape included. During this time, your phone can be left wherever it was before getting in the car, whether it’s your bag or pocket.
How to set up an Android Auto wireless adapter
Setting up the Android Auto wireless adapter is easy. You’ll need two things: a compatible Android smartphone running Android 11 or higher and a supported car. You should also make sure they are all running the latest software updates to avoid any connectivity issues.
- open your your car’s engine and make sure your Android Auto Wireless Adapter is plugged into the infotainment system. The LED on the adapter will light up.
- If they are not already turned on, enable your phone’s Wifi and Bluetooth connection.
- Open the Bluetooth menu and Find the name of your adapter on your list.tap connect.
- If needed, tap Android Auto on the car’s infotainment center.
That’s it. The steps above apply to most Android Auto wireless adapters on the market—they’re just as plug-and-play as modern devices.
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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.
advantage
- Easy to use: Android Auto automatically pops up on your screen as soon as you get in your car.
- The adapter is small and doesn’t take up much space.
- You will no longer have to deal with obstructive cables.
shortcoming
- When you arrive at your destination, your phone will no longer be fully charged. (In fact, your phone’s battery will drain quickly because the wireless connection to your car is so taxing.)
- Sometimes there can be a bit of a lag between your phone and the Android Auto suspension, so when you get in the car it can take too long to load or the connection sometimes drops out.
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FAQ
Q: Which Android Auto wireless adapter should you buy?
While the basic functionality of most Android Auto wireless adapters is the same, there are differences in connectivity, compatibility with different car models, and additional features. While it’s beyond the scope of this article to offer buying advice, Pocket-lint has an entirely separate guide detailing the best Android Auto wireless adapters you can buy right now.
Q: Does the Android Auto wireless adapter work with all models?
Not all models are compatible with the Android Auto Wireless Adapter. Compatibility depends on the car’s infotainment system and USB port configuration. It is important to check the compatibility of the adapter with your specific car model before purchasing.
Q: Can I use the Android Auto Wireless Adapter with my iPhone?
Android Auto is designed for Android devices. iPhone users will need to use Apple CarPlay for wireless connectivity. However, some wireless adapters include 2-in-1 functionality, providing Android Auto and CarPlay wireless experiences.