As a user of both platforms, I have to say that Android Auto outperforms Apple’s CarPlay across the board. This is why I prefer to use Android Auto during long trips. However, this relationship didn’t get off to a perfect start. I’ve made several minor adjustments to my Android Auto settings that completely change the infotainment system from a bit complicated to a seamless experience.
I figured if they helped me, they could probably help you too. And to top it off, none of them involve enabling developer settings, which can be a slippery slope if you’re not very savvy when it comes to the technical aspects of your phone. I know I’m not a coder, and most others aren’t either. These simple settings can all be adjusted without worrying about your phone shutting down during that all-important work call.
Start Android Auto while locked
Eliminate the hassle of turning your phone on and off every time you drive
When I first received my Android phone, I noticed that to start Android Auto, I had to first unlock the phone. This means taking it completely out of my pocket, using my fingerprint, putting it back in my pocket, and then starting my daily commute. That doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Well, as a college professor, I tend to carry a lot of stuff to and from the car I bring to class. Add to that the weekly grocery shopping, and it was starting to be a problem.
Then I found this setting and haven’t looked back. All you had to do was navigate to Settings > More connectivity options > Android Auto > Start Android Auto while locked. This may even already be enabled depending on your device, but this is obviously not the case for all devices. If you’re in the same boat as me, this is the first step I’ve taken in making Android Auto my primary infotainment partner.
Automatically start your best playlists
No need to scroll through the Android Auto app screen before getting started
Whether you’re a country music fan like me or even a dad-rock enthusiast, no one wants to have to navigate through countless Android Auto apps, find the music streaming partner of your choice, choose a playlist, and then start your drive. This one is so annoying that I know people who start their music before even getting in the car to avoid flipping through their apps log. Well I should say that I did I know people who have done this, before I showed them this simple adjustment.
Go to the same page as before, but press Start music automatically. It should be just below the previous setting you adjusted. Now your Android Auto experience should be twice as smooth as before and already rival the features offered by its competitors. But what about your eyes? That screen can be pretty bright, after all.
Keep Dark Mode On All the Time
Blue light filter or not, everyone likes when the screen is pleasant to look at
If you couldn’t tell from my lock screen earlier, I’m the type of person who likes everything he owns to be in dark mode all the time. This same vibe extends to my car’s dashboard, where I’ve adopted dark mode regardless of the infotainment software. Most Android Auto screens are set to sense the amount of light present and adjust accordingly, but in broad daylight, a stark white screen can be overwhelming. I even have blue light filtering glasses, and they don’t help much.
If you’re looking for a clean, minimalist look, dark mode is the only way to go. This is a feature Apple just added to CarPlay in iOS 26, but Android Auto users can dim their settings down to the appearance of their Google Maps. Do your eyes a favor and join the dark mode movement.
Turn off message chimes to maintain vibration
Nothing annoys me more than an impromptu break in my music
We’ve all been there: you’re listening to “Sister Golden Hair” or some other all-time classic ballad, the world is perfect at that moment, and then all of a sudden… DING. Your uncle sent a text. He’s coming to visit this weekend and he’s also bringing his new girlfriend. Your song picks up, but the mood has changed, all because of that silly little chime.
Well, you don’t have to worry about that anymore because you can turn off this chime and the chime alone. Go to the same settings page as before, scroll down to Messaging > Play message chime. There you can turn off this feature and make sure the good vibes never go bad, no matter who stays in your room uninvited this weekend.
