Android Auto is a great app that makes it safe to use your phone while driving. It helps to display your phone’s system on your car’s infotainment system, allowing you to play music, check messages, navigate, and much more. There is even an option to use Google Assistant to minimize distractions.
Initially, you had to use a USB cable to connect your smartphone with an Android auto head unit. However, nowadays, you can connect wirelessly. This article will show you how to use Android Auto without charging your phone and much more.
Do you have a particular question about using Android Auto without charging the phone? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
Here's what we'll cover:
- Requirements to use Android auto without charging your phone
- How to use Android Auto without charging your phone?
- Can I connect my phone to Android Auto without charging it?
- Do I need a USB cable to use Android Auto?
- Can I stop my car from charging my phone?
- Is it necessary to plug in my phone when using Android Auto?
Requirements to use Android auto without charging your phone
You need a compatible Android phone with Android 9.0 Pie or newer to use Android Auto wirelessly. Unfortunately, this feature is only available on selected devices, including Android 11 and above phones, Google Pixel, and Samsung running on Android 9 or newer. Moreover, your car should have an Android auto wireless head unit and a Wi-Fi feature.
How to use Android Auto without charging your phone?
- Download the Android Auto app from the Google Play store and use the following steps to set it up.
- Connect your phone to your car’s infotainment system with a USB cable ( The cable is a requirement in the initial stages of setting the wireless connection)
- Follow the prompts on the screen to set Android auto
- Detach the USB cable
- The Android auto wireless connects to your phone automatically whenever you start your car.
Can I connect my phone to Android Auto without charging it?
Most phones connect to cars with Bluetooth, enabling you to pick up calls hands-free and stream music. Unfortunately, the Bluetooth connection does not have sufficient bandwidth to support Android Auto Wireless.
Android Auto Wireless uses your phone’s Wi-Fi functionality to wirelessly connect it to your car’s infotainment system. However, this will only work if your vehicle has Wi-Fi capability. Also, compatibility depends on the specific phones and car systems designed to work together.
If your phone pairs with your car successfully, you can use Android Auto Wireless without charging your phone. Your phone’s apps are displayed on the car’s touchscreen in large and easy-to-access icons, which helps to minimize distractions while driving. In addition, you can use the Google assistant for various functions like navigation, and the answers will emit from the car’s speakers.
The biggest benefit of Android Auto Wireless is that you’ll be able to use Android Auto without charging your phone.
Do I need a USB cable to use Android Auto?
Android Auto was designed to help you mirror your phone’s functionality on your car’s screen to reduce distractions while driving. For example, with the Google Assistant integration, you can play music, check messages, play music, and place a call with voice control.
It works well with major Android apps like Spotify, WhatsApp, Waze, Google Maps, etc. You can use your phone without removing your hands from the steering wheel.
Initially, you needed a USB cable to connect your phone to the Android Auto head. However, the wireless capability will enable you to use Android Auto without cable. So, forget the old-fashioned wired connection and embrace wireless connectivity. As a result, you will use Android Auto without charging your phone.
Can I stop my car from charging my phone?
All USB cables are designed to charge your phone when connected to your car. So, your phone will continuously charge when using Android Auto, which can damage your phone’s battery.
However, you can modify your USB cable by cutting the voltage wire to stop charging your phone when using Android Auto. You can Google your cable’s wiring diagram to know which wires to disconnect. Android Auto will continue to work as long as the data lines are unbroken.
Is it necessary to plug in my phone when using Android Auto?
The biggest reason you need to plug in your phone when using Android Auto is the battery life. Remember that you are using your phone with Android Auto but on a larger screen. So, as most people do, using maps or streaming music will eat up your battery. Unfortunately, this can even cause your phone to heat up. However, the rate of drainage and amount lost will depend on the phone or car type you are using.
The new Android Auto Wireless makes things easier as you don’t have to plug in your phone. As a result, you will be able to use Android Auto without charging your phone. Sadly, the feature is only available in the latest car and phone models.
Credits: Thanks for the photo to Canva.
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