Android Auto Keeps Disconnecting

[pjmmk]

A lot of issues with phones dropping out in cars can be caused by dirt in the phone's socket as well. They generally sit in people's pockets picking up dust and fluff and it collects in the tiny USB port. For some reason. Android Auto seems extremely sensitive to losing its connection so keeping that port clean is important. Just blow it out with dry air every so often.

 

[Rah]

Has anyone found a solution to this? Is it a software update on the actual car that is needed? I've tried so many cables and 4 different phones and it just keeps disconnecting after 2 minutes each time. Not losing signal, not going over bumps, using Android 14.....

 

[MrRee83]

Has anyone found a solution to this? Is it a software update on the actual car that is needed? I've tried so many cables and 4 different phones and it just keeps disconnecting after 2 minutes each time. Not losing signal, not going over bumps, using Android 14.....

Hi,

I had a chat with a mobile phone shop when my last cable broke. I couldn't get Android Auto to stay on. They said that I need a data cable and not the basic charge cable. Android Auto uses the data part and weaker charge cables don't work properly. So once I got the data cable (USB A to C) it worked without fail.

So make sure you get a proper data cable and Yes, get the software update as well. But be advised the update will change the look and some features you might be used to, e.g. using the star button to map android auto which they now removed.

 

[fshuk1]

@siteguru recommended a very cheap wireless dongle. cheaper than a good cable. Go for that. Much better than cable. Works everytime.

 

[Rah]

Can anyone recommend a wireless dongle that I can use? Even a good quality charger/data cable doesn't seem to work with my Moto g8 phone

 

[fshuk1]

Post in thread 'Android (non auto)???????'

Feb 22, 2025

I'm using a dongle - this one linked below to be precise. (The MG4 doesn't have built-in wireless AA/CP). I've never noticed the connection drop out ... the dongle presents a wireless AP connection for the phone, and they also sync via Bluetooth LE. Mobile data (from the phone) is only used so that live data can be updated (e.g. when using Google Maps or a streaming service).

Wireless Carplay Adapter Android Auto Wireless Smart Dongle 2 in1 für Volvo Benz Audi Kia Hyundai VW Mazda Cadillac mg Peugeot - AliExpress 34

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

• siteguru

@siteguru recommended this and I bought two. They are great for the price.

 

[dsimpkins]

I just posted in your other thread @Rah. I bought an Android AI box. Does a bit more than just act as a Wireless carplay adapter. Can actually be used for navigation in it's own right, as well as WiFi hotspot for passengers (if you add a SIM) Also can be used with standard Android Apps. Comes with things like Netflix preinstalled (good for entertainment when charging on long journeys)

 

[Rah]

I just posted in your other thread @Rah. I bought an Android AI box. Does a bit more than just act as a Wireless carplay adapter. Can actually be used for navigation in it's own right, as well as WiFi hotspot for passengers (if you add a SIM) Also can be used with standard Android Apps. Comes with things like Netflix preinstalled (good for entertainment when charging on long journeys)

Brilliant, thank you!

 

[Rah]

Post in thread 'Android (non auto)???????'

Feb 22, 2025

I'm using a dongle - this one linked below to be precise. (The MG4 doesn't have built-in wireless AA/CP). I've never noticed the connection drop out ... the dongle presents a wireless AP connection for the phone, and they also sync via Bluetooth LE. Mobile data (from the phone) is only used so that live data can be updated (e.g. when using Google Maps or a streaming service).

Wireless Carplay Adapter Android Auto Wireless Smart Dongle 2 in1 für Volvo Benz Audi Kia Hyundai VW Mazda Cadillac mg Peugeot - AliExpress 34

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

• siteguru

@siteguru recommended this and I bought two. They are great for the price.

Excellent, thank you very much

 

[Nemtex]

I've only had my car about a month and I have had quite a few drop our issues. I purchased an AA/CarPlay wireless adapter before I got the car and had a few issues setting this up but it has performed admirably apart from drop outs and its insistence on hijacking the audio when I am trying to use the radio is has led me to almost chuck the thing out of the window a couple of times. I have tried changing some settings but no joy. Other than this, highly recommend a wireless adaptor.

I have been frustrated with the limitations of AA though when compared to my last car where I fitted an Android headunit so I have just replaced this with an AI device. I connect my phone to the cars bluetooth directly and use the AI box for everything else. On the whole, this works better for me as I have access to more apps etc. There are a few issues with some apps not liking the screen dimensions and either not working at all or looking a bit wierd.

Strange thing is, this still drops out every now and again, exactly the same way the wireless box did. I am wondering if there is an issue with power delivery to the USB socket. Oh and it is running Android but shows up on the car as a CarPlay device.

The wireless adapter was one that seems to be quite popular on YouTube from a company called ZHNN. It was about $30. They have an option for an AA only, Carplay only or an all in one. I went for the later as I think it was the same price as the other two.

I spent a lot of time looking at the reviews of the AI boxes as it is a bit of a minefield and ended up going for one from a company called BRUXE, which I think was about $200 ish. and they threw in a little Bluetooth remote, which had a keyboard on one side and looks like fire TV remote on the other. It also works like a Wii Remote which is pretty cool.

I have a bluetooth ODBII dongle that I was hoping to use with this but it doesn't get any info from the car. It doesn't work on my phone either so not the AI boxes fault. It does work really well with my Botslab DashCam though.

 

[securespark]

I've complained for ages that I couldn't get Android Auto to work.

Well, on the strength of this thread, I ordered my 5th lead last night and, smack my gob, it blinking worked! Hurrah!

As soon as I plugged in the phone, the usual display disappeared, to be replaced with a split screen with Google Maps on the right and Amazon music on the left. Fantastic! Wish I'd done this before our road trip!

The lead was this one. Not cheap, but I did get offered 10 pc off.

 

[Rah]

I've complained for ages that I couldn't get Android Auto to work.

Well, on the strength of this thread, I ordered my 5th lead last night and, smack my gob, it blinking worked! Hurrah!

As soon as I plugged in the phone, the usual display disappeared, to be replaced with a split screen with Google Maps on the right and Amazon music on the left. Fantastic! Wish I'd done this before our road trip!

View attachment 36647

The lead was this one. Not cheap, but I did get offered 10 pc off.

View attachment 36648

That's really helpful, thank you!

I really don't know why it needs to be this difficult for the customer to get basic functions from a car but all the suggestions have been great. I'll report back to let y'all know what has worked.... after I've spent even more money on the damn thing!