Android Auto apps help users stay focused on driving, but some still wish there was more of Google’s vehicle platform. Google intentionally limits things to basic apps, like navigation, messaging, and music apps, for security reasons. And while this strict approach is great for that, it locks out all sorts of other apps you might use in your car when you’re safely parked. However, if you’re willing to spend a few minutes tinkering with the settings, you can easily download other apps to your vehicle’s screen (for example, to watch YouTube, enjoy your media library, or mirror your screen) to make it more functional. They will work even if you convert an old tablet into an Android Auto head unit.
Since your phone provides the apps you see on your dashboard, loading an Android Auto app simply means loading the app on your phone. But Android Auto generally doesn’t show apps you have downloaded on your phone. So you’ll need to enable Developer Mode in the Android Auto app and then enable the “Unknown Sources” setting to see them. You can also use a third-party tool like Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD), which acts as an unofficial app storefront, allowing you to bypass Android Auto’s restrictions and install third-party software directly to your car’s dashboard.
Before you get started, be aware that there are some risks of side loading. Since these programs are not officially approved or supported by the Google app store, they may behave unpredictably or stop working after a system update. Sideloading apps on Android Auto is done entirely at your own risk and to stay safe you should not use them while driving. But if those caveats suit you, here are three beloved apps you can load up to help you maximize your dashboard’s potential for your next road trip.
CarStream
When you start exploring the realm of unofficial car infotainment apps, you’ll see that CarStream is arguably one of the main reasons why users decide to bypass Android Auto’s restrictions to begin with. Originally known to the enthusiast community as YouTube Auto, this popular free app puts the entire YouTube experience right on your car screen so you can easily use and enjoy it. And don’t worry: the app doesn’t require you to root your phone. Instead, CarStream simply offers a custom web wrapper that perfectly scales YouTube videos to fit your car’s unique screen size.
Being able to watch YouTube videos through CarStream is a lifesaver during long EV charging sessions, long ferry rides, when you’re just parked and waiting to pick someone up, especially for kids. The app interface is designed with ease of use in mind and makes it easy to navigate your subscriptions and recommended videos. You can even sign in to your Google account to access your premium features, personal playlists, and viewing history without any noticeable lag, just like you would on your laptop or smartphone.
It’s important to reiterate that you should only use CarStream when your car is safely parked. Google strictly prohibits this type of app from being on your dashboard for (hopefully) obvious security reasons; However, for those in the backseat, distracted driving isn’t just dangerous, it’s stupid. But for those quiet moments when you’re stuck in a parking lot, CarStream is an essential downloaded app.
Fermata-Auto
While CarStream is great for streaming content directly from the web, Fermata Auto serves an entirely different (and arguably more robust) purpose for in-car entertainment enthusiasts. Fermata is an open source media player designed to play local media files directly from your phone’s internal memory or a connected hard drive. So if you have strict data caps or frequently pass through rural areas with poor cell reception, relying entirely on cloud-based streaming services to listen to your tunes won’t cut it. This is where Fermata Auto comes in.
The advantage of installing Fermata Auto is that your entire media collection remains available, even when you are offline, because it is based on local files. The app supports a wide variety of video and audio formats, so your downloaded TV shows, movies, podcasts, and high-fidelity audio tracks can be played seamlessly through your vehicle’s screen and stereo system. Beyond local playback, Fermata Auto also includes built-in support for additional items like IPTV playlists, making it a convenient and powerful all-in-one media center for your car.
The free app offers customizable settings and folders as well as clear directory navigation, making it easy to find the specific file you’re looking for without forcing you to scroll endlessly. And of course, like any video playback software, it should only be used when your car is parked. The flexibility of Fermata Auto’s offline media files is ideal for cross-country road trips, camping adventures, or any other scenario where you simply won’t have a consistent and stable internet connection.
Screen2Auto
Sometimes you just won’t find the specific app or feature you want to use on your vehicle’s screen. This is exactly what makes Screen2Auto so valuable. This smart, free tool basically lets you put anything you can see on your phone screen onto your car’s screen; It is a screen mirroring utility. With it, you effectively break through Google’s restrictive security barriers so you can use almost any phone app in your car. Although Android Auto offers a limited list of apps you can actually use in the car, Screen2Auto’s website lists even more, ranging from Discord and Waze to TikTok and Spotify.
The utility is simple but surprisingly refined, and it supports both wireless and wired setups for Android Auto. It allows you to select your most used phone apps for faster access. Additionally, Screen2Auto offers many other settings to change as you wish, such as screen and layout configurations, as well as handling touch event forwarding to ensure dashboard inputs register perfectly on your connected device.
Because all you’re doing here is mirroring your phone, the possibilities of what you do with Screen2Auto are virtually limitless. However, its use while driving should only be carried out with the greatest caution, either by a person other than the driver, or only when parked. The app itself doesn’t have simplified menus, which can make it distracting and difficult to use while driving. Yet Screen2Auto essentially turns a boring car screen into a tablet interface, giving you full control over your digital life when you’re away from home.
