Android Auto features that can make long trips easier

Cruising on the open road for extended periods of time can be quite liberating, but a trip can quickly go sour if you’re not actually ready to go. Whether you’re going the distance for work or pleasure, it always helps to be prepared, and something like Android Auto can be very useful. With an easy-to-navigate interface, real-time navigation via GPS, and access to Google Assistant or Gemini, Google’s Driving UI can be quite useful for vehicles that support it.

As useful as this can be, there are ways to get even more out of it if you know the right features, and this can be especially true for long journeys. Navigating Android Auto’s settings can reveal a world of possibilities, including enabling a mode that’s easier on the eyes, silencing pesky messages, and even accessing certain content without an Internet connection. Voice commands can also be a big help during a long journey, and you even have the option to expand its functionality with third-party apps.

We’ll walk you through the steps while giving you an overview of how these features can help you during a ride. So here are some features to check out if you plan to go the distance with Android Auto.

Long trips can often mean long hours, and having your infotainment system display information that’s easier for your eyes to read can help keep your odometer ticking. With Android Auto, day and night modes are available so drivers can better see the information they’re trying to access while providing a more consistent experience. Some may also simply prefer the aesthetic that a dark/night mode can offer.

However, while newer vehicles can automatically switch between these modes, the same is not true for older models. This may be especially true for users who use aftermarket Android Auto hardware, such as an external display. Either way, locating the setting keeps you in control, so it’s good to know where it is.

Here are the steps from a smartphone:

1. Open Settings.

2. Choose Connected Devices.

3. You may need to select Connection Preferences after Connected Devices.

4. Select Android Auto.

5. Under Maps, select Day/Night mode for Maps.

6. Select Night.

You can also find the Night Mode setting under Settings > Day/Night Mode for the infotainment screen maps. Your options will be Day, Night and Auto. Another advantage of this feature is that Google Maps will automatically adapt to the one you choose, so you don’t have to worry about locating additional settings. Some third-party apps may also have their own Night mode for Android Auto.

If you’re traveling somewhere obscure, you may want to download any maps you might need for offline use. If you lose your signal, offline maps will still provide turn-by-turn directions, but you won’t have access to some features like dynamic rerouting, traffic updates, and real-time incident reporting. Still, an offline map can get you back to civilization and a network connection.

Here are the steps to download offline maps:

1. Open Google Maps on your Android phone.

2. Search for a destination.

3. Swipe right on the options and tap More.

4. Select Download Offline Map.

5. Choose Download.

For what it’s worth, you can also delete cards you no longer use. Open the app, select your profile icon or initials, then choose Offline Maps. Choose a card and select Delete. Note that you can also update maps via this method by selecting Update.

Note that other apps may also offer offline options that can be useful during an extended journey. As a quick example, premium Spotify users can download playlists, podcasts, and albums (free users can download podcasts). Just make sure to press the download button (down arrow) from a Spotify page to get started. If you plan to enjoy content offline, consider doing so before you travel.

Similar to notifications on a smartphone, you may find that the notifications you receive when using Android Auto are overwhelming. Worrying about messages while you’re driving can already be a danger, but on a long trip it’s definitely best to keep your eyes on the road. Fortunately, Android Auto offers several options for integrating messages. Additionally, using call screening with Android Auto can also be beneficial during a long trip to avoid distractions.

If your version of Android Auto works with a voice assistant, you can still say “Hey Google, read my messages” for a hands-free experience, but it may also be in your best interest to turn off message notifications altogether. Luckily, Android Auto offers this option and more.

Here are the steps:

1. From your phone, go to Settings.

2. Select Connected Devices.

3. Choose connection preferences.

4. Select Android Auto.

5. Scroll down to Messaging.

From here, a number of options will be available, including Show Message Notifications, which you can enable or disable for notifications. Users also have options for summaries, chimes, turning off group notifications, and showing the first line of a message on the infotainment screen. Be sure to adjust them to suit your tastes and remember that you can always go back and make changes as needed.

Voice commands can be a useful feature to minimize distractions and keep you focused on the road. You’ll need to make sure your vehicle or infotainment system supports this feature, but once enabled, you’ll be able to access various voice commands by simply saying “Hey Google.” You can also tap the microphone icon on the screen or press and hold the voice control button on your steering wheel (if equipped) to activate the assistant.

Here are the steps:

1. From your phone, open Settings.

2. Choose Connected Devices.

3. You may need to select Connection Preferences after Connected Devices.

4. Select Android Auto.

5. Select “Hey Google” detection. It will guide you through the setup process or verify that it is enabled.

Once the voice assistant is activated, you can start giving commands. This can include making phone calls (“Hey Google, call (person)”), sending messages (“Hey Google, text (person) (message)”), or even getting directions (“Hey Google, drive to (address)”). If you use your touchscreen for most tasks, voice commands will definitely seem a lot less tedious.

If you’re using a version of Android with Gemini support, you can get additional information from the wizard. For example, you can say, “I’m going to (place) for (event). Can you be my tour guide and share some fun facts about this? If you’re tired of your latest podcast, a quick chat with your assistant can be a helpful way to pass the time.

It’s worth remembering that Android Auto offers a number of third-party software. Naturally, most people install the essential Android Auto apps, including multimedia and navigation tools like Spotify and Google Maps. However, having access to the Play Store also means you can try alternative options. For example, Waze is often a popular choice for its community information, while users also turn to the Audible app to access audiobooks in a way that isn’t too distracting while you’re driving. Users can also check something like Scanner Radio to access local news reports and get specific emergency information.

The examples above can be particularly useful on a road trip – perhaps the scanner is particularly useful if you find yourself in unfamiliar territory. Although we’ve given some suggestions, it may be a good idea to do some additional research, especially before hitting the road. Just like the Google Play Store can expand the capabilities of your smartphone, it can also do wonders for your Android Auto experience.