Your phone isn’t the only device that may need an update when Android Auto starts working.
There are many reasons why Android Auto might stop connecting, and initial fixes usually focus on the phone and the connection. You inspect the cable, restart the device, forget about the car, reconnect it and make sure Android Auto is up to date. However, if all else fails, the software that needs your attention might be in the dashboard.
Your car’s infotainment system also has software, and if it is outdated, it can cause Android Auto connection issues. Google advises users to restart the infotainment system and, if the receiver is an aftermarket Pioneer or Kenwood unit, visit the manufacturer’s website and check for a firmware update.
Android Auto relies on the phone and the car working well, and if you only focus on the phone, you might miss half the equation. If none of the solutions above have worked, including changing cables, reconnecting the phone, or restarting the phone, the car’s software is another area to consider.
Your car might also need an update
Automakers have been sending out infotainment updates that can improve Android Auto, and Hyundai’s February 2026 infotainment update for ccNC-equipped cars in Europe included improved wireless connectivity between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, faster reconnection if the phone becomes unresponsive, and automatic recovery after a restart. Chevrolet makes this point more directly: On affected vehicles, it lists updating the phone and vehicle software as the first troubleshooting step when Android Auto won’t connect.
How you install an update depends on the car. Some systems can download software over Wi-Fi, while others use a USB drive or SD card, and some manufacturers also offer dealer support. For example, Uconnect allows supported systems to be connected to Wi-Fi through the vehicle settings menu.
Therefore, there is no universal button to update the infotainment firmware. Start at the car manufacturer’s website and follow the instructions for that infotainment system. If the site asks for your VIN or model details, provide them. If the process is unclear (or the manufacturer states that it must be installed by a reseller), a reseller is the safer route than obtaining an update file elsewhere.
A firmware update won’t fix all Android Auto issues
If Android Auto stopped working right after a phone or Android Auto update, check Google’s Android Auto known issues page before changing the car’s software. Google recently fixed connection issues affecting the Pixel 10 and Samsung S26 phones and was still investigating an S25 connection issue. This timing can help you decide which side of the connection deserves your attention first.
If Android Auto stopped working right after a phone or Android Auto update, start there before making any changes to the car. Google advises users to verify that the car is compatible, verify that Android Auto is enabled in the infotainment system, and test the USB connection. For wired Android Auto, it is currently recommended to use a quality cable that is less than 3 feet long.
Updating the car is a troubleshooting measure and not a quick fix. If Android Auto was previously working, standard phone-side troubleshooting failed, and newer infotainment software is available, an update is one more thing to check before scheduling a service appointment.
The firmware is not without restrictions. It’s not always possible to add Android Auto to hardware that didn’t support it in the first place. Uconnect says its systems can’t simply be upgraded to add Android Auto or CarPlay, while Uconnect 5 and some Uconnect 4 and 4C systems include both.
