5 Ways to Use Android Auto Without Touching Your Phone

The digital screens in modern cars can be very useful, but they can also be extremely distracting for drivers. Some built-in apps, such as Android Auto, give users a complete hands-free experience by controlling device functions through voice, steering wheel buttons, or even with some automated settings. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this solution is safer for drivers because it doesn’t require them to take their eyes off the road to interact with Android Auto.

This experience has become even more comprehensive since Gemini was added to the system. Gemini’s integration into Android Auto allows the user to use more natural controls to find destinations, play music, or even access other phone functions without having to touch the phone. In many cases, a normal conversation with the assistant is enough to complete the task.

Apart from voice commands, Android Auto also has other features that reduce the need for touching while traveling. You can even create a few small automations, so you don’t need to pick up the phone at any time. To make your car infotainment experience easier, here are five ways to use Android Auto without touching the phone and enjoy the journey.

Since Gemini came to Android Auto, voice commands are much more flexible than traditional Google Assistant commands. So after connecting your phone to your car, just say “Hey Google” and ask for what you need. For example, among the ways to use Gemini on Android Auto are starting a route, making calls or even sending messages without searching for these functions on the screen.

However, to use these Gemini features, it must be set up as your phone’s digital assistant, and the device and vehicle must be compatible with Android Auto. Voice control also depends on “Hey Google” and Voice Match being enabled. Once everything is set up, the system can recognize requests made in a more natural way, without you needing to memorize specific phrases for each action.

Another positive point of Gemini is that he can follow the context of the conversation and interpret more detailed requests. So instead of just asking for an address, you can ask if there is a charger near where you are going and start navigation from the result. You can even discuss ideas or ask questions along the way.

Depending on the car model you have, it may be equipped with a button to give voice commands directly on the steering wheel. So instead of saying “Hey Google” to activate your Android Auto, you just press it until Gemini beeps, then make your request. This allows you to concentrate even more on the road while traveling.

While not all cars have a dedicated button for this, if yours does, it functions as a physical shortcut for the same commands available by voice. After activating Gemini, you can request directions, call a contact, send messages, change the music or ask questions. This way, virtually all main functions remain accessible without needing to say “Hey Google” to activate them.

Indeed, if Android Auto’s voice commands don’t work, it’s worth checking the volume, the car’s microphone, or even how you use the button. Google itself tells the person to press and hold the voice command button, instead of pressing it just once.

Navigation is one of the most useful functions to control just with your voice in Android Auto. Since Gemini was implemented on the phone, it has become easier to control Google Maps or another compatible navigation app. So if before you needed to interact with the screen to find or confirm directions, you can now ask Google’s AI to start a route to the address, business, or other place you want to go. You can even ask for traffic information, search for nearby places, or other things during the ride.

Once on the road, Gemini’s voice commands are always useful. It’s much easier these days to add a last-minute stop or find an alternative route, for example. You can always report any issues you encounter on Google Maps along the way, like roadworks or stopped vehicles. This way you can adjust the ride while keeping both hands on the wheel.

You can also control your calls and messages without touching the phone while traveling. You can ask Android Auto to call a contact on your list, answer a call, or even start a new conversation with someone without taking your hands off the wheel. Android automatic call screening, on compatible devices, actually helps you filter unwanted calls before you pick up.

The same goes for messages received by SMS or other applications. Android Auto can read new messages to you and let you respond to them without touching your phone. The system will even repeat the text before sending it, so you can correct any errors before sending it. It allows you to have several short conversations without taking your eyes off the road. Gemini comes with new functions. You can summarize longer messages, for example, but Android Auto itself can do most of these things without it.

For anyone who wants to save time starting the car and avoid as much contact as possible, you can create some automations with Android Auto. One of them is to set up autostart, where the phone opens the system as soon as it connects to the vehicle, saving you from having to pick up the device before you start driving. In Android Auto settings, you can choose when the interface starts working.

The same goes for music and podcasts. Among the Android Auto settings that can improve your experience is one to automatically start this media. This way, if you were listening to something before getting in the car, you can continue where you left off on Spotify or another app automatically, without needing to unlock the phone to press play and bring the audio back.

These automations work best when the phone is already properly paired with the car, and in the case of wireless Android Auto, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are available. After setting everything up, you just need to start the car and leave the main functions ready for use.