How do I fix Android Auto lag?
Android Auto is a platform developed by Google that allows Android smartphones to interface with vehicle infotainment systems. It projects a simplified interface optimized for driving onto the vehicle’s display, providing features like Google Maps navigation, media playback, and voice control. One common problem users report with Android Auto is lag or slow performance, where the interface is unresponsive or sluggish.
There are a few root causes of Android Auto lag. The app and head unit software can become outdated, the phone hardware may be underpowered, connectivity issues like low-quality cables can cause glitching, and too many apps running in the background on the phone can create resource contention. Troubleshooting and fixing lag issues involves systematically going through possible causes like these.
Verify Cables and Connections
One of the most common causes of Android Auto lag or connection issues is a faulty or low-quality USB cable. The official Android Auto website recommends using the cable that came with your phone or one certified by the USB-IF to be compliant with USB 2.0 or higher [1]. Aftermarket and knockoff cables often do not provide consistent data transfer, resulting in lag, disconnects, or failure to connect.
Inspect your USB cable for any damage or kinks, and try swapping to a different high-quality cable like one from Anker or Samsung. Damaged cables with broken internals can cause intermittent connections. Also, check that both ends are firmly plugged into the phone and head unit, without any debris or obstructions in the ports.
If issues persist with multiple cables, the USB ports on the head unit itself could be damaged, requiring service or replacement.
Update Android Auto App
One of the most common causes of lag or issues with Android Auto is having an outdated version of the Android Auto app. Google is constantly releasing updates and bug fixes to improve performance and fix issues, so it’s important to keep the app up-to-date.
Go to the Play Store on your Android device and search for “Android Auto”. If an update is available, tap “Update” to download and install the latest version. Make sure auto-update is enabled for the Android Auto app in the Play Store settings so you receive updates automatically as they become available.
The latest stable public version at the time of writing is Android Auto 11.0, released on January 17, 2023. However, you may also see a newer beta version available which could provide pre-release bug fixes. While beta versions may be a bit more unstable, updating to the latest beta may help solve lag issues in some cases.
After updating Android Auto, disconnect and reconnect your phone to the car’s head unit and test for any improvement in responsiveness or lag. Keep the app updated routinely to have the best Android Auto experience.
Source: Android Auto – Android
Update Head Unit Software
One potential cause of lag or issues with Android Auto is outdated firmware on the head unit itself. Manufacturers will periodically release software updates that include bug fixes, performance improvements, and compatibility updates for Android Auto. It’s important to make sure your head unit is running the latest firmware version.
You can generally find the current firmware version by going into the settings menu on your head unit. Check the manufacturer’s website or contact their support to determine if a newer firmware version is available for download. Many head units allow you to download and install updates directly on the unit itself via USB or WiFi. Be sure to follow any instructions carefully during the firmware update process.
Updating to the latest firmware specifically targets improvements for Android Auto connectivity and performance. This can potentially resolve any lagging, crashes, or bugs that occur specifically within the Android Auto interface and experience. Ensure your head unit’s software is up-to-date before troubleshooting other potential factors. As an example, a 2022 firmware update for Sony XAV-AX8000 head units aimed to fix Android Auto freezing issues (cite: https://xdaforums.com/t/generic-xy-auto-android-head-units-firmware-update.4420253/).
Reset Android Auto App
One of the most common troubleshooting steps for fixing Android Auto lag is to reset the Android Auto app. This clears out any cached data that could be causing performance issues. Here are the steps to reset the Android Auto app on your Android device:
First, open the Settings app on your phone and go to Apps or Application Manager. Find the Android Auto app in the list and open it. In the app info screen, tap Storage and then Cache. Tap “Clear Cache” to delete any temporary data stored by Android Auto.
You can also reset the app entirely by clearing the data. From the Android Auto app info screen, tap Storage then Clear Data. This will delete any preferences and login details stored in the app and restore it to default settings.
According to OttoCast, resetting the Android Auto app data and cache is often enough to resolve lag or connection issues. After resetting, check if Android Auto performance improves when reconnecting your phone. If the lag persists, you may need to troubleshoot other potential causes.
Disable Unnecessary Apps
One common cause of lag is too many apps running in the background using system resources. When multiple apps are left open, they can drain your phone’s CPU, RAM, and battery. This leaves fewer resources for Android Auto to run smoothly.
Try closing out apps before connecting to Android Auto, especially intensive ones like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. Swipe away any apps you aren’t currently using to free up processing power, memory, and battery for Android Auto. Restrict background activity for apps not needed while driving.
You can also disable auto-launch of apps you don’t need. Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Advanced > Auto-launch to disable unnecessary apps from running automatically when you connect your phone. This prevents non-essential apps from bogging down your system.
Finally, if you won’t need data from certain apps, you can force stop them while using Android Auto. Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > [App Name] > Force stop. This ensures the app won’t be running or syncing data in the background.
By limiting active apps only to essentials needed for Android Auto, you reserve more resources for navigation, music, and voice commands. Running fewer background processes reduces lag and crashes.
Check for Overheating
Overheating is a common cause of performance issues and lag with Android Auto. When the phone gets too hot, it will throttle processing power to try to cool down. This can lead to choppy performance and general sluggishness.
Many users have reported overheating and lag problems with Android Auto, especially when navigating on hot days or charging the phone at the same time. Pixels and Samsung Galaxy phones seem particularly prone to overheating with extended Android Auto use according to user reports (source, source).
If the phone feels hot when lag occurs, it’s likely due to overheating. Try turning off the AC vent on the phone, removing any cases, and discontinuing phone charging while using Android Auto.
Clear Phone Cache
One cause of Android Auto lag can be a build up of temporary files and caches on your Android device. Over time, caches and temporary data can accumulate and begin to slow things down. Clearing out this temporary data can help free up storage space and improve performance.
To wipe the temporary files and caches on your Android device:
- Go to Settings > Storage.
- Tap “Cached data” to view which apps have cached data.
- Tap on an app to clear the cache for just that app, or tap “Clear cached data” at the bottom to wipe the caches for all apps.
This will delete all temporary files, caches, and data that apps have stored. It can help speed up lagging performance. However, it will not delete any of your personal data or account information within apps. [1]
After clearing cached data, check if Android Auto performance has improved. If lag persists, you may need to explore other troubleshooting steps.
Factory Reset Head Unit
Factory resetting your car’s head unit to default settings can be a last resort solution if all else fails. This will wipe the system clean, deleting all apps, settings, and paired devices – bringing it back to the state it was in when you first bought the car.
Before factory resetting, be sure to back up any data on the head unit you want to keep, like stored contacts, playlists, or navigation favorites. You’ll have to pair your phone and reconfigure any customizations once it’s reset.
Since this deletes everything, only factory reset as a last resort after trying other troubleshooting steps. But it can potentially fix lag or connection issues stemming from corrupted system files or bad configurations.
Check your owner’s manual on how to factory reset your specific head unit model. There is usually a built-in reset option in the system settings. The process will vary by car manufacturer and model.
Once the system is reset, try connecting Android Auto again. In most cases, a fresh install of the software can clear up any lag or glitches, giving you a smooth Android Auto experience.
Get Help from Manufacturer
If you have tried all of the troubleshooting steps but Android Auto is still laggy, it may be time to get help directly from the manufacturer.
Contact product support for your head unit or car. Provide details on when the lag occurs and what you’ve done to try to fix it. The manufacturer may have additional tips or can push a software update if needed.
You can try calling the support line or chatting online if available. Some companies also allow you to email product support. Be sure to have your VIN number and any product IDs ready.
Manufacturers want you to have a smooth experience using Android Auto. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you’re still experiencing lag after trying all the standard troubleshooting steps.