How do I improve the audio quality on my Android Auto?
Android Auto is a platform that allows you to access apps and services from an Android phone on a car’s infotainment display. It supports audio playback for music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more through the car’s speakers. However, many users have reported issues with audio quality like muffled, distorted, or quiet sound when using Android Auto.
Problems like static, poor equalization, cutting out, and echo can ruin the listening experience and be frustrating to deal with. Often the root causes relate to connection problems, software bugs, outdated apps, or incompatible hardware.
The goal of this guide is to help Android Auto users troubleshoot and improve their overall audio quality. With the right tips, settings adjustments, and hardware checks, you can get great sounding audio through Android Auto.
Check Audio Settings
One of the first things to check is the audio settings within the Android Auto app itself. Open the Android Auto app on your phone and go to Settings > Audio. Here you can adjust the equalizer to boost certain frequency ranges and improve the overall sound quality. The “Loudness” option can help make quieter sounds more audible.
You’ll also want to verify your system and media volumes are set to an optimal level. On your Android device, go to Settings > Sound and adjust the system volume slider. Make sure media volume is also turned up high enough by using the volume buttons on your car dash when Android Auto is running. Setting these volumes too low can negatively impact Android Auto’s audio quality.
Connect the Right Cable
One of the most impactful ways to improve audio quality with Android Auto is to connect your phone using the right USB cable. The cable that came with your car’s head unit or stereo system is often optimized for both data transfer and audio quality. Using the manufacturer-provided cable helps ensure maximum compatibility and performance (Source).
Conversely, low quality, damaged, or extremely long cables can degrade the audio signal and introduce interference or static. Check your current USB cable for any frays, bends, or corrosion, and swap it out if necessary. Stick to short, high quality cables under 6 feet whenever possible. Many users report a noticeable boost in audio quality after switching to the cable included with their car or head unit (Source).
Update Apps and Software
One of the easiest ways to improve Android Auto’s audio quality is by ensuring you have the latest versions of the Android Auto app and your smartphone’s operating system. Google frequently rolls out updates to the Android Auto app that include bug fixes and optimizations for audio performance. According to Google’s release notes for Android Auto 7.7, upgrades focused specifically on “Media quality, Bluetooth connectivity, app launch time, and UI optimizations.” Keeping the app up-to-date takes advantage of the latest audio enhancements.
You’ll also want to keep your Android smartphone’s operating system updated. Major OS updates like Android 12 and Android 13 include lower latency Bluetooth stacks and upgraded media codecs that can enhance audio quality over Android Auto. Check for system updates in your phone’s Settings and install any available software updates. This ensures you’re running the most optimized version of Android that works best with Android Auto.
Adjust In-Car Settings
One way to potentially improve Android Auto’s audio quality is to adjust the settings on your car’s head unit or stereo. Most modern car stereos have audio adjustments like bass, treble, balance, and fade that can optimize the audio for your specific vehicle.
Check for an audio or sound settings menu on your car stereo. You may be able to boost or cut certain frequency ranges to improve clarity. Adjusting balance and fade can also help center the audio sweet spot to your seating position.
According to Google’s Android Auto setup guide, you may need to manually enable AUX or smartphone connections through your car stereo’s settings. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for instructions on accessing these settings.
Lastly, turning off any built-in equalizers or audio effects on your car stereo can reduce unwanted audio processing. This allows Android Auto to handle the audio processing and may result in better quality. Experiment with your head unit’s settings to find the optimal balance for your car’s speakers and acoustics.
Use a Ground Loop Isolator
A ground loop occurs when two audio components, like your phone and car stereo, are plugged into different ground references which can create a “loop” for electrical currents. This results in an audible humming or buzzing noise through the speakers. A ground loop isolator blocks the current flow between the audio components to filter out electrical noise interference.
A ground loop isolator such as the Mpow Ground Loop Noise Isolator (https://www.amazon.com/Mpow-Ground-Isolator-Stereo-System/dp/B019393MV2) can be installed between your phone and car stereo, usually by plugging it into the aux input. It acts as a low-pass filter that allows the audio signal to pass through while blocking the transmission of electrical noise that causes humming and buzzing.
By stopping the ground loop current, the isolator removes the interference and restores clean audio quality. Just make sure to get an isolator compatible with a 3.5mm connector for connecting with your Android Auto cable.
Replace Damaged Speakers
Faulty car speakers can cause various audio issues like distortion, buzzing, or lack of clarity when using Android Auto. If your speakers are damaged or blown, it’s essential to replace them for optimal sound quality. According to a Reddit thread, degraded speakers is one of the top causes of poor audio over Android Auto.
Replacing car speakers should be done professionally to avoid further damage. An experienced installer can test your current speakers, recommend quality replacements, and properly install them. They can also run diagnostics to rule out any other underlying issues causing poor audio. For the best results, consider upgrading to high-end component speakers designed for clarity and distortion-free sound.
With high-quality new speakers professionally installed, Android Auto audio should become clearer, crisper, and free of any buzzing, distortion, or muffling. This relatively simple fix can dramatically improve your overall listening experience and allow you to get the most out of Android Auto’s audio capabilities.
Add an Amplifier
Adding an external amplifier can significantly improve the volume and audio quality from your Android Auto system [1]. Amps provide additional power and allow the speakers to play louder and clearer.
A professional installation is recommended, as improper wiring can damage your stereo or electrical system. Make sure to use an amplifier designed for automotive use, as home audio amps often can’t withstand a car’s voltage. A 4-channel amp will allow you to amplify both front and rear speakers for balanced sound.
When installed correctly, an amplifier can greatly increase the maximum volume from your stock speakers. This is an effective upgrade if you find the volume from Android Auto to be lacking, even at the maximum setting.
Use High-Quality Audio Files
One way to improve audio quality in Android Auto is to play high-bitrate, uncompressed audio files. Low-quality compressed formats like MP3 introduce lossy compression artifacts that degrade sound quality. Instead, use lossless formats like FLAC, ALAC, or WAV which preserve full audio fidelity.
Streaming high-resolution lossless audio from services like Tidal, Amazon Music HD, or Qobuz can make a noticeable difference versus lower-bitrate streaming. Just make sure you have an unlimited data plan, as these hi-res streams consume significant bandwidth.
If streaming isn’t an option, play locally stored lossless files. Rip CDs to FLAC or download lossless files whenever available. The highest-quality masters will provide crisper detail and immersive sound through your car’s speakers. But even switching compressed files from low-bitrate MP3 to higher 320kbps can clean up the audio.
Overall, feeding Android Auto uncompressed source material avoids further audio quality loss from multiple rounds of compression. Let the high-bitrate files shine through your car’s audio system for the best listening experience.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several key steps you can take to improve your Android Auto’s audio quality:
- Check your Android Auto app’s audio settings and adjust accordingly
- Use a high-quality USB cable designed for optimal audio performance
- Update both your phone and car’s software and apps to the latest versions
- Adjust any relevant audio settings in your car’s infotainment system
- Try using a ground loop isolator to reduce electrical interference
- Replace any damaged or blown car speakers
- Add an external amplifier to boost overall power and clarity
The most important factor is ensuring you are playing high bitrate, uncompressed audio files from streaming services or locally stored music. Low quality compressed files will negatively impact Android Auto’s audio output.
If you’ve tried all troubleshooting steps and are still unhappy, it may be worth having a car audio specialist inspect your wiring, speakers, and setup. Professional installation and tuning can work wonders compared to DIY efforts.
With some tweaking of settings, using quality hardware, and playing audiophile-grade music files, you can make your Android Auto’s sound truly shine.