Why is Waze not working properly on Android Auto?

ByJael Lawler

Waze is a popular navigation and traffic app owned by Google that provides turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates based on crowdsourced data from users. Android Auto is Google’s platform that extends the Android experience to car dashboards and head units. Waze integration with Android Auto allows drivers to access Waze’s navigation features directly from their car’s infotainment system.

Many users have reported problems getting Waze to work properly or at all when connected to Android Auto. Some of the common issues include Waze crashing or freezing on launch, problems connecting, no voice navigation, missing features, laggy performance, and various bugs. These problems prevent users from safely and conveniently accessing Waze’s navigation during drives when using Android Auto.

Possible Causes

There are a few key things that could be causing issues with Waze on Android Auto:

Buggy Waze App Version

Sometimes a recent update to the Waze app introduces bugs that cause problems when using it with Android Auto. For example, some users reported issues after an update in April 2023 according to this forum thread: Source.

Android Auto App Issues

The Android Auto app itself could have bugs causing compatibility problems with Waze. One thread on Google support forums suggests issues started after an Android Auto update: Source.

Phone and Head Unit Compatibility

Sometimes Waze has issues when paired with certain phone models or specific car head units running Android Auto. For example, some users faced laggy performance traced back to compatibility problems between devices: Source.

Waze App Bugs

Several recent versions of the Waze app appear to have bugs that cause issues when using Android Auto, especially with voice commands and fullscreen mode. According to sources, Waze versions 4.86, 4.87, and 4.88 are frequently cited as problematic [1].

The main symptoms caused by these buggy Waze versions include the voice command feature freezing or becoming unresponsive, problems entering and exiting fullscreen mode in Android Auto, lagging or jittery map rendering, and navigation issues like incorrect directions or location jumping around [2].

As a temporary workaround, downgrading to a previous stable Waze version can often resolve the bugs. Versions 4.85.2.0 and earlier are commonly reported to work properly with Android Auto. Alternatively, waiting for Waze to issue a fix in upcoming releases is another option. Some users also report toggling certain Android Auto settings like “Hey Google” voice detection as short-term fixes.

Android Auto Issues

Waze not working properly in Android Auto can sometimes be due to bugs or issues with Android Auto itself. Android Auto has been known to have intermittent bugs that cause problems with certain apps like Waze.

For example, some users reported issues after updating to Android Auto version 7.7: “More Waze issues” – Reddit. Downgrading to an earlier version of Android Auto or waiting for a fix in newer versions may resolve the problems.

Here are some steps to troubleshoot Android Auto-related issues with Waze:

  • Check for Android Auto updates and install the latest version
  • Restart your phone and infotainment system/head unit
  • Clear the cache and data for both the Android Auto and Waze apps
  • Try disconnecting, removing, and re-adding the Android Auto device in the phone settings
  • Factory reset the infotainment system/head unit if still not working

Paying attention to Android Auto’s version and staying up-to-date can help avoid or resolve problems affecting Waze and other apps. Resetting app data and system caches is one of the easiest first steps to try.

Phone and Head Unit Compatibility

Some of the issues with Waze on Android Auto may stem from compatibility problems between the phone and head unit. Certain phone models or head unit systems are more prone to having problems running Waze through Android Auto.

Common compatibility issues include the speedometer showing zero or directions not appearing on the head up display. For example, some users have reported problems with Waze directions not showing up on BMW or Mercedes head up displays when connected through Android Auto [1].

Specific phones like Samsung models are known to have recurring problems with Waze on Android Auto. This points to potential incompatibilities between the Waze app, Samsung devices, and how they interact with various head units [2].

Possible fixes for compatibility issues include trying different USB cables, updating to the latest firmware on both the phone and head unit, clearing the cache and data for the Waze and Android Auto apps, or trying another navigation app like Google Maps to narrow down the problem.

Temporary Workarounds

There are a few temporary workarounds that can help get Waze working again on Android Auto, though they may only provide a short-term fix:

Clearing the app cache and data for both Waze and Android Auto can help reset things and get navigation working again for some users. This can be done in the Settings app on your phone for each individual app. Just be aware it will log you out and remove saved data/settings.

Trying an older version of the Waze or Android Auto app that is known to be stable is another option. You can download previous versions from APK mirror sites if available for your phone model. This lets you rollback to a version before any bugs were introduced.

Using Google Maps or another navigation app instead of Waze can help determine if the issues are isolated to Waze or more general with Android Auto. Google Maps utilizes some of the same crowd-sourced data as Waze for traffic conditions without some of the social and reporting features.

While these may get Waze working again on a short-term basis, they don’t necessarily fix the underlying compatibility issues between the apps, your phone, and head unit. For more permanent solutions, check the next section.

Long-term Solutions

If Waze is still not working properly in Android Auto after trying temporary workarounds, there are some long-term solutions to consider:

One option is to wait for Waze or Android Auto app updates that address the underlying bugs causing the issues. As reported on AutoEvolution, recent updates to add Coolwalk support in Waze have helped fix problems for some users. Staying patient and allowing time for additional bug fixes in future app updates could resolve problems in the long run.

Getting firmware updates for your phone’s operating system or your car’s head unit is another potential long-term fix. Updates can improve compatibility between devices and fix bugs that cause apps like Waze to malfunction in Android Auto. Check with your phone and car manufacturers for the latest firmware versions.

Finally, if all else fails, upgrading to newer phone and car hardware that has been tested and confirmed to work properly with Waze and Android Auto is an option. While expensive, buying compatible components virtually guarantees that Waze will function correctly in Android Auto.

Official Troubleshooting

If you continue to experience issues with Waze on Android Auto after trying basic troubleshooting, it’s best to reach out to the official Waze support channels.

On the Waze forums, you can find tips from other users and Waze staff for troubleshooting Waze problems on Android Auto. The forums have specific sections for reporting bugs and getting help connecting to Android Auto.

To report a bug directly to Waze developers, you can use the “Report Map Issue” feature in the Waze app. This sends feedback to the development team so they can investigate and fix app issues.

For direct one-on-one support, you can contact Waze Customer Care. You can reach them through the in-app chat feature or by submitting a request on the Waze Help Center. The team can help troubleshoot, escalate persistent technical issues, and forward bug reports.

By engaging with official Waze support channels, you can help improve the app and get personalized assistance to resolve Android Auto problems. Detailed reports of issues also aid the developers in identifying and addressing bugs.

Summary

In summary, there are a few main reasons why Waze may not be working properly in Android Auto.

These include bugs or glitches within the Waze app itself that cause it to crash or freeze, general software issues with Android Auto that prevent Waze integration and syncing, or phone and head unit compatibility problems that stop Waze from connecting or displaying properly.

Some temporary workarounds include reinstalling the Waze and Android Auto apps, restarting your phone, clearing app caches/data, or trying a different phone cable. However, the best long-term solutions involve waiting for app updates and bug fixes from Google and Waze to improve stability and compatibility.

Users can also try adjusting settings in Waze and Android Auto for smoother performance. As a last resort, reporting issues directly to Google or your car manufacturer may help escalate fixes.

In closing, problems with Waze in Android Auto are usually due to software bugs, compatibility factors or basic settings tweaks. With some patience and troubleshooting, most users should be able to get Waze working properly again in Android Auto.

References

[1] Waze Support. “Troubleshooting Android Auto Issues.” Waze Help. https://support.google.com/waze/answer/7052184

[2] Google Support. “Fix Android Auto issues.” Google Help. https://support.google.com/androidauto/answer/6056113

[3] Reddit r/AndroidAuto. “Waze keeps stopping on Android Auto.” Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidAuto/comments/sq5jts/waze_keeps_stopping_on_android_auto/

[4] Android Central Forums. “Waze and Android Auto issues.” Android Central. https://forums.androidcentral.com/android-auto/1020173-waze-android-auto-issues.html

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