Android Auto

Android Auto is Google's system for using an Android phone through the car. With the phone connected, the car's display shows a driving-friendly version of selected apps, and you control them with the touchscreen, controller, steering-wheel buttons or voice commands. It works with Android phones; an iPhone connects through Apple CarPlay instead.

How it works in the car

The apps run on the phone, and the car's head unit displays them and passes on your inputs. Google Maps and Waze handle navigation with live traffic, music comes from apps such as Spotify or YouTube Music, and calls and messages, including messaging apps like WhatsApp, can be read out and answered by voice. Because everything comes from the phone, maps and apps update with the phone rather than with the car.

Phone requirements

Google currently lists an Android phone with Android 11 or later and an active data plan as the requirement for Android Auto with a USB cable. Wireless Android Auto also needs a phone with 5 GHz Wi-Fi and a car that supports wireless projection. Older Mercedes-Benz systems connect with a USB cable through the port marked with the smartphone integration symbol, while many newer ones also connect wirelessly.

Android Auto in Mercedes-Benz cars

In Mercedes-Benz cars Android Auto is part of smartphone integration, together with Apple CarPlay, and on many models it was sold as an option. If the head unit supports it but the function is not active, it can often be activated later on the factory screen instead of fitting an aftermarket interface. Compatibility depends on the head unit generation, which follows the chassis code and model year, so check your exact car, ideally by VIN, before ordering.